NAVIGATING CONTENT TESTING: An Unconventional Approach
This has been a topic that I've been asked about more times than I can count.
So, let's chat about how I approach this whole testing gig, and maybe it'll help you figure out your own content strategy.
I totally get it, testing your content is like trying out new recipes – you want to know what clicks, right?
First things first, my approach is a bit different from the mainstream coaching and marketing advice out there. Sure, I'm all about being results-driven, but not for my clients or target audience, for myself. Yep, you heard it right – I test content to get results that benefit me, not just the masses. Hear me out!
Let’s rewind a hot minute or two to when I decided to spice up my Instagram game with a series of stories. I threw in some polls because, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good poll? It was like a digital version of those old-school Cosmo quizzes, and it was so much fun! But here's the kicker – the questions I asked weren't just random; they were tailored to what I needed for my content creation.
I grilled my audience about their social media preferences – stories, posts, or reels?
What type of content got their engagement juices flowing – captions, videos, or just scrolling?
These questions weren't just for their benefit; they were a sneak peek behind the scenes of my content creation process.
Now, I know the popular advice is to dig into your insights and see what the masses are vibing with. But here's the catch – when you're starting something new or revamping your business, you might not have those insights yet.
So, where do you begin?
How do you know what content will resonate?
Here's my secret sauce – show up in stories, create polls, and focus on the data you need for yourself.
Think of it as a behind-the-scenes exploration. Sure, the popular opinions and suggestions are great, but when you're in the early stages or making a big business shift, you need to pave your own way.
Let me break it down with an example from my own journey.
At the moment, my Instagram following is mostly friends, family, and long-time connections from the online business world. While their input is valuable, it doesn't necessarily align with my business goals. So, I'm on a mission to retrain my audience's expectations and create new habits of engagement.
This leads me to a crucial point – start small and focus on the habit of showing up consistently.
Don't overwhelm yourself with creating a specific type of content initially. For me, it meant hitting up my stories daily, resharing a quick video or a flat post – something easy to keep the momentum going.
Now, why are you showing up on social media? Define your purpose.
For me, it's about marketing my business, nurturing an audience, and educating them on what I offer. It's a business-forward approach, not just a personal sharing spree.
So, how do you test your content? Simplify.
Ask questions, figure out what works for you, and establish a consistent showing-up routine.
What feels good for you?
What aligns with your current season of life?