Work With Mike

The Unpopular Truth About Social Media

digital marketing facebook facebook algoritems hashtags instagram marketing online business online marketing social media Mar 24, 2021

Followers don’t mean dollars.  

All it means is you have more exposure; more eyes on your content. 

And while a big audience can be great for your content, learning how to actually monetize your audience is a whole different ball game.

If you’re serious about transforming your social media presence into the cash flow you need to grow and sustain your business, then there are a few things you need to learn about social media. . . 

Unpopular Truth 1: Your Following Doesn’t Matter

There are plenty of influencers out there with massive followings who aren’t making a dime. Sure, things look good from the other end of the screen, but much of it is just smoke and mirrors to produce the illusion of success

If you’re living (and dying) by your number of followers, your online business needs a reboot ASAP.

And if you’re letting those digits determine when you should finally unveil your products and programs, you’re in for a rude awakening...

The volume of people following you doesn’t matter. 

What matters is their level of interest in you. How they connect with you. And the realness you share with them.  You need to be creating things your audience wants to buy.

No buying from your audience = no business. 

200 engaged followers is far more valuable than 200K un-engaged followers. 

In fact, we at The Visionary Planner have helped people just like you build 6- and 7-figure online businesses with less than 200 followers. How? By cultivating the right conversations and investing deeply in those 200 folks.  

If you take one thing out of this blog, it’s this: Stop worrying about numbers and start worrying about relationships. 

Unpopular Truth 2: The Algorithm Can’t Hurt You

Stop dreading algorithm changes like it’s the zombie apocalypse.. 

Sure, it sounds like a nightmare. But it’s one you can survive (and outsmart) when you turn your focus to what matters: those deep, meaningful relationships I mentioned above.  

Algorithms are never going to be stable, but the relationship you’ve curated with your loyal followers can be. The powers that be, can’t impose on that.  

A super-engaged audience is one that’s in it for the long run. 

Your main goal on social media should be to connect and then get them off social media and onto your email list where you don’t need to worry about algorithms.

So, do what you can to develop relationships that will pay dividends outside of the social media ecosystem so you’re shielded from the impact of algorithm changes.

Unpopular Truth 3: Posting Isn’t Enough

It’s the age old tale…

Eager online entrepreneurs initially get into the game with tons of posts on deck alongside dreams of digits on the constant rise. 

Suddenly, they realize the only thing growing is their resentment towards their non-existent crowd.

All of those posts they’ve been putting out there aren’t doing a darn thing. 

While it may seem like continuous posting will turn up engagement, what really matters is how you show up after you post. If you’re not down to chat with your new friends, your posts are going to waste.

Posting and ghosting is a massive turn off.

And yes, when it comes to amping up the dialogue, you’ll need to pump some added effort into your strategy. 

Stop pumping out posts and start doing the following: 

  • Craft compelling captions to encourage interaction 
  • Respond to comments with more than just a “like” 
  • Run contests or giveaways (within posts and stories) 
  •  A plethora of posts will never be enough to build your online business.

Unpopular Truth 4: Hashtags Are A Cop-Out

In this day and age, you’re basically signing yourself off as spam when you flood your posts with a slew of hashtags

Too many hashtags screams desperation

Real engagement comes from real interaction, not a few words to tag along and get the job done for you.  

That said, you don’t have to nix this tactic completely. It’s still got character. You just have to give your hashtags some value and personality. 

You can have fun with it – even come up with unique tags as a nesting ground where only your posts live. 

The truth is you only need 3 to 5 relevant hashtags for each post. Sure, they’ll help you get discovered and they’ll prevent you from being a spammer. 

Be strategic with your tagging — and don’t overdo it. #TrustMe

Get Social Media Secrets From the Experts

From secret strategies to custom solutions, we can help transform your social media stress into social media success. 

Stop worrying about the wrong things and learning from the wrong people. 

In fact, DM us on Instagram and we’ll get you all set up for a free social media strategy call. 

We’ll talk about the current state of your online business — and your social media presence — and start crafting a plan to ensure your business is set up to support the lifestyle you want. 

See you on IG!

Need Help Launching Your Brand?

Click the button below to watch our newest training.  Get a proven blueprint to plan your personal brand, grow your audience and build a business that pays you to do what you love.  

WATCH NOW