S3EP42: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR - SOCIAL MEDIA EDITION
Listeeennnn. People who “do social media” are not all built the same, and it shows. Fast.
In this episode we’re finally saying what needs to be said + breaking down why investing in the right person isn’t a splurge, it’s a strategy.
Buckle up. We’re not holding back.
Well, do we ever? #SlideTFIn
You Get What You Pay For (and No, Your Cousin Can't Run Your Business Page)
Everyone thinks they know social media.
Because they use Instagram, because they posted a story once, because they got a few likes on a thirst trap.
But managing a brand’s digital presence in 2025? That’s not just throwing a filter on your dog and calling it content. That’s strategy. That’s psychology. That’s PR with a ring light.
In this episode, we (Cameron & Kelsey) finally said what we’ve been screaming in group chats and behind closed client calls:
“You get what you pay for. And most of y’all are just paying for glorified thumbs.”
Let’s talk about it.
Social Media Is NOT Just Pretty Pictures
If your “social media manager” is still posting square photos with no thought behind them on Instagram? No.
We’re in a full-on vertical video, storytelling, PR-heavy era. And the brands who are winning on social media? They’re not just “posting.” They’re curating full-on digital experiences.
There’s content strategy.
There’s reintroduction and brand awareness campaigns.
There’s vibe curation based on industry, audience, and scroll habits.
There’s analyzing audio trends and understanding post ratios.
There’s making your caption copy hit like a Drake lyric.
If you’re not doing all of that? You’re just posting to post. And it shows.
Social Media Is More PR Than Marketing (Hot Take? Maybe.)
Most people don’t realize this, but social media isn’t about selling — not directly.
It’s about building trust.
Controlling the narrative.
Getting people to feel something about your brand before they ever buy from you.
Think of it as your digital reputation. If your content doesn’t connect emotionally — if it’s just “buy this” and “look at us!” — you’re not doing social media. You’re just yelling into the void.
“But My Assistant Can Do It…” Okay, But Can She?
Here’s the raw truth:
Just because someone’s good at making their own feed look cute, doesn’t mean they understand how to build content that converts for a brand.
Running a business account takes:
Deep understanding of audience psychology
Copywriting skills
Editing skills
Design intuition
Knowledge of platform algorithms
Content pacing, scheduling, keywording, and community management
It’s not about vibes. It’s about results. And the difference between a $250/month freelancer and a seasoned strategist? Night and day.
Repetition Isn’t Annoying — It’s Strategic
Most business owners get stuck here.
They’re afraid to “repeat themselves” or “post about the same thing twice.”
But guess what? No one remembers your posts like you do.
Less than 10% of your audience even sees what you post. And the ones who do? They need to hear your message multiple times before it even registers. That’s not being annoying. That’s being smart.
You’re not reinventing the wheel. You’re reinforcing the brand.
Your Feed Is Your Digital Storefront
Think of your Instagram like your front window. If it’s dusty, cluttered, or just confusing — people are walking right past it.
You can have the best product or service in the world, but if your grid is all square crops, awkward fonts, and confusing bios? It’s giving “Amazon box with no wrapping paper” energy.
People choose brands based on how they feel. And your social media is where that feeling starts.
Let’s Talk Features: Yes, They Matter
Are you geo-tagging your posts?
Are you using keyword-rich bios and captions?
Are you pinning your highest-performing content?
Are you optimizing video ratios per platform?
Are you replying to DMs, comments, and story mentions?
These aren’t “extras.” These are bare minimums in 2025.
If your social media manager isn’t doing this — again, you’re paying for thumbs. Not strategy.
Viral Doesn’t Equal Valuable (But Strategy Always Wins)
Will every post go viral? Absolutely not.
But can every post have a purpose? A strategic reason it exists? A way it moves your audience deeper into your brand story?
Yes. Every damn time.
And that’s the difference between content that performs — and content that just clutters your feed.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Content Calendar. You Need a Content Vision.
We’re not here to just check boxes.
We’re here to:
Build digital ecosystems
Tell real stories
Elevate your brand’s presence
And honestly? Make your life way easier in the process
So yeah, you get what you pay for.
And if you’re ready to invest in your brand like you actually give a sh*t — you know where to find us.
Follow along on socials
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Quotes from the episode
“Everyone cooks, but not everyone thinks they’re a chef. So why does everyone think they’re a social media expert?”
“You’re not just hiring someone to post pretty pictures—you’re hiring someone to control perception.”
“Social media is more PR than it is marketing. It’s emotional, relational, and it’s how people decide if they like—and trust—you.”
“If you’re going for the cheapest option, you're basically getting glorified thumbs.”
“Great content has layers: visual stop power, emotional pull, subtle sales, and a clear CTA. That’s the blueprint.”
“Posting is just the beginning. Engagement, strategy, copy, timing, platform knowledge—that’s where the value lives.”
“Nobody remembers your post from a year ago. Repurpose your content. The best creators do it all the time.”
“Think of your social media like packaging: you can have the best product in the world, but if it’s wrapped in an Amazon box, no one’s picking it up.”
“Social media is not a sprint—it’s a long game. A consistent presence builds brand trust, visibility, and eventual conversion.”
“Great social strategy isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about guiding users through a funnel—from curiosity to click to conversion.”
“Hard marketing rarely works on social. What works is storytelling, community, and consistent emotional connection.”
“Every caption should have a hook, a story, and a call to action. That’s not just copywriting—it’s conversion-focused strategy.”
THANKS FOR SLIDING TF IN, Fangirl. <3