The #1 Mistake Killing Your Social Media Growth | Tea with GaryVee Ep. 68 - The GaryVee Audio Experience

Summary

Podcast Summary: The #1 Mistake Killing Your Social Media Growth | Tea with GaryVee Ep. 68

Podcast Information:

Title: The GaryVee Audio Experience
Host: Gary Vaynerchuk
Episode: The #1 Mistake Killing Your Social Media Growth | Tea with GaryVee Ep. 68
Release Date: March 5, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 68 of "Tea with GaryVee," entrepreneur and social media guru Gary Vaynerchuk delves into the pivotal missteps hindering social media growth. This episode features live interactions with listeners, addressing various challenges and providing actionable insights to enhance online presence and marketing strategies.

Key Topics Discussed

The Decline of Follower-Centric Metrics

Gary emphasizes the diminishing importance of follower counts in driving engagement and growth. He predicts that follower numbers may soon become a non-displayed metric, moving away from being a social status symbol.

"Followers mean nothing. I actually, I'm actually predicting that followers is not even going to be shown publicly soon." [00:48]

He illustrates this by comparing his own accounts:

"I have 384 followers. Look how many views this post got. 32,000. Now I'm going to my regular account. 15 million followers less views on my latest post." [00:42]
Content Over Self-Promotion

A recurring theme is the necessity of providing value through content rather than incessant self-promotion. Gary critiques brands, particularly in the fitness and clothing sectors, for their "selfish content" that focuses solely on selling products without offering genuine value to the audience.

"They make content that's selfish and they don't make content that brings value to people." [01:02]

In contrast, he shares his approach with Veefriends, emphasizing value-driven interactions such as giveaways and engaging content that fosters community rather than just sales.
Embracing Action and Experimentation

Gary advocates for taking immediate action over over-strategizing. He encourages experimenting with different content forms, such as live streaming, to build deeper connections with the audience.

"Everything is about action. Everybody wants to think, strategize. You know what I mean?" [10:55]
Overcoming Fear of Technological Displacement

Addressing concerns about AI replacing jobs, Gary advises maintaining an optimistic outlook and leveraging technology rather than fearing it. Specifically, he reassures professionals like real estate agents that certain roles are less susceptible to automation.

"Don't be scared of AI. Like, especially if you're a realtor... Let's calm it the fuck down." [03:25]
Reevaluating Content Strategies

For businesses struggling with content creation, Gary recommends diversifying content topics and styles to rejuvenate audience interest. He advises against deleting old content but suggests blending new, varied content to keep the platform dynamic.

"Mix up your content and going on a complete detox and completely going left field. Make a cooking video. Be more vulnerable than you've ever been." [18:01]
The Power of Live Interaction

Throughout the episode, Gary continuously promotes the efficacy of live streams as a tool for authentic engagement. He urges listeners to utilize platforms like TikTok Live to interact directly with their audience, fostering trust and loyalty.

"There is no right, Jay. There's no right you understand? Everybody thinks there's some sort of right way. There's no right for sure." [10:58]

Listener Questions and Gary’s Insights

Adrell’s Question on Fitness Clothing Brands’ Social Media Mistakes

Adrell: "What's some biggest mistakes? You see some of the, like, fitness clothing brands when trying to grow on social media that you see that they..." [00:56]

Gary’s Answer: Adrell’s concern revolves around brands not providing value in their content. Gary underscores the importance of creating helpful and engaging content rather than merely showcasing products.

"I want every single person that's watching right now to start collecting vee friends because I think I'm building the next Pokemon. But look what I'm doing in real life. Instead of just doing sell, sell, sell, I'm here trying to provide value." [01:02]
Mackenzie’s Fear of AI Replacing Her Realtor Job

Mackenzie: "I'm 48. How do I get over the fear that AI is going to replace my job as a realtor?" [03:12]

Gary’s Answer: Gary advises Mackenzie to shift from fear to optimism, leveraging AI as a tool rather than viewing it as a threat.

"It's about fear or optimism. And I think too many people default into fear on everything they hear. So I think the answer to her is to quit it. Stop being scared." [03:25]
Albert’s Food Business and Social Media Strategy

Albert: "I've had a food business for about nine years. We've never been on social media, haven't really created any content, and we're trying to get into catering now, but we don't know how to really go about it." [04:22]

Gary’s Answer: Gary provides a step-by-step approach, emphasizing local networking and targeted messaging on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram.

"You need to look at the companies that are located in a 20 mile radius of your where you live, find their HR people or their CEOs on LinkedIn and send them messages." [04:53]

When asked about content strategy, Gary recommends producing content that highlights the product and encourages engagement through giveaways and interactive posts.
Madison’s Struggle with Maintaining a 40-Hour Work Week

Madison: "How would you get your mindset to work 40 hours a week? I'm struggling so bad." [12:56]

Gary’s Answer: Gary explores potential underlying issues such as job dissatisfaction or personal challenges, advocating for an optimistic mindset and surrounding oneself with positivity.

"I believe that optimism is the drug that unleashes everything." [13:01]
Dina’s Challenge with Growing Instagram Audience

Dina: "I've been doing it 15 years consistently. And I'm just wondering, do you recommend maybe spending on boosting content?" [17:29]

Gary’s Answer: Gary discourages the use of paid boosts for underperforming content, instead urging creators to diversify their content and experiment with new formats to reignite audience interest.

"If you want to spend on boosting content, that's securing for boosting content. I would challenge you to start mixing up your content and going on a complete detox and completely going left field." [18:01]
Anthony’s Perfume Brand Struggles

Anthony: "I started my own brand and expecting kind of people to buy just because of me. But what happened? No one really bought." [24:03]

Gary’s Answer: Gary advises Anthony to engage more deeply with his audience through live interactions, suggesting that live streams can provide valuable feedback and strengthen customer relationships.

"I would go live if I were you, for three hours a day for the next month and just talk to people." [24:55]
Scott’s Toy and Collectible Shop Challenges

Scott: "I quit my job in 2020 because of you and I opened a toy and collectible shop and it's been doing real good but lately just been having trouble getting people in the door." [28:43]

Gary’s Answer: Gary encourages Scott to transition to platforms like Whatnot, emphasizing the importance of live selling to reach a broader audience.

"What are you going to do? Go live on whatnot and try to sell something this Saturday out of your house." [28:33]

Gary’s Overarching Insights and Conclusions

Value-Driven Content is Paramount

The primary mistake hindering social media growth is the overemphasis on self-promotion rather than delivering genuine value to the audience. Gary underscores the importance of creating content that educates, entertains, or assists the audience, thereby fostering trust and loyalty.
Shift Focus from Vanity Metrics to Engagement

Followers and likes are superficial metrics that do not necessarily translate to meaningful engagement or business growth. Instead, focusing on quality content and authentic interactions yields more sustainable results.
Embrace Consistency and Adaptability

Consistency in content creation, coupled with adaptability to new platforms and formats (like live streaming), is crucial. Gary stresses the importance of taking action, experimenting with different content types, and continuously engaging with the audience.
Overcome Fear with Optimism and Action

Fear, whether related to technological changes like AI or personal career shifts, can cripple progress. Gary advocates for an optimistic mindset, encouraging individuals to leverage new tools and embrace change proactively.
Leverage Live Interactions for Deeper Connections

Live streaming platforms offer unparalleled opportunities for real-time engagement. Gary highlights live interactions as a means to build deeper relationships, gather immediate feedback, and enhance brand loyalty.
Diversify Content to Reinvigorate Audience Interest

Stagnant content strategies can lead to audience disengagement. Gary advises creators to diversify their content, explore new topics, and adopt different styles to keep the audience interested and attract new followers.

Notable Quotes

On Follower Metrics:

"Followers mean nothing. I actually, I'm actually predicting that followers is not even going to be shown publicly soon." [00:48]
On Value-Driven Content:

"They make content that's selfish and they don't make content that brings value to people." [01:02]
On Action Over Strategy:

"Everything is about action. Everybody wants to think, strategize." [10:55]
On Overcoming Fear:

"Let's stop being scared. Albert." [04:22]
On Live Streaming:

"There is no right, Jay. There's no right you understand? Everybody thinks there's some sort of right way. There's no right for sure." [10:58]
On Content Diversification:

"Mix up your content and going on a complete detox and completely going left field. Make a cooking video. Be more vulnerable than you've ever been." [18:01]
On Optimism:

"I believe that optimism is the drug that unleashes everything." [13:01]

Conclusion

In this episode, Gary Vaynerchuk effectively dismantles common misconceptions about social media growth, emphasizing the critical role of value-driven content, authentic engagement, and proactive adaptability. By addressing listeners' specific challenges and providing tailored advice, Gary offers a comprehensive roadmap for individuals and businesses aiming to enhance their social media presence and achieve sustainable growth. The overarching message is clear: prioritize genuine connections and meaningful content over superficial metrics to unlock true social media success.

Transcript

Gary Vaynerchuk (0:00)

This is the GaryVee audio experience. Following culture is dying. Everybody's just getting their in the feed. I don't follow anyone. When I see good content, I just like it. So I see their content again. This is my new TikTok account. Gary Vee replies. I have 384 followers. Look how many views this post got. 32,000. Now I'm going to my regular account. 15 million followers less views on my latest post. 15 million less followers. It's all about the content now. I'm actually predicting that followers is not even going to be shown publicly soon. Are stuck in high school. Welcome to another episode of Tea with Gary V. This is the show where you ask me questions and I answer. Plus, we give away stuff. I'm gonna give away common sense count a little bit. What's your name, my friend? Where are you from?

Adrell (0:42)

Hey, Gary Adrell from Miami. We spoke maybe like two weeks ago. I don't know if you remember about cohorts and so forth.

Gary Vaynerchuk (0:48)

I remember. Guys, can we get some new people on this show? This guy's on a second time. We've only done like three shows, but I like it, brother.

Adrell (0:56)

What's some biggest mistakes? You see some of the, like, fitness clothing brands when trying to grow on social media that you see that they.

Gary Vaynerchuk (1:02)

Make on that regard, they make content that's selfish and they don't make content that brings value to people. So, for example, putting out content to show people how to stretch their hip flexor is like a piece of content that brings people value. And that's something they could be doing in the gym, right? And so everything's like, buy my shirt and check out how cool my fucking pants are and fucking sell, sell, sell. Look what I'm doing right now. I want every single person that's watching right now to start collecting vee friends because I think I'm building the next Pokemon. But look what I'm doing in real life. Instead of just doing sell, sell, sell, I'm here trying to provide value. And then everyone's like, what's veefriends? Right? Let's actually do a giveaway. Let's give away this shrewd shark. I'm gonna sign this now. I'm gonna like, I'm using the platform. Watch this. I'm showing you in real time now. I've signed this. It brings it more value. Someone can sell this for 100 bucks on eBay now. Now I'm gonna put up a giveaway that's gonna go up, right? How many people here on the show for the first time, they're all gonna click. All the. A hundred people just clicked. If they weren't following the account, entering the giveaway made them follow the account. Now I'm gonna point to the notes. There's a little yellow tabby, right, that I'm pointing to. That's the notes field. If you click that and you click the little VF15 in there, that goes, there's a code that goes in your shopping cart. And then later when I sell these for instead of 25 for 15 bucks, people are going to get free and they get into my ecosystem. But what I'm really doing is providing value. It's almost like a global Jab, jab, jab, right hook. Yeah.