Social Media Strategies
How I Built and Tested Algorithms That Work
Chris assisting Ben O'Berg conducting an Internet Marketing Mastermind in 2020.
“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 digital media. It’s not just about building a personal brand; it’s about testing, learning, and auditing systems.
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 stress-test the algorithms to see what truly works.
From Facebook to Instagram, and now to podcasting and YouTube, my journey has been one of experimentation and data collection. Here is how I built and tested social media strategies that work – and what I’ve learned along the way.
These are the 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 audit the strategy.
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 the system. Within 60 days, I grew the page from 0 to 11,000 followers.
Here’s what worked:
Penny Clicks: I validated Record's strategy of targeting specific demographics to lower ad costs.
GEO Targeting: I took it a step further by isolating specific high-engagement locations to maximize ROI.
Value-Driven Content: Instead of chasing likes, I focused on content that triggered the "Share" algorithm.
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.
I didn’t just buy the course; I went all-in. I hired Ben’s “right-hand man” to mentor me, invested in the tools 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 and clean engagement metrics.
Strategic Hashtags: I used a "Hashtag Ladder" strategy to get my posts in front of the right audience.
Consistency: The algorithm craves predictability. I fed it high-quality content on a strict schedule.
My success didn’t go unnoticed. I became one of Ben’s top students and was eventually invited to assist in hosting a private mastermind. Once I understood the engine, I moved on.
Instead of Chasing Followers, have Followers Chase You
The Failure Point: Hashtag Strategy Seriously! Learn How to Use Hashtags. The hashtags must be relative to the size of the account and the size of the tag. But who are we kidding? Most people read this, think they are experts, and ignore it.
The Problem: Most wannabe experts "vomit" the same tags onto every post instead of using each tag only once within 3-4 days! The algorithm flags this as spam behavior. Most people don't use a hashtag ladder, and then they wonder why they never hit the Explore page.
The Reality: It wasn't luck. It was homework. It wasn't easy, and after 11 months, it was easy to just walk away. You see, I did it all just for the knowledge of growing an audience. That's why I did a Crossfit page on FB and a travel page on IG. I didn't want cross-over followers. New platform, new audience, new profiles.
I spent the money, took the training, tested the strategies, and only did it to prepare me for the future. Then I walked away and haven't touched them in years.
The Anatomy of a Viral Instagram Post
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 are a treadmill, while Podcasting and YouTube are real estate.
That’s why I sought out Zach Babcock (aka “The Underdog”). Zach’s advanced podcast training was exactly what I needed to avoid common pitfalls and go from zero to hero fast. His no-nonsense approach gave 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 compound over time.
Evergreen Content: YouTube videos remain relevant for years, unlike posts that disappear in 48 hours.
Higher Engagement: Deeper connections with the audience.
Long-Term Value: The content you create today generates views and revenue for years.
The "YouTube Unlock" 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?
In Sum: If you’re honest with the one in the mirror, most of you need a change but might be too arrogant to admit it. However, the truth can sting. Remember what John Childers told me about changing directions if you don't like where you're headed.
IMHO: Move fast, pivot quickly, and continue making course corrections rather than waiting for perfection.
Chris Daniel
I am a Claims Adjuster and Network Admin focused on Strategy & Systems Analysis. Basically, I investigate everything until I figure it out. From IT networks and insurance policies to stock market momentum, social media algorithms, and litigation tactics—I treat every challenge like a crime scene to be solved. (And no, it's not always Colonel Mustard with the Candlestick in the Living Room)
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Food For Thought
"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Neither does bathing. That's why we recommend it daily."
- Zig Ziglar
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