3 Reasons You Won't Be Successful on Social Media
Not to be a negative Nancy, but the internet is ruthless.
You'll find three types of people on any social media platform.
First, there are the influencer types. They run the gambit, but the grass isn't always greener. They post because their livelihoods depend on it.
The second is the casual type. They post when they feel like it and get a couple of comments on their photos. They won’t admit to caring about vanity metrics, but they secretly want to be an influencer without doing any of the actual influencing.
Lastly, there’s the viewer. These people are like me on Twitter (soon to change). They scroll for fun and send funny memes to their friends. Social media is purely for entertainment.
It's fair to say anyone with a big idea wants to leverage social media for their gain, but some people aren't built to do it, yet. That can all change with a little mindset shift.
If you fall under any of the next three assumptions, follow my blueprint.
1. You're scared your friends will see your posts
I guess I’m a thought leader now, but my circle doesn't know it.
The problem is thought leaders are weirdos in regular social circles. For example, if I posted a blog on my personal Instagram, I’d get a couple of “WTF is this” messages.
I don’t usually post about my writing, so to me, it feels unnatural.
Heck, I'm still dealing with my own fear of posting on Twitter. I never used to post, so posting all of a sudden seems like a wild idea.
The fact is you won't get anywhere if you don't get off your high horse and start posting. Who's going to see your writing if you don't, ahem, post at all?
2. Your expectations are too high
Social media isn't the goldmine it used to be,
Instagram is dead. Facebook changed its name to Meta, and everyone I know is refusing to call them by their new, not-so-meta at all name. All the thought leaders are flocking to LinkedIn now that they're offering creators $25 million.
If you think you're going to make millions, even thousands, via a social media platform, it's time to check your expectations.
Social media is a tool, not a guarantee. It takes time to build an audience of superfans who love your content and love you as a creator. You have to accept that it will take five years to get to the place you want to be.
Still, no amount of followers will ever be enough. When you realize this, you learn you can make a living off a few superfans who are willing to pay for your content. Not only that, but you figure it’s okay to focus on other aspects of your life too.
Putting too much pressure on your social media side hustle is a death sentence.
My suggestion is to make social media a game. Games are low-risk. Think about how you can do better than your previous self every month, and take the pressure off your social media savvy.
None of us are really savvy anyway until we get some practice reps in.
3. You only use social media to sell
You constantly ask instead of giving.
People get sick of being sold things quickly. Do you complain about the annoying ads and sponsored posts that show up on your feed?
When you constantly as your audience for something, you're worse off than a sponsored post. They can unfollow you and never hear from you again.
At least a sponsored post can break through that barrier because they pay the platform to be put on timelines. Check yourself and your content.
90% of your posts should focus on giving gift-wrapped information to others who need it. Use your expertise to your advantage.
The blueprint
We covered three things you do that’ll make you fail to grow a social media following, but how about some things to help you out.
These are three steps you can take in the right direction.
Step 1: Stop comparing yourself to others on the internet, ya weirdo.
Frankly, who cares what other people on your timeline are doing. They're out partying, drinking, having a good time. Leave them be. They aren't projecting their lives unto you to make you feel bad. They're living their life.
There's nothing wrong with viewing other people's stories until you let them negatively affect you. I learned to stop comparing myself to others and focus on progressing toward my own goals.
On the other hand, don’t worry about what others think of your posts. You’re free to do what you want, especially if it takes you closer to your ultimate goals.
Silience speaks volues.
Step 2: Create reasonable posting goals.
Consistent posting is hard, straight up. It takes a ton of time to craft the perfect LinkedIn post, and when they tank, it isn't easy to feel like doing it again.
Just like writing, the most crucial thing you can do is put content out there even though not a ton of people see it. That's one of the things I learned after writing 150 blog posts.
You need to throw mud at the wall over and over again until something sticks. When it does, analyze it, and repeat the process.
You'll reap the benefits.
Step 3: Follow a social media process that works for you.
You don't have to post on Youtube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and BitClout. There isn't enough time in the day to post all over the place and do your day job well. It isn't feasible, and you'll give up the idea when you realize you can't do it.
The key is to master one platform before you move on to another one. Sure, you can experiment, but if you put 90% of your efforts into Twitter, for example, you can experiment 10% with LinkedIn and not feel bad when you don't find traction there.
Follow a fluid process that adapts to your schedule instead of a routine that makes you feel bad when you don't do something day after day.
After all, the only thing that matters is making one true post, then doing it again. That’s the process. It’s unbeatable when you allow it to guide you.