Forget Chasing Followers: Why Your Social Media Needs a Strategy, Not A Giveaway

When it comes to social media, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers game.

More followers, more likes, more views—these metrics can seem like the golden ticket to success. But here’s a reality check: chasing followers without a solid strategy is like building a house on sand. It might look good at first, but it's not built to last.

1. Why More Followers Isn’t Always Better

You’ve seen the ads, the tips, the “grow your followers overnight” schemes. But the truth is, more followers don’t necessarily mean more engagement, more sales, or more brand loyalty. In fact, many of those followers might just be there for a freebie or a quick win, not because they genuinely care about your content.

Likes and share competitions, while tempting, often attract the wrong crowd. These tactics may inflate your numbers temporarily, but they rarely lead to meaningful interactions or loyal customers. Plus, many of these strategies are against Facebook’s terms of service, putting your page at risk.

Instead of focusing on the numbers, focus on building a community. Ask yourself: Are you attracting people who are interested in what you have to say? Are they engaging with your content in a way that feels genuine? Are they likely to become repeat customers or advocates for your brand?

2. Engagement Over Everything

Here’s the secret sauce: engagement is what truly matters. A smaller, more engaged audience will do more for your brand than a large, disinterested one. Why? Because engaged followers are more likely to comment, share, and recommend your content. They’re the ones who will read your emails, buy your products, and spread the word about your business.

How do you drive engagement? Start by posting content that resonates with your audience. Instead of pushing out generic posts or endless promotions, focus on creating value. Share tips, ask questions, start conversations. Show the human side of your brand. When people feel connected to you, they’re more likely to engage.

3. The Power of the Email List You Own

While social media is a great tool for connecting with your audience, it’s not a platform you own. Algorithms change, accounts get hacked, and followers come and go. That’s why building an email list is crucial. Your email list is yours, and no algorithm can take it away from you.

With an email list, you have direct access to your audience’s inbox. You can personalize your messages, segment your audience, and build deeper relationships. Plus, email marketing has one of the highest ROI of any marketing channel. If you’re not focusing on building your list, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.

4. Creating a Solid Social Media Strategy

So, if follower count isn’t the answer, what is? It’s all about having a solid social media strategy. This means understanding your audience, setting clear goals, and creating content that aligns with those goals. It’s about consistency, engagement, and using social media as a tool to drive traffic to the channels you own, like your website or email list.

Here’s a quick guide to getting started:

• Know Your Audience: Who are they? What do they care about? What problems can you solve for them?
• Set Clear Goals: What do you want to achieve with your social media? More website traffic? More email sign-ups? More sales?
• Create Valuable Content: Focus on content that educates, entertains, or inspires your audience.
• Engage Consistently: Don’t just post and ghost. Stick around to respond to comments, answer questions, and join the conversation.
• Drive Traffic to Owned Channels: Use your social media as a gateway to your website or email list.

Wrapping It Up

Social media isn’t just about follower counts or the latest viral trend. It’s about building a community, engaging with your audience, and driving long-term growth. So next time you’re tempted to run a “like and share” competition, remember that it’s the strategy behind the scenes that truly makes the difference.