Why Engagement Beats Numbers: The New Era of Authentic Marketing
In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in vanity metrics. You see someone with a million followers and think, “That’s it. They’ve made it.” But what if those followers don’t engage, don’t care, and don’t buy? In this powerful conversation between Matt Coffy and James Petrozelli, the message is clear: engagement is worth more than sheer numbers.
And as Matt puts it, “It takes real courage to share your truth. People don’t just connect to content—they connect to stories.”
This blog dives into their insights on authenticity, content evolution, and the courage it takes to build real communities that generate revenue, not just likes.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 47:22 — 86.6 MB)
Get Notified Of Future Episodes:
Apple Podcasts | Podchaser | ListenNotes | Libsyn | iHeart | YouTube | Audacy | Everand
The Trap of Chasing Numbers
For years, marketing has been dominated by the idea that bigger equals better. More followers. More subscribers. More views. But Matt and James challenge that assumption.
James explains, “A hundred true fans who engage with you are more valuable than ten thousand followers who scroll past you.”
Engagement is the lifeblood of revenue in digital marketing. When people care about what you’re saying, when they share your content, comment on your posts, or show up to your events, that’s where the real growth happens.
👉 CTA: Want to learn how to turn engagement into real revenue? Book a strategy call with us at ProfitEngines.com
The Courage to Tell Your Story
It’s one thing to post flashy content, it’s another to share your authentic self. That’s where courage comes in.
Matt reflects, “When I started sharing not just strategies, but my personal struggles and journey, people resonated more. That’s when real community started forming.”
Being vulnerable isn’t easy. It means being willing to look foolish, admit mistakes, and show the messy parts of the journey. But audiences today crave authenticity. They want to see the human being behind the brand.
And here’s the truth: your story is your marketing superpower.
👉 CTA: Discover how storytelling can transform your brand. Schedule your mentoring session today.
Table of Contents
Engagement is the New Currency
Numbers inflate egos, but engagement fills bank accounts. Matt and James talk about how marketing has shifted from broadcasting to conversations.
A live session with 20 engaged people can convert better than a post seen by 2,000.
A small mastermind group can generate more revenue than a massive, faceless audience.
A consistent newsletter to a few hundred readers can outperform an ad to thousands.
The secret is creating meaningful interactions. As James says, “It’s not about speaking to everyone, it’s about speaking to the right ones.”
The Evolution of Content
Content creation has changed dramatically over the years. What once worked—highly polished, corporate-style messaging—doesn’t move people anymore.
Now, audiences expect:
Relatable stories instead of corporate jargon.
Behind-the-scenes instead of staged perfection.
Real conversations instead of generic ads.
Matt notes, “AI can help us with production, but it should never replace the human element. Authenticity is what builds trust.”
Technology is just the tool. The value comes from how you use it to amplify your voice and connect with your audience.
👉 CTA: Learn how to use AI without losing authenticity. Let’s talk about scaling your brand.
The Role of AI in Storytelling
AI is everywhere now—editing videos, generating captions, even suggesting scripts. But here’s the catch: AI can’t tell your story for you.
James points out, “AI might help shape the message, but the truth of the message has to come from you. That’s the part people care about.”
Think of AI as your assistant, not your replacement. It can help with the heavy lifting, but only you can bring the authenticity that builds real connections and revenue.
Consistency is King
One of the most important lessons from Matt and James is the need for consistency. You can’t post once and expect magic. You need to show up, week after week, even when it feels like no one is listening.
“It’s like going to the gym,” Matt explains. “One workout doesn’t change your body. But a hundred consistent workouts? That’s transformation. Same with content.”
By showing up consistently, you build trust. And trust leads to loyalty, which leads to revenue.
👉 CTA: Ready to create a content system that drives results? Book your consulting call with ProfitEngines.
Building Communities, Not Just Audiences
At the heart of this conversation is the idea that community beats audience.
An audience listens. A community interacts. An audience watches. A community supports.
Matt highlights that when you build a real community, you’re not just creating customers—you’re creating advocates who amplify your message. That’s when marketing becomes unstoppable.
And it doesn’t require millions of people. It just requires the right people.
Final Thoughts: Your Unique Story Matters
In a world overloaded with content, what cuts through the noise is you. Not the filters, not the perfect edits, not even the strategies. It’s your story, your truth, your willingness to engage authentically.
As James wisely puts it, “Your unique truth is your greatest marketing asset. Don’t waste it.”
If you’re ready to stop chasing numbers and start building real communities that generate real revenue, the time to act is now.
Call to Action
At ProfitEngines, we help entrepreneurs, coaches, and business owners cut through the noise, build engaging communities, and turn storytelling into revenue. Whether it’s mentoring, consulting, or done-for-you systems, we can help you grow with authenticity and impact.
👉 Book a call today at ProfitEngines.com
🔗 Connect with Matt Coffy on Social:
📷 Instagram: /mattcoffy
🎥 YouTube: @mattcoffy
🎥 TikTok: @matt.coffy
🐦 Twitter/X: @mattcoffy
💼 LinkedIn: /mattcoffy
👍 Facebook: Matt Coffy
