Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Personalization is the Key to Your 2025 Content Strategy
Release Date: November 26, 2024
Host: Shannon McKinstrie
Shannon McKinstrie delves deep into the evolving landscape of social media content, emphasizing the critical role of personalization in shaping effective content strategies for 2025. This episode, titled "Personalization is the Key to Your 2025 Content Strategy," serves as a roadmap for content creators seeking to navigate the increasingly saturated social media environment by fostering genuine connections with their audiences.
Introduction: Embracing Simplicity in Content Creation
Shannon opens the episode with an enthusiastic welcome, highlighting the impending arrival of 2025 and the transformative changes it promises for content creators. She sets the stage by recalling a pivotal moment earlier in 2023 when she advocated for moving away from traditional educational content.
“Welcome to Good Content, the podcast where I remove the never ending content creation, guesswork and overwhelm so that you can actually enjoy being on social media again and growing your business with what has always worked. Good Content.”—[00:05]
The Shift in Educational Content: From Generic to Personal
Shannon critiques the oversaturation of impersonal educational content that dominated social media, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. She points out that while value-driven content like "tips and tricks" initially thrived, it has since lost its effectiveness due to repetitive and generic messaging.
“None of it’s working anymore. None of it.”—[05:45]
The Return to Personalization: Connecting on a Human Level
Highlighting the necessity of personalization, Shannon advocates for content that invites audiences into the creator’s world. She reminisces about the early days of Instagram (2013-2016) when captions were personal and engaging, creating a sense of intimacy and relatability.
“Invite us into your world. I want to know all of it. I want to know your perspectives, your thoughts, your opinions, what you’re doing.”—[07:20]
Examples of Personalized Content: Success Stories
Shannon illustrates her points by showcasing various reels that have successfully employed personalization to engage audiences. She breaks down each example, explaining why they resonate and how they effectively balance personal storytelling with audience relevance.
1. Makeup Artist POV:
A makeup artist shares her journey, connecting with viewers by expressing shared experiences of learning makeup without the aid of YouTube tutorials.
“She is there for me, and I can connect with her on the level of, I also grew up without the YouTube and I’m in my 40s.”—[11:15]
2. Dentist's Humor:
A dentist uses humor tailored to his personality, referencing his support for the Cowboys, which not only entertains but also humanizes him.
“POV. You asked Dr. How his weekend went, knowing he's a Cowboys fan.”—[13:40]
3. Realtor’s Personal Story:
A realtor shares his personal decision to move from Chicago to Hinsdale, offering a sincere narrative that potential clients find relatable and trustworthy.
“After living in the city for many years, my family and I finally made the move from Chicago to Hinsdale, and we've never looked back.”—[16:05]
4. Pediatrician’s Personal Insight:
A pediatrician discusses his parenting choices, sparking dialogue and engagement by addressing common real-life challenges.
“As a pediatrician, I put my kids to bed very, very early.”—[18:30]
5. Happenings and Reintroducing Oneself:
Content creators celebrate milestones, such as reaching follower milestones, by sharing personal stories that foster a deeper connection with their audience.
“I hit my first 700k followers and did a video about who I am.”—[19:50]
Future Content Strategy for 2025: Personalization as the Cornerstone
Shannon asserts that the future of content lies in personalized storytelling. She encourages creators to blend their unique experiences with actionable insights, ensuring that content remains both authentic and valuable.
“This is the future of content. And you've got this.”—[22:10]
Practical Tips for Creators: Implementing Personalization
Offering actionable advice, Shannon outlines strategies for integrating personalization into various content types:
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Educational Content: Incorporate personal anecdotes and experiences to make information more relatable.
“Make it about you. Make it personal.”—[24:00]
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Humor and Empathy: Use humor that reflects your personality and empathetic stories that resonate with your audience’s experiences.
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Timely and Relevant Content: Align content with current events and seasonal themes to maintain relevance.
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Storytelling: Share personal journeys and milestones to build a deeper connection with followers.
Shannon also highlights the importance of diversifying content, ensuring a mix of personal stories and traditional value-driven posts to keep the audience engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion: Reconnecting with Humanity on Social Media
In her closing remarks, Shannon emphasizes the importance of returning to human-centric content to rejuvenate enjoyment and authenticity on social media platforms. She reassures creators that by embracing personalization, they can effectively distinguish themselves in a crowded digital landscape.
“Let’s close this year off strong and start personalizing our content again. Let’s go back in time to when we enjoyed being on these apps because we connected with humans.”—[27:30]
Shannon wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to implement the discussed strategies and assuring them of her support as they navigate their content creation journeys.
“Love you, friend.”—[28:00]
Key Takeaways:
- Move Beyond Generic Tips: Traditional educational content has become stale; creators must infuse their unique perspectives and experiences.
- Embrace Personal Storytelling: Sharing personal anecdotes fosters deeper connections and makes content more relatable.
- Use Humor and Empathy: Personalized humor and empathetic stories resonate more effectively with audiences.
- Align with Timeliness: Creating content that aligns with current events and seasonal themes enhances relevance and engagement.
- Diversify Content Types: A balanced mix of personal stories and value-driven posts keeps the audience engaged without feeling inundated.
By prioritizing personalization, Shannon McKinstrie empowers content creators to cultivate authentic relationships with their audiences, ensuring sustained growth and meaningful engagement in the ever-evolving social media landscape of 2025.