13 Pieces of Advice for Social Media Marketing You Wish You Knew Earlier
Ever wondered what seasoned experts would advise their younger selves about social media marketing? In this article, an Owner and a Founder & Creative Director share their most valuable insights. From focusing on genuine engagement to prioritizing consistency over perfection, discover the wisdom that could reshape your approach to social media. Read on to uncover all thirteen expert-approved tips!
- Focus on Genuine Engagement
- Create Unique Thought-Leadership Content
- Master the Art of Storytelling
- Build Genuine Connections
- Prioritize Timing in Campaigns
- Build Authentic Relationships
- Prioritize Authenticity Over Perfection
- Prioritize Authentic Engagement
- Embrace Consistency Over Perfection
- Embrace Consistency and Authenticity
- Foster Genuine Relationships
- Stay Consistent Despite Early Results
- Choose Quality Interactions Over Quantity
Focus on Genuine Engagement
If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self about social media marketing, it would be to focus more on building genuine engagement rather than chasing vanity metrics like follower counts and likes. Early on, I thought that bigger numbers meant success, but I've since realized that meaningful interaction—comments, shares, and discussions—drives real value and conversions. Building a community that trusts and engages with your brand should always come before chasing quick wins with viral posts.
I also wish I had known the power of consistent content over perfection. When I first started, I spent way too much time trying to create the perfect post. In hindsight, staying active and experimenting with different types of content helps refine your strategy more quickly than obsessing over each detail. Consistency builds visibility, trust, and engagement faster than waiting for everything to be flawless.
Understanding this earlier would have saved me time and likely led to faster growth by focusing on authentic engagement and steady content creation rather than surface-level metrics.
Create Unique Thought-Leadership Content
I've been producing content for nearly 15 years, and one key lesson I've learned is the power of creating original and entertaining thought-leadership pieces. Looking back, I wish I had focused on this sooner. As content creators, we often get caught up in the need to constantly be visible, leading us to take shortcuts by chasing trends rather than dedicating time to produce something truly unique and engaging.
The project that changed my mindset was an article I wrote on the use of Darth Vader in advertising, examining how such an iconic figure was adapted to sell everything from Pepsi to cough sweets. I paired the article with a humorous video montage of these adverts, and the response was incredible. The video garnered hundreds of thousands of views and drove thousands of visitors to the website. The key to its success was the blend of thought-leadership with an added layer of entertainment, which resonated far beyond expectations.
Master the Art of Storytelling
One piece of advice I'd give my younger self about social media marketing is this: Master the art of storytelling. In a digital world brimming with noise, the key to standing out is by crafting compelling narratives around your brand. People connect with stories, not with ads. Social media marketing is not just about selling products, but sharing stories that resonate on a personal level. I wish I had realized this sooner: that it's not about shouting the loudest, but about making your voice heard in a room full of people.
Build Genuine Connections
I'd tell my younger self to focus on building genuine connections over chasing vanity metrics like follower counts or likes. Early on, I wish I had known that engagement, trust, and authenticity matter way more than the numbers. A smaller, engaged audience is far more valuable than a massive, passive one.
Also, I would have embraced storytelling sooner—people connect with stories, not just promotional posts. It's about adding value, being relatable, and showing your brand's personality.
Prioritize Timing in Campaigns
Success in social media marketing isn't just about creativity or strategy—it's all about the right timing, which is crucial for every aspect of a campaign. Moreover, your make-it-or-break-it moment appears out of nowhere in this industry, so you must stay tuned.
It matters not only when you post but also what you post at the right moment, depending on what's happening in the world or within your target audience's lives. You need to keep a finger on the pulse, as timing ties everything together. Understanding that earlier would have helped me create more impactful campaigns from the start.
Posting at optimal times ensures that your audience is active and engaged, maximizing reach and interaction. Beyond that, aligning content with trending topics, seasonal events, or even unexpected cultural moments can significantly increase visibility. For example, a well-timed campaign that taps into a trending hashtag or current event will likely generate much more buzz than a generic post, even with great content.
Also, timing matters when you respond to comments or feedback. I've observed that quick replies foster a sense of connection with followers and send the message that the brand is actively engaged. Additionally, adapting to the timing of platform algorithm changes, such as shifts in how content is prioritized, can mean the difference between staying relevant and being left behind.
Build Authentic Relationships
I would advise my younger self to focus more on building more authentic relationships with the audience, rather than just pushing promotions. I wish I had known earlier that consistent engagement, genuine interaction, and adding value through content are the keys to long-term success in social media marketing.
Prioritize Authenticity Over Perfection
The text advises younger social media marketers to prioritize authenticity over perfection, as audiences are drawn to relatable content. Building a community is more valuable than chasing likes, and engaging with your audience through comments, behind-the-scenes moments, and openness about your journey fosters trust and loyalty. Analytics is crucial for understanding audience behavior and creating resonating content. Regularly reviewing metrics allows for adaptation and refinement of your approach. Social media trends evolve rapidly, so embrace experimentation and be willing to pivot when necessary. By staying flexible and focusing on authenticity, you can build a stronger, more engaged following that lasts beyond fleeting trends.
Prioritize Authentic Engagement
I would tell my younger self to prioritize authentic engagement over sheer follower count in social-media marketing. I wish I had known earlier that building genuine relationships with our audience fosters loyalty and trust, leading to more meaningful interactions and conversions. Focusing on quality content and community engagement, rather than just chasing metrics, would have saved time and resources while laying a stronger foundation for our brand's online presence.
Embrace Consistency Over Perfection
If I could advise my younger self about social media marketing, I'd emphasize the importance of consistency over perfection. Early in my career, I often delayed posting content because I wanted everything to be flawless. This approach hindered my growth and limited my reach.
I wish I had known that regular, authentic engagement matters more than sporadic, polished posts. Building a loyal audience requires showing up consistently, even if the content isn't always ground-breaking. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, quick tips, or even failures can foster genuine connections with followers. This approach not only saves time, but also helps maintain a steady presence that algorithms favor. Looking back, I realize that embracing imperfection, and focusing on providing value regularly, would have accelerated my success in social media marketing.
Embrace Consistency and Authenticity
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice about social media marketing, it would be to embrace consistency and authenticity early on. In the beginning, I underestimated the power of regularly posting relevant content that aligns with the values of our business. Social media is not just about promoting services but also about building a brand that people connect with on a personal level. Early on, I did not realize that by showing more of the behind-the-scenes work, like how our team approaches tree health assessments or what safety measures we take during complex removals, we could build trust and credibility with potential customers. A single great post won't make a difference, but consistent sharing of our expertise can gradually turn followers into loyal clients.
One thing I wish I had known sooner is the importance of storytelling in social media marketing. For example, after becoming a certified arborist and TRAQ certified, I started sharing stories of complex jobs where our expertise made a difference, like saving a homeowner's cherished oak from disease or safely removing a tree dangerously close to power lines. This not only showcased our qualifications but also demonstrated the personal care we put into each job. By highlighting these stories, we saw increased engagement and a noticeable uptick in referrals from people who had followed us for months. Social media became more than just a marketing tool; it became an extension of the trust and relationships we were building in real life.
Foster Genuine Relationships
If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self about social media marketing, it would be to focus more on authentic engagement rather than just chasing metrics like likes and followers. Early in my journey, I was often caught up in the numbers game, believing that higher metrics automatically equated to success. However, what I wish I'd known earlier is that the true value of social media lies in building genuine relationships and fostering a community around your brand.
One of the insights I've gained over the years at LogicLeap is that while metrics are important, the quality of interaction and the depth of engagement are what truly drive long-term success. Authentic engagement means listening to your audience, responding to their needs, and creating content that resonates on a personal level. It's about encouraging conversations, not just broadcasting messages.
For instance, I remember a campaign we ran for a client where we shifted our focus from promotional posts to storytelling and community involvement. We encouraged followers to share their own stories and experiences related to the brand, which not only increased engagement but also strengthened brand loyalty. This approach highlighted the importance of understanding and valuing the audience as partners in the brand's journey.
If I'd embraced this mindset earlier, I believe it would have accelerated our ability to create more meaningful connections and drive more sustainable growth for our clients. So, to anyone starting out in social media marketing, I'd say: invest in understanding your audience, be authentic in your interactions, and prioritize building a community over just boosting numbers. This approach will not only enhance your brand's reputation but also lead to more effective and fulfilling social media marketing efforts.
Stay Consistent Despite Early Results
I would advise my younger self to stay consistent on social media despite the lack of early results. If there's one thing I have learned throughout my career as a marketer, it's that social media demands consistency. Even if no one is watching your content, you must frequently show up, engage, and create value to build momentum over time. It takes a single popular post or video for all your previously-uploaded content to become valuable and your efforts to pay off.
Choose Quality Interactions Over Quantity
As the Marketing Manager at CSO Yemen, I have learned a lot about social media marketing. If I could go back and give myself a tip, it would be: "Be careful with the numbers." When I was starting out, I didn't know that not all interactions are good.
You might think lots of likes and shares are great, but these numbers can be tricky—or even fake. Real success in social media comes from real conversations that create strong connections with people. Always choose genuine, high-quality interactions over just having a lot of them; this approach really works better over time.
