STOP PLEASING THE ALGORITHM
Social media has become awkward lately, because the users no longer act like themselves. Some do it because they fear the consequences of speaking their minds and some, because they want to please the new gods of social media fame, the algorithms. This is why platforms that were supposed to unite and facilitate communication stopped working for the majority of us. They've become cold spaces with a mix of heavy advertising, passive crowds, and extreme attention seeking influencer performance.
What happens when you aren't yourself? Most people go by appearances, so, you attract the wrong crowd. And when the mask slips, the downfall is brutal, because no one likes to be duped. And those who sense your falsity from the very beginning don't want to be around you, anyway. This also applies to creators.
When you decide to make a career on social media you are signing up for a job. More pleasant and convenient maybe, but still a job. Would you stay in a job you don't like, where you have to fake it to get through the day, for a check at the end of the week? Chances are you wouldn't stick around for too long. Yes, on social media the audience can be ruthless sometimes. However, that comes with the territory and can't be avoided. But the algorithm? Are you there for that? It's the audience that ultimately will bring you the money, fame, and influence you want. So, why are you pleasing the algorithm?
The algorithm created an entire wave of "experts" theorizing about how to make it on this or that platform. So, you tiptoe around the algorithm, matching the latest search trends, the best performing niches and the most optimal times to post, to remind the algorithm you exist. The algorithm has the memory of a fruit fly. You skip a beat and you're back to being anonymous. Do you like being trapped on a hamster wheel?
If you want to become memorable, stir increased interest and get repeat viewers, provide value with the generosity of a god. The algorithm is not God; it's a gatekeeper and value is the only thing to knock it out. Don't underestimate the most effective form of publicity since the beginning or time, the word of mouth. It all comes down to the audience. Build your presence and the right audience will arrive sooner or later. Don't choose your niche based on a trend but on your talent. And if you have multiple talents, by any means, don't niche down. You're in the public eye to impress, not regress.
If you really want to speed up the process, focus on a social media platform that aligns to your intention and personality and grow there. Prove yourself and gain credibility. Later on, if you want to expand on other platforms, your loyal audience will follow everywhere you go. Your loyal audience will promote you on any new platform before the algorithm has time to catch its breath between two executable tasks. Your loyal audience will keep buying the products you're selling. The algorithm on the other hand is just code and wants nothing.
And last but not the least, if you're told to shrink and fit into boxes too narrow for you, maybe the problem is not you and not even the box. It's the hidden power behind the box. The one who sees the patterns on a large scale, analyzes and tweaks them to determine a certain outcome, aka shape up thought and behavior for its own interest. The "experts" are just its mouthpieces. And while you're too busy to fit in, you don't have time to observe where the entire machinery takes you. Maybe into an even narrower box?
Stop giving up on your creative power. That's what will be moving you and the world forward.