10 Years in Social Media Marketing!
Crazy but true, we’re celebrating 10 years in the business of social media marketing.
It’s funny to think that in that time we’ve gone from “just post a picture” to “here’s a multi-platform strategy with 12 content pillars and performance data.”
Yes, it has been a wild ride—and we’ve loved every algorithm shift, trend cycle, and brand voice breakthrough along the way.
As Full Stop Social Media celebrates a decade in the game, here’s what we’ve seen, what we’ve learned, and where we think we’re headed.
1. From Chronological to Algorithmic Chaos
Remember when you could post at 5 pm and know people would see it? Us too. In 2016, the algorithmic shift changed everything. But it also made strategy more important—and rewarding—for those willing to adapt.
2. The Rise of Video (and Reels and TikTok and Stories…)
Video is no longer optional. From Vine to IGTV to Reels and TikToks, short-form video changed how brands show up. Attention spans shortened, but opportunities to connect became richer.
Lesson learned: Hook quickly, stay authentic, and always add value.
3. The Power of Micro-Influencers
In 2015, the influencer space was ruled by mega names. Fast forward to now, and micro- and nano-influencers often drive better engagement and ROI. Why? Trust. Relevance. Realness.
4. From Likes to Link Clicks (and Beyond)
We’ve stopped chasing vanity metrics. Today, it’s about what converts—website traffic, saved posts, email sign-ups, sales. The platforms got smarter, and so did we.
5. Brand Voices Got Personality
Remember when every brand sounded the same? Dry. Formal. Forgettable. These days, the best social accounts sound human. They’re witty, weird, warm, and wonderful. (And yes, sometimes they reply in memes.)
6. Social Commerce Took Off
We went from “link in bio” to in-app purchases, product tagging, and shoppable posts. Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have become real sales channels—not just awareness tools.
7. Community Over Follower Count
Ten years ago, it was all about growing fast. Now, smart brands focus on depth of engagement, not just breadth. It’s better to have 1,000 engaged followers than 10,000 who scroll on by.
8. Social Strategy = Business Strategy
Social used to be a nice-to-have. Now, it’s core to how brands grow, communicate, and connect. Content creation, customer service, culture—social’s at the centre of it all.
9. AI, Automation, and Smarter Tools
Scheduling platforms, caption generators, AI image tools—content creation is faster than ever. But the key to standing out? Still: originality. Creativity and clarity are what cut through.
10. What’s Next? More Real, Less Perfect
If there’s one theme emerging for the next 10 years, it’s authenticity. Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and the rest of us are craving content that’s real, raw, and relevant. Expect more lo-fi, unpolished, straight-to-camera content—and deeper storytelling behind the grid.
A Decade of Scrolls and Strategy
From our very first grid post to today’s full-scale content strategies, we’ve loved helping businesses of all sizes grow through social. We’ve stayed curious, adaptable, and honest—because that’s what this space demands.
Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just started following along, thank you for being part of the journey.
Here’s to the next ten. 🥂 Need a fresh strategy or just want to audit where you're at? Let’s talk.