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.