In the 6th episode of the "Business of Women" podcast, Rhonda Hallstrom of Hallstrom Homes and Shannon Hayes of Vitality Ventures Group discuss the significant changes in social media algorithms and their impact on content visibility. They emphasize the necessity for businesses to adapt their content strategies to reach broader audiences, not just existing followers. Key topics include the evolving role of AI in social media, which is reshaping how content is created and consumed, potentially displacing traditional influencers. The discussion also highlights the importance of maintaining a professional and engaging website, as most sales still originate from Google searches. Additionally, Rhonda and Shannon provide practical advice on effective hashtag use and tailoring content to different social media platforms to enhance engagement. They advocate for authenticity in digital interactions, noting that genuine human connections cannot be replicated by AI, stressing the importance of adapting business strategies to these new digital trends while maintaining a personal touch.

• Topic Introduction: Discussion on how algorithms have changed across platforms, impacting visibility on websites and social media.

• Impact of Algorithm Changes: They note a significant shift in how content reaches audiences, with only a small percentage (about 5%) of followers actually seeing posted content. This necessitates a broader approach to content creation to appeal to a wider audience.

• Content Strategy Shift: Emphasis on creating impactful videos that can attract attention beyond existing followers. This includes diversifying content strategies to adapt to new audience behaviors on platforms like Instagram.

• Social Media Insights: Discussion on the trend of using AI bots in social media for business promotion, potentially displacing traditional influencers. They explore the role of AI in creating more efficient and appealing social media presences.

• Website Optimization: Importance of maintaining an engaging and well-optimized website highlighted as crucial for business success due to most sales still originating from Google searches.

• Professionalism in Media: The conversation underscores the necessity of professional photos and a cohesive social media presence to maintain credibility and attract a broader audience.

• Future of Social Media: They predict continued evolution in social media with the integration of AI, changing how content is created and consumed. Discussion on how businesses need to adapt by merging authentic personal branding with innovative AI strategies.

• Hashtag Usage: Advice on using specific, less crowded hashtags for greater visibility, especially for local business promotions.

• Content Type Differentiation: Differentiation between various content types like Reels and traditional posts is discussed, emphasizing the need to tailor content to platform-specific audiences and trends.

• Platform-Specific Strategies: They advise on the importance of understanding and utilizing platform-specific strategies to enhance engagement, especially on underutilized platforms like LinkedIn.

• Business Adaptation: Discussion on adapting business strategies to online trends, including the potential shift towards hiring social media managers to handle diverse and platform-specific content effectively.