#1 The Algorithm

Let’s start off with one thing that is painfully accurate. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, hates the algorithm. This doesn’t apply to one specific social media platform. This applies to all social media platforms. Algorithms tend to favor accounts that already have large audiences. The reason behind is that these accounts keep people on the platform longer. Therefore the algorithm continues to show their content to people who do not already follow them, with the intention of forcing them into following that account and gaining more attention on that platform. However, it is not entirely at the fault of the algorithm. Business owners tend to forget that it is called “Social Media” and forget to be social.

#3 Creative Content

You can capture the most accurate picture of what your business does, but if it doesn’t capture the attention of an audience, no one cares. Well, the algorithm doesn’t care. If a business does not have content that jumps out at people, it will not captivate and audience. Treat your social media content like a movie trailer. It doesn’t show everything, just a few exciting parts, but leaves you wanting more. This will grow the audience because they want part two, three, four, etc.

#5 Pictures are great…

Pictures are great, but have more than one at a time. Posting carousel pictures get the more attention from people than a single picture. Additionally the algorithm will show your carousel to the intended audience more than once. First view – First Picture. Second view – maybe the second or third picture. Typically the algorithm is going to show the most engaging picture in the carousel first to that specific person.

#6 Avoid excessive text on pictures

A picture is a picture, the overlay text make it difficult to see what you are trying to display to the potential customer. The algorithm does punish posts with excessive text on posts.

#8 Politics

Politics and small business do not mix. Regardless of your personal political affiliations, the business’s political affiliation is money, end of story. If you don’t believe me, look at what happened to Wal-Mart, Papa John’s, Crossfit, Nike, and most recently Bud Light. Those are major companies, and getting involved the business involved politics will hurt your bottom line. Yes, some people expect companies to have a stance. That doesn’t mean the business needs to take a political stance on social media every single time something happens. Talk to your team. ALL of the members of your team to get a sense of where the business should be. You could be setting yourself up for failure. Basically, if your business isn’t politics, making political statements via social media is NOT highlighting the what the business does.

Conclusion

Crafting effective social media content is an art that balances creativity with authenticity. By understanding the nuances of algorithms, prioritizing engagement, and maintaining a focus on creativity and relevance, businesses can enhance their online presence and foster genuine connections with their audience. Avoiding the pitfalls of excessive text, over-reliance on trends, and controversial topics can help keep your brand aligned with its core values and goals. Ultimately, having fun and showing passion for your business will not only make content creation more enjoyable but also resonate with your audience, leading to better engagement and growth. Embrace these strategies, and your social media efforts will become a powerful tool for building your brand and reaching your business objectives.