I see businesses "doing social media" with zero strategy:
Truth: Algorithm isn't the problem. Your lack of strategy is.
PLATFORM BREAKDOWN:
Instagram:
TikTok:
LinkedIn:
Twitter/X:
YouTube:
Facebook:
THE STRATEGY FRAMEWORK:
STEP 1: Choose ONE Platform (Start)
Stop trying to be everywhere.
Pick based on:
Master ONE before expanding.
STEP 2: Define Clear Goal
Vague: ❌ "Get more followers" ❌ "Increase engagement"
Clear: ✅ 10,000 email subscribers by Dec 31 ✅ 5,000 website visits/month from social ✅ 50 qualified leads per month ✅ 5% engagement rate
Specific. Measurable. Deadline.
STEP 3: Know Audience Psychology
Not demographics. Psychology.
Answer:
Create for THAT person.
STEP 4: Content Pillars (3-5 Topics)
Every post fits one pillar.
Example (Marketing Agency):
STEP 5: Consistency
Minimum frequency:
Can't maintain? Choose fewer platforms.
STEP 6: Content Mix
80/20 Rule:
Types:
STEP 7: Engagement (Critical)
Daily routine (30 min):
Community > Broadcasting
WHAT GETS ENGAGEMENT:
✅ Controversial takes (thoughtful) ✅ Personal stories with lessons ✅ Practical how-to ✅ Ask questions ✅ Behind-scenes
WHAT GETS IGNORED:
❌ Generic quotes over stock photos ❌ Overly promotional ❌ No clear point ❌ Copying everyone ❌ Irrelevant trending sounds
ALGORITHM "HACK":
Platforms want:
Give them that:
COMMON MISTAKES:
❌ Post and ghost ❌ Ignore analytics ❌ Inconsistent branding ❌ No clear CTA ❌ Try to please everyone
METRICS THAT MATTER:
Track:
Ignore:
TOOLS:
Creation:
Scheduling:
RESOURCES:
YouTube:
Newsletters:
QUESTIONS:
Share your social wins and fails! 👇
- Post when they remember
- No clear goal
- Generic content nobody cares about
- Wonder why it's not working
- Blame "the algorithm"
Truth: Algorithm isn't the problem. Your lack of strategy is.
PLATFORM BREAKDOWN:
Instagram:
- Best for: Visual brands, lifestyle, B2C
- Content: Reels (priority), Stories, high-quality images
- Audience: 18-34, visual consumers
- Strategy: Aesthetic consistency, Reels-first
TikTok:
- Best for: Viral reach, Gen Z, entertainment
- Content: Short video, trends, authentic/raw
- Audience: 16-34, short attention spans
- Strategy: Daily posts, jump trends early, authentic not polished
LinkedIn:
- Best for: B2B, professional services, thought leadership
- Content: Insights, industry commentary
- Audience: Professionals, decision-makers
- Strategy: Value-driven, engage comments, consistency
Twitter/X:
- Best for: Real-time, tech/crypto communities
- Content: Quick takes, threads, conversations
- Audience: News-focused, tech-savvy
- Strategy: Tweet frequently, be conversational
YouTube:
- Best for: Long-form, education, entertainment
- Content: 5-20 min videos, tutorials
- Audience: All demographics (most diverse)
- Strategy: SEO titles, consistent schedule
Facebook:
- Best for: 35+, communities, local businesses
- Content: Groups, community posts
- Audience: Suburban, community-focused
- Strategy: Groups, local targeting
THE STRATEGY FRAMEWORK:
STEP 1: Choose ONE Platform (Start)
Stop trying to be everywhere.
Pick based on:
- Where audience spends time
- Your content strengths (writing/video/design)
- Available time/resources
- Business model fit
Master ONE before expanding.
STEP 2: Define Clear Goal
Vague: ❌ "Get more followers" ❌ "Increase engagement"
Clear: ✅ 10,000 email subscribers by Dec 31 ✅ 5,000 website visits/month from social ✅ 50 qualified leads per month ✅ 5% engagement rate
Specific. Measurable. Deadline.
STEP 3: Know Audience Psychology
Not demographics. Psychology.
Answer:
- What problems keep them up at night?
- What do they aspire to?
- What content do they consume?
- What language do they use?
- What triggers action?
Create for THAT person.
STEP 4: Content Pillars (3-5 Topics)
Every post fits one pillar.
Example (Marketing Agency):
- Marketing tactics (educational)
- Business growth (valuable)
- Industry trends (timely)
- Behind-scenes (humanizing)
- Client wins (social proof)
STEP 5: Consistency
Minimum frequency:
- Instagram: 3-5 Reels/week + daily Stories
- TikTok: 1 video/day
- LinkedIn: 3-5 posts/week
- Twitter: 5-10 tweets/day
- YouTube: 1 video/week
Can't maintain? Choose fewer platforms.
STEP 6: Content Mix
80/20 Rule:
- 80% value (educate, entertain, inspire)
- 20% promotion
Types:
- Educational (teach)
- Entertaining (humor, relatable)
- Inspirational (motivate)
- Behind-scenes (connection)
- Social proof (testimonials)
- Promotional (clear CTA)
STEP 7: Engagement (Critical)
Daily routine (30 min):
- Respond to ALL comments
- Comment on 10 posts in niche
- DM 5 people genuinely
- Join industry conversations
Community > Broadcasting
WHAT GETS ENGAGEMENT:
✅ Controversial takes (thoughtful) ✅ Personal stories with lessons ✅ Practical how-to ✅ Ask questions ✅ Behind-scenes
WHAT GETS IGNORED:
❌ Generic quotes over stock photos ❌ Overly promotional ❌ No clear point ❌ Copying everyone ❌ Irrelevant trending sounds
ALGORITHM "HACK":
Platforms want:
- Users stay longer
- Users engage
- Content keeps people watching
Give them that:
- Hook first 3 seconds
- Create discussion (comments)
- Encourage saves
- Keep engaged to end
COMMON MISTAKES:
❌ Post and ghost ❌ Ignore analytics ❌ Inconsistent branding ❌ No clear CTA ❌ Try to please everyone
METRICS THAT MATTER:
Track:
- Reach
- Engagement rate
- Saves (most valuable)
- Profile visits
- Link clicks
- Follower growth rate
- Best content (double down)
Ignore:
- Vanity follower count
- Likes alone
TOOLS:
Creation:
- Canva (free-$13/mo) - Graphics
- CapCut (free) - Video editing
- Descript ($12/mo) - Advanced video
Scheduling:
- Buffer ($6/mo)
- Later ($18/mo)
- Metricool (free-$22/mo)
RESOURCES:
YouTube:
- Vanessa Lau - Instagram/YouTube
- Ali Abdaal - Content strategy
- Colin & Samir - Creator economy
Newsletters:
- The Publish Press (free) - LinkedIn
- Social Media Examiner (free)
QUESTIONS:
- What platform works best for you?
- Biggest social media struggle?
- What content gets most engagement?
- Tracking results or posting blindly?
Share your social wins and fails! 👇