But you’re not alone
What makes for a great social media presence?
Having worked with countless clients over the years, I’ve learned it’s not about crafting the perfect post—it’s about consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to experiment. Yet time and again, I see brilliant minds get caught in the perfectionism trap. They agonize over every word, every angle, every potential reaction.
Reasonably so; it is your identity we’re talking about. And as your audience grows, many of your connections will know you solely through social. But too tight a grip will undoubtedly hold you back.
Let’s dive into why loosening the reins on your social media strategy might be the key to unlocking your full potential online.
The Ground Rules
- Know your why. Before you post, remind yourself why you’re on social media in the first place. Is it to share knowledge? Build connections? Grow your business? Keeping your purpose front and center can help cut through the noise of self-doubt.
- Embrace imperfection. Your audience isn’t looking for flawlessness—they’re looking for you. Authenticity resonates far more than a meticulously crafted facade.
- Think long-term. One post isn’t going to make or break your online presence. It’s the cumulative effect of sharing consistent, high quality content that builds your brand.
The Reality Check
1This is (partially) a numbers game: Average organic reach rates on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn hover between 3.9% and 7.6%. Translation? Most of your followers won’t see any given post (so, in the words of my favorite Disney princess, “Let it go!”).
2. Blink and you’ll miss it: The average half-life of a post (the time it takes to receive half its total engagement) ranges from 24 minutes on LinkedIn to 19 hours on Instagram. That means any one post’s poor performance or virality is a flash in the pan.
3. Repetition is key: It takes 7–10 repetitions for a message to truly sink in for your audience. You’ve got to say it loud, say it proud—and again and again and again. And if you said it in a less-than-ideal way, it’s not a big deal
With all that said, the value of your work is compounding—potential employers, partners, and even followers will see that you’re producing consistent, high quality content. There’s definitely a long-term effect, but it’s STILL not as sensitive as you think. Think of it as a vibe check rather than a dissertation-level analysis.
What does this mean for you? Let’s break it down:
Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. A steady stream of solid content will serve you better than sporadic bursts of brilliance. Think of it as sowing seeds—the more you plant, the more likely you are to see growth.
Embrace the Echo
Worried about repeating yourself? Don’t be. Your audience needs to hear your message multiple times for it to stick. Plus, with the nature of social media algorithms, each post reaches a different segment of your audience. Keep in mind, too, that there are many more people viewing your content than those who engage, and engagement from the same set of folks doesn’t change that. Instead, they help increase your reach, as their second-degree connections are exposed to your material as well.
Trust the Process
Here’s a secret: viral posts often come from the most unexpected places. That off-the-cuff thought you almost didn’t share? It might be your next big hit. Social media is the perfect playground for testing ideas and finding your voice.
The Takeaway
Being particular about your social media presence isn’t inherently bad—it shows you care. But when it hampers your ability to share consistently, it’s time to reassess.
Remember, every post is an opportunity to connect, to learn, to grow. By loosening up and posting more freely, you’re not lowering your standards; you’re expanding your potential for impact.
So the next time you find yourself stuck in an editing loop, take a deep breath and ask yourself: “What’s the worst that could happen if I post this now?” Chances are, the benefits of activating your brand by communicating the message outweigh the risks of waiting for perfection.
What’s one thing you could do today to make posting easier for yourself? I’d love to hear your thoughts—and maybe even connect you with others who’ve overcome similar challenges. After all, the best growth often happens when we learn from each other.