Content creating for your social media account(s) can seem like a chore sometimes, it’s an extra thing you have to do to keep in the hearts and minds of your network of friends, family and your audience overall.
You try to have the perfect strategy, you may even batch create your content, but you don’t see the growth. Why is that? It may be because not enough people are seeing your message.
No matter how much blood, sweat and tears you put in, you don’t see a return on your investment. The energy out doesn’t equal the energy in. As famously said somewhere by someone, if you want things to be different, you have to do something different.
Here are two simple but effective ways to break through the stagnation and breathe new life into your social media game:
1. Collaborate with Other Businesses
Collaboration is one of the most underused (and most effective) ways to reach new audiences. And no, it doesn’t require an elaborate marketing plan or a huge following. It’s really just about finding other businesses or creators who align with your brand and teaming up.
Here are two easy ways to collaborate:
- Create a Post Together: Partner with a business that complements yours (not a competitor). Maybe you share similar values, serve the same audience, or offer products/services that pair well. You can co-create a post that highlights both your offerings or share a behind-the-scenes look at how you support each other. When you tag each other, the post appears in both your audiences’ feeds, expanding your reach.
Example: If you’re a wellness coach, team up with a nutritionist to share tips for staying healthy during the winter blahs. Both audiences win, and both businesses get fresh eyes on their content.
- Go Live Together: Instagram and Facebook allow you to host live conversations with other accounts. This is a great way to engage your audience in real-time while introducing them to someone new. Plus, it shows up on both your profiles, which means double the exposure.
Pro tip: Keep it casual. You don’t need a perfectly polished script—just a fun, insightful chat about a topic you both know well.
Not only does collaboration increase your visibility, but it also humanizes your brand. People love seeing real conversations and genuine connections.
2. Give (and Receive) Shoutouts
Another easy and effective way to break out of the content rut – Shoutouts. A little kindness can go a long way on social media.
Here’s how to do it:
- Tag and Share: Share content from other businesses or creators you admire. Whether it’s a product you love, a tip that resonated with you, or an article worth reading, tag the original creator when you share it. This puts you on their radar and increases the chance they’ll return the favor.
Example: If you love a local coffee shop, post a quick story showing off your favorite drink and tag them. They might reshare your post with their followers, giving you a whole new audience.
- Feature Someone in Your Feed: Dedicate a post to highlight a collaborator, client, or someone who inspires you. It’s a feel-good gesture that also gets your content in front of new audiences when they engage with or share your post.
When you shout out others, you’re building relationships and opening the door for mutual support. Plus, social media algorithms love when accounts interact with each other, so it can even boost your visibility.
Why This Works (and How to Start)
Social media growth isn’t just about pushing your content out—it’s about starting conversations and building community. When you collaborate or give shoutouts, you’re inviting others to be part of your story while tapping into new audiences in a genuine, organic way.
If you’re feeling stuck, try starting small:
- Identify 2-3 businesses or creators you admire or align with.
- Reach out and suggest a simple collaboration (a shared post, a quick live chat, or even a mutual shoutout).
- Keep it light and fun—the best collaborations are built on authentic connections.
And remember, consistency counts. Doing this regularly (even just once a month) can open doors and grow your audience over time.
At the end of the day, social media doesn’t have to be a solo mission. By collaborating with others—whether through shared posts, live conversations, or simple shoutouts—you open the door to new audiences and fresh connections. It’s a reminder that growth often happens when we step outside our usual routines and work together. So, if your content feels a bit stuck, why not try something new? You never know who you might meet—or how far your message might reach.