Social media marketing evolves quickly, and not everything that worked last year will still deliver results. Some practices and tools can hold your strategy back rather than drive it forward. Let’s look at what you can leave in 2024 and how to refresh your approach for 2025.

1. Leave: Overloading on Platforms

Do This Instead: Focus on the platforms that work best for your business.
Spreading yourself thin across every social platform often leads to diluted results. Use analytics to identify which platforms drive the most engagement and conversions, then double down on those. Quality trumps quantity when it comes to platform presence.

2. Leave: Posting for the Sake of Posting

Do This Instead: Plan strategic, valuable content.
Filling your feed with uninspired posts just to stay active doesn’t cut it anymore. Instead, map out a content strategy aligned with your goals, focusing on themes or campaigns that resonate with your audience. A few thoughtful posts outperform a constant stream of noise.

3. Leave: Ignoring Data

Do This Instead: Make data-driven decisions.
Stop guessing what works. Dive into analytics to understand your audience’s behaviours and preferences. Track metrics like engagement rates, click-throughs, and conversions, and use this data to refine your approach.

4. Leave: Generic Content

Do This Instead: Create unique, branded content.
In a saturated market, bland or templated content won’t stand out. Invest time in creating posts that showcase your brand’s personality and expertise. Think visually striking designs, authentic videos, and compelling storytelling.

5. Leave: Manual Scheduling and Posting

Do This Instead: Automate your workflow.
Save time and reduce errors by using scheduling tools like Later, Buffer, or Hootsuite. These platforms help you maintain consistency while freeing you up to focus on engagement and strategy.

6. Leave: Ignoring Community Engagement

Do This Instead: Prioritise conversations.
Social media isn’t just a megaphone for your brand—it’s a two-way conversation. Respond to comments and messages, acknowledge your audience, and foster meaningful interactions. This builds loyalty and trust.

7. Leave: Chasing Every Trend

Do This Instead: Be selective and strategic.
Not every trend will align with your brand. Assess new features or platforms carefully. If they fit your audience and objectives, experiment with a small campaign to see if they’re worth pursuing.

8. Leave: Overcomplicated Processes

Do This Instead: Simplify your systems.
Overhaul clunky approval workflows or disorganised content plans. Use project management tools like Asana or Trello to streamline collaboration. Clear systems save time and reduce stress.

Moving Forward

2025 is the year to simplify, focus, and amplify your social media efforts. By letting go of outdated practices and adopting smarter strategies, you can achieve better results with less effort. It’s not about doing everything, it’s about doing the right things well. Let’s leave the noise behind and focus on what truly matters.