Let’s face it—social media marketing is a wild ride. Trends come and go, algorithms change on a whim, and what worked yesterday might just not work today. While there’s plenty of conventional wisdom out there about how to succeed on socials, sometimes the unpopular opinions hold more truth than some might like to admit. So, in the spirit of shakin things up, we’re diving into a few bold takes on social media marketing. Ready to challenge the status quo?

1. Hashtags Don’t Matter as Much Anymore

It’s time to face the music: Hashtags might not be the magical growth hack they used to be. While they still have their place, they’re nowhere near as important as they once were. With algorithm updates prioritising engagement, content relevance, and user experience over hashtag optimisation, you might find that your post performs just as well (if not better) without worrying too much about cramming in 20 hashtags.

What to do instead:

Focus on creating highly engaging content that speaks directly to your audience. Limited the number of hashtags you use to 4-6 gives you a sweet balance of visibility, engagement, and relevancy without overwhelming your readers and feeling like you're throwing everything at the wall and hoping something sticks! In 2025, interaction, not hashtags, is the secret sauce to boosting your reach.

2. You Don’t Need to Post Every Day to Grow

Here’s a hot take: Posting daily isn’t a must for growing your brand. While consistency is key, it doesn’t have to mean pumping out content every single day. In fact, overposting can backfire if it’s at the expense of quality. Social media users are increasingly looking for value, not volume. Sometimes, a few well-crafted posts each week can generate more engagement than rushed, daily spam.

What to do instead:

Focus on a content strategy that prioritises quality and authenticity and don’t feel pressured to churn out daily content just for the sake of it.

3. Viral Content Isn’t Always Good for Business

Sure, going viral might seem like a dream come true. But what if it’s not all it’s cracked up to be? It might bring in tons of attention, but it doesn’t mean all those new followers are actually interested in what you do.  Viral moments don’t always translate into loyal customers or sustained business growth. In fact, they can create a “flash in the pan” situation that fizzles out faster than you can say “hashtag.”

What to do instead:

Aim for strategic, meaningful engagement with your audience. Focus on creating content that resonates with your target demographic, even if it doesn’t blow up on the internet overnight.

4. Paid Ads Aren’t the Only Way to Grow

Everyone loves a good paid campaign to boost visibility, but relying solely on ads won’t necessarily give you sustainable growth. Organic reach is still alive and well in 2025—if you know how to harness it. Building a community through authentic engagement and content creation can pay off much more in the long run than paid ads alone.

What to do instead:

Invest in building organic reach through consistent, high-quality content. Develop a community of engaged followers who are genuinely interested in your brand.

5. It’s Not Just About the Follower Count

We’ve all been there—obsessed with follower counts, tracking the number of new followers every day. But guess what? Having thousands of followers doesn’t always translate into sales or brand loyalty. In 2025, it’s all about building an engaged community rather than obsessing over the numbers. Quality interactions and a dedicated audience will always trump a big, inactive following.

What to do instead:

Focus on cultivating meaningful relationships with your followers. Engagement, not just numbers, is what truly matters.

Social media marketing is always evolving, and staying ahead means challenging traditional norms and testing new approaches. While these hot takes may seem a little daring, sometimes it's the bold moves that lead to the biggest breakthroughs. The key to thriving in 2025 is staying flexible and creating content that genuinely resonates with your audience.

Looking to shake up your social media strategy? Our team can help you embrace the bold to keep your brand ahead of the curve in 2025.