Dickie Bush 🚢
I talk about digital writing & personal progress
Dickie Bush builds a solopreneur writing business by teaching LinkedIn ghostwriting and personal writing growth, posting 14.9 times per week with a 46.2% conversation rate. His most distinctive move is the 'time investment hook'—leading with "I spent X hours creating [free resource]" to establish credibility and trigger immediate comment-based CTAs that drive 1,400+ comments per post.
14.9/wk
194 posts in 30d
202
avg per post
46.2%
comments / total
1.2%
reposts / total
problem-solution
Sun · 3 PM CET
Voice & tone
Direct, generous, and action-oriented. Dickie writes like a peer who's already solved your problem and wants to hand you the solution immediately. He uses short sentences, avoids jargon, and speaks to the reader's pain point before pivoting to the offer. The tone is confident without arrogance—phrases like "I know because I receive 100s of these every week" ground his advice in real experience.
Signature phrases
- “I spent X hours putting together [resource] to help you”
- “Why? Because [pain point].”
- “I know because I receive 100s of these every week”
- “Want [outcome]? ✅ Comment "[word]"”
- “If we're not connected, send me a connection request with the word "[word]"”
- “The best part? [Reframe that removes friction]”
Top 3 posts, dissected
Their highest-engagement posts, broken down line by line. Steal the structure.
I spent 4+ hours putting together 3 AI prompts to help you get replies from people on LinkedIn: Most writers send DMs that get ignored. Why? Because the DMs are all about THEM: • Their portfolio • Their services • Their rates (I know because I receive 100s of these every week!) But prospects don't care about any of that until they trust you can solve their problem. When you're trying to land a writing client over DMs on LinkedIn, you have to follow a specific pattern to build trust and rapport. So I created 3 AI prompts to help you generate DMs that get responses. Inside the LinkedIn Sales DM Prompt Vault, you get: • The Connection Request Prompt (to get your foot in the door & your connection requests accepted). • The Rapport Building Prompt (to prove your expertise and build trust with your lead). • The Free Consulting Prompt (to position yourself as a business consultant, not just another freelance writer). Plus, inside these prompts are the 17 DM templates you can use to get clients onto sales calls (even without AI). Want them? ✅ Comment "dm" I'll DM you the link ASAP. And if we're not connected, send me a connection request with the word "dm". PS—These prompts work for any niche. Whether you write for coaches, consultants, or CEOs, you'll land more clients with better DMs.
"I spent 4+ hours putting together 3 AI prompts to help you get replies from people on LinkedIn" stops the scroll because it combines specificity (4+ hours, 3 prompts), a relatable pain point (getting replies), and an immediate promise of a solution. The time investment signals this isn't generic advice.
Opens with hook and problem validation. Uses a short 'Why?' transition to diagnose the root cause (DMs are about the sender, not the prospect). Introduces the solution framework (3 prompts tied to a specific DM pattern). Lists the 3 prompts with benefit statements. Closes with a simple CTA (comment "dm") and a fallback for non-connections.
- Bullet-point diagnosis of what prospects ignore (portfolio, services, rates) to make the problem tangible
- Pattern language ('you have to follow a specific pattern') that positions the solution as systematic, not random
- Numbered resource breakdown (Connection Request Prompt, Rapport Building Prompt, Free Consulting Prompt) that makes the offer feel complete and organized
- Dual CTA (comment OR send connection request) that removes friction for different audience segments
The comment-based CTA ("Comment 'dm'") drives 1,407 comments because it's frictionless, public (others see engagement), and creates a direct DM follow-up that deepens the relationship. The fallback CTA for non-connections ensures no one is left out.
Lead with a specific time investment and a concrete pain point, then use a simple one-word CTA that doubles as a sorting mechanism for your audience's readiness level.
I spent over 7 hours putting together 102 writing templates and 2 AI prompts to help you: • Write viral LinkedIn posts • Find content ideas for yourself & your writing clients • Create LinkedIn and X posts using proven templates Why? Because I don't know if you've noticed... …
"I spent over 7 hours putting together 102 writing templates and 2 AI prompts to help you" works because the specificity (102 templates, 2 prompts, 7 hours) creates credibility through scale. The reader immediately understands this is a comprehensive resource, not a quick tip.
Opens with time investment hook and resource count. Validates the problem (LinkedIn algorithm has changed, reach is harder). Explains the 'why' (to help readers and their clients). Lists the vault contents with specific counts and outcomes (30 hooks generated 40M+ views). Closes with comment CTA and connection fallback.
- Algorithm shift framing that makes the resource feel timely and urgent
- Social proof through metrics (40M+ views) that proves the templates work
- Itemized vault contents with specific counts (30 hooks, 50 outlines, 22 frameworks) that signal completeness
- Outcome-focused benefit statements ("write viral hooks," "find content ideas") that speak to reader goals
Comment "vault" CTA generated 1,257 comments because it's tied to a high-value resource (102 templates) and the word "vault" signals exclusivity and completeness. The post also benefits from the algorithm shift framing, which creates urgency.
Quantify your resource output (templates, hours, views) and tie it to a recent market shift or pain point to justify why the reader needs it now, not later.
I just created a Claude Skills library to help writers land more high-paying clients. And I'm giving it away for free: Now, most ghostwriters are great at writing... But terrible at selling! • They don't know what to say in DMs • They wing it on sales calls • They never follo…
"I just created a Claude Skills library to help writers land more high-paying clients" works because it's timely ("just created"), specific (Claude Skills, not generic AI), and outcome-focused (high-paying clients). The hook positions the creator as a builder solving a real problem.
Opens with hook and immediate value statement (giving it away free). Diagnoses the ghostwriter's weakness (great at writing, terrible at selling). Lists specific selling failures (DMs, sales calls, follow-up). Introduces 7 AI Skills with specific use cases (DM Writer, Sales Call Analyzer, Upsell Engine). Closes with comment CTA and connection fallback.
- Contrarian positioning (ghostwriters are great at X, terrible at Y) that validates a hidden frustration
- Bullet-point diagnosis of selling failures that make the problem feel personal and solvable
- Numbered skill breakdown (7 skills) with specific job titles (DM Writer, Sales Call Analyzer) that make each tool feel distinct
- Benefit statements tied to revenue ("find new revenue inside existing clients," "never let a lead go cold") that appeal to solopreneur economics
Comment "sales" CTA generated 964 comments because it's tied to the highest-leverage problem for ghostwriters (selling, not writing). The post also includes a PS that reframes the resource as living (not a static PDF), which reduces perceived friction.
Diagnose a specific weakness in your audience's skill set (not their knowledge, but their execution), then position your resource as the missing piece that unlocks revenue.
What drives their engagement
Comment-based CTAs ("Comment 'dm'") drive 1,400+ comments because they're frictionless, public, and trigger an immediate DM follow-up. The resource is always high-value (templates, prompts, frameworks) and tied to a specific business outcome (landing clients, writing viral posts). Readers comment to access the resource and signal to their network that they're interested in the topic.
Reposts are rare (1.2% repost rate) because Dickie's content is optimized for comments and DMs, not shares. The resource drops are exclusive to commenters, which discourages reposts. Posts that do get reposted tend to be mission-driven ("help 1 million people") or tied to partnerships (Nicolas Cole book giveaway).
Low savability. Dickie optimizes for immediate action (comment now, get DM later) rather than reference-ability. The posts are designed to drive engagement and lead capture, not to be revisited as reference material.
Content pillars
AI Tools & Prompt Vaults
35%Free resource drops (DM prompts, editing libraries, template vaults) positioned as time-intensive builds that solve specific ghostwriting or sales problems
Sales & Client-Getting
28%Tactical breakdowns of how to land writing clients via DMs, sales calls, and follow-up sequences, often tied to a free tool or framework
Writing & Content Strategy
22%LinkedIn-specific writing advice, hook formulas, and post templates that help writers and ghostwriters create viral content
Mindset & Mission
15%Big-picture posts about helping writers make a living online, often tied to book giveaways or partnership announcements
Hook patterns
Time Investment Hook
I spent [specific number] hours creating [specific resource] to help you [specific outcome]
“I spent 4+ hours putting together 3 AI prompts to help you get replies from people on LinkedIn”
→ Signals authority through effort, creates FOMO, and immediately justifies why the reader should pay attention to what follows
Problem Statement Hook
[Observation about what most people do wrong] + Why? Because [root cause]
“Most writers send DMs that get ignored. Why? Because the DMs are all about THEM”
→ Validates the reader's frustration before offering the solution, creating psychological buy-in
Statistic Shock Hook
[Surprising number or observation] + [Counterintuitive claim about your niche]
“I receive 100s of these every week”
→ Establishes credibility through volume and insider perspective, making the advice feel earned rather than theoretical
Bold Mission Hook
I'm on a mission to [big outcome]. So I [specific action]
“I'm on a mission to help 1 million people make a living writing online. So, I asked Nicolas Cole if I could give away 2 of his bestselling books for free”
→ Frames the resource drop as part of a larger purpose, elevating it beyond self-promotion
Intriguing Question Hook
[Observation] + Why? [Implied answer that creates curiosity]
“But prospects don't care about any of that until they trust you can solve their problem”
→ Shifts focus from the writer's credentials to the prospect's needs, a pattern that resonates with solopreneurs
Top-performing hooks
“I spent 4+ hours putting together 3 AI prompts to help you get replies from people on LinkedIn:”
→ The post identifies a common problem (ignored DMs) and offers a specific, valuable solution (AI prompts and DM templates). The clear call to action (comment 'dm') and social proof (100s of ignored DMs
“I spent over 7 hours putting together 102 writing templates and 2 AI prompts to help you:”
→ The post identifies a common pain point (algorithm changes) and offers a valuable, free resource to solve it. The clear call to action (comment 'vault') makes it easy for the audience to engage and re
“I just created a Claude Skills library to help writers land more high-paying clients.”
→ The post clearly identifies a common pain point for ghostwriters (struggling with sales) and offers a free, AI-powered solution. The specific benefits and clear call to action drive high engagement an
“I spent 7+ hours creating 5 AI prompts to help ghostwriters edit their LinkedIn content:”
→ The post offers a valuable free resource (AI prompts) that solves a common problem for ghostwriters: editing content efficiently. The clear call to action (comment 'edit') and PS for connection reques
“I'm on a mission to help 1 million people make a living writing online.”
→ The post offers a valuable free resource (two books) directly addressing a common problem for aspiring online writers (making a living). The clear call to action and social proof (Nicolas Cole's invol
“I asked 430,000 people for their favorite book of 2025.”
→ The post leverages social proof by highlighting books recommended by a large audience. The numbered list format and Amazon links make it easy for readers to explore the suggestions, and the promise of
“At 24, I made my first $10,000 writing on the internet.”
→ The post uses a personal success story to draw readers in, then highlights a common problem freelancers face. It offers a free resource (playbook) as a solution, making it highly appealing and driving
“A few weeks ago, I trained Claude on 100+ of my best writing templates.”
→ The post offers a valuable resource (Skills Pack) addressing a common pain point (time-consuming content creation). The clear benefits, social proof (training Claude), and direct call to action make i
“Over the last 5 years, I've generated millions of views on LinkedIn.”
→ The post offers a free, valuable tool (Claude plugin) addressing a common pain point (creating engaging LinkedIn content). The clear structure and specific benefits make it easy for the target audienc
“At 24, a stranger on the internet paid me $5,000.”
→ The post uses a compelling personal story to draw readers in, then highlights a common problem faced by freelance writers before offering a free resource as a solution. The clear call to action and so
What works
- Time investment hook ("I spent X hours") appears in top 5 posts and averages 256+ engagement. Specificity matters: "4+ hours," "7+ hours," "over 7 hours" all signal effort and credibility. This hook type is Dickie's signature move.
- Problem-solution format (39% of posts, 256 avg engagement) outperforms numbered lists (36%, 185 avg) by 71 engagement points. The format allows for diagnosis before solution, which builds psychological buy-in.
- Comment-based CTAs ("Comment 'word'") generate 1,200+ comments per post because they're frictionless, public, and create a direct DM follow-up. The one-word format ("dm," "vault," "sales," "edit," "books") is easy to remember and execute.
- Resource quantification ("102 templates," "7 AI Skills," "30 hooks") drives engagement by signaling completeness and value. Readers want to know what they're getting before they comment.
- Dual CTA (comment + connection request fallback) removes friction for different audience segments. Non-connections can still access the resource by sending a connection request with the keyword, which expands reach.
- Outcome-focused benefit statements ("land more high-paying clients," "get replies from people on LinkedIn") outperform feature-focused statements. Dickie leads with the reader's goal, not the tool's capabilities.
Steal this for your own LinkedIn
- Start your next post with "I spent [specific number] hours creating [specific resource] to help you [specific outcome]." Fill in the blanks with your own work and audience pain point. This hook has generated 1,400+ comments for Dickie.
- After your hook, diagnose the root cause of your audience's problem in 2-3 bullet points. Use the pattern "Most [audience] do [wrong thing]. Why? Because [root cause]." This validates frustration before offering the solution.
- Break down your resource or framework into numbered items (3-7 items) with specific names and benefit statements. Example: "The Connection Request Prompt (to get your foot in the door & your connection requests accepted)." This makes the offer feel organized and complete.
- Close with a one-word comment CTA ("Comment 'word'") and a fallback for non-connections ("If we're not connected, send me a connection request with the word 'word'"). This removes friction and expands your reach.
- Quantify your resource output (templates, hours, views, skills) in the hook or early in the post. Specificity ("102 templates," not "lots of templates") signals credibility and completeness.
- Use short sentences and avoid jargon. Dickie's posts are scannable and speak to solopreneurs in their language, not consultant-speak. Read your post aloud and cut anything that slows the pace.
Compare Dickie with…
vs Lara Acosta
Dickie Bush vs Lara Acosta: Authority vs Relatability on LinkedIn
vs Richard van der Blom
Dickie Bush vs Richard van der Blom: Generosity beats contrarianism on LinkedIn
vs Luke Matthews
Dickie Bush vs Luke Matthews: Volume beats virality on LinkedIn
vs Ash Rathod
Ash Rathod vs Dickie Bush: Vulnerability beats authority on LinkedIn
vs Devin Reed
Devin Reed vs Dickie Bush: Story sells, systems scale on LinkedIn
vs Darren McKee
Darren McKee vs Dickie Bush: Story sells, systems scale on LinkedIn
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Posting patterns
Dickie posts 14.9 times per week (roughly 2 posts per day) with consistent daily output, maintaining top-of-mind awareness and maximizing algorithmic exposure.
Posts perform best on Sundays at 14:00 UTC (2 PM), suggesting his audience checks LinkedIn during weekend downtime or early afternoon work breaks.
Long-form posts (180-350 words) perform best with 252 avg engagement. This length allows for problem diagnosis, solution introduction, and resource breakdown without overwhelming the reader. Posts under 80 words average only 94 engagement, suggesting his audience wants substance, not soundbites.
Engagement by day
Content mix
avg 256 engagements per post
avg 185 engagements per post
avg 163 engagements per post
avg 135 engagements per post
avg 143 engagements per post
avg 78 engagements per post
Dickie's 39% problem-solution format paired with 36% numbered lists creates a rhythm of diagnosis followed by actionable breakdown. This mix works for solopreneurs because it validates their pain point (problem-solution) before offering a clear, organized path forward (numbered list). The remaining 25% (story, how-to, Q&A) provides variety and keeps the feed from feeling repetitive, but the core 75% is optimized for comment-driven engagement and lead capture.
