
What are the social media rules for brand success?
Audiences want more—they want to see content that speaks directly to them. The days of 'set it and forget it' branding are over. It's time to adapt social media strategies or fade into irrelevance.
Stop blaming the algorithm: It's on you
The algorithm is a mirror; it reflects what audiences want to see.
Blaming the algorithm is the easy way out. As James Stephen, better known by his online alias, MrBeast, puts it, 'stop blaming the algorithm—it's on you.' The algorithm isn't out to get you; it's built to give people what they want.
If your content isn't performing, the problem isn't the platform—it's the value (or lack thereof) your content provides. The algorithm is smarter than you think. It knows when your audience is hooked and when they're scrolling past.
Look at the account odd.mktg on Instagram. In just 50 days, they built a massive audience—300K+ followers, 27 million monthly views—by leveraging AI-driven storytelling through their virtual influencer, Avani. Instead of chasing trends, they produce hyper-relevant content that breaks down marketing moves from global brands in a way that's fun, insightful, and shareable.
The result? Engagement from some of the biggest names in business – Kim Kardashian, Nas Daily, Charlotte Tilbury, AI thought leaders, Shark Tank investors and many more. Create what users want to see, not what you like.
Speak the language of your audience
Another truth bomb: It doesn't matter if you're a B2B company, a startup, or a corporate giant. Your content must speak the language of your audience—literally and figuratively.
Even if you're targeting niche industry leaders, remember this: they're human too. That CEO you're aiming for? They're consuming content while lounging in their pyjamas after a long day. The trick is to target the macro to attract the micro. Make your content engaging, relevant, and valuable, and it will reach the right eyes—whether they belong to a teenager or a seasoned executive.
Look at LinkedIn's top-performing content. It's not polished, corporate jargon—it's personal stories, insights, and real experiences that feel human. Brands that adopt this approach, like Hubspot – have built massive followings by making their content engaging, not just informative.
Nobody's too busy for good content—they're just too busy for bad content.
Finding what works for your brand
Struggling to figure out what works for your brand? You're not alone. The biggest challenge isn't a lack of creativity—it's not knowing where to start.
Here's a game-changing strategy: create a dummy social media account. Instead of endlessly scrolling through random content, curate your feed with 100 pages in your niche—brands, creators, and influencers who inspire you. This isn't copying – brand managers need to immerse themselves in the content landscape, spotting trends, and identifying what resonates.
Pay attention to what catches your eye. What posts make you stop scrolling? What styles, formats, and messaging feel aligned with your brand? Use this as a launchpad to test and refine your approach. Your brand's winning formula isn't hidden—it's right in front of you. You just need to train your feed (and your mind) to see it.
'Edu-tainment'
Don't just educate—entertain.
But no, you don't have to dance on camera. Edu-tainment is about combining value with engagement. The first three seconds of your video are critical; they're your hook. Build an engaging storyline, provide real value, and leave your audience wanting more. And don't forget the CTA (call-to-action) to rehook them at the end.
Think about Duolingo. Their social media isn't just about language learning; it's playful, humorous, and highly shareable. They've turned education into entertainment, and as a result, they've built a massive, engaged community. Viral content doesn't just inform—it connects, entertains, and inspires action.
Speaking of inspiration, let's talk about Employee-Generated Content (EGC). You've heard of User-Generated Content (UGC), right? EGC is its cooler, more authentic sibling. Who understands your brand better than the people who live and breathe it every day? Let your employees tell their stories. It's raw, it's authentic, it's relatable and incredibly effective. You can't buy that kind of authenticity – it's storytelling from within. Every employee's voice adds a layer of authenticity that money can't buy.
The result?
Consistent engagement, stronger client relationships, and a community that feels like they're part of your journey, not just spectators. EGC dominated 2024, and trust me, it's going to slay in 2025 too. Brands like Tesla and Shopify thrive on EGC. Instead of generic corporate posts, they share behind-the-scenes insights, personal experiences, and expertise—making their content more authentic and engaging. Encourage your team to share their stories—it's the most organic way to build trust and engagement.
Avoiding the two-lane traffic of mixed audiences
One mistake I see brands and creators making all the time? Mixing content of two different languages on the same page. It's like trying to drive on two parallel Sheikh Zayed Roads at the same time: one for Arabic speakers and one for English speakers. These roads never intersect. Trying to cater to both audiences on one page dilutes your message and confuses the algorithm.
Also, mixing English content with Arabic subtitles (or vice versa) doesn't work. Dialects and accents also play a huge role in attracting the right audience. Your audience expects precision and clarity, not a mashup. If you're targeting two different groups, give each one its own lane.
Two languages? Two pages. Period.
The bottom line: Connection is king
Brands don't fail because of bad products. They fail because they don't evolve. Traditional marketing is too slow, too broad, and too impersonal for today's fast-moving, highly selective audience. The bottom line? Stop blaming the algorithm. Focus on your audience. Speak their language, grab their attention, and never let go. Whether you're a global corporation or a small business, the rules are the same.
Content isn't king anymore—connection is. And that connection? It's on you.
By Mahdi Shafiei, Founder, Trifid Media

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arabian Business
9 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Etihad Airways first Airbus A321LR enters service August 2025
Etihad Airways will begin commercial service with its first Airbus A321LR aircraft on 1 st August 2025, following completion of final preparations at Zayed International Airport. The carrier plans to deploy the aircraft on the Abu Dhabi-Phuket route initially, before extending operations to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, and Zurich. The A321LR, operating under flight number EY3210, touched down at Zayed International Airport on Friday. Etihad employees and stakeholders gathered at the airport to mark the aircraft's arrival. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Etihad Airways (@etihad) The delivery forms part of the airline's expansion programme, which has seen the airline launch or announce 27 new routes this year. The carrier expects to receive nine more A321LR aircraft during 2025. The fleet addition supports Abu Dhabi's development as a global aviation hub and advances the airline's Journey 2030 strategy, which targets carrying 38 million passengers annually. The A321LR enables airlines to operate on routes previously requiring wide-body aircraft, combining fuel efficiency with range capabilities of up to 4,000 nautical miles.


TECHx
12 hours ago
- TECHx
e& Opens Applications for 2025 AI Graduate Programme
Home » Latest news » e& Opens Applications for 2025 AI Graduate Programme Global technology group e& has announced the opening of applications for its AI Graduate Programme in the UAE. The 12-month initiative offers 100 new roles for Emirati university graduates as part of the company's 2025 cycle. The programme aims to equip young UAE nationals with digital, technical, and leadership skills to support the country's future economy. Now in its fourth year, it has already hired and trained over 284 graduates since 2021. e& recently celebrated the graduation of 25 new alumni. The company reported that the programme is aligned with the UAE's goal of building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. It combines hands-on experience with real-world projects across departments such as AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, product development, HR, and business strategy. Participants also receive mentoring, leadership training, and emotional intelligence development. Many graduates secure full-time roles in areas such as: AI, sustainability, and telecom engineering Finance, sales, and consumer services Ali Al Mansoori, Group Chief People Officer at e&, stated that the programme reflects the company's long-term commitment to developing Emirati leaders in technology and innovation. He noted a strong female participation rate of over 60% in the last cohort, reinforcing e&'s dedication to inclusion and diversity. He added that through mentorship and exposure to advanced projects, the programme helps shape the next generation of Emirati tech and business leaders. e& revealed that the initiative supports its broader Emiratisation strategy, which aims for 60% Emirati representation by 2030. In 2024, 62% of new hires through the programme were women. Since the launch, the overall female participation rate has reached 81%. Applications for the next intake, starting in September 2025, are now open through e&'s official recruitment portal. The initiative is part of the UAE's national strategy to reduce reliance on oil and grow high-value, knowledge-driven industries. e& developed the programme in collaboration with LinkedIn, Harvard Business Review, Microsoft, and ADGM, ensuring international best practices and global competitiveness. Other e& initiatives supporting this vision include Bidayati and Excelerate&, developed with Ericsson to focus on 5G and data science.


Filipino Times
13 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Kris Bernal shares fangirl moment after seeing Nicole Scherzinger in NYC
Actress Kris Bernal couldn't hide her excitement after catching a glimpse of global icon Nicole Scherzinger during a recent trip to New York City. In an Instagram post, Kris shared a video of Scherzinger greeting fans outside the theater following her performance in the Broadway musical Sunset Boulevard. The actress, who waited backstage, cheered as Scherzinger walked past on her way to a waiting vehicle. 'Waited backstage to catch Nicole Scherzinger after her performance in Sunset Boulevard—fangirl moment!!' Bernal said. Kris was accompanied by her husband, businessman Perry Choi, and their daughter Hailee during the trip. Between stroller strolls, snack breaks, and lots of cuddles, we made memories we'll cherish forever. This city never sleeps, and neither did our hearts, full of love and awe for our baby's first taste of the Big Apple,' Bernal wrote in her caption. Kris and Perry tied the knot in September 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Hailee Lucca, in August 2023. Earlier this month, Filipino singers Anthony Rosaldo and Sophia Laforteza of the global pop group Katseye also met Nicole Scherzinger.