Social media strategy examples from real brands 

Thinking about how to develop an effective social media strategy for your business? Exploring successful approaches from real brands can offer valuable insights for your own. 

In this article, we feature 7 excellent social media strategy examples, analyzing their content, target audience, and how similar tactics can benefit your business. From a clothing brand that turns everything into content to a coffee company known for its engaging humor, we’ll show you what works, why it works, and how you can use these approaches as social media strategy templates to make your brand shine. 

No filler, just essential strategies that make a difference. Ready to dive in?

How to create a social media strategy 

So, what is a social media strategy and how do you create one? Think of it as your game plan. It’s all about having a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you’re going to get there. However, it’s important to keep your strategy adaptable, as your vision and goals might change in the process. Here’s how you can make it happen with some friendly advice to guide you along the way: 

🎯 Set clear goals 

What’s your dream? Maybe you want more people to know about your products or services, or you’re looking to get more clicks to your website. Whatever it is, follow the SMART criteria, making goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, aiming to increase your follower count by 25% within six months is a clear and measurable goal. 

🤓 Know your audience 

Getting to know the people you’re talking to is a must for an efficient social media strategy plan. How old are they? What is their average income? How do they interact with content? Which platform do they hang out on? You can conduct surveys, use social media analytics, and engage directly with your followers to gather insights. 

🔍 Research competitors 

Take a peek at your competitors’ social media. Identify what type of content they publish, how often they do this, and how they engage with their audience. It’s not about copying them; it’s about seeing what’s out there and finding your own unique spin. 

🛍️ Choose the right channels 

Not all social media platforms will be right for your business. Select channels where your target audience is most active. A B2B social media strategy will be different than a nonprofit social media strategy. While the former might benefit more from platforms like LinkedIn, the latter is more likely to excel on X (formerly Twitter). Don’t stress about being everywhere at once. It’s better to excel on one or two platforms than to barely show up on five. 

📌 Pro tip form VistaCreate: Reuse your visual content. You can create a stuunning visual for Facebook and then adjust it to Pinterest or any other platform. Check out our resizing tool to quickly adapt content for various channels. 

If you’re curious about diving deeper and getting even more practical tips on building an effective socila media marketing strategy, check out this guide. 

Social media strategy examples from brands 

Choosing the right type of content is crucial for an efficient social media marketing strategy. It ensures that your message resonates with your target audience, helping you boost engagement, increase followers, and drive more conversions. 

Let’s explore 7 social media strategies from real brands. We’ll analyze their content, target audience, and suggest who can benefit from this approach: 

1. Everything is content 

NTA handmade clothing brand is a great example of how you can use almost anything — from coming up with new ideas to designing product packaging — for content. This social media strategy humanizes the brand by showcasing the entire process behind the scenes. It’s a strategy that pulls back the curtain to reveal the hard work, dedication, and passion that goes into every product or service offered.

What businesses can use this approach?  

This strategy is particularly effective for creative brands in fashion, art, culinary, and craftsmanship industries, where the process of creation is as interesting as the final product itself. 

Who does this strategy target? 

The target audience for this type of content is consumers who value transparency, authenticity, and the artistry behind products. These are conscientious consumers, enthusiasts of the brand’s niche, and those who appreciate sustainability and ethical practices. 

What are the benefits of this strategy? 

• Builds trust: By sharing the real work that goes into products, brands can build trust with their audience. 
• Enhances engagement: Behind-the-scenes content is often unique and personal, which can stand out on social media feeds and encourage interactions. 
• Differentiates the brand: This approach helps a brand stand out in a crowded market by highlighting its unique processes, values, and stories. 

2. Brain teaser engagement 

The strategy employed by the Nibble app, a startup that focuses on delivering bite-size lessons across a variety of topics, is both interactive and educational. By incorporating riddles, polls, tests, and questions, they transform passive content consumption into an active learning experience.

What businesses can use this approach? 

This approach is well-suited for brands in the edutainment sector, including educational platforms, museums, and cultural institutions, as well as companies in the health and wellness, personal finance, and self-improvement spaces. 

Who does this strategy target? 

The target audience here is people with a thirst for knowledge and a preference for learning in an engaging, non-traditional format. This group encompasses lifelong learners, professionals looking to broaden their skill sets, and curious minds attracted to trivia and facts about various subjects. 

What are the benefits of this strategy? 

• Boosts engagement: Interactive content like polls, quizzes, and riddles encourage active participation. 
• Increases shareability: Fun and educational content is more likely to be shared, extending the brand’s reach organically. 
• Builds community: This strategy fosters a sense of community among followers, as they not only engage with the content, but also with each other.

3. All things visual 

Exploring another content strategy for social media, let’s look at Abbie Rosie, an illustrator who uses Instagram as a platform to showcase her artwork used in notebooks, on clothing, and other items. By sharing high-quality images of her illustrations, the artist not only displays her talent, but also illustrates how her art is applied in various products, effectively turning her social media into a dynamic portfolio.

What businesses can use this approach? 

This visual-centric approach is ideal for creative professionals such as illustrators, graphic designers, photographers, and artists. It’s also beneficial for businesses in the fashion, design, and lifestyle sectors that rely on aesthetics to market their products. 

Who does this strategy target? 

This strategy targets people with an appreciation for art and design, including potential clients, art enthusiasts, and customers interested in purchasing products featuring unique illustrations. 

What are the benefits of this strategy? 

• Enhances visibility: High-quality content is more likely to be shared and engaged with, increasing the brand’s visibility. 
• Showcases portfolio: Socials can serve as a digital portfolio, showcasing the brand’s versatility to potential clients and collaborators. 
• Attracts new clients: By demonstrating how art can be applied to products, brands can attract a wider range of clients, from individual buyers to businesses looking for collaborations. 

4. Selling lifestyle, not just products 

Daily Food is a brand that goes beyond merely selling healthy snacks. By focusing its social media marketing strategy on broader lifestyle topics, Daily Food doesn’t just promote products, but offers a holistic view on well-being. This includes sharing valuable tips on gut health preservation, utilizing movement for mental health benefits, recommending seasonal products for better nutrition, and much more.

What businesses can use this approach?  

This approach to SMM is particularly suitable for businesses in the health, wellness, and food industries. Companies focusing on fitness, mental health, sustainable living products, and nutritious foods and supplements can effectively utilize this strategy to build a comprehensive lifestyle brand. 

Who does this strategy target? 

The strategy targets health-conscious people looking for ways to improve their lifestyle through diet, exercise, and overall wellness practices. This includes fitness enthusiasts, people with dietary restrictions or those recovering from health issues, and anyone interested in enhancing their physical and mental well-being. 

What are the benefits of this strategy? 

• Builds a community: Focusing on lifestyle and wellness creates a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, fostering a strong community. 
• Enhances loyalty: By providing consistent value beyond the product itself, brands can cultivate deeper relationships with their audience. 
• Positions the brand as an authority figure: Sharing expert tips establishes the brand as an authority figure in the health and wellness space, increasing credibility. 

5. UGC is God 

Cultnaked, a slow fashion brand, embraces a social media marketing strategy centered around User-Generated Content (UGC). By frequently featuring customers wearing their designs, Cultnaked showcases the appeal of its clothing line. This approach also helps the brand foster a strong sense of community among its audience.

What businesses can use this approach?  

The UGC-centered approach is effective for businesses looking to build community around their brand. It can be beneficial for beauty, lifestyle, fitness, and any other industry where product usage can be visually showcased and shared by consumers. 

Who does this strategy target?  

This strategy primarily targets the brand’s existing customers, as well as potential customers who see the shared content. It’s especially appealing to a younger demographic who prefer to see real-life applications of products rather than polished photoshoots. 

What are the benefits of this strategy? 

• Cost-effective content: UGC offers a steady stream of content at a minimal cost, reducing the need for expensive content production. 
• Increases reach: UGC often gets shared widely, extending the brand’s reach beyond its followers. 
• Builds credibility: Seeing real customers endorse and wear the products increases trust among potential buyers. 

6. Naked truths 

BYOMA, a skincare brand, positions itself as an expert in building the skin barrier. Its social media strategy is a blend of transparency, education, and aesthetic appeal. This approach is characterized by showcasing and explaining the benefits of ingredients used in skincare products, all while maintaining a visually appealing presentation.

What businesses can use this approach? 

This social media strategy template is suitable for businesses within the beauty, health, and wellness industries, where product ingredients and benefits are a focal point for consumers. 

Who does this strategy target?  

Well-informed consumers who prioritize understanding what goes into the products they use are the target audience for BYOMA and similar brands. This can be skincare enthusiasts, eco-conscious consumers, or individuals looking for reliable, scientifically-backed beauty and wellness products. 

What are the benefits of this strategy? 

• Educates consumers: Providing valuable information empowers consumers to make informed decisions, leading to a more loyal and satisfied customer base.  
• Enhances brand trust: By being transparent about ingredients and their benefits, BYOMA fosters trust and credibility with consumers. 
• Differentiates from others: Positioning the brand as a provider of high-quality products and a source of valuable knowledge can help it stand out in the market.  

7. Go crazy or go home 

Now, let’s get a little bolder! Top of the Mornin’ Coffee employs an unconventional social media strategy that sets it apart in the crowded coffee market. It mixes memes, jokes, and absurd content, leaning into humor and relatability to promote its products.

What businesses can use this approach?  

Creating a social media strategy like this is especially effective for brands looking to disrupt conventional market spaces or those targeting a younger, more internet-savvy demographic. Businesses in industries like fashion, entertainment, beverages, and lifestyle products — where personality and brand differentiation play key roles in consumer choice — can particularly benefit from this strategy. 

Who does this strategy target?  

The strategy targets millennials and Gen Z consumers who appreciate humor, internet culture, and are looking for brands that don’t take themselves too seriously. 

What are the benefits of this strategy? 

• Helps the brand stand out: By adopting a unique voice filled with humor and absurdity, Top of the Mornin’ Coffee sets itself apart from competitors. 

• Provides viral potential: Memes and jokes have a high potential for going viral, significantly increasing the brand’s reach without the need for large budgets. 
• Builds emotional connection: Humor creates a positive emotional connection with the audience, making the brand more relatable. 

Wrapping up 

Creating an organic social media strategy for your business can significantly elevate your online presence and connection with your audience. Whether it’s through the artful showcasing of products like Abbie Rosie, the humorous engagement of Top of the Mornin’ Coffee, or the lifestyle-centric approach of Daily Food, each strategy underscores the power of understanding and catering to your target audience. 

The key takeaway? Focus on what makes your brand unique and genuinely engage with your audience. This is the only way you can stand out in a crowded market. As we’ve seen from 7 social media strategy examples, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach — innovation, authenticity, and consistency are your best tools for crafting a strategy that resonates and delivers results. 

Looking to explore more about social media management? Check out these articles: 

➡️ How to use social media marketing for your business: The complete guide 
➡️ 30 must-try social media post ideas for small businesses 
➡️ 10 social media marketing examples you can’t miss