Too Many Creators, Not Enough Attention? 4 Ways to Break Through in 2025
Posting more isn’t the answer. Standing out is. Here’s how to actually get noticed in 2025 without burning out or selling out.
It’s 2025, and let’s be honest, everyone is a creator. Your favorite chef is vlogging their meal preps, your cousin just started a podcast, and even your dentist is dancing on TikTok (respectfully, sir, please focus on my wisdoms in the bike).
With more creators than ever, the platforms are crowded, attention spans are shrinking, and yet, every social media "expert" is still yelling: “Post more!”
But here’s the truth: Posting more isn’t the answer.
More content doesn’t mean more engagement, it often just means more noise. And if your posts are disappearing into the void, you don’t need to work harder. You need to work smarter.
Let’s talk about how small creators, coaches, and business owners can actually stand out without playing the algorithm game 24/7.
1) The Overcrowded Feed: Why Posting More Isn’t the Answer
The Problem: Social media isn’t what it used to be. More people are posting than ever and platforms are evolving to keep users engaged for longer periods of time. This means your content is competing for attention in ways it never had to before.
Example: Instagram’s latest algorithm update now prioritizes long-form content, signaling a major shift from the “short-form, post-as-much-as-possible” era. This is why carousels, thoughtful storytelling, and episodic content are winning right now.
The Fix: Instead of posting more, focus on strategic visibility. Ask yourself:
Where does my audience spend their time? (Instagram? YouTube? LinkedIn?)
What content actually holds their attention? (Bite-sized info? Personal stories? Deep dives?)
How can I format my content so it feels fresh, not forced?
Key Takeaway: You don’t need to flood the timeline; you need to be seen at the right time, in the right way.
2) What the Most Successful Small Creators Do Differently
The Problem: Many small creators feel like they need millions of followers to make an impact. But the most successful micro-influencers aren’t trying to appeal to everyone; they’re building engaged, niche communities.
Example: J (@LiteraryCorner) is a book-focused creator who started on TikTok less than a year ago and has already grown to over 90K followers. His content isn’t broad; it’s highly structured around monthly book recaps, deep dives, and smart commentary (like books that make great conversation starters).
How is he winning?
He’s not trying to go viral for the sake of virality, he’s building a space where book lovers want to engage.
Instead of scrambling for any brand deal, his niche makes it easy to align with the right partners (bookstores, authors and other creative reading-adjacent sponsorships).
His conversational tone makes books feel accessible so even people who aren’t deep in BookTok can get drawn into his content.
The Fix: Instead of chasing mass appeal, get hyper-clear on your niche and own it.
Define your content pillars: J knows exactly what his audience comes to him for (book discussions, recommendations, and insights). What are your go-to topics?
Make engagement easy: J didn’t just build an audience, he’s part of a community. And I ran across his page from a friend who ran across his page from a recommendation in her comments - proof that great niche creators get talked about.
Brand yourself beyond the algorithm: J isn’t waiting for TikTok’s FYP to boost him; he’s built a recognizable voice in his niche that makes people want to come back.
Key Takeaway: The smartest micro-creators aren’t chasing trends, they’re creating spaces people want to be part of. If you’re not getting the right engagement, the issue might not be the algorithm, it might be that your content is too broad. Get specific!
3) How to Build a Cult-Like Community (Even If You Have a Tiny Audience)
The Problem: Creators are still treating their one Instagram or TikTok page like it has to do everything but the smartest brands (and even creator-brands) aren’t relying on a single account anymore. They’re running multiple accounts, content series, and creator-led pages to engage different audiences.
Example: The Best “Brands” Are Acting Like Media Companies
ClickUp (in addition to their company IG Page) also runs a comedy page, a DIY page, office skits, and even fake influencer personalities.
ESPN and Morning Brew have niche sub-brands instead of dumping all content onto one page.
Even creators and small businesses are utilizing multiple accounts from TikTok to IG side accounts to create and leverage space between themselves and their brands.
What Small Creators & Business Owners Can Do:
Stop Making One Account Do Everything – Test a second page or a content series just for a specific audience.
A business coach? Start a separate account just for quick-fire clips.
A podcaster? Create an account just for show clips, keeping your main page personal.
A brand? Test a comedy skit, reaction content, or niche Q&As.
Use More Than One Personality – You don’t have to be the only face of your brand. Bring in co-hosts, audience-generated content, or different voices to widen your reach.
Micro-Communities Convert Better – Instead of forcing one audience to follow everything, funnel people into niche spaces like a Substack newsletter, a private group, or a TikTok series.
Key Takeaway:
The smartest creators aren’t just posting, they’re building ecosystems. If growth feels slow, don’t blame the algorithm. The problem might be that you’re still treating social like 2018. The game has changed and it’s time to move accordingly.
4) Strategies That Make Your Content Unforgettable
The Problem: Most creators are still stuck in the "What should I post?" loop when they should be asking "What’s worth sharing?"
Example: Pay-for-Performance Content Is Here to Stay
Drake just used a platform called Whop to flip traditional influencer marketing on its head with his recently released project, $$$4U. Instead of paying big-name influencers upfront, he turned everyday fans into paid promoters by offering micro-payouts based on video performance.
Here’s how it worked:
Creators earned 25 cents per 1,000 views for posting videos with his song.
Follower count didn’t matter; a no-name creator with 300 followers had the same shot at going viral as an influencer with 300,000.
What Small Creators, Coaches & Businesses Can Learn From This
You don’t need to be Drake (or have Drake’s budget) to use this strategy. The key takeaway is that pay-for-performance content is the future and small creators can tap into this shift right now.
Turn Your Audience Into Advocates – Small business owners and coaches can reward followers for sharing their content by offering discounts, free resources, or access to exclusive content.
Run Contests That Reward Engagement – Instead of posting just because, try running a pay-per-performance challenge (i.e., “The top 3 most engaged followers this month get free coaching” or “Get featured on my page by creating the best response to this prompt”). This keeps your audience invested and engaged.
Sell Through Gamification – Instead of hoping for engagement, tie real incentives to content whether that’s a freebie, an entry into a raffle, or even direct revenue-sharing models like affiliate marketing.
Key Takeaway:
You don’t need a massive audience to make money, you need engaged participants. The smartest brands and creators are shifting from "pay for reach" to "pay for results."
This isn’t just a strategy for celebrities, it’s an opportunity for anyone who wants to make their audience work with them instead of just talking at them.
Before You Go, Tell Me What You Need Help With!
Since I know so many of us are navigating content saturation, engagement struggles, and the ever-changing platform landscape, I want to hear from YOU.
What’s your biggest struggle right now when it comes to content creation?
What do you wish you knew more about?
What’s holding you back from growing your brand or business online?
Take 2 minutes to fill out this quick survey HERE, and I’ll use your responses to shape my upcoming Substack content.
Because at the end of the day, I want to create content that actually helps YOU.
Let’s build something great together.
Final Takeaways:
✅ Instagram’s algorithm reset means long-form content is gaining traction—use this shift to your advantage.
✅ You don’t need a massive audience. Micro and niche creators are winning by building trust, not chasing virality.
✅ Engagement > followers. The most successful creators build community, not just content.
✅ Stop “just posting” and start crafting an experience. Make your content stand out by being intentional with storytelling and positioning.
Let me know in the comments: Which of these strategies do you need to focus on most right now?
And don’t forget to fill out the survey because I want to hear from YOU.
Your Next Steps:
📩 Subscribe to stay ahead of the creator economy.
📣 Share this post with a friend who needs to hear it.
💬 Fill out the survey so I can create content that actually serves your needs.
The creator economy is changing fast—but those who adapt will win. Let’s make sure you’re one of them.
In Perspective,
Jey
keep writing.
THANKS FOR MAKING SENSE OF COMPLEX LANE OF SOCIAL!! We THANK YOU MY BROTHER! 🔥🔥🔥👑👑👑💪🏿💪🏿