We understand that not everyone is a fan of social media, and that’s perfectly fine. Regardless of your personal feelings, it’s undeniable that social media is the most effective tool for reaching a larger audience with your content. For entrepreneurs, this exposure is priceless.
However, the challenge for most people isn’t realizing the importance of social media—it’s figuring out how to use it effectively. With constantly changing algorithms, trends, and tools, busy professionals often struggle to keep up and experiment with different strategies.
Fortunately, Brilliant Thoughts‘ editor and host Tristan Ahumada has some time-saving tips for you. In a recent episode, Ahumada shares valuable insights on how to leverage the popular social media platforms to reach their respective audiences. Get ready!
1. Facebook: A network for storytellers
Over the past decade, Facebook has evolved from a simple platform for staying in touch with friends to a space filled with controversies and scandals. However, if you embrace Facebook for what it truly is, you’ll realize that it’s a powerful tool for sharing your story.
According to Ahumada, storytelling is a timeless form of communication. He emphasizes, “Tell me a story, connect with me, share a little about yourself or someone else. That’s the magic of Facebook.”
But the question is, where on Facebook should you be sharing your stories and content? Ahumada recommends focusing on Facebook Groups, which now contribute to a significant portion of your feed. While sharing reels is engaging, the key is to use posts to build relationships and advance a narrative.
“If you’re not part of a group, find one. If you haven’t created one, focus on storytelling within the group,” he advises. “Your ability to engage with people in the group will keep them coming back.”
2. Instagram: A glimpse into your life
Instagram used to be filled with endless sunset and food photos, but now it’s a hub for sharing daily updates through stories. Live videos and short clips perform well, with reels (60-second edited videos) proving to be even more engaging, provided they don’t have the TikTok logo.
“Unlike Facebook, where feeds and groups are dominant, Instagram thrives on stories and reels,” explains Ahumada. “That’s why I recommend three to five reels, 10 stories, and one to two live videos per week.”
If you think your daily life isn’t exciting enough for multiple updates, remember that followers simply want an authentic glimpse into your world to stay connected.
3. Youtube: Where content retains value
“Despite the popularity of TikTok, I believe the biggest opportunity lies with YouTube,” states Ahumada. Surprisingly, YouTube is his top choice among social media networks.
It’s important to note that YouTube, being part of the Google ecosystem, often ranks high in search results. Uploaded videos continue to gain likes and remain searchable, increasing their value over time.
“YouTube is a destination for ‘how-to’ content, explanations, or guides,” Ahumada explains. Regardless of what you do, you should focus on providing value through your videos.
4. TikTok: Your best shot for going viral
If you’re active on TikTok, you’re aware of the platform’s addictive nature. Powered by a smart algorithm, TikTok captivates users with a continuous stream of videos. Despite its limitations, TikTok offers a unique opportunity to achieve rapid viral success.
“If TikTok is your platform of choice, focus on short video stories or live videos—that’s all you need,” suggests Ahumada. Posting three to five times a day with diverse content can maximize your chances of going viral.
“Use humor, emotions, facts, and fun to engage your audience,” he advises. “Leverage the three Fs—fun, facts, and feelings.”
5. LinkedIn: Where the pros go
While LinkedIn may not have the glamour of other platforms, it remains a vital network for professionals looking to connect and network.
“LinkedIn might not be flashy, but it’s incredibly valuable,” jokes Ahumada. “I’m going live on LinkedIn almost daily, and I love it.”
Unlike other social platforms, LinkedIn users seek business-related content, making it ideal for entrepreneurs seeking business opportunities. Subscribing to LinkedIn Sales Navigator provides access to sales tools, prospecting features, and insightful analytics.
“LinkedIn offers numerous tools that many people overlook,” Ahumada highlights.
The platform also offers a newsletter feature for writers, while a LinkedIn reel is currently being tested on select accounts for video content creators.
6. Twitter: A surprising new frontier
Twitter, known for its short, snappy content, may seem less exciting compared to visual platforms. However, its upcoming feature, Spaces, will introduce live audio conversations, providing a unique avenue for engagement.
“Twitter offers a different perspective on social media,” concludes Ahumada. “Keep an eye on Twitter—it may hold future opportunities as it continues to grow.”
The bottom line
Algorithms now heavily favor organic content produced within the platforms. Original and engaging content is essential for gaining traction and maintaining audience interest. Just like in entrepreneurship, providing consistent value is key to a successful social media presence.
