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There’s so much outdated advice circulating online about how to grow on social media. We’ve heard it all—post three times a day, use trending sounds, obsess over hashtags. But here’s the truth: focusing on execution (when and how to post) is just a tiny part of what actually matters when it comes to building a sustainable and impactful brand on social media.
At Busy Blooming, we’ve seen firsthand that content creators who truly grow in today’s landscape focus on creating meaningful, engaging content that resonates with their audience. In this post, we’re going to break down what really matters and what doesn’t if you’re serious about growing as a creator in 2024.
1. The Algorithm: What You Need to Know (and What You Don’t)
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: the algorithm. The algorithm is constantly at the center of social media advice, but in reality, it plays a much smaller role in your success than you might think. At Busy Blooming, we estimate that the algorithm only accounts for about 5% of what truly matters in content creation.
So, what is the algorithm? It’s simply the system behind each social media platform that decides what content to show in your feed. Each app—whether TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube—has its own algorithm. For TikTok, it’s notorious for being able to hook users through its sophisticated tracking of user behavior, which monitors everything from how long you watch a video to what you search for and engage with. For Instagram, different parts of the app (Reels, the main feed, Stories) have unique algorithms.
What does this mean for creators? You should be aware of how the algorithm works, but don’t get bogged down by it. Focus on what truly matters: creating content that resonates with people and keeps them watching. Connection, not packaging, is what drives growth.
2. Why Your Content Isn’t Getting Views: 3 Common Pitfalls
If your content isn’t performing as well as you’d like, it often comes down to one of three issues. After working with hundreds of creators, we’ve found these to be the most common reasons content fails to take off:
1. The Visual Appeal Isn’t There
It’s not about having high-end equipment—an iPhone camera is enough. But things like poor lighting, bad angles, or too much text on the screen can make a video less appealing. Take a step back and ask yourself: Does this look like something a creator with 300k followers would post?
2. The Content is Too Inward-Focused or Generic
One of the biggest mistakes creators make is creating content that’s all about them without thinking about their audience. Instead of a simple “Get Ready With Me,” try framing it like this: “Help me choose an outfit for my 9-5 in NYC when I don’t feel like going to work.” This version is more engaging because it speaks directly to the audience and has a specific, outward-facing theme.
3. You’re Not Getting to the Point Fast Enough
Your video doesn’t have to be hyper-energetic or overly edited, but you do need to grab people’s attention quickly. Avoid filler or rambling intros. Instead of saying, “I’ve been thinking a lot lately about glowing up,” cut to the chase: “You need to exit your flop era. Here are 10 ways to glow up.”
3. How to Create Better Content and Grow Your Audience
Now that we’ve covered the pitfalls, let’s get into some practical tips that can help you create better content and grow your audience:
Do the Foundational Work
Creating a content strategy, defining your audience, and building a brand are essential. At Busy Blooming, we’ve explored these topics in depth, and we have resources available on how to set up your content pillars, brand messaging, and mission.
Workshop Your Titles and Captions
Your video title, captions, and voiceovers should be engaging and outwardly focused. Compare “Spend the day with me” to “Ever wondered what a 9-5 finance girlie actually does? Let’s go BTS.” The second option is more intriguing and targeted.
Prioritize Your Energy
Your energy on camera—whether you feel excited, happy, or aligned—matters more than anything else. The opposite, feeling forced or drained, can come through in your content and affect your audience’s engagement.
Use Multiple Hooks
In your captions, text on screen, and what you say, use multiple hooks to grab attention. Make sure each hook is different and engaging—this will keep people watching and interacting with your content.
Test Different Styles
Voiceover vlogs, green screens, sit-down videos—experiment with different styles until you find what works best for you. Your best content comes from feeling comfortable and excited about what you’re creating.
Repost Across Platforms
Maximize your reach by posting your content across at least two platforms. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are great for this.
4. Packaging: What Actually Matters?
Let’s talk about the “packaging” of your content—hashtags, posting times, and captions. This is important, but it’s only about 5% of what truly matters for growth. Here’s a breakdown of how to package your content effectively:
Captions: Include a hook, a brief explanation, and relevant search terms.
Hashtags: Use 3-5 or none at all—both strategies work, but make sure to include SEO terms in your hashtags.
Posting Schedule: Aim to post 3-5 times a week, but don’t stress about exact posting times. What matters is consistency, not timing.
Trends: Only hop on trends if they align with your content and brand.
Final Thoughts: Stop Chasing the Algorithm and Start Creating Meaningful Content
At the end of the day, your success as a creator isn’t about perfecting the algorithm or posting at the right time. It’s about making content that resonates with your audience and keeps them engaged. Focus on creating content that people care about, and the growth will follow.
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