Social Media Philosophy

How I See Social Media Marketing

As someone who lives and breathes social media, I’ve come to understand that the key to success is constantly evolving while staying grounded in core principles. Social media is a fast-paced world, but at its heart, it’s about people, conversations, and communities. Here’s my philosophy on what makes social media truly impactful:

1. Keep the Social in Social Media

The essence of social media is right there in its name—social. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind of content creation, scheduling, and growth strategies, but at the end of the day, people want to feel seen and heard. That’s why engagement should always be a top priority. Responding to comments, asking questions, and joining conversations build a genuine connection with your audience. They’re not just followers; they’re a community. When a brand makes an effort to listen, engage, and create spaces where people feel welcome, it fosters loyalty and trust.

2. Trends Are Great When They Make Sense

There’s no denying the power of hopping on trends, but not every trend is the right fit for every brand. The key is to choose trends wisely—ones that make sense for your audience and align with your brand values. Social media managers should carefully tailor trends to fit naturally into the brand’s voice, rather than forcing something that feels out of place. Following trends just for the sake of it can come off as disingenuous, so it's important to consider your audience's preferences and the message you want to convey.

3. Follow the Data

Data is your best friend as a social media manager. While creativity and experimentation are important, data should drive decision-making. Just because a trend seems fun or because other brands are doing something doesn’t mean it will work for your audience. I believe in consistently testing new ideas, but ultimately, you should rely on what the numbers tell you. Analyzing metrics such as engagement, reach, and conversion rates gives you the insights to tweak strategies and fine-tune your content for maximum impact.

4. Social Media Changes All The Time, and So Should Your Philosophy

What works today may be irrelevant tomorrow. Social media is a constantly evolving landscape, and staying adaptable is crucial. For example, not long ago, many social media managers prioritized having the perfect Instagram grid. While that aesthetic can still be satisfying, it’s not the most effective strategy in 2024. People are scrolling through home feeds more than they’re visiting individual profiles, which means it’s better to focus on creating engaging, stand-alone content that resonates in real-time.

Another example is the shift from hashtag strategies to keyword optimization. These changes happen often, and it’s important to stay ahead of the curve by embracing new tools and trends that reflect how people are using social platforms. If we want to remain effective, we must constantly refine our approach.

In the ever-changing world of social media, it’s easy to get lost in trends or fixate on vanity metrics. But the fundamentals remain the same: listen to your audience, create meaningful connections, follow the data, and stay flexible. Social media is not a static space, and our approach must reflect that. I believe in a philosophy that evolves with the times, while staying true to the goal of building real, lasting engagement.