Why 95% of people never grow on social media

Social media is a crowded marketplace, bustling with noise, colour, and endless activity.

You're there too, with a megaphone in hand, trying to be heard.

But here's the kicker: despite your best efforts, it sometimes feels like your voice just blends into the background.

You're not alone in this. In fact, a staggering 95% of social media content creators find themselves in the same boat, struggling to grow their audience and make a lasting impact.

So, what sets the successful 5% apart? Is it sheer luck, or is there a method to the madness?

Let's break down his insights and see how you can apply them to your social media strategy.

Understand your audience

This is a no-brainer, yet so many of us miss the mark here. Understanding your audience is not just about demographics. It's about getting into their heads, knowing their likes, dislikes, habits, and preferences. Picture this: you're creating content for someone you know intimately – let's call him Steve. Would Steve like this post? Does it speak to her? If you're nodding your head, you're on the right track. Study what works Social media is a constantly evolving beast. To tame it, you need to be a student of content. This means not just creating content but consuming it critically. Why did a particular post go viral? What makes people engage with certain content?

You need to pick it apart. See what bits work and experiment.

By understanding these dynamics, you'll start to see patterns and can tailor your content to better fit what resonates with your audience.

Consistency is critical

Here's a simple truth: you can't expect to hit the jackpot if you don't buy a ticket. In social media terms, this means posting regularly. It's not just about quantity, though. The quality of your posts, their relevance, and how they resonate with your audience are what truly matter. Find a balance that works for you and stick to it.

It's easier to grow if you are predictable. You'll build a regular audience that shows up for you. If you are active and consistent, there is an element of compounding benefit, each post benefits from the last. Posting inconsistently puts more pressure on each post to be fantastic, when it truth, some posts can ride on the coat tails of recent success.

Don't spread yourself too thin

With so many platforms out there, it's easy to feel like you need to be everywhere at once. Here's my advice: don't. Spreading yourself too thin is a sure-fire way to burn out. Instead, focus on one or two platforms where your audience hangs out. Get to know these platforms inside out – their nuances, what works, and what doesn't. This focused approach will yield far better results than a scattergun strategy.

Love the rollercoaster

The path to social media success is rarely linear. There will be highs and lows. One day your post might go viral, and the next, it might barely make a ripple. It's crucial not to let these fluctuations dishearten you. Instead, view them as learning opportunities. Consistent effort and a willingness to adapt are what will ultimately help you grow.

I've had one post hit 20 million impressions and then one barely break 500. Some days it feels pointless and others you feel on top of the world. It is a rollercoaster and you need to decouple your emotions and measure of success from one post, one month or the speed of growth.

Set Realistic Goals

It's great to aim high, but unrealistic expectations can be your downfall. If you're just starting, setting a goal to post five times a day across multiple platforms is like setting yourself up for a sprint in a marathon race. Start small, build a routine, and gradually increase your output as you get more comfortable. Stick with it Remember, social media is not a sprint; it's a marathon. The key to success is sticking with it, even when the going gets tough.

You might not see immediate results, but with persistent effort and strategic planning, growth is inevitable.

Growing on social media is about much more than just churning out content.

It's about understanding your audience, being critical and strategic with your content, maintaining consistency, focusing your efforts, setting realistic goals, and most importantly, persisting through the ups and downs.

So next time you're about to post something, think of Steve. Is this something she'd engage with?

Keep learning, keep adapting, and most importantly, keep posting.

The journey to social media success is a marathon, not a sprint, but trust me, the finish line is well worth the effort.