What You Think You Know About Social Media Is Wrong and Costing You Followers
You think you’ve got social media figured out? Think again. If you’re struggling to grow your audience, it’s not because the algorithm hates you or because your content isn’t “high quality” enough. It’s because what you think you know about social media is flat-out wrong.
Let’s break down the biggest myths that are costing you followers—and more importantly, what actually works in 2024.
1. Posting Every Day Will Grow Your Following
The myth: More posts = more followers. So, you post daily, hoping for growth. But nothing happens.
The reality: Consistency matters, but quality and strategy trump volume. The algorithm doesn’t reward people for showing up—it rewards them for stopping the scroll.
What actually works:
Instead of posting daily, post 3-4 times a week with high-impact content.
Focus on posts that trigger engagement—controversial takes, eye-catching visuals, or ultra-shareable tips.
If you don’t get engagement in the first 30 minutes, the algorithm deprioritizes your post.
Struggling with engagement? Multipost Digital helps businesses craft viral content that gets seen. Let’s talk.
2. Hashtags Are the Key to Reach
The myth: Use 30 hashtags on Instagram, and your reach will explode.
The reality: Hashtags don’t matter nearly as much as they used to. Platforms now prioritize content relevancy and engagement over simple keyword stuffing.
What actually works:
Use 5-10 highly relevant hashtags instead of spamming 30 random ones.
Optimize for SEO inside social platforms (yes, TikTok and Instagram now function like search engines).
Write keyword-rich captions that help your post rank in search.
3. You Need to Be on Every Social Platform
The myth: “You need a presence everywhere—TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook.”
The reality: If you’re trying to master every platform, you’re mastering none.
What actually works:
Focus on two core platforms where your audience actually hangs out.
Repurpose your content smartly—don’t just copy-paste from Instagram to Twitter.
Dominate one space first, then expand.
Not sure which platforms will drive real results for your business? Multipost Digital builds a custom social strategy for you. Let’s chat.
4. Viral Content = Random Luck
The myth: “Some people just get lucky with viral posts.”
The reality: Virality is engineered. The biggest creators follow repeatable formulas that make their content explode.
What actually works:
Hook people in the first 2 seconds—use a shocking stat, bold claim, or emotional story.
Use short, punchy sentences and avoid fluffy intros.
Encourage shares by making content relatable or controversial.
Reply to comments aggressively—this signals to the algorithm that your post is driving conversation.
5. The More Followers, The More Sales
The myth: “Once I hit 100K followers, my business will explode.”
The reality: Engagement matters more than follower count. A small, highly engaged audience converts better than a dead 100K-follower account.
What actually works:
Warm up your audience with value-based posts, not just hard sells.
Use storytelling to build trust.
Sell through DM conversations, not just posts.
6. Long Videos Don’t Work
The myth: “Short videos are king. No one watches long content anymore.”
The reality: People watch long content if it’s engaging. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube are now pushing long-form content more than ever.
What actually works:
Structure your videos with a clear hook, strong storytelling, and a powerful CTA.
Keep visuals dynamic—jump cuts, zoom-ins, and pattern interruptions matter.
Test long-form reels or TikToks—some of the highest-ranked videos now exceed 90 seconds.
7. You Need Professional-Quality Videos
The myth: “I need a high-end camera and a studio setup to go viral.”
The reality: Raw, authentic content wins. People engage more with real, relatable videos than overproduced, commercial-style content.
What actually works:
Use your phone. Great lighting and a clear message matter more than fancy editing.
Speak directly to the camera like you’re FaceTiming a friend.
Jump on trends quickly—timing matters more than perfect production.
Want to start creating viral content without a full production team? Multipost Digital can help. Book a strategy call today.
8. The Algorithm Is Out to Get You
The myth: “Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are hiding my posts. The algorithm hates me.”
The reality: The algorithm doesn’t hate you. It’s just neutral. If your content isn’t getting engagement, it’s because people aren’t reacting to it.
What actually works:
Make better content that holds attention.
Engage first—comment on others’ posts before dropping your own.
Leverage trending sounds and keywords for extra visibility.
9. Social Media = Free Marketing
The myth: “I’ll just post and get leads for free.”
The reality: Organic reach is declining. Even the best content needs distribution to get seen.
What actually works:
Run low-budget ads to boost your best posts.
Leverage collaborations—feature influencers or partner with other pages.
Email your content to your list—not every lead will come from the feed.
10. Social Media Growth Is Slow
The myth: “It takes years to build a strong audience.”
The reality: You can gain thousands of followers in weeks—if you use the right strategies.
What actually works:
Leverage short-form video aggressively (TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts).
Engage with bigger creators—commenting on viral posts gets you seen.
Create bingeable content that makes people scroll through your profile.
Final Thoughts: What You Need to Do Next
Most people fail on social media because they follow outdated advice. The game has changed. If you’re not keeping up, you’re losing out.
Here’s what to do now:
-Audit your content strategy—stop wasting time on what doesn’t work.
-Double down on engagement-based posts—this is how you get seen.
-Get expert help—Multipost Digital specializes in viral growth strategies that actually work.
Want a social media strategy that drives real results? Let’s talk.
