Don't be "That Guy" On Social
Start the Conversation Right
In the world of social media, engaging with potential clients is like being at a party—everyone wants to connect with people who share stories, show interest in others, and add value to the conversation. But many brands end up being that one person who only talks about themselves, making it hard for others to feel connected or engaged. This "Guy at the Party" approach can hurt a business’s chances of growing an authentic following and building lasting relationships. So, how can your brand stand out on social media without sounding like the loudest guest in the room? Let’s dive into the strategies to help your brand shine by putting value first.
The 80/20 Rule for Social Media Success
The key to engaging audiences on social media is to follow the 80/20 rule. This means 80% of your posts should provide value to your audience, while only 20% focus on direct asks or promotions. When businesses prioritize content that entertains, educates, or resonates with their audience, they build loyalty and trust over time. Imagine meeting someone at a party who only talks about themselves versus someone who shares fun stories or useful insights. Who would you want to spend time with? Your audience feels the same way.
What “Engaging Content” Really Means
Engaging content is all about creating posts that spark curiosity, inspire action, and invite people into the conversation. Here are a few types of engaging content your brand can try:
Tips and How-Tos: Share expert advice that solves common problems your audience faces.
Behind-the-Scenes: People love a peek behind the curtain! Show your team, your workspace, or your creative process.
Polls and Questions: Ask questions that your audience can answer, encouraging interaction.
User-Generated Content: Showcase testimonials, reviews, or user-created content that highlights real experiences with your brand.
These types of posts invite followers to engage, comment, or share—helping your brand grow organically while building real connections.
Why Self-Promotion Should Take a Back Seat
When brands focus only on self-promotion, they risk sounding inauthentic or pushy. The truth is, people don’t just follow a brand to be sold something; they follow it because they see value. By reducing promotional posts to 20% of your content, you’re giving your followers room to breathe and interact on their terms, not just when there’s a sale or offer. That 20% still matters—it’s just delivered after you’ve built trust through valuable, engaging content.
Examples of Businesses Getting It Right
Take brands like Patagonia or Dove. They post content that resonates with their audience, sharing stories that matter and inviting followers into a broader conversation. They’re not always talking about sales or promotions; instead, they bring their brand values to life. This approach has created loyal communities that trust and support their brands—not just because of their products but because of what they stand for.
Where Creative Table Comes In
At Creative Table, we specialize in helping brands find that perfect balance on social media. Our team of content creators, strategists, and designers can help craft a plan that puts your brand in the spotlight for the right reasons. By focusing on engaging, audience-centered content, we ensure your brand is one that people want to talk to—not just one that talks at them.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
If your social media strategy feels like you’re “the guy at the party” who just can’t stop talking about yourself, it might be time for a new approach. Shift the focus to creating value, fostering conversations, and building trust with your audience. Remember the 80/20 rule, create content that people genuinely care about, and let your brand’s unique personality shine. With a little guidance, your brand can be the one everyone wants to connect with at the social media party.