Every time the algorithms shift, as an author you are bombarded with “what’s working now” lists that feel one-size-fits-all. You try the hacks, you follow the tips, yet your content still doesn’t resonate the way it should.

That’s because generic advice ignores the way you naturally connect. It forces you into strategies that feel exhausting, unnatural, and unsustainable—leaving you burned out and wondering if you’re even cut out for this.

But here’s the truth, the latest platform changes aren’t obstacles.

They’re opportunities.

If you adapt through your authentic Marketing Pathway. When your strategies align with your natural strengths, platforms stop being a drain and start becoming a powerful amplifier of your voice.

Instead of panicking about algorithm shifts, let’s look at what they reveal about where each platform is heading, plus how you can align authentically with your Pathway.

If you haven’t taken our pathway-based marketing quiz yet, here’s the link.

Instagram: The Authenticity Algorithm Revolution

What’s working now:

* Behind-the-scenes content showing your creative process

* Stories with genuine reactions and unscripted moments

* Carousel posts telling authentic stories across images

* Reels focused on educational value over spectacle

What’s declining:

* Heavily edited, magazine-style photography

* Stock-image motivational quotes

* Like-optimized posts without depth

* Over-produced, trend-chasing Reels

🔑 Key Takeaway: Spontaneity and authenticity now outperform polish.

Facebook: The Community Conversation Shift

What’s working now:

* Active groups with real discussions and peer-to-peer engagement

* Posts that spark meaningful comments and conversations

* Live videos that create direct, interactive connections

* Storytelling posts that feel personal and relatable

What’s declining:

* Generic promotional posts without interaction

* Viral-style content designed only for likes or shares

* Passive “link-drop” posts without context or conversation

🔑 Key Takeaway: Community-driven engagement is now the engine of visibility.

Substack: The Newsletter Intimacy Premium

What’s working now:

* Conversational, direct writing style

* Invitations for replies and reader interaction

* Personal stories and behind-the-scenes updates

* Serialized newsletters readers anticipate

What’s declining:

* Formal article-style newsletters

* Broadcast content instead of dialogue

* Optimizing for external shares over engagement

🔑 Key Takeaway: Treat readers like friends, not followers.

TikTok: The Educational Entertainment Balance

What’s working now:

* Quick, valuable educational clips

* Behind-the-scenes creative or professional processes

* Answering specific audience questions

* Series content that builds anticipation

What’s declining:

* Purely entertainment-based content without depth

* Trend-chasing without added value

🔑 Key Takeaway: Blend teaching with personality for long-term traction.

Pathway-Specific Platform Strategies

Now here’s where most advice fails, it assumes every author should use platforms the same way.

In reality, Personal Connection Specialists, Digital Strategists, Multimedia Content Creators, and Thoughtful Communicators each have different natural advantages.

We know that everyone pathway looks a little bit different and you might be realizing you are out of alignment with yours.

All is not lost!

Just reflect on some small changes you can start to make and slowing align with your pathway.

Here are some suggestions of what the start of your pathway might look like…

Personal Connection Specialists

Strengths: Building genuine relationships.

* Instagram: Share real-life moments with readers, use Stories to converse, create carousel stories about connections, and go live for authentic Q&As.

* Facebook: Post discussion prompts in your groups or page, share personal updates, and use Lives to connect authentically with your community.

* Substack: Write like you’re sending letters to friends. Include updates, personal anecdotes, and invite replies you’ll follow up on.

Digital Strategists

Strengths: Systematic, analytical approaches.

* Instagram: Track engagement data, create repeatable frameworks, and optimize authenticity strategically.

* Facebook: Use group polls, scheduled posts, and page insights to refine your approach and spark high-quality discussions.

* Substack: Build content calendars, analyze engagement trends, and create repeatable but intimate formats.

Multimedia Content Creators

Strengths: Visual storytelling across platforms.

* Instagram: Use carousels to tell process stories, share authentic behind-the-scenes videos, and create Reels that teach through visuals.

* TikTok: Make quick, educational series, creatively use trending audio, and share authentic milestone reactions.

* Cross-Platform: Repurpose visuals while tailoring tone to each platform’s culture—on Facebook, frame visuals as conversation starters.

Thoughtful Communicators

Strengths: Depth, substance, analysis.

* Substack: Deliver long-form, thoughtful insights, serialized explorations, and deep reader engagement.

* Facebook: Share thoughtful posts in groups or on your page that spark meaningful discussion. Use long captions to dive deeper into themes.

* Instagram: Use carousels and captions for bite-sized but thoughtful breakdowns of complex ideas.

Choosing Your Focus

Here are some suggestions.

* Personal Connection Specialists: Instagram + Substack support

* Digital Strategists: Facebook primary + Instagram/Substack

* Multimedia Creators: Instagram + TikTok co-primary

* Thoughtful Communicators: Substack primary + Facebook secondary

Future-Proofing Your Strategy

* Authenticity always wins. Platforms may shift, but genuine human connection endures.

* Engagement > vanity metrics. Deep conversations matter more than likes.

* Consistency > trend-chasing. Regular, Pathway-aligned content outperforms sporadic hacks.

* Community > platform. Loyal readers follow you across algorithm changes.

As Jane Austen said: “I must keep to my own style and go on in my own way.”

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaustenpathway.substack.com