Remember the days when we thought 'Poke' was the peak of social media innovation? I do. Because thirteen years in social media marketing is like living through a century of cat memes, influencer scandals, and, you guessed it, endless algorithm updates. The word 'algorithm' has almost become a mythical creature – like a unicorn that instead of granting wishes, seems to enjoy playing hide and seek with our content. But let's not get our hashtags in a twist just yet.
The Unchanging Core of Social Algorithms
In my digital odyssey, if there's one truth I've seen stand the test of time, it's this – content is king, queen, and the full royal court. Whether it was the early days of Facebook or today's TikTok frenzy, content that genuinely speaks to your audience cuts through algorithmic noise. Let me take you back to 2014, with a client who has been with me since their first 'We're Open' post. We stuck to the basics – creating authentic, engaging content – and lo and behold, it worked. With a mix of strategy and a dash of ad spend (because let's be real, sometimes you need to pay to play), we've watched their follower count skyrocket to almost 200k on Facebook, with a monthly deluge of over 15k visitors via social referrals.
Demystifying Algorithm Myths
Now, let's bust some myths faster than you can say 'engagement bait'. No, the algorithm doesn't hate you. And no, you don't need to post every time Mercury is in retrograde. What the algorithm really cares about is content that resonates with your audience – whether it's making them laugh, cry, or better yet, think.
Shifting Mindsets - The Algorithm as Your Ally
Here's a revolutionary thought: the algorithm can be your BFF. It's all about mindset. Instead of trying to beat the algorithm, why not join forces? By understanding the types of content that get more eyeballs, and more importantly, why, you can tailor your strategy to work with the algorithm. One of my clients had an epiphany after shifting their strategy to focus on what their audience loves, rather than what they thought the algorithm wanted. The result? Organic growth that would make any marketer's heart sing.
Observing Algorithmic Trends and Aligning Content Strategy
To stay abreast of algorithmic trends, scrutinize your analytics. Discern which content ascends in reach and engagement—whether due to its visual appeal, the conversations it spurs, or its timing. Employ tools like Google Analytics and native platform insights to refine your content strategy.
Organic Growth Strategies that Stand the Test of Time
I'm a firm believer in the power of a dollar well spent on social ads, but organic growth is the sweet spot. It's about consistency, not frequency. It's about storytelling, not selling. We've used these timeless strategies to achieve growth that many thought was only possible through constant, daily posting. But guess what? You can grow your social presence without sacrificing your sanity. I advocate for these proven strategies for organic growth:
Value-Driven Content: Consistently deliver content that answers the pivotal question, "Does this enrich my audience's experience?" Aim to provide practical insights, thought-provoking ideas, or stories that resonate.
Engagement as the Cornerstone: Design content that beckons your audience to share opinions, questions, and personal narratives. User-generated content often triumphs because of its authenticity and relatability.
Consistency Over Frequency: A steady cadence of posts can maintain your brand's presence in your audience's minds more effectively than a barrage of daily posts.
Creativity and Authenticity Over Gaming the System
In the realm of organic reach, creativity and authenticity eclipse any shortcuts. Algorithms favor genuine interactions. Share narratives that mirror your brand's essence and celebrate the human element of your enterprise.
Understanding Your Audience
Grasping the intricacies of your audience is critical. Harness social listening tools to monitor discussions and trends within your niche. Develop persona-based content that appeals to the diverse facets of your audience, ensuring each piece carries value and relevance.
Here's the takeaway: the algorithm isn't a villain in your social media saga. It's just a part of the ecosystem - one that, with a little understanding and a lot of creativity, can actually be your stepping stone to success. So, let's stop chasing the algorithm and start using it as the powerful tool it is.
And hey, if you're looking to make your life easier, check out my Social Media Starter Kit Bundle. It's packed with a social media strategy, a year-long content calendar complete with content ideas and national holidays, and performance tracking templates – everything you need to make 2024 your most successful year yet, without being chained to your content calendar. So, what do you say? Are you ready to turn over a new leaf with your social media strategy? Let's do this!