The Social Media Reality Check

By Danielle Wheeler

Cut through the social media noise with data-driven strategies that actually work. No fluff, no outdated tactics - just real results from real businesses.

Each week, we share actionable insights, case... more

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FAQs about The Social Media Reality Check:

How many episodes does The Social Media Reality Check have?

The podcast currently has 13 episodes available.

The Social Media Reality Check episodes:

April 22, 2025Why Your Brand Looks Great on Social Media But Isn’t Getting Results
In this episode, I'm diving into one of the most frustrating problems business owners are facing right now:
👉 Beautiful, branded content that isn’t performing.
You’ve got the polish. You’ve got the professionalism. But your numbers? Flat. And no, it’s not just the algorithm.

🎧 Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why aesthetic content alone won’t drive reach or engagement anymore
The #1 mistake business owners make when creating “on-brand” content
Real examples of content strategy pivots that turned dead engagement into conversations
How to align your visuals and your voice with what your audience actually wants
Three easy shifts you can make this week to boost content performance
Why messy, human content wins in 2025 (even in “boring” industries like finance or B2B)

🛠️ Mentioned in this episode:
Download your free 155 Hooks + Content Calendar — get scroll-stopping ideas tailored to your brand.

Connect With Me
📌 Instagram: @wheeler_marketing_agency
📌 Website: wheelermarketingagency.com

Found this episode helpful? Share it with someone who needs to hear it! Let’s make social media more human again.
...more
9min
March 18, 2025 The Power of Storytelling – Stop Posting, Start Connecting
Social media is packed with content, but let’s be real—most of it gets scrolled past without a second thought. The difference between a forgettable post and one that stops someone in their tracks? Storytelling.

In this episode of The Social Media Reality Check, I’m breaking down why storytelling is the secret weapon for building emotional connections, keeping your audience engaged, and turning casual scrollers into loyal fans. No fluff—just real, actionable tips you can start using today.
Why Storytelling is a Game-Changer
📢 People are craving connection—nobody wants another sales pitch.
📢 Stories make you memorable—facts fade, but feelings stick.
📢 Storytelling builds trust—relatable content turns followers into fans.
📢 92% of consumers say they’re more likely to connect with brands that use storytelling in their content. (Adweek, 2024)
How to Tell Stories That Stick
🔥 1. Be relatable—Share real, human moments, not just the highlight reel.
🔥 2. Create conflict—Hook your audience by sharing struggles before the breakthrough.
🔥 3. Show transformation—Make sure your story has a takeaway your audience can apply.
Where to Use Storytelling Across Platforms
📌 Instagram – Hook them with captions that make them stop and read.
📌 TikTok – Keep it casual, like talking to a friend.
📌 LinkedIn – Share career lessons and personal insights.
📌 YouTube – Go deep with long-form storytelling.
📌 Facebook – Connect emotionally with personal or business stories.
Final Takeaways
✅ The best stories aren’t perfect—they’re real.
✅ You don’t need to be a master storyteller—just start sharing.
✅ Social media is about connection, not just content.
Connect With Me
📌 Instagram: @wheeler_marketing_agency
📌 Website: wheelermarketingagency.com

Found this episode helpful? Share it with someone who needs to hear it! Let’s make social media more human again.
...more
11min
February 25, 2025 Avoiding Social Media Burnout in Your Business
Most business owners are feeling it—the constant pressure to post, engage, and chase trends while still running a business. Social media has become a full-time job, and burnout is at an all-time high. But here’s the truth: social media should work for your business, not the other way around.

In this episode, I break down why social media burnout happens and, more importantly, how to make content creation sustainable without draining your energy. No fluff, no outdated advice—just real, actionable strategies to help you take back control of your time and still see results.
What’s Causing Social Media Burnout?

🚨 The content grind never stops—businesses feel forced to post constantly just to stay visible.
🚨 Algorithm anxiety is real—one day your posts perform great, the next… crickets.
🚨 The pressure to be everywhere—Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube—it’s exhausting.
🚨 Social media feels like a full-time job—and most business owners don’t have hours a day for it.

📊 A 2024 Hootsuite report found that 53% of business owners say social media is their most time-consuming marketing task, and 47% are considering scaling back because it’s too much.
The Fix: Smarter, Sustainable Social Media Strategies

🔥 1. Simplify Your Social Strategy
→ Focus on 1-2 platforms where your audience actually hangs out.
→ Example: B2B? Stick to LinkedIn & Instagram. Local service-based business? Facebook & Instagram.

🔥 2. Batch & Repurpose Content
→ Batch create content weekly or monthly to save time.
→ Repurpose: Turn one blog into Instagram slides, break a video into reels, transform a LinkedIn post into tweets.

🔥 3. Set Boundaries with Social Media
→ Define time limits (decide how much time you actually want to spend).
→ Turn off notifications—social media shouldn’t control your day.
→ Stick to relevant content—post with intention, not out of obligation.

🔥 4. Focus on Connection, Not Just Sales
→ Social media isn’t a sales pitch. Share behind-the-scenes moments, quick wins, and helpful tips.
→ Build engagement first—trust leads to conversions.

🔥 5. Quality Over Quantity
→ You don’t need to post daily. Three solid posts a week beat seven mediocre ones.
→ Post when you have something valuable to say, not just to stay in the feed.
Final Takeaways

✅ Celebrate small wins—engagement, new connections, DMs from potential clients.
✅ Get help—whether it’s outsourcing, hiring a VA, or using AI tools.
✅ Growth comes in seasons—not every month has to be a huge growth month.

Most importantly, social media is just one part of your business. You’re allowed to step back, take breaks, and focus on what moves the needle.
Connect With Me

📌 Instagram: @wheeler_marketing_agency
📌 Website: wheeler.marketing

💬 Ready to get serious about your social media strategy? DM me or visit my website to chat about your business! 🚀

🎧 Know a business owner feeling burnt out? Share this episode with them—let’s normalize not burning ourselves out for content.
...more
8min
February 18, 2025 Behind the Scenes of a Killer Social Media Audit
Most businesses are flying blind on social media—posting without knowing what’s actually working, measuring success by vanity metrics, and hoping for the best. But hope is not a strategy. In this episode, I break down the Social Media Audit Playbook, the exact process I use to help businesses uncover hidden growth opportunities, pinpoint what’s killing engagement, and create a roadmap for measurable results.

If you’re putting in the work but not seeing real traction, this episode is for you. Plus, I’m sharing my favorite tools to make auditing easier so you can stop wasting time and start optimizing like a pro.

Key Strategies Discussed

1. Profile Branding: Your First Impression Matters
• Is your profile picture clear, on-brand, and instantly recognizable?
• Does your bio communicate exactly what you do and who you help?
• Are you using a smart linking tool to maximize clicks and conversions?

🔍 If someone lands on your page and doesn’t immediately “get” what you do, it’s time for a refresh.

2. Content Deep Dive: Quality Over Quantity
• Are you balancing value-driven content (education, storytelling, entertainment) with promotional posts?
• Does your feed look cohesive, or is it a random mix of Canva templates?
• Are your captions starting real conversations, or are you just talking at your audience?

🔥 Quick test: Scroll through your last 10 posts. If most comments are just emojis or generic “Nice post!” replies, your content isn’t sparking engagement.

3. Engagement & Community: The Secret to Growth
• Are you actually responding to comments and DMs in a timely manner?
• Do you engage first, or are you waiting for people to come to you?
• Are you using interactive tools like polls, Q&As, and conversation starters?

🚀 Pro Tip: Spending just 15-20 minutes per day engaging with your audience can drastically boost your visibility and build real relationships.

Actionable Steps for Your Social Media Audit

✅ Step 1: Optimize Your Profile & Bio
• Make sure your bio is clear and action-oriented.
• Use a profile picture that instantly represents your brand.
• Check your links—are they driving real action?

✅ Step 2: Audit Your Content Strategy
• Track what’s performing well and double down on it.
• If your posts feel random, tighten up your visual branding.
• Make sure every caption invites engagement, not just passive scrolling.

✅ Step 3: Increase Your Engagement Efforts
• Spend 15-30 minutes daily engaging with your audience before posting.
• Leave thoughtful, valuable comments on niche-relevant posts.
• Use hashtags and location tags strategically to find new audiences.

Tools to Make Social Media Auditing Easier

If manually reviewing every detail of your social accounts sounds overwhelming, here are some tools to help streamline the process:

💡 AgoraPulse – Powerful but pricey. Best for in-depth reporting.
💡 Vista Social – My go-to for tracking performance and scheduling.
💡 Metricool – A great all-in-one analytics and management tool.

Real Results from a Proper Audit

One business owner who optimized their strategy saw:

✅ 40% higher engagement rates
✅ 1,200+ new organic followers in 4 weeks
✅ More comments, DMs, and meaningful interactions than ever before

👉 If you’ve been throwing content at the wall and hoping it sticks, this strategy will change everything.

Connect With Me

📌 Instagram: @wheeler_marketing_agency
📌 Website: wheeler.marketing

💬 Ready to get serious about your social media strategy? DM me or visit my website to chat about your business! 🚀
...more
8min
February 11, 2025 The Instagram Detox Strategy – Why Posting Less Can Grow Your Account Faster
This episode challenges the outdated “post daily” advice and reveals why posting less but engaging more is the smarter approach to Instagram growth. I break down The Instagram Detox Strategy—a proven method that shifts the focus from content overload to quality, connection, and conversion. If you’ve ever felt burnt out from the endless content treadmill or frustrated by low engagement, this episode is for you.

Key Strategies Discussed
1. Audit Your Posting Schedule
•Identify your top-performing content and optimize your strategy around what actually works.
•Reduce your posting frequency without losing engagement.
• Focus on quality over quantity—posting out of obligation won’t get you results.

2. Double Down on Intentional Engagement
•Prioritize real conversations over passive content consumption.
•Spend 30 minutes a day engaging in DMs and comments with thoughtful responses.
•Use hashtags and location tags to proactively engage with new audiences.

3. Optimize the Quality of Your Posts
• Shift your content focus to storytelling, education, and entertainment.
•Encourage meaningful engagement with strong calls to action.
•Stop making content just to fill your feed—make every post count.

Actionable Steps for Your Instagram Strategy
1️⃣ Take a hard look at your posting habits.
•What’s actually performing well?
•Are you posting because you have something valuable to share, or because you feel like you have to?

2️⃣ Reduce your posting frequency and track results.
•If you’re posting 5-7x a week with minimal engagement, test dropping to 2-3 posts per week and focus on engagement instead.

3️⃣ Increase your intentional engagement time.
•Spend 15-30 minutes daily engaging with your audience before posting.
•Leave thoughtful comments on relevant posts in your niche.

4️⃣ Improve content quality and interaction.
• Make sure every post either educates, entertains, or inspires.
• Use CTAs that invite real conversation, not just passive likes.

Real Results from Doing Less
A business owner struggling with engagement dropped from posting daily to just 3x a week and focused more on engagement. Here’s what happened:

✅ 65% increase in engagement rate
✅ 1,800 new organic followers in 6 weeks
✅ More DMs, saves, and shares than ever before

If you’re stuck in the content hamster wheel, this strategy can change everything.
Connect With Me
📌 Instagram: @wheeler_marketing_agency
📌 Website: wheelermarketingagency.com

💬 Ready to take your Instagram strategy to the next level? DM me or visit our website to chat about your business! 🚀
...more
9min
February 04, 2025 Standing Out in a Sea of Copy-Paste Creators
Tired of seeing the same social media trends recycled over and over? You’re not alone. 76% of social media users are overwhelmed by repetitive content (2024 HubSpot Study). People are zoning out, engagement is dropping, and if you’re blending in—you’re losing.

But here’s the truth: the creators and brands actually growing aren’t just following trends; they’re breaking them. So in this episode of The Social Media Reality Check, we’re diving into:
🔥 Why trend fatigue is killing engagement and what to do instead.
🔥 How to inject personality into your content and actually stand out.
🔥 Three actionable strategies you can implement today to make your content unforgettable.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔ Why TikTok & Instagram’s algorithms are shifting away from trends and toward original content.
✔ How to create a signature series so people instantly recognize your content.
✔ Why flipping the format can make your posts perform better than following trends.
✔ How making your audience part of your content boosts engagement & builds community.
✔ Real-world examples of creators who grew without selling their soul to the algorithm.

📌 Stats Mentioned:
📊 76% of social media users feel overwhelmed by repetitive content (HubSpot, 2024).
📊 TikTok trends burn out in just 48 hours—meaning trend-chasing is a losing game.
📊 78% of consumers feel more connected to brands that feature real customers or community members (Sprout Social, 2024).

📌 Examples of Creators Who Stand Out:
🎯 Chris Do (@thechrisdo) – Whiteboard breakdowns instead of trendy content.
🎯 Seth Godin – Minimalist text posts that cut through the noise.
🎯 Duolingo – Built viral success by involving their audience in content.
🔥 Actionable Takeaways: Implement These Today!

1️⃣ Create a Signature Series – Develop a recognizable content format that makes you a brand, not just a creator.
2️⃣ Flip the Format – Ditch cookie-cutter content styles and experiment with unexpected visuals or storytelling.
3️⃣ Make Your Audience the Content – Engage your followers by featuring their responses, comments, or experiences.

📌 Keep the Conversation Going!
💬 What strategy are you going to implement? DM me on Instagram @wheeler_marketing_agency—I’d love to see it in action!
📩 Found this episode helpful? Share it with a friend who’s stuck in the trend trap!
🚀 Ready to cut through the social media noise? Send us a DM or head to wheelermarketingagency.com and let's chat about your business.

🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and never miss an insider growth strategy again.

Timestamps
Strategy 1: 02:08
Strategy 2: 03:03
Strategy 3: 04:00
...more
6min
January 21, 2025 The Facebook Strategy That Works: How a Local Store Increased Engagement 423% Without Ads
This episode cuts through the noise about Facebook being “dead for business” and showcases a case study of how a local retail client proved the naysayers wrong. Danielle Wheeler breaks down the exact steps her team took to help this client achieve a 423.7% engagement increase and nearly triple their impressions in 90 days—without spending a single dollar on ads.
Key Strategies Discussed
1. Stop Selling, Start Connecting
• Shift focus from product pushes to showcasing the people and personality behind the brand.
• Highlight real conversations, relatable moments, and team personalities.

2. Lean into Entertainment
• Share funny behind-the-scenes content, team banter, and bloopers.
• Create authentic, engaging content that resonates with the audience.

3. Timing is Everything
• Use Facebook Insights to identify the best times to post.
• Adjust posting schedule to early mornings, lunchtime, and evenings.
Actionable Steps for Your Business
1. Throw out traditional content calendars and start with:
• 5 FAQs from customers.
• 3 funny or memorable business moments from the last month.
• 2 team members your customers love interacting with.
2. Create entertaining content ideas around these.
3. Use Facebook Insights to align posting times with audience activity.
4. Stay consistent for 90 days to see measurable results.
Results Achieved by the Retail Client
• 423.7% engagement increase
• 282.9% growth in impressions
• 15-20 comments per post (up from zero)
• 300% rise in share rate
• Increased foot traffic and sales.
Connect With Us
• Instagram: @wheeler_marketing_agency
• Website: wheeler.marketing

Ready to turn your social media around? DM us or visit our website to chat about your business!
Episode Timestamps
• [02:04] Key strategy #1: Stop selling
• [02:39] Key strategy #2: Create entertaining content
• [03:20] Key strategy #3: Perfecting timing
• [04:33] How to replicate these results
...more
7min
January 14, 2025 I Tested 5 Viral Instagram Growth Hacks (So You Don't Have To)
I tested five different growth strategies: follow/unfollow method, engagement pods, trend hijacking, giveaways, and cross-platform auto-posting. Each method was thoroughly tested with detailed tracking of results, costs, and impact on account health. My findings overwhelmingly showed that these "shortcuts" lead to decreased engagement, damaged account credibility, and wasted resources.
Experiment Overview
- Duration: 90 days
- Platform: Instagram (primary)
- Method: Created separate test account
- Purpose: Test effectiveness of viral growth tactics
- Approach: Documented costs, engagement rates, and account health impact
Growth Hack #1: Follow/Unfollow Method
- Implementation: 100 accounts followed daily for one week
- Time Investment: 1 hour per day (7 hours total)
- Initial Results: 200 new followers (while following almost 1,000)
- Final Outcome:
- 80% follower loss
- Account flagged for suspicious activity
- 42% decrease in engagement rate
- Verdict: Harmful to account credibility and authenticity
Growth Hack #2: Engagement Pods
- Investment: $150/month for three pods
- Key Issues:
- Low-quality, generic comments (e.g., "Great post, check mine out!" or "🔥🔥🔥")
- Account flagged by Instagram
- No meaningful engagement increase
- Zero authentic community building
- Verdict: Waste of money with potential account penalties
Growth Hack #3: Trend Hijacking
- Test Period: One month
- Content: 15 trending audio Reels
- Results:
- High initial views
- Zero conversions
- Confused existing audience
- Example: Awkwardly dancing to Taylor Swift while trying to sell marketing services
- Verdict: Ineffective for business growth and authenticity
Growth Hack #4: Giveaways
- Offer: 30 days of custom curated content
- Entry Requirements: Like post and tag three friends
- Initial Results: Over 300 followers in 3 days
- Final Outcome:
- 60% immediate unfollow rate post-giveaway
- 30% drop in engagement rate
- Key Learning: Giveaways aren't inherently bad but must be niche-specific
Growth Hack #5: Cross-Platform Auto-Posting
- Common Client Request: Sharing Instagram posts to Facebook
- Issues Encountered:
- Content wasn't formatted correctly
- 45% drop in engagement
- Appeared low-effort
- Verdict: Each platform requires unique content strategy
What Actually Works: Sustainable Strategies
1. Content That Converts
- Focus on solving real audience problems
- Combine entertainment with value (entertainment first, value second)
- Share expertise generously
- Build trust through quality content
2. Authentic Engagement
- Provide thoughtful responses beyond emojis
- Use open-ended questions (questions that can't be answered with yes/no)
- Engage genuinely with niche accounts
- Maintain active presence in DMs
- Respond to story replies
3. Strategic Consistency
- Quality over quantity (1-2 high-quality posts better than 5-7 filler posts)
- Use analytics to guide content decisions
- Adapt content format to audience preferences (video vs. carousels)
- Focus on sustainable growth
Key Takeaways
1. Growth hacks often cause more harm than good
2. Authentic engagement beats artificial growth
3. Platform-specific content performs better
4. Quality and consistency triumph over shortcuts
5. Building trust is more valuable than inflating numbers
Final Advice
Before implementing any growth tactic, ask yourself: "Is this building my audience's trust or just inflating my numbers?" Trust wins every time.
Timestamps
[01:24] Hack 1 Follow/Unfollow
[02:34] Hack 2 Engagement Pods
[03:44] Hack 3 Trend Hijacking
[04:37] Hack 4 Giveaways
[05:52] Hack 5 Crossposting
[01:24] What Actually Works
...more
11min
January 07, 2025The Brutal Truth About Reels (And How to Fix Them)
In this episode, we dive deep into what really drives results with Instagram Reels, backed by real client data and case studies. Learn why viral views don't always equal success and discover proven strategies for creating Reels that convert.
Key Highlights
Real Client Data Insights
Beauty Industry Client
Trendy Reel: 15,000 views → 2 sales
Educational Reel: 3,000 views → 15 sales
Service Business Client
Dancing Reel: 8,000 views → 0 inquiries
Process Breakdown Reel: 2,500 views → 6 high-ticket clients
What's Actually Converting
Hook Types Driving Results
Problem/Solution format: 47% higher engagement
"What if I told you..." pattern interrupts: 32% more saves
Controversial statements with proof: 41% higher completion rates
Winning Content Formats
Walking and Talking: Natural, unscripted conversations
Split-Screen Tutorials: Demonstrating processes
Text Overlay with Visuals: Clear, engaging messaging
Technical Requirements
Equipment Needed:
iPhone 15 or newer
Basic ring light
CapCut Pro for desktop editing
Proven Reels Formula
First 3 Seconds
State the problem
Use pattern interrupt
Build curiosity
Middle Section (7-15 seconds)
Focus on one main point
Include proof/examples
Keep transitions minimal
Close (Last 3-5 seconds)
Provide actionable takeaway
Include strong CTA
Give save/share incentive
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The Trending Trap
Following irrelevant trends
Using misaligned audio
Forcing entertainment over value
Production Paralysis
Over-editing
Excessive transitions
Perfectionism
Content Confusion
Unclear messaging
Multiple topics in one Reel
Weak calls-to-action
Weekly Content Creation Framework
Monday: Planning
Identify audience problems
Outline solutions
Create compelling hooks
Tuesday: Recording
Batch record 3-5 Reels
Multiple takes as needed
Quality check audio/visuals
Wednesday: Editing
Simple, clean edits
Brand-aligned text overlays
Select strong thumbnails
Thursday: Caption Writing
Craft complementary captions
Clear, actionable CTAs
Friday: Publishing
Schedule content
Final review and adjustments
Success Metrics
Client Case Study Results using our reels formula:
Month 1: 2% engagement rate
Month 3: 8.5% engagement rate
Sales increase: 34%
Connect With Us
Instagram: @wheeler_marketing_agency
Subscribe to the podcast
Ready to cut through the social media noise? Send us a DM or head to wheelermarketingagency.com and let's chat about your business.
Episode Quote
"Reels aren't about chasing trends or views—they're about connection. When you create content that's authentic to your business AND entertaining, you're not just making Reels; you're building trust, loyalty, and conversions."
Episode Timestamps
[00:59] Real Client Data Insights
[01:51] What's Actually Converting
[03:59] Proven Reels Formula
[05:13] Common Mistakes to Avoid
[06:21] Content Power Week Framework overview
Key Takeaway
Focus on creating authentic, valuable content that aligns with your brand voice rather than chasing trends or viral views. Success comes from building genuine connections with your audience through helpful, entertaining content that drives conversions.
...more
9min
January 07, 2025Your Social Media Schedule Is Broken Here's How to Fix It
A deep dive into creating a sustainable social media content system that prevents burnout and delivers better results. Features a complete breakdown of the Content Power Week system and essential tools for implementation.
The Content Power Week System
Monday: Research & Ideation
Brain dump content ideas
Review performance metrics
Industry research
Content planning
No creation, just planning
Tuesday: Recording Day
Batch record all video content
Capture B-roll
Set up once, record multiple pieces
Save raw footage in organized folders
Wednesday: Graphics & Editing
Create visual assets
Edit video content
Design templates
Prepare carousel slides
Thursday: Copy & Messaging
Write captions
Craft CTAs
Final content review
Message alignment check
Friday: Setup for Success
Schedule all content
Set engagement windows
Plan response strategy
Prepare for next week
Essential Tools Breakdown
ClickUp
Content calendar management
Task templates
Project organization
Canva
Design creation
Template system
Brand asset management
CapCut Desktop Pro
Video editing
Auto-caption feature
Batch editing capability
Vista Social
Content scheduling
Reels with audio
Analytics tracking
Implementation Steps
Week One: Set up ClickUp organization
Week Two: Begin content batching
Week Three: Refine and customize schedule
Week Four: Full system implementation
Connect With Us
Instagram: @wheeler_marketing_agency
Subscribe to the podcast
Ready to cut through the social media noise? Send us a DM or head to wheelermarketingagency.com and let's chat about your business.
Episode Quote
"You don't need to post every day to see results. What you need is a sustainable system that lets you show up consistently without burning out."
Action Items
Block out next week following the Content Power Week structure
Start with two dedicated content days
Set up core four tools
Create basic content templates
Episode Timestamps
[02:47] Content Power Week
[05:31] Essential Tools
[07:55] Implementation
...more
10min

FAQs about The Social Media Reality Check:

How many episodes does The Social Media Reality Check have?

The podcast currently has 13 episodes available.