Here's the thing about writing for the algorithm: it keeps changing, and you can never fully know what it wants. But the people on the other side of the screen haven't changed much. They still want to feel understood. They still stop for something that sounds like it was written for them.
So write for them. Actually, write for just one of them.
When you write for everyone, you play it safe.
You explain too much, hedge every point, and smooth out anything that might not land. The result is content that's technically fine and emotionally flat.
When you write for one person, something shifts. You stop explaining the basics they already know. You use the words they'd use. You get to the point because you know what's stuck for them.
And here's the part that surprises people: the more specific you are, the more people relate.
Readers don't think, "This wasn't written for me." They think, "How did she know?"
The algorithm still matters. But it's built to spot what people stop for, save and share. Write something one person genuinely needs, and you're giving it exactly that.
Try this: the one-person post
This takes about 20 minutes. Do it before your next post.
Pick a real person. Not an "ideal client avatar" with a made-up name. A real client, customer, follower or friend who is exactly who you want to help. Write their first name at the top of the page.
Write down what they're stuck on right now. One thing, in their words, not yours. If you remember something they actually said, even better.
Note what they've already tried. This stops you giving advice they've heard a hundred times.
Write the post as a message to them. Start with "Hey [name]," and just talk. Don't think about hooks or hashtags. Think about what you'd say if they were sitting across from you.
Delete the greeting and read it back. Cut anything that sounds like a performance. Keep anything that sounds like you talking to a friend.
That's your post.
What you'll notice
Most people notice how much easier it is to write. You're helping someone you know, rather than performing for a crowd.
The second thing is the response. Comments like "this is exactly where I'm at" or "did you write this for me?" You don't have to do this for every post. But try it for the next three, and see what changes.
Need help working out who your one person is and what to say to them? Start with the free Creator & Founder Storybank →