In today’s digital landscape, if your social media marketing isn’t delivering, it’s not your fault. The game has changed, and the old advice of just posting more or creating viral content won’t cut it. You need a strategic approach, and that starts with the right tools.

First, let’s debunk the myth that you need to be on every new platform that pops up. It’s a recipe for disaster. Instead, focus on where your target market hangs out. If they’re 35 and up, you’re looking at Facebook. Under 35? Instagram is your playground. For B2B, LinkedIn is the goldmine. Once you’ve nailed down the platform, then you can think about the message and the media.

Now, let’s get to the meat of it—video content. The future of social media is video, and every platform is prioritizing it. If you’re not on this train, you’re getting left behind. But don’t just make videos for the sake of it; you need a plan. Start small with stories on Facebook or Instagram. These are 15-second, raw, uncut versions of something—anything—that your audience might find interesting.

Once you’re comfortable with stories, level up to Reels on Instagram or Shorts on YouTube. These are longer, around a minute, and they give you the chance to dive deeper into topics that resonate with your audience. Again, the focus is on what your audience wants—their miracles and miseries, their hopes and fears.

But what if you’re not a video person? Well, you’re going to have to become one, or at least get comfortable with it. The algorithm favors video content, and that’s not changing anytime soon. If you’re struggling with reach and engagement, this is the missing piece of the puzzle.

Now, let’s talk about some tools that can help you execute this strategy. For video editing, you can’t go wrong with DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro. These are professional-grade tools that give you a lot of control over your content. For social media management, consider platforms like Hootsuite or Buffer. They allow you to schedule posts, track social media engagement, and analyze results.

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive solution, HubSpot offers an all-in-one marketing software that covers everything from social media to SEO to email marketing. It’s a powerful tool that can help you manage and analyze all your marketing efforts in one place.

To sum it up, the key to successful social media marketing in today’s world is a strategic approach, a focus on video content, and the right tools to manage and analyze your efforts. So stop listening to outdated advice and start implementing strategies that actually work. Your future self will thank you.