Let’s be real– the days of tossing up a pretty Canva graphic and calling it a day are over. Social media is now all about creating dynamic, engaging, and binge-worthy content that helps you stand out amidst the increasingly crowded online space. If the goal is to create share-worthy content that aligns with your personal brand and message, then you may want to read further….
We were able to meet with Carson Ordoyne from Carson Social to discuss the difference between social media management and content creation as we broke down some specifics about what is actually working on social media in 2024.
What’s hot in content?
Talking Reels: With the popularity of reels and tik tok, short videos talking to the camera are all the rage as they capture attention and drive engagement within a short time frame!
CTAs Everywhere: Visual calls-to-action (CTAs) and strong CTAs in your captions are non-negotiable.
Niche-Related Comedy Trends: Laughs tailored to your audience = a community of engaged followers. Stay updated on trends and sprinkle in content that does not take itself too seriously, people come to social media for a relief from the outside world!
High-Quality Images and Face-to-Camera: High quality images invite people to pay further attention and enjoy the aesthetic you are creating. People want real, not robotic. Show your face to connect authentically.
Content Creation V. Social Media Management
People often use “content creation” and “social media management” interchangeably, but they are not the same. Both are crucial to being successful in the online space, but they represent different aspects of an established online presence.
Content Creation: Making the Magic
Content creation is the beauty behind what you post- the on brand, eye catching visuals, the cohesive and engaging captions and the overall aesthetic of your page that draws your audience in! These are the materials that bring your vision to life in various formats.
Social media management: Making the magic reach your audience
Social media management is where strategy and execution collide. This is when you make sure that the beautiful content you have created is actually working for you! This includes aspects such as post consistency and scheduling. The operational side of things may not be as interesting, but they are fundamental to reaching your audience!
How Does Carson Make It Work?
“I don’t just create content; I craft strategies tailored to you.” Carson highlights the importance of getting to know her clients. Her on-boarding process is like a deep dive—we chat about your goals, pain points, and what lights your fire. From there, she does competitor analysis, trend research, and monthly strategy check-ins (coffee chats optional but encouraged).
It is important to blend all the trending tactics—talking reels, CTAs, and more—with one mission: making your brand stand out and your community thrive. We also handle engagement, helping nurture your audience while attracting the right people.
Do Content Pillars Still Matter?
Sure, the classic pillars such as education, inspiration, hacks, and controversy are a good foundation. But let’s be honest: they’re just the starting line. We push our clients to elevate their pillars. Know your audience and give them what they want—then sprinkle in your unique spin. This comes from knowing your target audience is and what they would like to see!
Which Apps Should You Be On?
The golden rule: be where your audience is. If you’re a lawyer, LinkedIn is your spot. A photographer? Instagram! Influencer? Make a TikTok! Always aim to be active on at least two platforms, and make sure one is a “hub” or “home base” like Instagram or Facebook. If you are to choose just one platform, instagram is recommended as it is popular across several generations.
How Personal Should You Get?
When trying to strike the balance on what to share, refer to the 80/20 rule: 80% professional, 20% personal. Tie that personal 20% back to your business—like sharing struggles that shaped your journey. Remember- authenticity builds connection!
Before You Post, Ask Yourself These Two Questions…
- What is the goal here- reach? Engagement? Education? Find your why and let that lead your content creation.
- Would I stop scrolling for this? If not, your audience won’t either. Consider if the content your posting would be something you are interested in seeing, if not- reevaluate!
ICYMI: Hashtag edition
Instagram has ditched the hashtag following. Spammers were misusing hashtags to flood instagram with meaningless content, so now the platform is focused more on algorithms to suggest personalized content for its users based on what they are choosing to interact with on the app. Hashtags still work for search, but they’re not as crucial as they used to be in driving new traffic towards your page. Pro tip: focus on engaging content, not relying on hashtags to bring in the curious instagram users. When in content creation mode, consider what is current and binge-worthy- the algorithm loves this stuff!
The biggest takeaway from our conversation with Carson was…
The biggest takeaway from our conversation with Carson and our experience online is this: truly understanding your brand and target audience, while authentically connecting with your viewers, is the key to growth and maintaining an online presence. The combination of thoughtful content creation and effective social media management can propel your brand and business – just remember, be you and the rest will follow!
Want to make sure that your beautiful content is working for you? Join our challenge to get more customers and build your brand!
