Social Media Red Flags: What Might Be Killing Your Engagement

Let’s be real—social media is a wild, ever-changing ride. But while some trends help us grow and connect, others just make us want to hit unfollow immediately. In this episode of Social Goals, Kat is joined by By Maddy Aucoin, Akari Digital, and Mariah Makes It Happen to call out the biggest content icks—the social media mistakes that make us cringe—and, of course, how to fix them so your content stands out and performs its best!

1. AI-Generated Captions Gone Wrong

I love me some AI (it helped turn this episode into a blog post!) but there’s nothing worse than seeing someone accidentally leave an AI-generated prompt in their caption. Or even worse? Copying and pasting all five AI-generated options without making a single edit. Yikes!

How to Fix It:

• Use AI as a tool, not a copy-paste machine—edit to match your brand voice.
• Inject your personality and unique perspective to keep it fresh.
• Always, always proofread before hitting “post!”

2. Rage-Bait Reels & Controversy for Clicks

Posting something controversial just to stir up drama? Not the vibe. Sure, it might get views, but it also builds a reputation for negativity—not trust.

How to Fix It:

• Stay true to your values—don’t post things you don’t actually believe in.
• Focus on engagement through meaningful discussions, not shock factor.
• Prioritize long-term credibility over short-term clicks.

3. Hooks That Lead Nowhere

You know those Reels with a juicy hook like “This changed my business forever…”—but then? No explanation. Just “read the caption for more.” If your video doesn’t deliver some value upfront, people will bounce.

How to Fix It:

• Give a taste of your insights in the video—don’t leave people hanging!
• Use captions to add extra value, not carry the whole message.
• Balance curiosity-driven hooks with actual substance.

4. Misusing Social Media Trends

Trends are a fun way to connect, but only if you use them right. Ever seen someone butcher the POV trend or completely misinterpret a viral phrase? Yeah…

How to Fix It:

• Do a little research before hopping on a trend.
• Make sure it actually fits your brand and audience.
• Keep it authentic—if it doesn’t make sense for you, skip it!

5. The “I Did This, So You Can Too” Trap

We love a success story, but let’s be honest—just because something worked for one person doesn’t mean it’s a foolproof formula for everyone. Selling a dream without sharing the full picture? Big ick.

How to Fix It:

• Highlight client success stories, not just your own.
• Offer real, actionable tips backed by experience and data.
• Be honest about the time, effort, and strategy involved.

6. No On-Screen Text in Reels

A Reel that’s only audio? You’re automatically losing a huge audience. People watch on mute all the time—so if there’s no text, they’ll scroll right past.

How to Fix It:

• Add captions or on-screen text—your viewers will thank you!
• Use bold, easy-to-read fonts for maximum impact.
• Make your content accessible and engaging for everyone.

At the end of the day, your audience is smart—they can spot inauthentic, low-effort, or gimmicky content from a mile away. Instead of chasing content trends that don’t serve you, focus on creating high-quality, engaging, and genuine content that builds trust and connection.