Not Growing on Social Media? The Real Problem
The biggest reason most businesses aren’t growing on social media? They’re not putting out content that’s actually valuable or relevant. Too many people get caught up in trying to find hacks or shortcuts to boost their follower count instead of focusing on what really matters—creating content that serves their community.
A lot of accounts end up just pushing sales or promotions without thinking about whether their content is actually connecting with their audience. It turns into a non-stop sales pitch, and nobody’s sticking around for that.
Here’s what I always tell my clients: You’ve got to start by building a free library of content. Answer the most common questions in your niche, show how to use your products or services, and make sure it’s something that anyone in your space would find super valuable. When you focus on giving value first, the community naturally follows.
Stop Overthinking It
Another big problem? People overthink the heck out of making content. They think it has to be fancy or super polished, but honestly, it just needs to resonate and help. Fancy doesn’t beat authentic.
And don’t even get me started on trends. Not every trend is worth your time. If it doesn’t fit your brand or actually help your audience, skip it. Just because something’s trending doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
The Local Business Trap
For small businesses, especially ones that serve a local crowd, there’s this tendency to only post stuff that appeals to people who already know you. I’ve seen so many local businesses, like breweries, filling their feeds with things like graphics for local bands or daily specials. That’s cool for the locals, but what about the folks who don’t know you yet?
Social media should be a place where people want to hang out, not just a spot for promotions. If you’re only putting out what you think people want—which is usually just what you want (sales)—you’re missing the point. It’s about what your audience wants to see, not just what you want to sell.
Lets get started…
Step 1: Start Building a Library of Free, Helpful Content for Your Niche
Your first step is to create a robust content library filled with posts that are not only helpful but also entertaining and relatable. This content should resonate with your audience, making it something they’ll want to share with others. Aim to cover a mix of educational material, stories that connect with people on a personal level, and posts that spark engagement.
Key Content Types to Include:
Educational Posts: Answer common questions, give tips, and offer insights that help your audience solve problems or learn something new.
Entertaining and Relatable Stories: Share personal stories or experiences that your audience can relate to. Green screen effect videos and storytelling videos often do well, especially when they convey something unique and engaging. Below is a great example by FilmBySimon relating to how freelance photographers feel when work is slow. (tap/click the image below to watch)
Straight-Talk Videos: Simple videos where you talk directly to the camera about a specific topic or tell a personal story. No fancy edits or overlays—just you, your thoughts, and your message. These types of videos can be incredibly powerful and authentic.
Response Videos: Responding to comments with a video on platforms like Reels and TikTok is a great way to boost views and engagement. It shows your audience that you’re listening and creates a more interactive experience.
Make Content Creation a Habit: To stay consistent, set aside a dedicated day each week or month to batch-create your content. Whether you’re working solo or with a team, having a scheduled time for content creation ensures you always have fresh posts ready to go.
CapCut Templates: CapCut templates are a fantastic tool because they act like premade video memes. You can simply drop in your own videos and photos, and within minutes, you’ll have shareable content that’s on-trend and polished. See step 5 for more on that.
Step 2: Post Reels, Shorts, and TikTok Videos in Vertical Format
Vertical video formats like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikToks are incredibly effective for getting your content in front of new audiences. These formats are designed to be consumed quickly, making them perfect for capturing attention in today’s fast-paced digital environment.
Why It Works:
Algorithm-Friendly: These platforms prioritize short, engaging videos, making it easier for your content to be discovered by people who aren’t already following you.
Mobile-First: Vertical videos are optimized for mobile viewing, which is how most people consume content these days.
Step 3: The Hook of Your Video Is Crucial
In the world of short-form video, first impressions are everything. The hook—the first few seconds of your video—determines whether viewers will keep watching or scroll past. Your hook should grab attention, spark curiosity, or offer a clear value proposition right from the start.
Tips for a Great Hook:
Start with a Question: Engage viewers immediately by asking something that makes them think.
Use Bold Statements: Lead with a surprising fact or opinion to capture interest.
Show, Don’t Tell: Start with a compelling visual or action that draws viewers in.
Step 4: Use Prompts to Capture Attention
Prompts are a simple but powerful tool to keep viewers engaged. On-screen text or prompts can guide viewers through your content, highlight key points, and encourage interaction. Make sure your prompts are clear, concise, and aligned with the message of your video.
How I Went from XYZ to XYZ
POV: [Your unique perspective]
Here’s the Thing You Didn’t Know About XYZ
Unpopular Opinion But...
The Quickest Way to [Achieve Something]
The Most Common Thing I Hear From My Clients Is...
7 Ways to [Solve a Problem]
3 Things You Need to Start Doing If You Want...
5 Things I Never Do to XYZ
The Fastest Way to XYZ
I Can’t Believe This Happened...
This Is Your Reminder...
The Best Piece of Advice I Can Give You...
The Biggest Myth About XYZ
3 Things That Can Instantly Change Your XYZ
The #1 Reason You’re Not...
Stop Doing XYZ If You Want XYZ
When choosing a prompt, think about what’s relevant to your content and how you want your audience to feel or react when they see it.
Step 5: Use CapCut Templates to Create Trendy, Shareable Content
CapCut is a free video editing app that offers a variety of templates to help you create trendy, shareable content quickly. By using these templates, you can easily produce videos that resonate with current trends, making your content more likely to be shared.
Why CapCut?:
Ease of Use: CapCut’s pre-made templates save you time and ensure your content looks polished.
Trend Awareness: The app regularly updates its templates to reflect the latest trends, helping your content stay relevant.
Step 6: Rinse and Repeat for 30 Days
Consistency is the name of the game. Commit to this strategy for at least 30 days, posting regularly and experimenting with different types of content. Track what works, what doesn’t, and refine your approach as you go. This period of consistent effort will help you gain insights into your audience and what drives engagement. You don’t have to post everyday but commit to the workflow of creating consistent, valuable content for 30 days.
Step 7: Pay Attention to Your Comments and Engage
Don’t just post and walk away—engage with your audience! Respond to comments, ask questions, and show appreciation for your viewers. This interaction not only builds community but also signals to social media algorithms that your content is worth promoting.
Want More Tips and Hacks?
If you’re serious about growing your social media game, I’ve got more insights to share. Since you’ve made it this far, here’s a special deal for you: grab my 45-minute step-by-step video course for just $49.50. Use code "Save50" at checkout to get your discount.
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