Discovery #1: The Follower Count Paradox

Finding: 83% of high-performing comments targeted accounts with 5K-15K followers, NOT the big accounts everyone chases.

Why?

→ Less comment competition (you actually get seen)

→ Higher reply probability (smaller accounts engage more)

→ Algorithm pushes you to their entire audience

→ You're building relationships, not performing for strangers

Discovery #2: The 2-6 Hour Window

Finding: Comments posted 2-6 hours after publication get 34% reply rates vs. 12% for first-hour comments and 3% for 24+ hour comments.

Why timing matters:

• 0-1 hour (Early Bird Window): 12% reply rate
  • Post hasn't proven itself yet
  • OP is still monitoring closely but getting flooded
  • High competition from other early commenters
  • Algorithm hasn't decided if post will perform
• 2-6 hours (Golden Window): 34% reply rate
  • Post has proven traction (algorithm is boosting it)
  • Initial comment wave has passed (less competition)
  • OP is still engaged but not overwhelmed
  • Your comment gets prime visibility in the thread
• 24+ hours (Dead Zone): 3% reply rate
  • Conversation has moved on
  • OP rarely checks older posts
  • Algorithm has stopped pushing it
  • Your comment shows up at the bottom where nobody scrolls

Discovery #3: The Three-Part Formula

Finding: High-performing comments follow a specific structure that can be replicated.

The Formula:

Part 1: Specific Observation (20-30 words)

Reference something concrete from the post. Not vague agreement—specific detail.

❌ Bad: "Great point about sales!"

✅ Good: "The stat about 73% of sales calls ending without a clear next step jumped out—"