How I Built and Tested Social Media Strategies That Work

“Brand your name.com and what you do.com and keep them separate.” – John Childers

This simple piece of advice from John Childers has shaped how I approach social media. It’s not just about building a personal brand; it’s about testing, learning, and creating strategies that work. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the business, and I’ve put their teachings to the test – not just to grow audiences, but to truly understand what works and why.

From Facebook to Instagram, and now to podcasting and YouTube, my journey has been one of experimentation, growth, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Here’s how I built and tested social media strategies that work – and what I’ve learned along the way.

These are the social media strategies I’ve used in the wild—simple systems, clear voice, and data loops that compound.

My Social Media Journey

Facebook Success: Learning from Chris Record

Back in 2015, I came across Chris Record, a name that was making waves in the world of internet marketing. His “Penny Clicks” course was all about leveraging Facebook ads to grow audiences quickly and affordably. Chris’s mantra, “Go all-in and take massive action,” resonated with me, and I decided to put his strategies to the test.

I started with a brand-new Facebook page, Strong is the New Sexy, in a niche I had no prior experience in. No list, no fan base – just a$1,000 budget and a determination to learn. Within 60 days, I grew the page from 0 to 11,000 followers.

Here’s what worked:

• Penny Clicks: Chris’s strategy of targeting low-cost ads to specific demographics was a game-changer.

• GEO Targeting: I took it a step further by introducing geo-targeting, honing in on specific locations to maximize engagement.

• Value-Driven Content: Instead of chasing likes, I focused on creating content that resonated with the audience.

But for me, it wasn’t just about the numbers. I wanted to understand the mechanics of audience growth – what worked, what didn’t, and why. That’s why I haven’t touched the page in years. It served its purpose as a testing ground, and the knowledge I gained has been invaluable.

Instagram Success: Learning from Ben Oberg

In 2018, I decided to shift my focus to Instagram. That’s when I discovered Ben Oberg and his Millionaire Mafia Instagram Mastery program. Ben’s approach was different – it wasn’t about quick wins or spammy tactics like Follow-for-Follow (F4F). It was about building a real, engaged audience through smart strategies and consistent effort.

I didn’t just buy the course; I went all-in. I hired Ben’s “right-hand man” to mentor me, invested in all the tools and services he recommended, and got to work. My goal was simple: to see if I could replicate my Facebook success on a completely different platform.

The result? I grew a travel page, Adventure Mafia, from 0 to 186,000 followers in just 11 months.

Here’s how I did it:

• No Spam, No F4F: I focused on organic growth, creating content that people genuinely wanted to engage with.

• Strategic Hashtags: I used Ben’s hashtag strategies to get my posts in front of the right audience.

• Consistency: I posted regularly, ensuring my audience always had fresh content to engage with.

My success didn’t go unnoticed. I became one of Ben’s top students, and he even invited me to his house for a week to help him host a small conference. Each attendee paid $5,000 to be there, and I had the privilege of assisting Ben in putting it all together.

Podcast Training: Learning from Zach Babcock

More recently, I’ve turned my attention to podcasting and YouTube. Knowing the relative TTL (Time to Live) of social media posts, I realized that platforms like Facebook and Instagram, while valuable, don’t offer the same long-term impact as podcasting and YouTube.

That’s why I sought out Zach Babcock, also known as “The Underdog.” Zach’s advanced podcast training was exactly what I needed to avoid the common pitfalls and go from zero to hero fast. His no-nonsense approach and proven strategies have given me the tools to build a podcast that aligns with my future aspirations.

Why YouTube and Podcasting Matter

Today, I’m gravitating toward platforms that continue to show value over time. Unlike other social media platforms, YouTube and podcasts offer evergreen content – content that gains value and engagement long after it’s published.

Here’s why they’re my focus moving forward:

• Evergreen Content: YouTube videos and podcasts remain relevant for years, unlike posts that disappear in a feed.

• Higher Engagement: These platforms allow for deeper connections with the audience.

• Long-Term Value: The content you create today can continue to generate views, listens, and revenue for years to come.

When I used to “pop off” on Instagram, the posts I had that were featured on the Explorer page might gain 50K Likes, over 1K Shares and gain me over 3K new followers from just that one post. However, the TTL might only last for 3-4 days max. Even on a viral post.

However, podcasts and YouTube Channels have a much higher success rate of growing over time. Many of which, might take months to see any traction at all. However, after paying for what I’ve learned, I expect to have shortened that time-frame dramatically. Oh yeah. Did you know you can “unlock” a YouTube channel from the beginning? You know, so that you don’t need 4K watch hours or 1K subscribers to upload videos longer than 15m? Yeah. Knowing is half the battle, right?

You know, there is another thing that John Childers said to me that I’ll never forget. “If you don’t change your direction, you’re bound to end up where you’re headed.” - So when it comes to social media marketing, do you like the direction you’re headed in? If you’re honest with the one in the mirror, most of you need a change but might be too arrogant to feel this might apply to you.