Social Media Mayhem: 10 Tips on How to Survive Platform Updates and Create Consciously
Written by: Lauren McKinney
Let’s be honest—keeping up with social media changes is a full-time job in itself. One day your Reels are reaching thousands, and the next? Crickets. Instagram changes the algorithm again. Twitter becomes X (we’re still emotionally adjusting). And don’t even get us started on Meta’s “helpful” updates. Your email is now sorted by…well, frankly, who knows how it’s sorted anymore.
Welcome to the chaos of social media in 2025—where the rules are made up and the algorithms matter. But fear not! At Madison+Main, we know how to navigate the mayhem with savvy, style, and a dash of snark. If your brand is feeling the whiplash of every new trend or update, here’s how to stay calm, stay relevant, and most importantly—create consciously.
1. Don’t Panic, Plan It
It’s easy to fall in love with a clever headline or eye-catching video. But if nobody’s clicking, sharing, or buying… what’s the The worst thing you can do when a platform changes something? Go rogue. Instead, take a breath and revisit your strategy. Know your goals—engagement, awareness, leads—and adapt accordingly.
Want a blueprint for what works? Hootsuite’s 2024 Social Trends report is another great read once you’re done browsing through our blog.
2. Create for People, Not Platforms
Sure, a good hashtag strategy has it’s merits—but real people come first. Focus on content that connects: educate, entertain, inspire. The algorithm will catch up. And when it does? You’ll already be winning hearts (and clicks).
3. Prioritize Platform-Appropriate Content
A dancing TikTok might crush it on Reels, but it probably doesn’t belong on LinkedIn (unless your target market is CEOs who moonlight as backup dancers, which we love!). Tailor your content format and tone for each platform. The best-performing brands don’t copy/paste—they customize.
4. Stay On Top of Updates (But Don’t Obsess)
Subscribe to reliable industry sources like Social Media Examiner or Later’s blog – and keep an eye on our blog here! Let the experts summarize updates so you can steer clear of the gloom of doomscrolling..
But remember: not every change requires an immediate pivot. Test first, panic later.
5. Don’t Chase Every Trend
Be real (or BeReal 😅) about what aligns with your brand. You don’t have to hop on every audio, filter, or meme train. Trends fade fast, but your brand identity is forever. Think before you chase.
6. Embrace Analytics Like a BFF
Let data guide your next move. Identify what works, ditch what doesn’t. From reach and impressions to click-through rates and saves, the numbers tell a story—you just have to listen.Tools like Google Analytics and Meta Business Suite are your digital crystal balls.
7. Engage Like a Human (Not a Bot)
Auto-DMs and spammy comment replies? Yikes. Be authentic, respond thoughtfully, and treat your followers like real people—because they are.
The brands with the best engagement aren’t the loudest—they’re the most human.
8. Schedule with Flexibility
Yes, consistency matters—but leave room for spontaneity. If a platform update shakes things up, or a trend suddenly explodes, having room in your content calendar helps you pivot without a meltdown.
No need to be tied to your phone– we love using scheduling programs to plan and post like pros.
9. Get Comfortable with Video
Whether it’s short-form Reels, behind-the-scenes TikToks, or livestream Q&As, video is no longer optional–it’s mandatory. And with every platform prioritizing it, it’s the fastest way to grow.
Worried about production value? Don’t be. Authenticity always trumps perfection.
10. Hire the Pros (Like Us 👋)
If keeping up with the constantly evolving trends, tools, and tone feels like a second job, that’s because it is. Social media changes way too fast these days to go it alone. You need an expert. That’s why partnering with a team like Madison+Main lets you focus on running your business while we make your brand sing (and post, and share, and go viral).
Let’s Make Some (Good) Noise
Staying ahead of the social media swirl isn’t easy—but with the right team, it can be fun, focused, and seriously effective. Madison+Main blends creativity and data, intuition and insight–and serves it up with a sexy side of sass.
Whether you’re ready to revamp your Instagram game or craft a cross-platform campaign that delivers, we’re just a click or call away.
Let’s tame the social media tiger together—reach out via our contact form or call us at (877) 623-6246.
We’ll help your brand scroll, swipe, and roar.