So, we’re almost in 2025, and seriously, social media, it’s still a huge thing, you know? Like, it never really goes away, it just keeps shifting. For folks out there, whether you’re running a small business or just, like, trying to be a bit of a personality online, keeping up with all the changes can feel, well, pretty much like trying to catch water with a sieve. It really is.
People often ask me what the big deal is for next year. What stuff should they actually be doing on their platforms? Because it’s not just about posting anything. You’ve got to think about things a bit, right? Otherwise, you’re just yelling into the internet, and normally nobody much hears that. It’s a whole thing.
Anyway, this isn’t going to be some super fancy, academic kind of thing. Just some thoughts, some bits and pieces that I’ve seen working, things people seem to be doing that actually get some traction. We’ll talk about making your content more real, how to actually talk to people, and some other bits too.
It’s really about connecting, that’s the main point of all this, you see. If you’re not really connecting with people, what’s the point of even being there? You might as well just be talking to your wall, and that’s generally not what anyone wants, for real. So, let’s get into some of what seems to be the way things are heading.
Being a Real Person, Not Some Robot Account
One of the things that’s becoming super obvious, I think, is that people are just tired of the overly perfect, super glossy stuff. You know, the kind of posts that look like they were made by a marketing department with a giant budget. That’s just not what folks typically want to see anymore.
They want to see the person behind the screen, the actual human being. It means showing a bit of your normal, everyday self. Maybe the office isn’t always spotless, or your hair isn’t perfectly done sometimes. People relate to that, and it makes you seem more approachable.
This doesn’t mean you have to share every single detail of your life, obviously. But just a little peek behind the curtain can go a long way. It’s about being genuine, really. You know, not just putting on a show all the time, because that often comes across as, well, fake.
It’s actually pretty easy to tell when someone isn’t being themselves. People can kind of sniff that out, and then they often just scroll right on by. So, try to be more you. It’s a good strategy, or considered to be one, for just about anyone who uses these platforms.
Actually Talking to Your People
Remember when social media was just about broadcasting stuff out to the world? Like, you post something and then you just kind of hope people see it and like it. Well, those days, they’re pretty much gone now, if you ask me. It’s a two-way street, you know.
You really, really have to actually talk to the people who are following you. When someone leaves a comment, try to respond. Not just with a quick emoji, either, but with a real message. Show them you read what they wrote and that you actually care.
This builds a kind of community, which is what these platforms were supposedly for in the beginning. It makes people feel like they’re part of something, not just a number in your follower count. It’s a pretty simple thing, but a lot of people just sort of forget to do it.
So, if you’re posting a question in your caption, make sure you actually go back and see what people said. Then, you know, reply to them. That’s how you actually get people to stick around and maybe tell their friends about you. It really helps a lot, you know.
Short Videos Are Still King, But Different Now
Everyone’s always talking about short videos, right? Like TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, they’re everywhere. And it’s true, they’re still super popular. But what kind of short videos people are watching, that’s shifted a bit, it appears.
It used to be all about perfect dance routines or super fast, flashy edits. Now, it seems like people are looking for things that are a bit more, well, relatable. Stuff that feels more spontaneous, less produced. That’s generally what seems to work.
Maybe it’s just you talking to the camera, sharing a quick thought or a tip. Or showing a quick behind-the-scenes thing. It doesn’t have to be some Hollywood production. The more authentic it feels, the more likely people are to stop scrolling and actually watch.
So, don’t stress too much about having all the fancy equipment. Your phone is probably totally fine. Just focus on being clear, being yourself, and making sure whatever you’re saying or showing is something people would find interesting or useful in some way.
Trying Out the New Things (Without Going Crazy)
Social media platforms, they’re always throwing new stuff at us. Like new features, new buttons, new ways to post things. It can be a lot to keep up with, and normally you don’t want to jump on every single thing that pops up. It’s a waste of time, really.
But it’s also a good idea to try some of the newer things they roll out. The platforms often, you know, give a little boost to content that uses their new features. So, if they release something new for stories, try it out for a bit. See if it gets more views.
You don’t have to change your entire strategy, not at all. Just experiment a little. Dip your toes in the water. See what sticks, see what your audience reacts to. It’s like a little test, and it can sometimes give you a little edge that you might not get otherwise.
Just don’t let it overwhelm you. Pick one or two new things to try each month, maybe. See how it goes. If it works, great! If not, no big deal, move on. It’s all part of figuring out what actually works for you and the people who care about what you do.
Don’t Forget About Showing What You Do, Actually
Sometimes, in all the talk about being authentic and making videos, people forget to actually show what their business is about. Or what their passion is. It’s kind of the main reason people are following you, isn’t it? They want to know what you do.
So, make sure you’re still regularly showing off your products, your services, your art, whatever it is. But do it in a way that feels natural, not just like a hard sell. Show people how your thing helps them, or makes their life better in some way.
For instance, if you sell handmade jewelry, show the process of making a piece. Or show someone wearing it in a normal, everyday situation. Make it less about just “buy this now!” and more about the story behind it, or how it fits into real life.
This is a good way to keep people interested and also remind them what you’re all about. It’s a balance, you see. You want to connect, but you also want to make sure they know what you’re actually offering or what your message is. It’s a careful dance.
So, that’s a bit of a rundown for 2025 social media stuff. It’s mainly about being a real human, talking to other real humans, and showing them what you do in a way that feels, well, real. Don’t overthink it too much sometimes. Just try things. See what works. Because normally, that’s how everyone figures things out, really. It’s usually about practice.
FAQs About Social Media in 2025
Q1: How much should I be posting every day?
A: That totally depends on the platform and your audience, typically. For some, one good post a day might be fine, but for others, like on TikTok, people often post more. It’s usually better to post less often but with high-quality stuff, than to just spam people with whatever. Pay attention to what your audience seems to like.
Q2: Should I pay for ads on social media?
A: If you have a bit of a budget and a clear goal, then yeah, ads can be super helpful. They can help you reach new people who might not see your regular posts. But make sure you know who you’re trying to reach and what you want them to do after seeing the ad. Just throwing money at it won’t work, generally.
Q3: Is it okay to use AI to help me with my social media content?
A: AI tools can be, well, a useful helper for brainstorming ideas or writing first drafts, that’s for sure. But don’t let it do all the work. Always, always make sure you add your own personal touch, your own voice. People can tell when something is just totally AI-generated, and often they don’t respond to it as much.
Q4: My follower count isn’t growing much. What am I doing wrong, probably?
A: It’s not always about doing something “wrong.” Sometimes, it’s just that getting followers is harder now. Focus on creating really engaging content that people want to share. Also, try to interact with other accounts in your niche. Being active and friendly in the community can often bring new eyes your way.
Q5: Is it important to be on every single social media platform out there?
A: No, absolutely not, normally. That’s a recipe for burnout, it really is. It’s way, way better to pick just two or three platforms where your ideal audience hangs out the most. Then, you know, really focus your energy there. Do a really good job on those rather than spreading yourself too thin across all of them.