How to Set Social Media Goals That Actually Drive Results
If you’re posting consistently but nothing’s changing… it’s not your algorithm. It’s your strategy.
Too many purpose-led founders are burning themselves out showing up online without clarity on what they’re actually working toward.
Posting because they “should.” Sharing stories because they “have to.”
But here’s the truth: if your content isn’t rooted in your business goals, you’re wasting your time and energy.
If this sounds like you, than this blog post is going to bring clarity to your confusion.
We’re covering the who, what, why, and how of setting social media goals that help you reach your business goals.
Why you need to set clear goals.
Because social media is a tool, not a marketing strategy.
Without a clear goal, you’re just adding noise to a crowded feed.
In a recent report from HubSpot, 68% of marketers said they don't feel confident about how to measure their social media ROI.
And it shows, most brands are tracking surface metrics (likes, reach, follows) and ignoring what actually converts.
Without goals, content becomes reactive. Your marketing becomes fragmented. And your time? Wasted.
When your content is goal-driven, every post has purpose.
→ It speaks to the right person
→ It supports the right offer
→ It moves people closer to working with you
Who Needs Social Media Goals?
Short answer? Every business using social media to grow.
But especially:
Founders with limited time, wearing multiple hats
Service-based brands needing leads, not likes
Product-based businesses launching new offers
Creatives, coaches, and consultants building trust to sell high-touch services
Agencies or marketing managers responsible for proving ROI
Whether you’re a naturopath, a Pilates studio, or a handmade skincare brand, social media should be driving measurable results.
What Types of Goals Should You Set?
Your goals should be tied to your wider business objectives. That could be:
Building brand awareness
Increasing enquiries or bookings
Growing email subscribers
Selling out a workshop or launch
Educating and nurturing your community
Driving website traffic
Here’s how to think about it:
Created by The Social Theory
Important: Your goals will shift depending on your capacity and offer cycle. If you're fully booked? Focus on brand equity. If you’re launching? Focus on action.
How to Set Social Media Goals That Actually Work
Let’s break it down into simple steps.
1. Choose ONE clear priority per month
Too many goals = no direction.
Pick the one thing that, if it worked, would change everything for your business. That becomes your content’s anchor for the next 4–6 weeks.
Examples:
“Sell 50 tickets to my retreat”
“Increase sign-ups to my 7-day challenge”
“Build local awareness for my studio opening”
Don’t know where to start? Read our blog “How to Create a Social Media Content Strategy”
2. Map your metrics
Not all metrics matter. Choose what aligns with your goal:
3. Create content that supports the goal
This is where intention becomes action.
Every piece of content should do at least one of three things:
→ Build trust
→ Solve a problem
→ Nudge action
Example:
If you’re a cosmetic injector with a goal to book more skin consults, your posts might include:
Before/after reels (trust)
Tips on prepping skin for treatment (solve a problem)
A CTA to book your free 15-min skin call (nudge)
4. Track and tweak weekly
Use your insights tab, not your imagination.
Look for patterns:
Which posts led to DMs?
Which stories led to clicks?
What time performs best for your audience?
Your goal might be clear, but if your content isn’t converting — something needs adjusting.
Learn More About Metrics and Improving Your Customer Journey >> READ BLOG <<
Example: Let’s say you run a women’s wellness studio.
You want to grow your 7-day intro offer for new clients.
Business Goal: Get 25 new women to try the offer
Social Media Goal: Drive traffic to the sign-up page
Metrics to Track: Link clicks, local reach, DMs
Tactics:
Share a reel of your most popular class in action
Feature client wins (e.g. “I’ve never felt so confident in my body”)
Post a story FAQ answering “What do I wear to my first session?”
Pin a post with a direct link to your sign-up
Bonus: Our Favourite Tools to Set & Track Social Media Goals
For DIYers who want to make it easier:
Metricool – Best free planner with analytics & goal tracking
Notion – Customisable goal-setting dashboards
Later – Easy-to-use scheduling + performance data
Google Looker Studio – For advanced reporting if you want to get nerdy
Instagram Insights – Still the most accessible data to start with
Semrush - Competitor Tracking
Linktree - Track your link in bio metrics
Final Word: Strategy First, Content Second
You can’t optimise what you haven’t defined.
Set the goal. Track the metrics.
And if it’s not working… adjust. Don’t overthink it. Just course correct.
We’ll leave you with this:
Posting for the sake of posting is like running with your shoelaces untied.
You might get somewhere, but you’ll burn out, trip up, or stop before the finish line.
Need help setting smart, soul-aligned goals for your next quarter?
→ Let’s build a strategy that actually gets you seen and paid.
