If you’ve been keeping up with our blog, you’ll know we recently conducted our first-ever “Ignite Social Media Trends Survey.” From that survey we learned what social media marketers have been struggling with. In the graph below you’ll see the top challenges social media marketers identified in 2024.

Generating Engagement

At a staggering 43%, this is clearly the primary concern for many of us. According to GWI, time spent on social media has declined for only the second time in 10 years, so it is becoming more crucial to find ways to capture and retain your audience’s interest. One key approach is to mix up your content strategy, incorporating a healthy blend of visually appealing imagery, thought-provoking captions, and interactive elements like polls or questions (like the PEEPS Instagram feed below) Experiment with different formats and see what resonates most with your followers.

Content Creation

The second most common struggle of social media marketers is content creation, which 34% of us struggle with. Crafting fresh, compelling content on a consistent basis is no easy feat, but it’s essential for keeping your audience engaged and your brand top-of-mind. Combat this by tapping into your team’s collective creativity – brainstorm content ideas that align with your brand’s voice and speak directly to your target audience. Don’t be afraid to repurpose successful content in new and innovative ways, either.

Budget Constraints

Another significant obstacle for social media marketers is securing the necessary budget, which 31% of us find challenging. In an age of limited resources, it’s crucial to demonstrate the tangible value of your social media efforts. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and use data-driven insights to build a compelling case for increased investment. Leverage cost-effective tactics like user-generated content and influencer partnerships to stretch your budget further.

Ideation and Results

Coming up with content ideas (25%) and analyzing results (21%) also rank among the top challenges for social media marketers. To combat the former, encourage your team to stay up-to-date on industry trends, monitor your competitors, and tap into the collective creativity of your organization. Brainstorming sessions and content calendars can be invaluable tools in this process, as is keeping up with industry trends.

As for analyzing results, identify the metrics that truly matter to your business goals, and use these insights to fine-tune your strategies and optimize your content for maximum impact. You’ll be awash in data from the social platforms. The challenge is figuring out which data points matter to help your business grow.

It’s clear that the life of a social media marketer is anything but simple. From navigating budget constraints to overcoming content fatigue, the obstacles can seem daunting. But by acknowledging these challenges and adopting strategic solutions, we can rise to the occasion and elevate our social media presence to new heights.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Lean on your peers, collaborate with your team, and stay curious about the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing. With creativity, resilience, and a dash of determination, we can conquer these challenges and deliver exceptional results for our brands.