Where the Wild Things Are - Rethinking Social Media in 2025

Title: Where the Wild Things Are - Rethinking Social Media in 2025

Episode Summary: 

Social media platforms have changed dramatically, leaving many public relations and marketing professionals questioning their next steps. On this episode of That Solo Life, co-hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane explore the current state of social media and offer practical advice for staying relevant and strategic. They discuss the platforms worth keeping an eye on, how to align your presence with your client's audience, and the importance of balancing professional engagement with personal values. Whether you're an advocate of LinkedIn or wary of TikTok, you’ll gain clarity on the evolving landscape and actionable insights to guide your strategy. 

Episode Highlights: 

• [00:18] – Welcome! Karen and Michelle kick off with a relatable chat about unpredictable summer weather. 
• [02:09] – Transition to the hot topic of managing professional social media strategies in a turbulent environment. 
• [03:04] – Is LinkedIn still the safe space for PR pros, or has its engagement also shifted? 
• [05:55] – Exploring generational divides in media consumption and why multi-platform strategies are critical today. 
• [07:35] – The surprising continued relevance of Facebook in niche and community-focused marketing strategies. 
• [11:07] – Why emotional assessments are key when re-evaluating your social media presence mid-year. 
• [12:08] – Karen and Michelle’s parting advice on standing by your values while staying adaptable for clients. 

Key Takeaways

• Assess which social media platforms best align with your audience and professional values before committing your resources.
• Diversify your strategies—don’t rely solely on one channel to reach target audiences.
• Regularly re-evaluate your PR and marketing approaches in response to evolving platform dynamics and audience preferences.
• Community and connection are as important as algorithm-driven reach; prioritize authentic engagement.
• Balance professional obligations with personal ethics when working with or recommending specific platforms.

Related Episodes & Additional Information: 

• Episode 284: How PR Pros Can Use an Audit to Unlock Social Media Success
• Hubspot: Social Media Trends Report
• Visit Solo PR Pro for tools and resources that help PR pros thrive. 

Host & Show Info: 

That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today’s dynamic professional landscape. 

Subscribe and Share 

Enjoyed the episode? Don’t miss out on future insights! Subscribe to That Solo Life wherever you listen to podcasts. If you loved today’s discussion, share it with your fellow solo PR pros and marketing peers. Visit Solo PR Pro for more resources, and connect with us to share your thoughts—because your voice matters! 

Talk to Us

We’d love to hear your thoughts on AI’s impact on PR and how you’re adapting in your career! Connect with us through the following platforms:

• Karen Swim - LinkedIn, Threads, Instagram
• Michelle Kane - LinkedIn, Instagram

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of That Solo Life! Stay connected to continue the conversation.