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Category: Content Creation
The One Tool You Need for Content Creation
Content creation is a must for growing your coaching business, but let’s be real, coming up with fresh content ideas can feel overwhelming. If you’re a coach in your “second act,” you might juggle client sessions, family, and a million to-dos, wondering when inspiration will strike.
Ever had a brilliant idea for a blog post while waiting in the Starbucks drive-thru, only to forget it by the time you got your latte? Or maybe a client asked an insightful question on a Zoom call that absolutely deserved a follow-up post but you didn’t write it down and it vanished from memory. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and there’s a simple (even old-fashioned) habit that can save the day: carrying a notebook with you at all times.
This practical guide will explore how a humble notebook can become your secret weapon for better content creation. Grab your favorite pen and let’s dive in.
The Content Creation Struggle Is Real
Creating content consistently is hard. You know content creation is crucial for attracting clients and showing off your expertise, but staring at a blank screen thinking “What do I post now?” can be intimidating. Many coaches feel overwhelmed by the pressure to churn out engaging blogs, videos, and Instagram posts nonstop. It can seem like younger influencers have a magic tap of endless ideas, while you’re stuck battling the blinking cursor.
Here’s a secret: even experienced creators struggle with idea droughts. The difference is, they’ve learned how to capture ideas whenever and wherever inspiration strikes. The truth is, your best ideas probably won’t show up when you schedule them. They tend to pop up at odd times, in the shower, during your morning walk, in the car pickup line at your kid’s school. If you don’t snag those ideas the moment they appear, they may slip away forever.
Inspiration Strikes Anywhere – Be Ready with a Notebook
Since genius can strike at any time, the key is to be prepared. That’s where carrying a notebook comes in. Yes, an old-school, paper notebook , the kind with actual pages. It might sound almost too simple, but this little habit is a game-changer for content creation. Whenever an idea, insight, or question pops into your brain, jot it down immediately. Don’t assume you’ll remember it later. Our busy brains have a way of moving on.
Why a physical notebook in the era of smartphones? Here are a few reasons this low-tech tool supports your content creation better than any app:
- Always at the ready: A pocket-sized notebook doesn’t need Wi-Fi, a charger, or boot-up time. It’s ready whenever you are even on a plane or at the park. Simple and accessible means you’ll actually use it.
- No digital distractions: Ever open your phone to jot an idea and get derailed by notifications? With a notebook, there are no pop-ups. You can capture your thought without falling down a social media rabbit hole.
- Boosts clarity and memory: Writing by hand forces you to crystallize your thoughts into words, helping you clarify fuzzy ideas. Research backs this up; writing notes by hand engages more of your brain than typing.
- It’s brief and freeing: You don’t need to write a novel in your notebook, just a quick phrase or outline. A small notebook encourages short, punchy notes that capture the essence of an idea without overthinking.
Carrying a notebook can even become part of your coach persona. It signals to you and others that you’re a constant creator. In fact, many successful leaders and creatives are known for carrying notebooks everywhere they go. If it works for them, it can work for you.
Your Audience’s Questions = Content Gold
Now that you’ve got your notebook ready, let’s talk about what to write in it. One of the richest sources of content ideas for coaches is your own audience. Every day, your clients, prospects, and followers are handing you topics through their questions, comments, and challenges.
Start writing down the questions people ask you in coaching sessions, webinars, social media DMs, and emails. Big or small, every question is potential content gold. For example, if a client asks, “How do I stay motivated when I feel stuck?” you’ve got a perfect blog post or video topic. Jot it down. If multiple people keep mentioning they struggle with work-life balance, note that pattern. It’s telling you what your audience wants to learn.
Need ideas? Try these:
- Frequently asked questions: Anytime you catch yourself answering the same question more than once, write it down.
- Common pain points or fears: Your clients’ struggles are fuel for valuable content.
- Success stories and wins: Did a client share a big win or breakthrough? Jot it down and consider how you might share the story.
- Exact words they use: Write down phrases or quotes your clients use. This helps you speak their language and build content that resonates.
When you mine your audience’s questions and experiences, you’ll never run out of relevant content ideas that connect deeply.
Capture Your Insights and “Aha!” Moments
Audience input is fantastic, but many of your best content ideas will also spring from your own insights and experiences – often when you least expect them. Maybe you’re on a morning jog and suddenly an analogy between running and entrepreneurship pops into your head. Perhaps you’re cooking dinner and a coaching tip comes to mind.
These little moments are gold for content creation, if you catch them. This is why keeping your notebook close is crucial. It encourages you to be an always-on observer of life, ready to write down inspiration before it fades.
Treat your notebook like an extension of your brain. Anytime you have a personal epiphany, scribble it down. It might be a lesson learned, a quote from a podcast, or even a random idea. Don’t judge the idea, just get it on paper. You can refine or expand on it later.
You can also elaborate on your notes during idle moments. Waiting at the doctor’s office? Doodle a quick framework for a new idea. Sitting in the car during practice? Flesh out a story about a challenge you overcame. The simple act of journaling ideas often leads to more ideas.
From Scribbles to Content: How to Turn Notes into Posts
You’ve been jotting down audience questions, insights, and ideas in your notebook. Now what? Here’s how to turn those scribbles into real content pieces:
- Review your notebook regularly. Set aside time each week to revisit your notes. Highlight or star ideas that still resonate.
- Pick one idea and develop it. Choose a note and build it into a piece of content. Outline it, brainstorm talking points, and give it structure.
- Look for patterns and themes. Notice recurring topics in your notes. Combine related ideas into a content series or lead magnet.
- Move from paper to publish. Use your notebook notes as a starting point to draft blog posts, social content, videos, or podcast outlines. You’re never starting from scratch.
- Keep the habit going. The more you capture, the easier content creation becomes. You’ll have a bank of ideas to pull from anytime.
When you follow this process, your scribbles become powerful content that builds your brand, connects with your audience, and helps you show up consistently.
Ready to Turn Notebook Insights into Content?
You’ve got the ideas. You’ve got the notebook. Now it’s time to put those insights into action. Challenge yourself to carry your notebook everywhere and jot down at least one new idea or question each day. No idea is too small.
At the end of the week, pick one entry and turn it into content. Whether it’s a short LinkedIn post, a quick video, or a blog article, just start creating. This simple habit will boost your creativity and help you stay consistent with your content creation.
Instead of feeling stuck, you’ll feel in control. Your notebook becomes your personal content library; filled with blog topics, powerful stories, and client-centered insights. Let it guide your voice, clarify your message, and simplify the content creation process.
You don’t need more hacks. You need a notebook. It’s your most powerful (and portable) content creation tool.
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat: The Smartest Thing You Can Do
Why Repeating Yourself is the Smartest Thing You Can Do for Your Brand
Ever feel like you are saying the same thing over and over again?
Good. You should be.
One of the biggest mistakes I see business owners make is assuming that their audience remembers everything they say. But here is the truth people are busy, distracted, and overwhelmed with content every single day. If you want your message to stick, you need to repeat it. Not just once or twice, but consistently and intentionally.
Repetition Builds Recognition and Authority
Think about the brands you know and love. You do not need to see the Nike swoosh to know “Just Do It.” No need to think twice to recognize Apple’s sleek, minimalist messaging. You can probably even hear McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” jingle in your head right now.
That is not by accident. That is by design.
These brands hammer home the same message consistently until it becomes second nature to their audience. Their slogans, values, and unique selling points are woven into every ad, every campaign, and every piece of content they put out.
Your business should do the same.
The Rule of 7: Why Repetition Actually Works
Ever heard of the Rule of 7?
It’s the marketing principle that says someone needs to hear your message at least seven times before it truly registers and takes action. This isn’t just some random number marketers invented; it’s based on consumer psychology.
Think about your own buying behavior. How many times do you scroll past a product or service before finally clicking, subscribing, or buying? Most likely, it takes multiple encounters—through ads, emails, social posts, or even word-of-mouth recommendations—before you even consider taking action.
That’s why strategic repetition isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. Each time your audience encounters your brand, it nudges them closer to making a decision. So don’t fear repetition. Embrace it as the powerful tool it truly is.
The Fear of Being Redundant
I know what you are thinking.
What if I annoy people? What if they get bored?
The truth is, they will not.
Most people are not reading every email you send, catching every social media post, or watching every video. Even if they do, repetition reinforces your authority. Instead of seeming repetitive, you come across as consistent. And consistency is what makes you memorable.
How to Make Repetition Work for You
There is a difference between mindless repetition and strategic repetition. You do not want to copy and paste the same thing everywhere. Instead, you want to reinforce your core message in ways that feel fresh and engaging.
Here is how to do it effectively:
Stick to a Few Key Messages
Your audience should be able to recognize what you stand for instantly. Define the three to five core messages that you want to be known for and build everything around them. Whether you are posting on social media, writing an email, or creating a video, your content should always tie back to these key themes.
Find Different Ways to Say the Same Thing
You do not have to use the exact same words every time. Tell stories, share client experiences, use bold statements, or break things down into bite-sized tips. Some people connect with facts, others with emotions, and some need to see real-world examples before something clicks. Repeating your message in different formats helps it reach a wider audience.
Weave it into Everything You Do
Repetition should not be limited to one platform. It should be a core part of your website, your emails, your social media captions, your presentations, and even your conversations with potential clients. The more places people hear your message, the more they associate it with you.
Own Your Signature Phrases
A great way to make repetition feel natural is to develop signature phrases or concepts that people associate with you. Maybe it is a specific way you describe your process, a catchphrase you always say, or a unique name for your framework. An example from what I do is, “Posted is Better Than Perfect.” These become shorthand for what you do and make you instantly recognizable.
Trust That Your Audience Needs to Hear It Again
You might feel like you have said something a hundred times. Your audience has probably only heard it a handful of times. If it is important to your brand, keep saying it. Keep reinforcing it. Keep showing up with the same energy and conviction every single time.
Repetition is What Makes You Unforgettable
The brands that stand out are not the ones trying to reinvent themselves every five minutes. They are the ones who plant a flag, claim their space, and repeat their message until the right people cannot ignore them.
Next time you hesitate to repeat yourself, remember this, the people who need to hear your message are not tired of it yet. They are just starting to notice.
Keep saying it. Keep showing up. Own your voice.
Soon, they will not just remember you, they will choose you.
Long-Form Content is Your Secret Weapon
Whether you’re a life coach, business strategist, or health guru reinventing yourself after the corporate grind this post is your go-to guide. Grab your latte and get ready to dive into why long-form content is your secret weapon for building a signature style online. We’re talking about blog posts, podcasts, YouTube videos, or any deep-dive content that lets you shine far beyond surface-level posts.
Let’s explore the 5 powerful reasons why long-form content is essential for you as a coach, plus we will add some SEO tips to help you rank higher and get noticed by the right people.
1. Elevate Yourself from “Just Another Coach” to the Go-To Expert
You already have an immense amount of knowledge and real-life experience. But how do you move from being “just another coach” on social media to the trusted expert your audience is searching for? The answer is simple: long-form content.
Why It Matters for Coaches:
- Showcase Depth & Expertise: Detailed blog posts or podcasts allow you to dive deep into topics like overcoming self-doubt after leaving corporate life or mastering work-life balance during a reinvention.
- Build Authority: When your audience spends time with your in-depth content, they see firsthand that you’re not just about quick fixes you’re the real deal with a wealth of experience and actionable insights.
Pro Tip: Create content that answers your audience’s top questions. These larger pieces serve as a comprehensive guide that you can repurpose into social media snippets later.
2. Create an Endless Social Media Content Pipeline
Ever find yourself stuck staring at a blank screen, wondering what to post next? Long-form content is like your secret well of inspiration. Write one in-depth article or record a long podcast, and suddenly you have a buffet of content ideas that you can slice, dice, and share across your channels.
How It Works:
- Repurpose with Ease: Break down a comprehensive blog post into bite-sized quotes for Instagram, engaging snippets for Facebook, or teaser clips for your next podcast episode.
- Stay Consistent: With a backlog of long-form content, you’ll never run out of posts, which means you can maintain a consistent online presence without burning out.
3. Nail Your Cohesive Brand Voice and Signature Style
Your Signature Style and your brand voice is what sets you apart. Long-form content gives you the space to refine your tone, tell your story, and develop a signature style that resonates with your audience. Remember, your brand is not just a pretty Canva template it’s the vibe that makes you recognizable.
What You Gain:
- Consistency Across Platforms: When you write detailed posts, the unique voice and style you develop naturally carry over into your shorter content pieces, making your entire online presence feel unified and memorable.
- Authentic Connection: By sharing your journey, struggles, and triumphs in a conversational way, you forge deeper connections with your audience. They’ll begin to recognize and love your unique vibe before even seeing your name.
4. Build Unbreakable Trust and Keep ‘Em Coming Back for More
In the chaotic world of quick tips and fleeting trends, long-form content stands out as a beacon of quality and authenticity. As a second-act coach, you have a wealth of experience that your audience craves. By taking the time to share detailed insights and personal stories, you build a level of trust that can’t be achieved through a 15-second reel.
Why Trust Matters:
- Deep Connection: When you share your journey your challenges, successes, and even the lessons learned along the way your audience feels like they’re getting to know the real you.
- Repeat Engagement: Detailed, thoughtful content not only answers your audience’s questions but also keeps them coming back for more. They’ll bookmark your posts, subscribe to your podcast, and eagerly await your next piece of wisdom.
5. Stand Out from the Social Media Noise
In a world where everyone is chasing the latest trend, you have a unique opportunity to break free from the noise by delivering long-form content that offers real, actionable value. While others might be busy with fleeting Instagram stories or trend-based posts, you’re investing in content that educates, inspires, and truly transforms your audience.
The Big Picture:
- Quality Over Quantity: Your detailed content signals to your audience that you’re in it for the long haul. It’s a powerful way to communicate that you’re more than just a momentary trend—you’re a seasoned expert with valuable insights.
- Memorable Impact: By consistently providing in-depth content, you’ll be the coach that your audience remembers, turning casual readers into loyal followers and clients.
Absolutely! Here’s how we can integrate the diagram and a paragraph into the blog post:
How to Break Down Long-Form Content for Maximum Impact
If you’re wondering how to turn a single long-form piece into a full-blown content strategy, we’ve got you covered. Instead of posting once and hoping for engagement, break your blog post, podcast, or video into multiple content pieces that can be used across different platforms. This approach not only maximizes your reach but also ensures you never run out of content ideas.
Check out this Single Platform Breakdown that shows how one long-form piece can transform into multiple posts:
As you can see, a single blog post can fuel key takeaways, quote graphics, behind-the-scenes (BTS) content, interactive posts, and more. Plus, every piece can be repurposed into stories or adapted for other platforms, saving you time while keeping your content fresh and engaging.
This method helps you maintain a consistent presence online without constantly creating from scratch because let’s be real, you’ve got a business to run!
Ready to Ignite Your Online Presence?
Long-form content might seem like extra work at first glance, but trust me it’s the secret sauce that transforms your online presence. Not only does it help you cut through the social media chaos, but it also positions you as a trusted authority and sets the stage for a cohesive, signature brand style that resonates with your audience.So, if you’re ready to harness your second-act energy, grab that latte, and start crafting your next long-form masterpiece. Whether it’s a detailed blog post, an inspiring podcast episode, or a deep-dive YouTube video, remember that every piece of long-form content you create is an investment in your brand’s future.
Content Pillars That Fit Your Signature Style
How to Choose Content Pillars That Fit Your Signature Style Framework
Creating a standout social media presence isn’t just about pretty aesthetics or jumping on the latest trends. It’s about purposeful storytelling that builds trust, sparks conversations, and (most importantly) drives results. This is where content pillars come into play because they are the foundation of your strategy and help you stay consistent while staying true to your brand’s signature style.
How do you decide on content pillars that align with your brand and resonate with your audience? Let’s break it down step by step.
What Are Content Pillars, Anyway?
Think of content pillars as the big topics or themes that your content consistently revolves around. They’re not one-off ideas or random posts, they are recurring themes that tie your message together and communicate your expertise.
For example, a health coach might focus on:
- Busting common health myths.
- Sharing simple, healthy recipes.
- 3Mindset and motivation for sustainable wellness.
These pillars help your audience know what to expect from you. They also make your life easier because you’re not scrambling for random ideas every week.
Step 1: Start with Your Audience’s Needs
Your content isn’t about you. It’s about your audience and what they need from you to like, know, trust, and ultimately hire you.
Ask yourself:
- What questions is my audience asking?
- What problems keep them up at night?
- What would make their lives easier, better, or more fun?
Take time to think like your ideal client what would make her stop scrolling and say, “Wow, this is exactly what I needed today”?
Step 2: Anchor Them to Your Expertise
Your content pillars should showcase what you bring to the table. What makes you the go-to person in your niche? What’s your secret sauce?
Here’s a simple way to figure it out:
- Review past testimonials or feedback—what do people thank you for?
- Reflect on the things you can talk about for hours without getting bored.
- Highlight any unique processes, systems, or philosophies you’ve developed.
For example, if you’re a business strategist, one of your pillars might center on “streamlined workflows” because that’s what you’re known for.
Step 3: Align Them with Your Goals
Content should work for your business, not just rack up likes. Your pillars should align with your bigger goals, like:
- Growing your authority.
- Driving traffic to your website or offers.
- Building trust and connection with your audience.
- Educating your ideal clients.
Let’s say your goal is to fill spots in your 1:1 coaching program. A content pillar could be “behind-the-scenes client transformations,” where you share stories that demonstrate the value of your coaching.
Step 4: Keep a Balanced Mix
Your content needs to do more than just educate, it should entertain and engage, too. So here are some ways to do just that:
1. Educate: Teach your audience something useful or valuable.
Example: 3 Easy Steps to Create a Morning Routine That Sticks.
2. Entertain: Show your personality and share relatable, feel-good content.
Example: A funny story about how you botched your first Instagram Reel.
3. Engage: Start conversations and encourage interaction.
Example: A poll asking, “What’s your biggest struggle with social media?”
A strong mix of these three will keep your audience hooked and coming back for more.
Step 5: Stay True to Your Signature Style
This is where your unique brand vibe comes into play. Your pillars should reflect your voice, aesthetic, and values. If your signature style is bold and empowering, your pillars should feel just as fiery. If it’s more approachable and nurturing, your pillars should reflect that warmth.
For example, if you have a “mentor-next-door” vibe, your pillars might include:
- Relatable stories about your journey.
- Actionable, bite-sized tips for your audience.
- Celebrations of your clients’ wins.
Make sure every pillar feels like you! Consistent, cohesive, and unmistakably your brand.
Bonus Tip: Test and Refine
Content pillars aren’t set in stone. Once you start posting, pay attention to what resonates most with your audience. What gets the most comments, saves, or DMs? Use that feedback to refine your pillars and double down on what’s working.
Build Pillars That Work For You
To recap, here’s how to choose content pillars that align with your signature style:
- Start with what your audience needs.
- Highlight your expertise and strengths.
- Align them with your business goals.
- Keep them balanced (educate, entertain, engage).
- Make sure they reflect your brand vibe.
Done right, your content pillars will not only make your social media strategy easier but also help you attract the clients who are meant to work with you. So, grab a latte, crack open that notebook, and start building your foundation. Your biz will thank you.
And hey, if you’re still feeling stuck, drop me a DM, and let’s build your pillars together.
7 Smart Content Creation Strategies
Fuel Your Feed: Creative Content Ideas Made Simple
Ever find yourself staring at your phone, desperate to post something brilliant but coming up blank? You’re not alone—but crafting a content creation strategy doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. Jonathan Howard and Mimi Langley recently tackled this all-too-relatable struggle on a recent season 2 episode of Coffee Social, and let’s just say it was brimming with hot takes that will wake your tired content creation strategy right up!
Grab your notebook (you’ll need it) and let’s break it down.
1. Everything Can Be Content (With a Catch)
Mimi kicked off the conversation with a truth bomb: “Everything can be content.” Jonathan agreed—with a caveat. Your content needs to align with your brand—a key part of any strong social media strategy. Whether it’s your cat knocking over your latte or a heartfelt realization about your business journey, tie it back to your message. Always ask yourself: what’s the goal of this post?
Pro Tip: Share the quirky and relatable moments, but make them meaningful. Your audience will love the human touch, as long as it’s on-brand.
2. Start With What You’ve Got
Long-form content is like hitting the jackpot for content creators. Jonathan said it best: it’s a goldmine for enhancing your social media content creation strategy! Think about all the amazing ideas packed into blogs, podcasts, YouTube videos, or even social audio rooms, all of which can supercharge your social media content strategy. Each one is a treasure chest waiting to be opened.
Take a single blog post, for example. With a dash of creativity, that one piece can fuel an entire week’s worth of content. Picture this: three Instagram carousels breaking down key points, a few snappy reels highlighting the juiciest bits, and a series of stories that keep your audience entertained throughout the day. The trick is to dig out those golden nuggets and turn them into bite-sized gems that shine on social media.
Pro Tip: Treat your long-form content like a holiday feast. Carve it up into delicious servings and enjoy the leftovers—your audience will keep coming back for more!”
3. Your Notebook: The Ultimate Treasure Trove
Jonathan swears by his notebook collection—a powerhouse tool for shaping an effective content creation strategy. With over 40 of them filled to the brim, he’s basically a walking treasure chest of ideas. Whether it’s questions people have asked, thoughts sparked by a good book, or random flashes of creativity, Jonathan captures it all. And he’s right: the questions people ask can be pure gold for content creation. Think about it—one simple inquiry could inspire an entire series of posts, videos, or stories. Every scribbled note is a potential spark for your next big idea. So, grab your own notebook (or five) and start jotting—your future content will thank you!
Mimi’s take? Write it all down. Whether it’s a client question, an interesting conversation, or even an idea sparked while driving past a gas station (yes, that happened), jot it down. Your next post might already be sitting in your notes app.
4. Borrow (and Build on) Inspiration
Great ideas are everywhere. Blogs, podcasts, YouTube videos, and even trending news can spark something brilliant. Jonathan is a big fan of “news hacking,” a creative technique to amplify your social media content strategy by leveraging trending topics—think Taylor Swift, Super Bowl ads, or that viral meme everyone’s sharing.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Answer the Public or Google Trends to find popular questions in your niche and create content that boosts your content creation strategy by being relevant and timely.
5. Daily Life is Content Gold
Your day-to-day life isn’t boring—it’s relatable. Mimi suggested using your emotions and experiences to craft vulnerable posts that resonate. Feeling stuck? Talk about it. Overcoming a challenge? Share the lesson. It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection. People do business with people, like real a$$ people!
Pro Tip: Remember, “it’s not win or lose; it’s win or learn.” Share your growth moments with your audience—they’ll thank you for it.
6. Ask Your Audience
Who better to tell you what they want than your audience? Think of them as your personal focus group, just waiting to spill the tea. Use Instagram polls to get a pulse on their interests, drop a Q&A box in your stories for real-time feedback, or take it a step further with 15-minute Zoom chats. These one-on-one conversations can uncover struggles and spark content ideas that genuinely hit home. Bonus? They’ll feel seen and heard, which means you’re building trust and loyalty while brainstorming your next post. It’s a win-win!
Pro Tip: Make audience interaction a regular part of your strategy. A monthly coffee chat (virtual or IRL) could be a game-changer.
7. Repurpose Like a Pro
This might be the most freeing advice of all: it’s okay to reuse content. In fact, Jonathan emphasized that repeating your message isn’t lazy; it’s strategic. Consistency builds recognition by reinforcing your core message in your audience’s mind. Think of it like a catchy song on the radio—the more people hear it, the more they associate it with you. Repetition helps establish familiarity and trust, making you the go-to expert in your niche. Plus, new followers might not have seen your earlier posts, so repeating key ideas ensures no one misses out.
Pro Tip: Think of your content pillars as your brand’s greatest hits. Keep playing them—your audience won’t get tired of a message that resonates.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling stuck, remember this gem from Jonathan: “Your content should always feel like you”—a non-negotiable for a winning content creation strategy. If it feels generic, you’ve missed the mark. Make your content personal, engaging, and aligned with your brand.
Setting Your 2025 Goals for Social Media
Setting Goals for Social Media
Ready to make 2025 the year you finally crack the social media code?
Setting social media goals isn’t just about tossing random numbers in the air and hoping some of them stick. It’s about creating a roadmap that ties directly back to your overarching business goals, clarifying what “success” really means, and putting solid measurement systems in place so you can track your growth over time (and not drive yourself bananas in the process).
Aligning with Your Business Goals
Before you even think about follower counts or engagement rates, start by looking at the big picture. Where’s your business headed in 2025? Expanding into new markets? Launching a suite of digital products? Trying to move from 1:1 client work to a more scalable model? Whatever your business goals are, ensure your social media strategy lines up.
For instance, if you’re introducing a new course, your social media goal might be to drive a certain number of qualified leads into your funnel each quarter.
Nail Down the Right Metrics
Measuring success on social media is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. It’s way more nuanced than just “I want 10K followers by June. Let’s break it down further because “just get more followers” is so 2018.
If you truly want to know whether your social media is pulling its weight, you’ve got to look under the hood and focus on the right metrics—the kind that tie back to your actual business objectives.
Engagement Rate:
Let’s start with engagement because, honestly, it’s the metric that reveals whether your audience is a living, breathing community or just a number on a screen. Engagement rate factors in likes, comments, shares, saves—essentially any action a user takes that shows they care about your post.
A strong engagement rate suggests your content resonates, sparks conversation, and influences decisions. If you’re consistently hitting a higher-than-average engagement rate, you’re not just pumping out content; you’re building a relationship with your followers. If your engagement is good you have officially moved past the scrolling the dating and hookup sites phase.
Click-Through Rate (CTR):
Next up is CTR, a fancy term for “How many people actually clicked that link you told them to?” Whether it’s the link in your bio, a “Shop Now” button, or a swipe-up in your stories, CTR helps you see if you’re successfully nudging folks down the funnel.
A solid CTR means your content is compelling enough to get viewers off the platform and onto your site, landing page, or whatever magical corner of the internet you’re guiding them toward. In short, CTR shows that your social presence isn’t just about pretty posts; it’s a gateway to something bigger—like actual conversions and sales.
Conversion Rate:
If CTR is about movement, Conversion Rate is about results. Did that click lead to a sign-up for your newsletter, a consultation booking, or even a sale? This metric is the ultimate proof that social media isn’t just for “brand awareness” fluff; it’s a full-blown business development channel.
Tracking conversions helps you see what’s working and what’s not. Maybe your Reels are bringing in a wave of new email subscribers, or your LinkedIn posts are driving more course bookings. By zeroing in on conversion rate, you can tie your social media activities directly to your revenue and growth goals. This is where you connect the dots between social media “vanity metrics” and actual business impact.
Brand Sentiment:
Last but definitely not least, there’s the often-overlooked but oh-so-important brand sentiment. Numbers are great, but how do people actually feel about you and your brand? Are they excited, inspired, and sharing your posts with glowing praise—or are they dropping sarcastic comments and unsubtle eye rolls?
It’s not a metric with a neat decimal point, but you can gauge sentiment by monitoring comments, DMs, and even external mentions (like when someone raves or rants about you on Twitter). Tools like social listening software can help quantify this, but even a good old-fashioned human scan of your community’s feedback can work wonders. Healthy brand sentiment means you’re building trust, loyalty, and a positive reputation. That’s pure gold in the long run.
Putting It All Together:
In other words, don’t just rely on follower counts to tell you if you’re “killing it” on social. True success might look like a small-but-mighty audience that consistently engages, clicks through, converts, and genuinely digs what you’re doing. By focusing on engagement, CTR, conversion rate, and brand sentiment, you are focusing on the things that can create real growth.
Getting SMART
Vague goals will lead you straight to content purgatory—staring at your phone, wondering where you went wrong. Enter the tried-and-true SMART framework, which is basically your personal trainer for social media success. It forces you to ditch the fluffy “I want to do better on social” and replace it with something you can actually measure and achieve.
Specific: So instead of saying, “I want more followers,” get crystal clear—“I will add 1,000 new, engaged Instagram followers by the end of Q2.” No wiggle room, no guesswork, just straight-up clarity.
Measurable: Make sure you can track whether you’re crushing it or crashing. You can count followers, tally up those DMs, or check how many email sign-ups came from your social link. Hard numbers = no second-guessing.
Attainable: Push yourself, but don’t set the bar at “Add 100,000 followers next week” and then freak out when it doesn’t happen. Your goal should be ambitious but still doable—something that will stretch you, not snap you in two.
Relevant: Align your social goals with what matters to your biz. If your business goal is to launch a new digital course, maybe your social goal should be boosting your email list sign-ups, not just raking in random likes from people who’ll never buy from you.
Time-Bound: Give your goal a deadline. “By end of Q2” or “before the product launch in April” sets a finish line to work toward. Without a time frame, you’ll be in that perpetual “someday” zone, and trust me, that’s not where you want to be.
So, bottom line: SMART goals keep you focused and action-oriented. They take your big-picture dreams and break them down into stepping stones you can actually follow. Just choose the right ones, track your progress, and watch your 2025 social media game go from meh to mind-blowing.
Plan Your Content Approach
Once the goals are set, it’s time to figure out what you’ll actually post. Will you lean into Reels for behind-the-scenes looks at your new program development? Maybe you’ll roll out a series of educational carousels to warm up leads for your January course launch.Align your content themes with the goals you’ve set so you’re not just throwing spaghetti at the wall.
Signature Style Over Trends
Yes, 2025 will have its fair share of shiny new content formats, viral dances, and algorithm changes (cue collective groans). Don’t just chase trends for the sake of it. Remember, your Signature Style is essential so put more weight on wht makes you special instead of the trends. If you notice something that aligns with your signature style and will support your goals—great. If not, feel free to skip the daily lip-sync extravaganza and focus on what matters most.Get Ready for 2025—Starting Now
Think of this as your secret weapon for the new year. This guide includes:
- 2024 Content Audit Checklist: Figure out what’s actually working so you can double down on it in 2025. (Goodbye random guesswork, hello clarity.)
- 2025 SMART Goal Setting Worksheet: Set goals that keep you laser-focused on what you really want to achieve in 2025
- 2025 Trend Cheat Sheet: Stay in-the-know with the upcoming social media trends, so you can hit the ground running instead of playing catch-up.
No more feeling invisible. No more wasting hours fiddling with posts that go nowhere. Let’s boost your visibility, your vibe, and your results. Be ready to smash 2025 by when the ball drops.
Review, Adjust, Repeat
Social media is ever-evolving, which means you’ll need to be just as flexible. Check in on your metrics monthly or quarterly. If your engagement isn’t moving the needle, tweak your content. If your CTR is stalling, try different calls to action. Goals aren’t set in stone; they’re living targets you can adjust as you learn more about what works and what doesn’t.
The Bottom Line
Setting your social media goals for 2025 is about being intentional, strategic, and just a touch ruthless with what you focus on. Align with your business vision, measure the right metrics, get SMART about it, and be ready to pivot as needed. Do that, and by the end of next year, you won’t just feel like you’re “doing social media”—you’ll feel like you’ve finally mastered it.
This is your year, lets go!
Stop Hacking, Start Creating
Hacks Are Not The Answer
Stop Chasing Social Media Hacks: When What Actually Works in Content Creation
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “best Instagram strategies for 2025” or scrolling endlessly through videos promising “the one secret to growing your audience overnight,” this post is for you. Also, this post may hurt, because the magic isn’t in hacks, trends, or quick fixes. It’s in the work you do day after day, showing up for your audience and improving over time. One step, one post, one lesson at a time.
Let’s cut through the noise and talk about what actually works when it comes to content creation—and no, it doesn’t involve buying yet another course or following the latest viral trend.
Why Hacks and Trends Won’t Build a Sustainable Strategy
Hacks and trends promise quick results, but they rarely deliver long-term growth. Why? Because they’re often built around gaming a system that’s constantly changing. Just a heads up the algorithm and those people that work at places like Instagram, they know what you are doing before you know what you are doing. So a successful hack one day is a failed account the next. Then add in all the variables that exist on your account and nobody elses. Stop trying to beat the system and do the work needed to work with the system.
Content creation isn’t about outsmarting Instagram or TikTok—it’s about connecting with your audience, building trust, and providing value. That takes time and consistency, not shortcuts. So, what should you focus on instead? Four key aspects that will lead to success with your content creation.
Four Key Aspects of Content Creation
Create Content Regularly (Even If It’s Not Perfect)
Consistency beats perfection every time. Why? Because every piece of content you create is a chance to learn, connect, and grow your audience. Every piece of content should have a goal and no matter how it performs it reveals something about your audience.
Here’s how to make consistency manageable:
- Choose What You Want to Create Start with 2-3 one should be the content that you love to create the most (think of it as a reward for actually doing the thing) and the other needs to be the type of content that your audience loves to consume
- Set a realistic schedule. You don’t need to post daily—3 times a week is enough to build momentum. Commit to your consistency and have your audience hold you accountable.
- Repurpose like a pro. Turn a blog post into a carousel. Chop up a live session into Reels. A single idea can fuel multiple posts.
Remember: Your audience isn’t looking for perfect—they’re looking for helpful, relatable, and consistent.
Experiment With Formats, Styles, and Messaging
The best way to figure out what works for your audience? Test, test, and test some more. Think of yourself as a content scientist, running experiments to see what resonates. If you haven’t tested it for yourself you have no idea if it is a good strategy for you. I recommend up to 20% of your content at any given time should be experimental.
Inside my Signature Membership I teach the Rule of 3 when it comes to experimenting with content creation, and it is a bit more complex than it sounds but what you want to remember is that you want to always iterate off a proven success. Here are some things you can do when experimenting
- Mix up your formats. Post a mix of videos, text-based posts, carousels, and infographics to see what grabs attention. Try to always post one video a week at least.
- Try different tones. Alternate between storytelling, educational, and conversational posts.
- Play with CTAs. Ask for comments, saves, shares—see what drives engagement.
And don’t forget to review the results! Your analytics will tell you what’s working, so you can do more of that and less of what’s not.
Learn From Experience (Not Just Data)
Data is a powerful tool, but it’s not the only teacher. Your own experience and intuition are just as valuable.
Here’s how to reflect on your content:
- Ask yourself questions. After each post, think:
- Did this feel aligned with my signature style?
- Did it spark engagement or conversation?
- What would I tweak next time?
- Embrace the “flops.” A post that doesn’t perform isn’t a failure—it’s feedback. Use it to refine your approach.
Over time, you’ll develop a better sense of what works for your unique audience.
Focus on Building Trust, Not Just Followers
Followers are nice, but trust is what actually builds a loyal community. And trust comes from showing up as your real (yeah, I said it) self. Show up on your profile, in lives, in the comments, on other peoples pages. The more you show up the more relationships you build. And relationships are the foundation of a successful business.
Here’s how to create connection:
- Show your face. People connect with people, not logos. Don’t be afraid to hop on Stories or share a behind-the-scenes moment.
- Share your “why.” Let your audience in on your mission, your struggles, and what drives you.
- Engage meaningfully. Respond to comments, answer DMs, and create content that feels like a conversation.
The more consistent and genuine you are, the more trust you’ll earn—and that’s what leads to lasting growth.
Why Consistency Beats Hacks Every Time
At the end of the day, content creation is a long game. Hacks might give you a quick spike, but consistency is what builds a foundation for sustainable success. Here’s why this approach works:
- You build a deeper connection with your audience over time.
- You get better at creating content simply by doing it.
- You develop a clear understanding of what works for your brand.
Ready to Get to Work?
The next time you’re tempted to chase the latest trend or hack, remember this: the magic isn’t in a secret strategy or a perfect post. It’s in the work you do, day after day, to show up, create, and connect. Remember Posted is better than PERFECT!
So, what’s one thing you can commit to this week to level up your content game? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on.
Social Media 2025: Content Changes Keep On Coming
Ready for a wild ride? Because social media is evolving faster than my four-year old nephew on a sugar high, and trust me—2025 is set to be the year you’ll want to remember.
Right now, the platforms you’ve come to know and love (or love to hate) are changing, and so are your audiences. The good news? This new era is loaded with opportunities to stand out, connect deeply, and scale your coaching biz like never before.
Ready to get ahead of the curve? Let’s dive into the specifics, tools, and tactics that’ll help you dominate 2025.
Edutainment: Teach Them Something and Make It Fun
Data Speaks:
- 66% of users prefer “edutainment” as the most engaging form of brand content.
- Nearly half of social users (48%) have increased their interactions with brands over the last six months.
Why It Works:
What do you use social media for when you get home at night? Many use it to find something to take their mind off their day, something that makes them laugh, something you can send to all the girls and say, “look thats us.” That is the content that is working.But if your content screams “boredom,” they’ll swipe away faster than you can say, “Next!” Enter edutainment, your golden ticket to feed their brains and make ’em smile. Think of it as a masterclass that’s also a stand-up comedy routine. Give them the goods, but keep it light.
How to Adapt:
- Be Relatable: Offer quick, practical tips that fit into their everyday chaos. Try a 30-second Character Reel on beating imposter syndrome where you play the coach and the client or a carousel with mindset hacks for Monday mornings.
- Did I Mention Day in the Life: This type of content is always a win and always entertaining because people want that peek behind the curtain.
- Show Your Personality: Sprinkle humor and show those behind-the-scenes bloopers. Authenticity is a buzzword; But your real weapon is being yourself.
- Get Creative: Turn FAQs into fun skits, add animated text overlays, or experiment with illustrated storytelling. Don’t be afraid to go off-script—it’s the unexpected that hooks ’em.
Short-Form Video: MVP Again in 2025
Data Speaks:
- Reels are still driving growth on Instagram, and speaking to the camera can help you connect with your audience.
- TikTok continues to win hearts, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, with 54% engaging daily. However, the ban is looming so its future is unknown.
Why It Works:
Newsflash: attention spans are as short as a goldfish on espresso. 8-seconds is (sort of) out the window unless you capture them with something curious, unexpected, or completely odd! Short-form videos meet your audience’s need for speed. In under 30 seconds, you can intrigue, teach, and entertain. And remember from above, education is important.How to Adapt (and Shine):
- Keep It Snappy: Aim for 8–20 seconds. Show a dramatic before-and-after transformation or drop a one-liner that makes them say, “Damn, I needed that.”
- Try Speaking to Camera: This allows you to connect directly with your audience, make eye contact with your camera lens, and speak to them like you are at brunch… don’t talk down to them (they hate that).
- Stay Consistent: One or two short-form videos a week can work wonders. Whether it’s a mini-client success story or a mindset hack, regular appearances build trust.
Storytelling on LinkedIn: Your Professional Playground
Data Speaks:
- LinkedIn users crave personal stories mixed with professional advice. It is time to share your journey.
- 67% of businesses now have a presence on LinkedIn, making it an active place for coaches to land clients.
Why It Works:
LinkedIn is no longer all polished résumés and corporate jargon. Your audience wants the backstory—why you do what you do, what you’ve learned, and how you’ve grown. Vulnerability shows you’re human, and humans trust humans.How to Adapt (and Connect):
- Share Your Journey: Was it a career crisis or a personal “aha” moment that led you into coaching? Spill the details, showing both the struggles and the breakthroughs.
- Celebrate Milestones: Hit 1,000 clients or launch a new program? Tell us why it matters. Give the backstory so your audience feels the victory with you. It is not about bragging so don’t post those big dollar days post the stories behind them.
- Educate with Purpose: Whenever educating on social media, do so to get your audience to that next step. Post with a purpose.
Micro-Virality: Big Wins in Small Circles
Data Speaks:
- 27% of social marketers now hop on cultural trends and memes that resonate with their niche.
- Social listening helps pinpoint the micro-trends your specific audience is buzzing about.
Why It Works (and what I have been saying)
I love these moments because I have been saying this for years, and now the rest of the world is seeing what I mean! Forget virality, reach your people it is much more powerful. Gone are the days of trying to break the internet. Micro-virality means winning over a smaller, passionate segment—your people. Remember, a tight-knit crew that buys from you beats 100,000 random likes daily.How to Adapt (and Make Waves):
- Stay Niche: Focus on 2–3 main themes your audience cares about—like mindset, self-care, or scaling to six figures. Don’t water yourself down by trying to be everything to everyone. That never works.
- Trend with Intent: Hop on memes and challenges that fit your brand. Don’t force it—no one wants to see you dancing awkwardly if that’s not your thing… but if it is, well get down with yo bad self.
- Invite Engagement: End posts with a question, like “What’s your biggest mindset hurdle this week?” Simple and direct, it sparks real conversation.
Outbound Engagement: Another One I Have Harped On For A While Now
Data Speaks:
- 41% of brands are proactively commenting on others’ content.
- Short, punchy comments (10–99 characters) drive the most engagement.
Why It Works:
If you’ve been lurking quietly, it’s time to step out of the shadows. Thoughtful comments on the right posts put you in front of the people who need your coaching. Think of it as networking without the awkward handshakes and stale appetizers. That is exactly what it is. Successful businesses are built on relationships, and those relationships begin by talking to people in comments on social media.How to Adapt (and Slay the Comment Game):
- Follow the Right Accounts: Influencers, industry leaders, and niche hashtags are your playground. Hang out where your dream clients gather.
- Add Value: Instead of “🔥🔥🔥” try “This tip is gold! I’d also add .” Show ’em you’re more than a pretty profile pic.
- Be Consistent: Commit to 10 minutes a day for meaningful engagement. Your future clients will notice.
Capturing Gen Z: Being Real is Your Key
Data Speaks:
- 68% of Gen Z uses TikTok for discovery, and 72% rely on Instagram for customer care.
- Gen Z cares about you being a real ass human and values-driven brands.
Why It Works:
Gen Z is a no-BS crowd. They’ve grown up online, spotting fakes like a hawk spots a mouse. To win them over, show your real face, values, and humor. The realness is what it takes, so stop hiding behind branding and templates… yes I am talking to you!How to Adapt:
- Show Your Values: Are you big on mental health, diversity, or sustainability? Let ’em know.
- Use Humor: Memes, stories, or self-aware jokes—just keep it real and relevant.
- Keep It Snappy: Stick to their go-to platforms (TikTok, Instagram) and serve up fast-paced content that respects their time.
AI: Your New Best Friend (and here I admit I was wrong but also right)
Data Speaks:
- 77% of social marketers now use AI for content creation.
- Teams using AI saw a 95% productivity boost last year.
Why It Works:
I have said that AI is the worst thing to ever happen to social media content in this podcast. I admit that may have been an over-exaggeration, but it’s important to remember that you need to be visible in your content. If it’s all AI, it won’t connect. Don’t let AI write your content; use it to make the process smoother. I write my posts, feed them to AI for revision, and then add my spin back in if it was stripped in the revision process. AI isn’t here to steal your thunder but to help you shine brighter. It saves time, sparks creativity, and helps you analyze what’s working. Think of AI as your digital sidekick—minus the cape.
How to Adapt (and Make It Work for You):
- Brainstorm Faster: Use AI to come up with some ideas, or additional ideas based on what you put in
- Revise Better: You can use tools like ChatGPT to revise blog posts for you, and clean up your Instagram posts. Just make sure to add your personality back in.
- Analyze Smarter: AI-powered insights show you which posts hit home and where to pivot for even better engagement.
Build a Community That Loves You Back
Data Speaks:
- Facebook groups remain a powerful tool for fostering engagement.
- LinkedIn is quickly becoming a hub for authentic professional communities.
Why It Works:
People crave belonging. A tight-knit community means you’re not just a “content creator” but a leader of your own mini-universe. Members become your advocates, cheerleaders, and yes—paying clients.How to Adapt (and Create Your Tribe):
- Start a Group: Launch a niche Facebook or LinkedIn group. “Mindset Mastery for Coaches,” anyone?
- Host Live Events: Hold Q&As, challenges, or coffee chats. When people feel heard and involved, they stick around.
- Celebrate Wins: Highlight community success stories. Shoutouts and high-fives create a positive feedback loop.
Social Listening: Your Secret Weapon
This is a whole blog by itself, coming soon!
Data Speaks:
- 62% of marketers use social listening tools, making it a top strategy priority.
- Real-time insights can boost web traffic by a whopping 35%.
Why It Works:
Instead of guessing what your audience wants, how about just, you know, listening? Social listening lets you be a digital detective, uncovering hot topics, pain points, and must-have insights you can use in your content.How to Adapt (and Eavesdrop Like a Pro):
- Use the Right Tools: Sprout Social, Hootsuite, or Brandwatch—find your weapon of choice.
- Spot Trends Early: If everyone’s stressing about a particular challenge, address it before they even ask.
- Get Feedback: Poll your audience, survey them, or just ask, “What do you need help with this month?” Their answers guide your next moves.
2025 is Your Year to Shine
Social media in 2025 isn’t about doing all the things. It’s about doing the right things. From edutainment and storytelling to building communities and leveraging AI, the future of social is all about being human, value, and real human connection. You’ve got the strategies, you’ve got the tools—now go out there and make some magic happen. And hey, if you need a co-pilot on this journey, I’ve got your back. Together, we’ll craft a killer strategy to turn your social media presence into a revenue-driving, audience-loving powerhouse.
So go on, superstar coach—2025 is waiting. Let’s seize it and make it our best year yet.
Review 2024: A Chill Content Audit to Prepare for 2025
Conducting Your Very Own Chill Content Audit
Alright, the year’s almost up, and it’s time to give your social media a little TLC. Don’t worry—this isn’t about being perfect or creating a 30-page plan although I have been known to give 30 page plans. It’s more like a quick check to figure out what’s working, what’s not, and how to make next year your best one yet.
So, grab a coffee, wine, or heck, even a mimosa (this is judgment-free), and let’s do this!
Step 1: Revisit Your Goals (and Laugh at January You)
Remember back in January when you were all, “This is the year I’m going to crush social media”? Let’s check in on how that went.
- Were you aiming to grow your audience?
- Did you want to boost engagement?
- Or maybe you were trying to turn followers into clients?
Now be honest—did you stick to those goals, or did life smack you with a plot twist? It’s all good. This isn’t about guilt-tripping yourself; it’s about figuring out if your goals matched up with the bigger picture of your business.
Action Item: Write down your OG goals and then jot down where you actually ended up. If they’re miles apart, don’t sweat it—just adjust for next year. Let’s try to focus on things that light you up next year, so bonus points if you are excited about an upcoming goal!
Step 2: Troll Your Own Feed
Time to scroll back through your posts and see what worked this year. Think of it as low-key detective work, no magnifying glass needed, at least I hope not!
- Which posts got the most love—likes, comments, shares?
- What topics or themes made people DM you? Getting those DMs are super important!
- Did you have a surprise hit? Like, that one post you threw together in 2 minutes that went gangbusters?
- Now, the million-dollar question: Were those hits true to your signature style, or were they happy accidents?
Take note of it all so you can create more of what is proven to work next year!
🎯 Action Item: Make a “greatest hits” list of your top 5 posts. Figure out what made them pop, then brainstorm how you can remix that magic next year. (More cat memes? No, sorry that is not an option.)
Step 3: Give Your Signature Style a Face-Lift
Your signature style is the secret sauce, its your unique vibe, it is what makes your content stand out. But, uh… is your sauce still saucy?
- Visuals: Are your colors, fonts, and photos consistent, or are you serving up a hot mess?
- Voice: Does your tone sound like YOU, or is it giving off “corporate newsletter” vibes?
- Storytelling: Are you sharing relatable stories, personal wins, or behind-the-scenes moments?
- Personality: Is your unique, slightly quirky self shining through, or are you holding back?
If things are feeling a little all over the place, don’t stress. Think of this as your chance to level up.
🎯 Action Item: Pick one area to tighten up—whether it’s your visuals, tone, or storytelling—and commit to making it rock-solid by February. The deeper you go with your Signature Style the easier it is for your audience to recognize you!
Step 4: Find the Gaps (aka What Did You Skip?)
Even the best social media strategy has some holes. Let’s figure out what you missed this year.
- Were you posting consistently, or did your accounts collect cobwebs?
- Did you share a good mix of posts—value-driven tips, personal stories, entertainment and offers?
- Did you make it clear who you help and how?
Sometimes the magic is in what you didn’t post. Maybe you skipped over a milestone or forgot to promote your services. (Whoops!) We actually all do that, its not just you.
🎯 Action Item: Write down 3 things you didn’t do this year but wish you had. Then schedule them for next year. Yes, literally put them on your calendar.
Step 5: Celebrate Your Wins (Big or Small)
Alright, time for the feel-good part. Social media growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s also about how you showed up.
Ask yourself:
- Did you get more confident putting yourself out there?
- Did you connect with new clients or collaborations?
- Are you proud of how you represented your brand?
If the answer’s yes to any of these, pop some bubbly (or sparkling water). Wins are wins, no matter how small.
🎯 Action Item: Write down three things you’re proud of this year. And no, “I survived” doesn’t count—dream bigger. Now, go take yourself out for a nice lunch to celebrate, no kids no work… I mean it!
Step 6: Get Ready for Next Year
You’ve got the data, the insights, and hopefully a little clarity. Now it’s time to make a simple plan for next year.
- Do More of What Works: Double down on the content your audience already loves.
- Tweak Your Style: Keep refining your visuals and tone and make sure your personality is showing up as often as you are until it’s instantly recognizable.
- Experiment a Little: Test new formats, trends, or ideas that excite you—but don’t lose sight of your main message.
🎯 Action Item: Write down ONE thing you’re going to try next year that you’ve been scared to do. Social audio? A weekly live Q&A? Go for it—you’ve got this.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Real
Here’s the thing: social media isn’t about perfection. Perfection does not exist. It’s about showing up, learning, and growing. Whether you crushed your goals or feel like this year was a dumpster fire, you’ve got a fresh start ahead. And that ahead can start today!
So, what’s the one thing you want to do differently next year? Shout it from the rooftops so we all can hear and hold you accountable. Let’s make next year the year you absolutely own your social media game. Cheers to that!
Write Social Media Captions that Add Value
Mastering the Art of Captions
A value-packed caption can be as impactful as a photo that tells a story. Captions aren’t just a nice-to-have anymore—unless you’re a celebrity or influencer like Kim Kardashian. The right caption can transform a good post into a great one and make a great post blow up! If you’re still stuck in the past, thinking captions don’t matter, here’s the reality check: Captions Matter!
A great caption speaks directly to your audience. It’s easy to read, easy to understand, and it grabs attention while adding value. Does that sound like a lot for just a few words? Maybe, but leaving the caption blank and hoping for the best won’t cut it. Social media marketing isn’t a walk in the park anymore. The prettiest picture doesn’t automatically win, even on Instagram. Social Media Marketing is a full-contact sport, so gear up and get writing! Crafting the perfect caption can add value for your followers and turn them into clients, making all the effort worthwhile.
So, how do you write great captions for your posts? Check out some of the tips below.
The Structure of Captions That Add Value
There are many different ways to structure your caption, and the best structure for your niche and the kind of content you are delivering can vary. However, here are some overarching tips on the best structure to utilize for captions.
Valuable Captions Have the Important Words First
Having the most important words first seems obvious. But many of us lose sight of this. We forget how short attention spans are (8 seconds) and that we are scrolling social media feeds at breakneck speeds. If you have any chance of capturing your audience’s attention, you better do it fast. Include your keywords of the caption in the first couple of lines. Just like with any writing, I recommend the Say What You Are Going to Say, Say It, and Say That You Said It Strategy. Don’t be afraid to be bold, funny, or a bit controversial in your first statement. Make sure it captures the attention of your audience and is brand-appropriate. It is your hook, and if you don’t hook them in the first few words, they are out!
Crafting the Body of Your Valuable Caption
The body of your caption is where you deliver on the promise you made in the first few lines. This is the “say it” part. You’ve hooked your audience with a teaser; now it’s time to provide valuable information. This can be answers to questions, helpful tools and tricks, a compelling story, or a Q&A session. In most cases you want to make sure your caption connects directly to the image or video you’re using.
After this you will quickly recap what you said, for the said that you said it portion of the caption and then its time for your call to action.
Include Calls to Action (CTAs) and questions in the final paragraph. CTAs and questions are important for encouraging engagement. They prompt your audience to interact with you, turning passive viewers into active participants. Be creative with your questions and CTAs, but remember—simple, easy-to-answer prompts often generate the most engagement.
Hashtags and @Mentions: Keep Them at the End
Hashtags and @mentions are important for reaching a wider audience, but they shouldn’t clutter your main message. Place them at the end of your caption to keep your main content clear and readable. Write a valuable, engaging caption first, then add relevant hashtags and mentions to boost your post’s visibility.
Give Your Captions Room to Breath
General Tips for Creating Captions that Add ValueTips to Level Up Your Caption Game
If you’ve mastered creating valuable captions and consistently adding value to your audience, it’s time to take your skills to the next level! As you explore advanced techniques, remember that the fundamentals still apply. Here are a few favorite ways to level up your caption writing skills:
Pay Close Attention to Your Brand Voice
One advanced move is to ensure your brand voice is consistent across all your captions and posts. Start writing all your social media content in a way that aligns with your brand language. Here’s how:
- Define Your Brand Voice: Clearly outline what your brand sounds like. Is it friendly, professional, quirky, or authoritative? Make sure this tone is reflected in every piece of content you create.
- Consistency Across Platforms: Your brand voice should be present in all communications, not just your posts. This includes profiles, comments, responses to comments, affiliate posts, and advertising. Consistency builds a unified and believable brand.
- Create a Brand Book: Develop a formal style and brand book. This guide should include your brand’s tone, language style, and key phrases. Ensure everyone involved in your social media, from posts to customer responses, follows this guide.
- Implement an Approval Process: Have a system in place for approving all posts, updates, and responses to ensure they align with your brand voice. This helps maintain consistency and quality.
By paying close attention to your brand voice and ensuring it’s consistent across all platforms, you create a stronger, more unified brand that resonates with your audience. These advanced techniques will help you refine your caption game and make your social media presence even more impactful.
Try the Mini Blog Format Caption
Deliver more value with a mini-blog format caption. This caption type includes titles and sections covering a specific topic and providing key takeaways. While longer posts can be tricky and may not attract as many readers, those who invest the time are often your most loyal supporters. Some people may even save your post to revisit later. Use the mini-blog format to introduce broader topics or themes and engage your audience deeper. Pro Tip: Highlight key points from your longer caption by creating a story update featuring the text.
Begin Utilizing CTAs to Drive Followers to Your Website
Social media platforms can be unpredictable. Instagram could disappear tomorrow, Facebook might demand hefty ad spending for visibility, and Twitter could implode. Using these platforms to build a real audience is crucial—one you can reach even if social media goes belly up. If Instagram vanished tomorrow, how many followers could you still connect with? Use CTAs to drive your social media followers to your website, where you can capture their contact information. Make them engaged followers on and off social media to secure your long-term stability.
Focus on 3-5 Themes
Identify what works on your social media and what’s missing. Focusing on delivering valuable posts with strong captions will give you insight into what resonates with your audience. Use this information to determine your brand’s 3-5 best themes and build your content calendar around these themes. Narrowing your focus allows you to hone your expertise in these areas, making content creation more manageable and effective. This clarity helps your audience understand who you are and why you matter.
Tools to Help You Write Valuable Captions
Grammarly Is My Jam
Want to be a better writer? Eliminate unnecessary words and be more concise. Grammarly Premium is worth its weight in gold as it catches a considerable percentage of grammar and spelling errors and advanced mistakes. The premium version includes critical grammar and spelling checks, conciseness checks, readability checks, vocabulary enhancement checks, genre-specific writing checks, tone checks, and plagiarism checks. A free version is also an excellent tool for catching all the critical spelling and grammar errors.
The Hemingway App
The Hemingway App says it will make your writing “bold and clear.” It works by analyzing text and highlighting places where your content is sloppy or indulgent! It helps you eliminate superfluous and ornamental words and phrases. I like this one because it helps you clearly engage with your captions.
Cliché Finder
If you are anything like me, you may tend to lean towards cliches as a safe space. But when you consider the fact that cliches are cliches because they have virtually lost all their meaning, you realize they are not going to help you create real, impactful captions. This is where a tool like a cliche finder is so useful, you enter some text into the app, and hit the submit button. Cliches in your writing appear in red.
Understanding the Value of Creating Valuable Captions
Providing value in captions is the first step in getting your audience to want to get to know more. You have a few words to capture them and highlight the value you have to offer right from the first contact. Make the most of every caption and try the tips and tricks provided and see how they work for your business. We took a fairly deep dive into how to write valuable captions, but we could probably go even deeper on captions. We hope that you can build your social media presence with a solid foundation with the tips we provided. Captions are a crucial part of content creation and social media management. They should be a part of your content calendar planning and can help you tell your story on social media. Customized content and captions are also vital aspects of what we do differently here at JRH Graphics. And even though we covered a lot here, a deeper dive is certainly possible, so please let us know what you would like to hear more on, have us explore more deeply, or explain differently! Please take a second to leave notes in the comments below.
