Whether you’ve watched every episode or still have no idea what the Upside Down actually is, Stranger Things has become one of the most recognisable shows on Netflix.
While your LinkedIn posts probably won’t trigger the same level of internet chaos as the final season’s release, the series has plenty to teach us about writing and engaging on social media.
Read on to discover five lessons from Stranger Things that can help your posts reach the right people.
1. “Mornings are for coffee and contemplation” – Plan your posts in advance
Hopper was onto something in season one.
Before writing your next social media post, take a moment to contemplate:
- Who you’re speaking to
- Why they should care
- The action or feeling you want them to walk away with.
Posts written with intention are more likely to connect with your target audience and can help you reach other people in your industry or potential clients.
Once you’ve written a few posts, it’s time to decide when you’re going to share them. Many social media platforms allow you to check the insights of your previous posts so you can see when your followers are most active and post accordingly.
Consistency can win you a lot of points with social media algorithms. Scheduling your posts for a certain day and time, and planning them in advance, can help you build an audience that knows it will receive regular, high-quality content.
2. “Friends don’t lie” – Authenticity always wins
The adults and children in Stranger Things survive because they trust each other and tell the truth.
The same applies to your online presence.
People can sense when a post feels overly corporate or when a comment has been written by AI. The most engaging content, on the other hand, feels genuine, relatable, and personal.
If making friends requires honesty, why not share a real story to connect with your followers?
Talk about the reasons you chose to start your business, an honest challenge you overcame, or the insights you wish you had known years ago.
3. “Why are you keeping this curiosity door locked?” – Do your research
In season one, Dustin tells his science teacher, Mr Clarke, “You always say we should never stop being curious, to always open any curiosity door we find.”
If you want to grow on social media, you need to open as many curiosity doors as possible.
Research the platform you’re using. What kind of content is your target audience looking for? Which of your posts have performed the best? Using this information, you can continue to cater to your audience’s tastes and make sure you’re delivering high-quality content.
It’s also useful to keep this in mind when engaging with people. Instead of dropping a simple like or a generic comment, ask questions. This encourages people to have a conversation in the comments section, which can boost your posts and help you learn more about others on the platform.
4. “How come the only one helping me out is this random girl?” – Engagement is a team effort
No one person in Stranger Things solves the mystery by themselves.
It’s only through teamwork that Joyce and Murray were able to track Hopper down in Russia, and it was Robin and Nancy’s research that helped the others save Max from Vecna.
Social media works the same way.
Instead of “posting and ghosting”, interact with other people’s content for 10 minutes before and after you post.
Thoughtful comments, answering questions, sharing other people’s ideas and being part of topical conversations all help your content reach a wider audience.
It also helps you build stronger professional relationships that can lead to referrals and new opportunities.
5. The Upside Down – There’s more happening beneath the surface
The Upside Down looks like the real world, but it’s a nightmarish version of Hawkins, Indiana.
Much like this secret second world, it’s important to remember that there’s more happening behind the scenes of social media than you might assume.
When you scroll Instagram, you are only ever seeing polished posts and aesthetic glimpses into people’s lives, not the thought and hard work behind each piece of content or the slightly uglier reality.
Much like how Eleven’s powers get stronger with each season as she learns how to wield them, it may take you time to develop your skills as well. Don’t compare your first drafts to everyone else’s finished products. Keep working until you’re happy with the result.
And remember: some people love lurking on social media. Just because your post didn’t get much engagement doesn’t mean no one saw it or found it useful.
“You are going to help me… one last time”
If showing up consistently on social media feels like being chased through the woods by a Demogorgon, our social media team is here with a flamethrower to help you fight the monsters.
Get in touch today at hi@theyardstickagency.co.uk to find out more about how we can help you.
