Why Most People Fail at Social Media And How to Actually Win

At Trie House Productions, we’re not here for vanity metrics — we’re here to help people actually grow. And if you’ve been feeling like social media isn’t working for you lately, you’re not alone.

The truth is, most people (and brands) are still posting like it’s 2019. Same strategies. Same hashtag stuffing. Same static posts with minimal engagement.

Meanwhile, social media is the biggest growth opportunity of the decade.

Platforms are rewarding new creators. People with a handful of followers are landing millions of views overnight. Brands are building entire customer bases off a single viral moment.

So — why are most people missing the boat? Let’s break it down, and more importantly, show you how to fix it: 

The Game Has Changed: Here’s What Most Marketers Get Wrong

1️⃣ They underestimate the importance of the first 3 seconds

Your hook matters more than your hashtag strategy. If you can’t grab attention immediately, you’ve lost.

2️⃣ They’re still chasing likes over watch time

Algorithms don’t care about your like count. They care about how long people stay on your content. Focus on storytelling, pacing, and value.

3️⃣ They post content and let it die

You need to repurpose and redistribute. One good piece of content can become 10+ pieces if you’re smart about it.

4️⃣ They’re not thinking like social search engines

People now search inside TikTok, IG, and YouTube like they do on Google. If your content isn’t optimized for searchability — you’re invisible.

5️⃣ They’re ignoring AI

AI isn’t the enemy; it’s your new creative partner. From idea generation to content repurposing, AI can save you hours and help you scale faster.


How to Actually Win on Social in 2025

Here’s what individuals, brands, and creative teams should be considering, budgeting for, and building into their workflow:

Invest in Concept-Driven Content, Not Just Pretty Posts

People want to be entertained, informed, or emotionally moved. A cool photo won’t cut it — your content needs a concept with a clear hook.

Prioritize Video (Especially Short-Form)

Video is the most powerful format on every platform. Learn basic editing, invest in a few plug-and-play AI tools, or partner with a creative team who can help you stay consistent.


Master the Art of Repurposing

Turn a podcast into reels. Turn reels into carousels. Turn carousels into tweets. One idea can feed your content calendar for weeks if you plan it right.

Budget for Paid Boosting (But Don’t Rely on It)

Organic reach is alive and well — but a small, strategic ad budget to boost high-performing posts can exponentially expand your audience.

Use AI Tools to Work Smarter, Not Harder

From content ideas to scheduling to caption generation, AI is changing everything. Budget for tools or work with a strategist who knows how to wield them.

Test Fast, Fail Fast, Learn Fast

The brands winning today aren’t perfect — they’re fast. Run small content experiments, see what hits, double down on winners, and move on from the flops without overthinking.

Final Thought: Consistency > Virality

Yes, everyone wants a viral moment. But the brands and creators who win long-term aren’t chasing trends — they’re building trust through consistent, valuable, authentic content. Social media isn’t just a marketing channel anymore. It’s your storefront, your resume, your credibility, and your community.

Don’t treat it like an afterthought. Treat it like your biggest opportunity.


Need help building a smart, scalable social media strategy? Let’s talk. Trie House Productions isn’t just a content studio — we’re your growth partner.

Jared Petrie

What is Trie House? It is a destination for content marketing production. With full-service capabilities in graphic design and layout, photography, video production and editing, web design, search engine optimization, social media, and online advertising – there's no better one-stop shop for content marketing needs. I provide top-quality customer service focused on making sure clients have an amazing experience during build sessions. If you need help with creative inspiration or extra production muscle, reach out so we can get building!

https://www.trie.house/
Previous
Previous

The Rise and Impact of Search Experience Optimization (SXO)

Next
Next

Will AI Replace Video Editors?