When I started Annie Sharae Creations, I knew social media would play a huge role in getting my brand out there. But what I didn’t realize was just how much of a learning curve it would be. It’s one thing to post cute pictures of your products—it’s another to actually build an engaged audience and turn followers into customers.
This past year and a half, I’ve been experimenting, adapting, and figuring out what works (and what doesn’t). Social media is always evolving, but here are a few key lessons I’ve learned about promoting my business online.
Engagement Matters More Than Follower Count
In the beginning, I thought the key to success was growing my follower count. But after my first year in business, I learned that having a high follow count does not always match content engagement. Essentially, you can have thousands of followers but your social media won’t truly grow unless those followers are engaging with posts through likes, comments, and sharing.
Taking the time to reply to comments, respond to DMs, and use interactive features like Instagram polls or Q&As, can provide a noticeable difference in how your audience engages with your content. The more you aim to connect with people, the more they will connect with your brand/business—and that’s what really builds loyalty.
Quality Over Quantity
Posting every day sounds great in theory, but if the content isn’t high quality or intentional, it won’t get much traction. I’ve found that a well-thought-out post 3-4 times a week is more effective than daily, rushed content.
When I first started this journey, I tried to develop as much content as possible (not all of it being high quality). Over time, after collaborating with other entrepreneurs and creatives, I learned that taking the time to be intentional about the content I was posting had a better impact on my social media engagement.
Paid Promotions Can Be Helpful—But Organic Growth is Key
I’ve experimented with Instagram and Facebook ads, and while they can be helpful for visibility, I’ve found that organic content and word-of-mouth marketing drive more meaningful engagement.
People are more likely to trust a recommendation from a friend or a relatable post than a paid ad. So, while I did use ads in the beginning of this journey, I put most of my energy into creating content that feels authentic and naturally attracts my ideal audience.
Authenticity Wins Every Time
At the end of the day, the most important lesson I’ve learned is that authenticity is my greatest marketing tool. Trying to mirror what other businesses are doing or constantly chasing the algorithm can be overwhelming. Managing social media for my brand takes a lot of energy, so this year, I’ve shifted my focus. Instead of stressing over constant posting, I’m prioritizing building a community and expanding my network of fellow entrepreneurs and creatives. While I may not post as frequently as I once did, I’m being more intentional—sharing and resharing content that truly reflects my brand’s values.
Final Thoughts: Keep Experimenting and Learning
Social media is always changing, and I’m still figuring things out as I go. But these lessons have helped me build a stronger connection with my audience and promote Annie Sharae Creations in a way that feels genuine.
If you’re a small business owner, what’s one thing you’ve learned about social media? Let’s chat in the comments! 💬