How to Stop the Algorithm from Hijacking Your Brand

The algorithm’s job is to keep people scrolling, not help you build your business.

👋 Welcome (or welcome back) to Content to Commas, the weekly playbook for creatorpreneurs and founders who want to monetize their content, build authority in their niche, and grow an audience that actually converts.

Too many of us let social media numbers steer long-term brand direction.

It’s called algorithmic conditioning — when your creative decisions slowly drift toward what gets likes instead of what builds your legacy.

It feels like growth… but it’s really a detour.

If you’ve ever had a post blow up and thought, “This isn’t even what I want to be known for”, this one’s for you.

In this issue:

Let’s get to work!

— Brandon Smithwrick

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In the past year, my income has come from speaking gigs, brand deals, client work, consulting, advising, and digital products.

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I’ve been using Sequence for the past month, and it’s already one of the biggest growth hacks for both my long-term savings and day-to-day money management.

This week was the first in my series of chats with founders, creators, and business owners about everything from building a personal brand to tackling growth challenges.

I spoke to eight founders and entrepreneurs, and yes, the classic “How often should I post?” came up.

But the bigger question was what the algorithm wants vs. what they actually want to post.

You post something that wasn’t even your “A” idea… it blows up… and suddenly, you feel like you have to feed that lane forever.

Chasing performance isn’t the problem, doing it blindly erodes the consistency of your voice, the depth of your subject matter, and the trust your audience has in what you stand for.

Over time, you stop creating … you start reacting.

Algorithms are like slot machines for your attention. A viral post is the jackpot, and once you hit it, your brain starts chasing the same rush.

The problem? Instead of refining the content you actually want to be known for, you double down on whatever got traction.

Here’s your playbook for reversing that drift:

1. Decide Your “Known-For” Pillars

Pick 2–3 themes you want to own in your audience’s mind. Every post should ladder up to these, even if the format changes.

2. Audit the Last 30 Days

Review your recent posts and label them:

This makes it clear where you’re slipping.

3. Reframe Your Metrics

Instead of asking, “Did it get likes?” ask:

4. Create “Algorithm Insurance”

When something off-brand performs, follow it with content that reinforces your core pillars. Keep new followers anchored to your real message.

Here’s the TLDR;

The algorithm is a tool, it’s not your boss. If you let it dictate your brand, you’ll build an audience for content you never wanted to make.

So this week, run that 30-day audit.

See if the content you’re making matches the brand you’re building.

If not, it’s time to take the wheel back.

And if this hit you square in the chest, forward it to a friend who’s been chasing numbers instead of their north star.

How to Land Your First Brand Deal

A straight-to-the-point 14-page guide that shows you exactly how to secure paid partnerships even without a huge following. Inside, you’ll get the mindset shifts, positioning tips, my proven outreach templates, and the secret to having brands pitch you first.

Even if brand deals aren’t your main goals, it can be a great way to unlock cash flow and credibility.

The Ultimate Creatorpreneur Toolkit

A curated Notion doc of 60+ tools I’ve used to grow my content business — from creation and editing to automation and monetization. Skip the research rabbit hole and get my vetted recommendations so you can build and scale faster.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve posted strategies on brand building, monetization, and content growth that sparked a lot of conversation.

Here’s a curated list so you can catch up in minutes: