12 Harsh Truths of Social Media. (Worksheet)

Posting costs you nothing. But wasting hours scrolling, editing, and guessing with no results is expensive. You’re spending your most valuable resource—time.

Test Yourself:

1. Did my last 5 posts lead to sales or conversations, or just likes?

2. Do I know how much time I spend each week on social?

3. Would I pay myself for the results I’m getting?

Apply It:

1. Track how long you spend on social this week. Compare it to the revenue it drove.

2. Pick one clear goal per post (comments, sign-ups, calls).

3. Cut the fluff. If it doesn’t tie back to business results, stop doing it.
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The algorithm isn’t out to get you. It just wants people glued to the app. If your content keeps people watching, you win. If not, you disappear.

Test Yourself:

1. Did my last video make people watch to the end?

2. Are people sharing or saving my posts?

3. Would I stop scrolling to watch my own content?

Apply It:

1. Start your posts with a hook that sparks curiosity in 3 seconds or less.

2. Use stories, not sales pitches—stories make people stay.

3. Cut every extra second in your videos. Shorter usually wins.
   

Running ads without testing is like setting money on fire. If your post can’t grab free attention, paying won’t fix it.

Test Yourself:

1. Did I run ads before proving the content works organically?

2. Which of my posts got the most comments last month?

3. Do I know what message resonates before I spend a dollar?

Apply It:

1. Post 5 organic pieces this week. Watch which one gets the best response.

2. Only run ads on the content that already works.

3. Save money by letting your audience tell you what’s good—then scale it.
   

Random posts confuse people. Posting once with clarity beats posting daily with noise. Discipline builds trust.

Test Yourself:

1. Can someone explain what I do after seeing 3 of my posts?

2. Do my posts sound like 5 different businesses?

3. Am I posting to check a box or to drive clarity?

Apply It:

1. Write down your core message in one sentence. Stick to it.

2. Repurpose the same message in new ways (video, carousel, image).

3. If a post doesn’t align with your main message, don’t post it.
   

Your post sits next to puppies, memes, and breaking news. If it doesn’t grab attention fast, it’s invisible.

Test Yourself:

1. Would I stop scrolling for my last post?

2. Do my posts feel different from everything else in the feed?

3. Did my content create emotion, or just information?

Apply It:

1. Open your feed. Compare your post to the top 10. Be honest—would you click yours?

2. Add emotion or surprise to your next post.

3. Use big, clear hooks: a question, bold claim, or shocking stat.

Most businesses are stuck on the content hamster wheel. You don’t need more—you need leverage.

Test Yourself:

1. Have I turned one video into clips, quotes, and carousels?

2. Do I post the same message in different formats?

3. Am I always creating new instead of reusing old?

Apply It:

1. Take your best post. Turn it into 3 short clips, 1 carousel, 1 quote graphic.

2. Repost your best-performing content after 30 days. Most people never saw it.

3. Save time by building a “content bank” of your best ideas.

Most of the people who see your content don’t follow you. Every post has to work like an introduction.

Test Yourself:

1. Does my content make sense to a stranger?

2. Would someone understand what I do without scrolling my profile?

3. Am I speaking only to my current followers?

Apply It:

1. Write your next post as if nobody knows who you are.

2. Use simple words—avoid inside jokes or jargon.

3. Add a short intro line in your videos (“I help ___ do ___”).

Posting and ghosting kills your reach. The algorithm only rewards posts that spark conversation.

Test Yourself:

1. Did I reply to every comment last week?

2. Do my posts invite comments or just announce things?

3. Am I starting conversations, or talking at people?

Apply It:

1. End every post with a question.

2. Reply to comments within the first hour of posting.

3. DM or thank people who engage with your stuff.

You don’t need a $10,000 camera. A shaky iPhone clip with a clear message will crush polished fluff.

Test Yourself:

1. Am I delaying posting because I want it “perfect”?

2. Did my last post have a clear point in one sentence?

3. Do people engage more with my fancy posts or my simple ones?

Apply It:

1. Post a raw video this week with no edits. Focus on clarity.

2. Write the main point of every post before you create it.

3. Cut any word, image, or second that doesn’t add value.
   

Social doesn’t close the sale—it opens the door. Marketing happens after someone is paying attention.

Test Yourself:

1. Do I expect posts alone to drive sales?

2. Do I have a clear next step for people who see my content?

3. Am I mixing awareness content with follow-up offers?

Apply It:

1. Add a simple CTA to every post (comment, DM, click).

2. Build a landing page or lead magnet to capture attention.

3. Plan what happens after someone sees your post.

Nobody cares about your logo yet. People only care if you solve their problem. Earn trust before pushing brand.

Test Yourself:

1. Do my posts talk more about me than about them?

2. Would my content be helpful without my logo on it?

3. Am I leading with value, or leading with branding?

Apply It:

1. Post one tip that solves a real customer problem—no logo.

2. Share a story from your customer’s view, not yours.

3. Focus your next post on them, not you.

Nobody follows you to hear about your broken AC or new hours. If you post like a bulletin board, people tune out.

Test Yourself:

1. Do my last 5 posts sound like announcements?

2. Would a stranger care about the info I’m posting?

3. Am I mixing updates with value-driven content?

Apply It:

1. If you need to post an update, pair it with value (tip, story, or behind-the-scenes).

2. Make announcements rare—less than 10% of your content.

3. Before posting, ask: “Would I stop scrolling for this?”