Social Media Marketing: Keep It Quick, Casual, and Short

In today’s world of scrolling, swiping, and tapping, there’s no denying that social media has become the arena where businesses make their presence known. But here’s the catch: if your marketing content doesn’t grab your audience’s attention within the first few seconds, you might as well be whispering into the void. The modern consumer’s attention span is shorter than ever, and they simply don’t have time to sit through a 20-minute explanation of why your product is the next best thing since sliced bread. So, forget about hiring a specialized social media manager or contracting a professional photographer for the perfect Instagram grid. The secret to successful social media marketing? Keep it quick, casual, and short—and even a little personal.

Let’s be real: the average person’s attention span today is reportedly shorter than that of a goldfish, clocking in at a whopping eight seconds. Yes, you read that right. A 2015 study from Microsoft found that human attention spans have dropped by nearly four seconds in just over a decade. Why? Blame it on the overwhelming amount of digital content we consume daily. With the constant barrage of memes, viral videos, and notifications, people simply don’t have the patience to sit through long, overly produced content. A 2019 study by Facebook also revealed that 65% of people who watch the first three seconds of a video will stop watching by the 10-second mark. If customers wanted to engage with lengthy, in-depth content, they’d probably sign up for a TED Talk. Unsurprisingly: they don’t.

So, what does this mean for businesses looking to market on social media? You don’t need a five-minute documentary about the history of your product or a series of studio-lit, slow-motion shots of your soap stand. You’ve got ten seconds, tops—so make them count.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to break the bank investing in a full-scale social media team or thousands of dollars in camera equipment. You know that thing you use to check your emails, text your friends, and—ironically enough—scroll through social media? Yep, your smartphone is the only tool you need. With the rise of built-in filters, editing features, and even music libraries in apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, there’s absolutely no need to hire a professional videographer to capture the essence of your brand. In fact, the more polished and high-tech your content looks, the less relatable it feels.

Studies show that users engage more with content that feels real, raw, and unfiltered. Social media is, after all, about connection. People don’t want to feel like they’re being marketed to—they want to feel like they’re hearing from a friend. And who has time for a perfectly curated, polished presentation when you’re chatting with a friend? No one.

We’ve all seen those perfectly staged Instagram feeds, with every photo looking like it was shot on the set of a fashion magazine. And while that’s great for high-end luxury brands, it’s not necessary (or even helpful) for most businesses. Social media thrives on authenticity and relatability. Overthinking your content not only adds unnecessary stress but also makes your brand seem distant and out of touch.

Have a new product you want to show off? Snap a quick photo, slap on one of Instagram’s built-in filters, and hit “post.” Have something funny or interesting to share about your business? Record a short TikTok using nothing but your phone and some witty captions. No expensive cameras, no overly produced content, no corporate-approved messaging required.

Here’s the thing—social media is supposed to be social. Your audience isn’t looking for a company with a perfectly crafted brand image. They’re looking for a brand that feels human, one they can relate to and engage with on a personal level. Your posts don’t need to be perfect, but they do need to feel genuine.

Use social media as a way to show the people behind your business. A quick selfie of your team celebrating a new product launch? Perfect. A short video of you making your signature Swirled Body Butters? Even better. Getting a little personal doesn’t just humanize your brand—it builds trust and loyalty with your audience.

And here’s the kicker: no one expects your content to be groundbreaking. As long as you’re authentic and relatable, your followers will engage with your posts, and your brand will grow organically. No over-the-top production value required.

So, what’s the secret to successful social media marketing? Keep it simple, keep it real, and above all, keep it short. The days of long, overproduced content are over—people just don’t have the attention span for it anymore. With nothing more than a smartphone, a dash of personality, and a whole lot of authenticity, you can create content that resonates with your audience without breaking the bank.

The golden rule of social media marketing: don’t overthink it. If your content feels like it’s taking too much time to create, it’s probably taking too much time to watch. Just be yourself, share your story, and trust that your audience will appreciate the authenticity. After all, if they wanted to watch an hour-long product demo, they’d be attending a seminar, not scrolling through their feeds.

Sources:

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