Sooooooo lemme guess….
You posted a Reel or TikTok you really believed in.
You spent time editing, timing, adding subtitles, re-recording, double-checking that your hair didn’t look weird…
And then?
36 views. 1 save. A pity comment from your cousin.
You’re not imagining it – something is off.
But it’s not the algorithm. And it’s not your face.
It’s the strategy behind the video – or lack of one.
Because if you’re still posting and hoping, chasing trends and guessing, you’re not creating video content – you’re just feeding a machine.
Let’s fix that.
Here’s what’s not working anymore (as of right now)
Let’s start by cutting the dead weight. Here’s what’s been quietly killing growth in 2024 and will keep tanking in 2025:
- Posting at random times with zero warm-up
- Using trending sounds just because they’re trending
- Following someone else’s “video formula” without considering your own brand
- Using text on screen without context or a caption that converts
- Giving away tips without hooking anyone in to care
This might sting, but hear me out:
Going viral is not a strategy. It’s a symptom.
It’s what happens after you’ve nailed your foundations.
Step 1: Build Your “Content Signal”
Before you post anything, ask:
“What does this video signal to my audience?”
There are only a few categories that move the needle:
- Visibility (gets seen)
- Credibility (builds trust)
- Community (starts connection)
- Conversion (drives action)
If your video doesn’t hit at least one, it’s probably filler.
And if it hits more than one? You’re golden.
Pro tip: Start batching from this lens. One video per signal = 4 days of content with direction.
Want my full framework for planning strategic Reels and TikToks? Grab the 30-Minute Batched Video Plan here 👉 https://rachelpedersen.clickfunnels.com/30-min
Step 2: Stop Guessing – Start Hooking
Here’s the truth: most people will scroll past your video unless the first 1–3 seconds stop them.
But you don’t need a gimmick. You need a hook.
Try these formats:
- “Most people do this… but I did this instead.”
- “Here’s how I got 10K followers using short-form video – without dancing.”
- “Don’t post your next Reel until you see this.”
- “3 things I learned after posting 100 TikToks.”
These are based on the actual videos I used to grow my TikTok to 1.2M and my Instagram to 344K – organically.
Need 300+ viral hooks you can copy/paste? Get the Copy & Paste Viral Video Hooks 👉 https://rachelpedersen.clickfunnels.com/squeeze-page1649350385522
Step 3: Layer Your Captions With Intention
This isn’t a captions blog… but if the caption flops, the video dies.
The caption isn’t just for people who “read.” It’s for people who decide.
Here’s the 3-line structure I use daily:
- Line 1: Bold hook or reframe
- Line 2: Belief shift or tip
- Line 3: Clear CTA (like “Follow @themrspedersen for content strategies that actually work.”)
Yes, you can repurpose this caption for email intros, YouTube descriptions, or pinned comments too.
Want to grow your Instagram the smart way – without burnout? Get the 0 to 100K Growth Guide 👉 https://rachelpedersen.clickfunnels.com/optin1700155068740
Step 4: Choose the Right Video Format (Not All Videos Are Built to Perform)
Let’s simplify the madness.
There are only 4 formats I teach to start with:
1. The Hot Take Video
- You challenge a belief, bust a myth, or say something spicy.
- These build credibility fast.
- Example: “Stop doing 30-day challenges. They’re killing your reach.”
2. The Step-by-Step Video
- You teach or demonstrate in real-time.
- Easy to save and share.
- Example: “Here’s how I plan 90 days of content in one hour.”
3. The Testimonial Pull
- Use clips of results, screen recordings, or “this worked for me” moments.
- Builds conversion without selling.
- Example: “My client gained 12K followers with this one video…”
4. The Personality Pop
- Behind the scenes, your quirks, humor, edge.
- Great for community building and retention.
- Example: “How I film my videos when my toddler is screaming.”
Step 5: Post Like a Publisher (Not an Influencer)
Let’s talk cadence.
Posting 3x/day for 30 days can work – if you’re testing. But that’s not sustainable for most people long-term.
Here’s what I recommend instead:
- Batch record 7–15 short videos in one sitting
- Schedule them with a pre-planned goal for each one (visibility, trust, etc.)
- Watch what performs – then double down on format + theme
Don’t post more. Post smarter.
Step 6: Don’t Let Fear Mute Your Voice
A lot of people are doing everything “right”… but holding back the one thing that makes their content powerful:
Their actual voice.
I used to hide my voice behind lip-syncs, trendy audio, and long captions that explained everything except what I actually believed.
The moment I started saying what I really wanted to say?
Things exploded.
Say the bold thing. Show up as the real you.
Don’t just post a Reel. Drop a message that lands.
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Final Word: Don’t Post Another Video Until You’ve Done This
One clear video can outperform 10 rushed ones.
One good caption can outperform a trending sound.
One aligned post can spark 100 new leads.
✅ Build your content signal
✅ Lead with a hook
✅ Caption with strategy
✅ Choose the right format
✅ Post with intention
And then? Post again.
Because this time… you’ve actually got a strategy!!!
