3 Reasons Your Social Media Strategy Is Always Behind (and How to Stay Ahead)
In the fast-paced world of social media, sitting back and reacting isn’t enough. As someone who’s managed multiple client accounts and helped brands with their social media strategies, I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to fall behind. But I’ve also learned how to stay ahead of the curve. Let me share some insights I’ve gained from my journey.
The Reactive Trap: Why You’re Always Playing Catch-Up
1. Chasing Trends = Always Behind
When I first started in social media, I thought staying on top of every trend was the key to success. I’d spend hours scrolling through feeds, trying to jump on the latest bandwagon. But here’s the truth: by the time you spot a trend, it’s often already peaking. You’re not leading; you’re following.
2. Relying on Likes? It’s Misleading Your Brand
During my time as a Social Media Director, I saw many brands obsess over likes and follower counts. It’s a common trap. These vanity metrics can give you a false sense of success while your actual engagement and conversions lag behind.
3. Planning Seems Hard, But It’s Not
Many think planning kills spontaneity on social media. I used to believe this too. But after managing $200K campaigns and growing accounts from hundreds to thousands of followers, I’ve learned that lack of planning is what truly holds you back.
How to Stop Playing Catch-Up and Lead the Conversation
1. Review and Create
Look at what worked in the past to make new content. This doesn’t mean recycling old ideas, but using your successes as a springboard for innovation.
- Analyze your top-performing posts regularly
- Identify patterns in engagement and content types
- Use these insights to brainstorm fresh ideas that align with your audience’s interests
During my 300 workouts/year challenge, I noticed that posts about overcoming obstacles resonated most. I used this insight to create more content about perseverance, which consistently outperformed other topics.
2. Start the Talk
Know your audience and initiate conversations instead of just joining them.
- Develop a deep understanding of your followers’ pain points and interests
- Create content that addresses these points proactively
- Use open-ended questions to encourage dialogue
When I moved to Ecuador and faced daily power outages, I turned this challenge into an opportunity. I started conversations about productivity under difficult circumstances, which resonated strongly with my audience of entrepreneurs and professionals.
3. Plan But Stay Flexible
Having a plan doesn’t mean you can’t be flexible. In fact, a good plan allows for more agility.
- Develop a content calendar with room for spontaneous posts
- Keep a bank of evergreen content ready for slow days
- Set aside time each week to adjust your plan based on current events or trends
During my time managing multiple client accounts, I always had a mix of planned content and flexible slots. This approach allowed us to maintain consistency while still capitalizing on timely opportunities.
The Proactive Advantage
Being proactive in your social media strategy isn’t just about staying current — it’s about leading the conversation in your niche. It’s about creating content that resonates deeply with your audience because you understand their needs and challenges.
When I transitioned from agency work to independent consulting, I applied these principles to my own LinkedIn strategy. In less than a year, I grew from 2,115 to over 6,000 followers by consistently creating valuable, proactive content.
Remember, social media success isn’t about having the most followers or the most likes. It’s about building genuine connections, providing real value, and staying true to your brand’s voice and mission.
Are you ready to stop reacting and start leading? It’s time to review your strategy, start meaningful conversations, and plan for success while remaining flexible. Your audience — and your brand — will thank you for it.
P.S. How are you planning to start conversations in your field today? Share your ideas in the comments!
💡 Hey, my name is Frank Velasquez. I’m a social media strategist and consultant.
→ Find me on LinkedIn.
→ If you’re an executive who believes in the power of building an audience but doesn’t know where to start, let’s connect. https://yoursocialstrategy.co/
