Let's reveal some secrets. (Includes a free safe-zone template)
Over the past couple of years, I've been flooded with questions about my social media content strategy. It seems like everyone wants me to spill the secrets.
While I'm in the process of putting together a free ebook on this very topic (stay tuned),
I thought I'd give you all a sneak peek with some quick tips today.
Hook
First things first: your hook is everything.
It's like the digital equivalent of a handshake.
The hook is your first impression, and you better make it count.
On Instagram and YouTube, you've got a few seconds to grab someone's attention before they scroll past. So, make those first few words or frames count!
This accounts for the hook in your content and the hook in your description!
Some examples of viral hooks:
- Did you know that (X)
- You need to see (X)
- Ever wondered why (X) happens to (X)?
- Avoid making this mistake by doing (X)
- Can you relate to (X)?
- Want to level up your (X)? do this
- Don't do (X) instead do this
- The craziest thing just happened to (X)
- How to do (X)
- Here are the best ways to overcome (X)
- Someone just told me about (X)
Comments
Comments are a goldmine for engagement.
I see a lot of creators still not using the power of their comment section to their advantage.
Why you should leverage on comments:
Responding to comments shows you're human and that you care.
Plus, it encourages others to join the conversation.
Pin comments:
Be smart about what comment you pin!
Pinning a controversial comment or statement might convince other people to engage in conversation which will automatically increase your posts engagement.
In football terms it's like having a cheerleader front and center, hyping up your content for new visitors.
Frame
When it comes to video related content, eye level is key!
Aligning the subject in your video with eye level of the viewer is like you're having a one-on-one chat with your viewer.
It's subtle, but it makes a world of difference in how your audience relates to you.
Try creating your vertical video for Instagram content in this frame:
Don't be a copycat
In 2025 originality is currency.
Sure it's good to analyse and revisit content that worked in the past.
But it's important to always share your own unique touch.
Instead of just re-uploading, re-visit old content and make it BETTER.
Mix it up
Variety is the spice of life.
Switch up your content formats regularly.
On Instagram for example you can try carousels, reels, long-form videos, and stories.
This keeps your feed fresh and boosts your click-through rates.
Brand design
Your brand is your digital fingerprint.
Make your brand stand out with a consistent color scheme, a memorable logo, and a name that sticks.
Click here to read more about the importance of color.
This helps you become instantly recognizable as people scroll through feeds.
Be available
Life favors those who engage in the full experience.
The same goes for the algorithm, when you are more active your followers will appreciate you more.
More appreciation = more follower engagement = increases your chances of viral content.
Some rules:
- Respond to DM's within 48 hours
- Reply to ALL COMMENTS
- Like and comment on the people that YOU FOLLOW
- Reply to story replies
- Use engagement stickers on story once a week (Quiz,Poll,Questions)
Follow
Now this is a BIG ONE!
Make sure to follow the examples you look up to!
2 Reasons for this:
- You're likely to eventually become the people you look up to the most.
- Instagram recommends the profiles you follow to other people.
If you only follow account with more followers than you, it's likely one of those accounts will follow you back. This increases your chances of ending up in their recommended list.
Think about it:
Millionaires spend most of their time with other millionaires or even billionaires because it opens up more opportunities for them. Same is true with Instagram accounts.
Other considerations
There's a lot more to unpack such as:
- Insights - Study and implement results
- Highlights - Branding and order
- Content cycles - Duration optimisation
- Community engagement
- Link redirection and authenticity
- Professional account vs regular accounts
- Verified vs basic
I'll leave all that nitty gritty for my upcoming book on How to grow on Social Media.
What do you think of these tips?
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