Social media has changed — and so has the way people interact with it.

In this episode, I share seven key reasons engagement is lower than normal, including content overload, shifting privacy habits, shorter attention spans, more platforms than ever before, and seasonal behavior like social media fasts and digital detoxes.

Whether you manage your own content or work with a social media team, this episode will help you understand what’s happening in the current digital landscape — and why staying consistent still matters more than chasing metrics.

www.sociallystetson.com

instagram.com/stetsonkpatton

Keywords

social media, engagement, consumer behavior, content saturation, marketing strategies, brand awareness, social media management, digital marketing, audience engagement, online presence

Summary

In this conversation, Stetson Patton discusses the reasons behind low engagement on social media, emphasizing that it is not a personal failure but rather a result of various factors including content saturation, changes in consumer behavior, and the nature of social media platforms. He provides insights into how businesses can adapt their strategies to maintain visibility and brand awareness despite these challenges.

Takeaways

Engagement is low due to increased content saturation.

Consumer behavior has shifted, affecting how people interact online.

Not everyone cares about your business as much as you do.

Social media management is crucial for maintaining engagement.

People are overwhelmed by the number of platforms available.

Dopamine addiction affects how users consume content.

Low engagement does not mean low impact on brand awareness.

Visibility is key, even if engagement metrics are down.

Celebrate small wins in engagement metrics.

Consistency in posting is essential for long-term success.

Sound bites

"Engagement is low right now."

"Low engagement does not equal low impact."

"Visibility still absolutely matters."

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Low Engagement on Social Media

12:01 The Impact of Consumer Behavior and Content Saturation

17:55 Strategies for Maintaining Engagement and Brand Awareness

It’s time for a solo update — and I’ve got a lot to share. In this episode, I’m walking you through what’s happening behind the scenes in my business: the tension of scaling as a social media manager, how AI is changing everything, and the challenge of pricing services in a way that actually works for small business owners.

You’ll also hear about the meaningful projects I’m working on — like partnering with Sharon Decker on economic development in Western NC and following the All-State Youth Choir on tour (total full-circle moment).

I’m also shouting out my relationship coach Mara, sharing how I’ve been resetting my nervous system, and why a simple TV detox has helped me focus more, stress less, and reconnect with God in this quieter season of life.

Oh — and after four years, I did finally raise the price of my membership. Because the value is next-level, and I want to keep giving you the tools, coaching, and clarity you need to grow with confidence.

This one’s part business, part personal, and fully heart-led. If you’re navigating your own season of change, this episode is for you.

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

📍The Socially Growing Website

https://sociallystetson.com/

🎓 Summer Social Camp

https://sociallystetson.com/sociallygrowing/signup

🧠 AI Tool Mentioned: Poppy AI

Use my affiliate link to try Poppy AI → 

https://start.getpoppy.ai/socially-nKXQd

🤝 Sharon Decker & Western NC Economic Development Projects

Learn more:  https://www.sharondecker.com/

🎤 NC All-State Youth Choir

Follow the choir on Instagram → 

https://www.instagram.com/asycnc/

💛 Relationship Coach: Mara Palermo

Instagram: @maratpalermo

Book a Call with Mara

https://link.dreambuildercrm.com/widget/booking/5LKAihU4X7kLBrN1xXoO

This episode is such a fun one because I got to sit down with my friend (and my actual travel agent!) Angela Pope—who’s also a marketing expert and president of our local BNI chapter.

We dive into how the travel and marketing worlds are colliding in the best way possible:

• What AI is really doing for small business owners

• Why travel agents are more valuable than ever

• What makes people trust a brand (hint: it’s not viral content)

• The mindset shift needed to thrive in this fast-changing digital world

• And how we’re teaming up to help travel agents market themselves without burnout

If you’ve been craving more flexibility, more adventure, and more alignment in how you show up online—this episode is for you.

JOIN OUR TRAVEL TOOLBOX WAITLIST!

• Angela’s Travel Site: https://apope.dreamvacations.com/home-page

• Angela on Social: https://www.facebook.com/angela.b.pope.7

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelabpopedreamvacations/

  https://www.instagram.com/govacayyourway/

  
  

I'm sharing my unfiltered thoughts on why social media can feel so isolating (even though I'm literally talking to thousands of people daily), my personal journey navigating business while managing my ADHD brain, and why I believe authenticity is absolutely crushing those "I was broke until I did this" marketing tactics.

Plus, I'll get into my recent social media detox (yes, even social media managers need breaks!), how I'm processing a friendship breakup that hit harder than my last relationship ending, and the way my faith has been my anchor through it all.

Listen, I've been in the trenches testing what actually works, and I'm not holding anything back:

• Those financial claim hooks everyone's using? They're burning audiences out FAST
• Consistency beats perfection every single time (my small account clients are proving this)
• My ADHD brain sometimes feels like a dark place, but it's also my creative superpower
• Building a business doesn't have to be complicated (I literally launched Your Flyer Friend in a day!)
• AI is changing EVERYTHING about how we manage social media (and I'm here for it)
• Sometimes the "busy but broke" feeling is real, but I'm finding ways through it

This week, I'm challenging you (and myself) to create content without using a single pain point hook. Instead, let's lead with curiosity, excitement, or genuine value. Tag me in your posts with #SociallyStetsonHookChallenge so I can share your results next week!

I'd love to hear what's working for you right now or what you're struggling with. Drop me a DM or comment - I actually read and respond to everything myself (no AI assistants here... yet!).

Until next time, remember that social media is just a tool - it's what we build with it that matters. Keep creating with purpose!

00:00 - Welcome to my unfiltered thoughts on social media today

01:26 - Why I'm so over financial pain-point marketing (and what's working instead)

09:52 - ADHD, business building, and that friendship breakup that wrecked me

17:00 - My 5-year vision and how AI is changing everything about content creation

23:38 - Finding faith when social media makes you feel more alone than ever

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stetsonkpatton/

Website: https://sociallystetson.com/

Join my membership: https://sociallystetson.com/sociallygrowing/signup

In this episode, Stetson Patton interviews LuAnn Martinson, a senior living advisor and founder of Owl Be There.

LuAnn shares her journey from a professional volunteer to helping families navigate the complexities of senior living. The conversation delves into the importance of early planning for aging, the dynamics of family relationships in care decisions, and the cultural shifts surrounding aging and loneliness.

LuAnn emphasizes the need for open discussions about aging and death, and how her personal experiences have shaped her approach to serving seniors. The episode also touches on leveraging social media to raise awareness about senior care services.

In this upbeat podcast episode, I dive into the common struggle of feeling "stuck" in social media content creation and marketing.

I share personal experiences and highlight the benefits of structured systems and tools, like my membership program.

This program offers templates, training videos, and community support to help you overcome overwhelm and boost your social media presence. With resources like monthly template packs, trending content ideas, and a supportive community, you'll find clarity and direction.

Join us and transform your social media marketing journey with confidence and creativity!

https://sociallystetson.com/sociallygrowing/signup

In this episode of my "Socially Stetson" podcast, I welcome Jean Gettys, a real estate broker with nearly 30 years of experience, to discuss mental health through her personal journey with her brother, who has bipolar disorder. Jean shares the challenges of reconnecting with her brother, who faced homelessness, and how this inspired her to write a book about their experiences. Our conversation highlights the therapeutic benefits of writing and journaling, the importance of understanding mental health conditions, and strategies for promoting mental health awareness through social media and storytelling.

Struggling to keep your Instagram followers engaged? In this video, I share proven strategies to stop getting ghosted and create genuine connections with your audience. 💬

Get up-to-date on how content creation has evolved in 2024!

In today's episode, we're diving into an incredible journey with Natalie Parmenter, the brain behind Primary Focus. Natalie shares her transformation from a dedicated elementary school teacher to launching her own venture, designed to enhance the connection between parents and teachers. She talks about how vital it is for parents to have the right tools and knowledge to actively participate in their children's education.

https://sociallystetson.com/sociallygrowing/signup

https://www.marapalermo.com/attachment-style-quiz-sign-up