Let’s just go ahead and say it:

Vanity metrics really f*ck with our heads. 

We’ve all been there—refreshing Instagram to check likes on a post, wondering why our follower count dipped by 12 overnight, questioning if we should’ve used different hashtags or danced a little harder in that reel. Thinking that if we have a big following, we naturally will have a big response to our retreat (wrong). Thinking if we have a small following, we naturally will have a small response to our retreat (also wrong).

Sound familiar? Yeah. Same. 

But here’s the deal, retreat leader: your follower count has nothing to do with your impact.
And it certainly doesn’t define your value, your purpose, or the success of your retreat business.

The Trap of Vanity Metrics

Vanity metrics are those shiny numbers that look good (or bad) on the surface—followers, likes, views, impressions—but don’t always tell the full story.

And let’s be honest, when you’re pouring your heart into your work and someone with a “hot girl walk” and 100K followers posts a dance video with 84,000 likes… and you’re over here posting transformational content with 13 likes? Yeah, it messes with your confidence.

But here’s what we need to remember:
– Likes don’t pay your bills.
– Follower counts don’t equal connection.
– Engagement > exposure.

What actually matters?
+ Real community.
+ Serving your audience.
+ Creating meaningful content that helps your people—even if “your people” is a cozy group of 100.

I’ve Had 10 Likes and Sold Out a Retreat. No Joke.

I once posted something that got crickets in terms of likes.
But behind the scenes? I had multiple DMs from women who said, “That hit me hard—how can I join your next retreat?”
Those convos turned into sign-ups!

And THAT, my friends, is what matters.

You can have 200 followers and still sell out a retreat.
You can have 2,000 likes and zero bookings.

Numbers don’t mean sh*t if there’s no connection.

What To Focus on Instead of Vanity Metrics

Let’s redirect that energy, shall we?

Here’s what’s actually worth tracking:

• Comments and conversations
• DMs with genuine questions
• Email list growth (hello, warm leads!)
• Website traffic to your retreat page
• Shares and saves—people saying “this matters”
• Engagement that leads to transformation

Forget performative content.
Go create something that makes someone feel seen. THAT is the kind of content that builds a retreat business rooted in trust, depth, and alignment.

Final Pep Talk, Just for You

If you’ve been feeling discouraged about your “numbers,” let me remind you:

You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be valuable.

You’re not here to impress people.
You’re here to impact them.

So post the thing. Share your truth. Celebrate the one person who comments. Respond to the DM. Stay consistent, stay visible, and trust that community beats clout every single time.

You’ve got this. And if no one told you today—your work matters, no matter the numbers.

With love (and ZERO obsession with likes),
Shannon Jamail
Retreat Leader Mentor | Recovering Stats Checker | Here for Connection Over Clout