Stop Wasting Your Time Posting To Social Media

Recently, NP Digital published the following stats on how much content is published daily on social media:

• TikTok – 23 million
• YouTube – 216 million
• Facebook – 350 million
• X – 500 million
• LinkedIn – 2 million
• Instagram – 95 million

Add that up, and it’s over 1 billion pieces of content. Daily. That explains why your posts aren’t getting any engagement. Whatever you post just gets lost in the sea of daily content. The same firm analyzed over 5 million posts and found that 59% got no engagement. No likes, shares, comments. Nothing.

Should You Stop Creating Content On Social Media?

No. Social media is still a great place to get in front of your customers and your ideal audience. It’s the perfect vehicle for brand awareness. When your brand is in someone’s feed, you can leave an imprint on their mind. And when they decide they need a product or service you offer, hopefully, they’ll remember you. So, How Do You Get Noticed On Social Media? Most business owners decide they’re wasting time. They’re talking into an abyss that doesn’t talk back. And if they just keep doing the same things, they’re right. It’s time to try something different. You need a better strategy, and here’s what we suggest:

#1 Post something original, something people haven’t seen

Take a few minutes daily to look at industry websites and trade magazines. Brainstorm with your team or a colleague. What is no one talking about? Or maybe there’s a new angle or different way to talk about an existing topic? Is there something from your personal experience you can share? No one else can duplicate your experience.

#2 Don’t be afraid to have your own opinion

We think most small business owners are wasting their time on social media. And here we are saying it. It might be controversial, but it’s our opinion. If you have an opinion about a topic in your industry, don't be afraid to share it. And don't make the mistake of going for clickbait. Be authentic. Share your opinion in a way that provides information and starts a conversation.

#3 Provide value. Give information, stats, tips, etc.

This goes back to researching your industry. Use tools like AnswerThePublic and ScholarAI to find interesting topics and data. If you make things or provide a service, share useful how-to information. And don’t be afraid to go behind the scenes and reveal the ‘secret sauce.’ Your customers don’t want to make the thing or do the service themselves, but they’ll appreciate knowing more and having a deeper understanding.

#4 Leverage industry trends

Once again, it’s back to doing research. What are the trends in your industry? How can your audience leverage those trends? Is there a trend just getting started or one coming to an end? Position yourself as a thought leader in your industry.

#5 Collaborate with people in your industry

Are there others in your industry that you can do a podcast with or write a blog post with? Is there a local publication like WhirLocal that might be interested in collaborating on an article? Local publications and magazines are always looking for content. When you collaborate with someone, even if they have a small audience, the shared content goes out to both audiences and gets amplified.

#6 Add video

Most business owners are afraid to step in front of the camera. So here again is another excellent way to do something different. It doesn’t have to be polished or perfect, but it does need to get to the point and tell a story. So don’t hop on camera to ramble on about a topic. Have a plan, and remember, it’s about adding value.

#7 Be Consistent

The goal is to stay top-of-mind with your audience. You want your brand imprinted on their minds, so that when they're ready to buy, they think of you. If days and weeks are going by in between your posts, you're not going to be on top of anyone's mind. There are several content calendars available that can help you schedule posts in advance. The popular graphic design platform Canva has one built in. Buffer is another one. Start with posting once per day, first thing in the morning, and schedule it. Before you know it you'll have a week's worth of posts lined up.

Conclusion

There are over a billion pieces of content being churned out daily. It's easy to feel like your content is just a drop in this vast sea, barely making a ripple. But here's the kicker – giving up on social media isn't the answer, far from it. Social media is a stage, a platform to shine and connect with your audience in ways you've never imagined. Breaking through the noise is all about strategy. Dig into your industry, recognize trends, and, most importantly, be original. We're talking about crafting content that stands out and speaks directly to your audience's needs and interests. Think about it – when was the last time you saw something on social media that made you stop? That's the kind of content you want to create. Need help with your content strategy? More Clicks Media, Publishers of WhirLocal Cary, can help you get clear on your message and connect with your ideal audience. Get started here.