Content Creation vs. Curation: What’s Best for Your Brand?

Alreet, let’s tackle the age-old social media conundrum: should you spend hours creating snazzy, original posts or just polish up what you’ve already got?

Spoiler: it’s not an either-or question I'm afraid. It’s more like a pick-n-mix situation where a bit of both keeps things fresh.

Grab a brew and a custard cream, and let’s break it down.

Content Creation vs. Content Curation: Key Comparison

Quick Action Plan for Balancing Creation and Curation for Social Media Content Ideas:

1. Content Creation: Post 3–4 original pieces monthly across Social Media Platforms to establish expertise (e.g., blog posts, videos).
2. Content Curation: Share or repurpose 5–7 posts weekly to maintain consistency and relevance.
3. Audit Regularly: Review past content to identify opportunities for repurposing into new formats.
4. Leverage Tools: Use platforms like Canva for design and Hootsuite for scheduling and analytics.

Understanding Your Audience: Who Are You Talking To?

Before you start faffing about with fancy content ideas, you need to know your audience better than you know what’s in your nan’s biscuit tin.

Here are a few ideas:

• Dig into the data: Social media analytics tools like Instagram Insights or Google Analytics are your mates here. They’ll tell you who’s looking at your social media posts, what they’re into, and what makes them hit that precious like button.
• What makes ‘em tick? Find out their audience preferences, pain points, and what sort of valuable content gets them talking.
• Personas are key: Imagine your ideal customer—give ‘em a name, hobbies, and favourite tipple. This makes tailoring your social media marketing strategy so much easier.

Want to up your analytics game? Here’s a guide to top social media tools for 2025. 👈

Let Youbee Media Take the Stress Out of Your Social Media

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant need to create engaging content or breathe new life into your old posts? That’s where my marketing consultancy Youbee Media steps in. Our team specialises in crafting bespoke social media strategies, balancing the perfect mix of content creation and curation to suit your brand and audience.

Here’s what we can do for you:

• Repurpose and refresh your existing content so it works harder and smarter.
• Create a social media content plan tailored to your goals and audience preferences making it easier for social media management.
• Keep your social media accounts consistent, engaging, and on-brand across all platforms.
• Provide valuable insights and analytics to optimise your content strategy.

Let us do the heavy lifting while you sit back and watch your follower count grow. Sounds like a win-win, doesn’t it?

👉 Ready to level up your social media game?
Check out our social media management services and let’s get cracking!

Setting Goals and Objectives: What’s the Plan, Stan?

Let’s face it, chucking random posts onto your social accounts isn’t a strategy. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to keep things on track.

• Teamwork makes the dream work: Your goals should line up with your marketing team’s overall plan. No rogue posts here!
• Plan like a pro: A social media content plan is the backbone of success. Use tools to schedule posts and keep the panic at bay.

Developing a Content Strategy: What’s the Game Plan?

Whether you’re aiming for short-form video content or inspiring blog posts, having a proper strategy is key.

• Pick your platforms wisely: Not every social channel is the same. TikTok is for younger audiences who love fast, fun visuals. LinkedIn? Better for professional educational content.
• Mix it up: Use a combo of entertaining content, valuable insights, and posts that spark conversations. Nobody wants a one-note symphony.

Pro Tip: Check out this TikTok social media management guide for fresh content ideas.

Crafting Engaging Content: Keep ‘Em Hooked

Here’s the thing: a cracking post can hook your audience right in and work wonders. Here’s how to nail it.

• Nail your headline: Think witty, attention-grabbing, and packed with keywords your audience loves.
• Add some personality: Use storytelling techniques to bring your brand to life. And for the love of all things Yorkshire, don’t make it sound like a robot wrote it.

Leveraging Social Media: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Don’t just post—optimise. Whether it’s Instagram Stories, Twitter polls, or Facebook Lives, using platform-based features is the way forward.

• Engage your audience: Encourage replies, shares, and personal connections. Bonus points if you can get them laughing with funny memes.

Repurposing and Upcycling Content: Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

Here’s where curation really shines. It’s not about nicking other people’s stuff; it’s about breathing new life into what’s already yours.

• Turn old into gold: Got a blog post that did well last year? Turn it into a short-form video or a snazzy graphic.
• Boost performance: Spruce up old content with new visuals or captions that match your current brand voice.
• Stay efficient: Why waste time when you’ve already got gems in your content library?

Measuring and Analysing Performance: Check the Scoreboard

You wouldn’t bake a cake without checking if it’s risen, would you? The same goes for your social media content strategy.

• Track your numbers: Look at engagement rates, reach, and conversions. Tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Insights are lifesavers.
• Adjust as needed: If something’s flopping, tweak it. Use A/B testing to figure out what your social media users like best.

Final Thoughts: The Creation-Curation Balance

Still wondering if you should focus on creating or curating? Truth is, you need a mix. Creating lets you show off your brand voice, while curation (or repurposing) keeps things efficient and consistent.

Want more tips? Check out these handy links:

• Social Media Management Tips
• Top Social Media Monitoring Tools

Right then, off you go. Whether you’re creating, curating, or doing a bit of both, remember: keep it real, keep it engaging, and don’t forget to have a laugh along the way.

FAQs: Content Creation vs. Curation for Social Media

Got questions about balancing content creation and curation for your brand?

1. How can I improve my social media presence?

To level up your presence:

• Post consistently on your social media channels and keep branding cohesive.
• Share a mix of relevant content, like success stories, industry trends, and funny memes.
• Encourage engagement by asking questions or using user-generated content.

👉 Need help managing your accounts? Check out what social media management is all about.

2. What’s the best way to create engaging content?

• Start with strong visuals like short-form video content or infographics.
• Use storytelling techniques to highlight company culture or customer testimonials.
• Mix in free stuff, like giveaways, to grab attention and encourage followers.

👉 For fresh ideas, here’s how to manage Instagram like a pro.

3. What is content curation, and why should I use it?

Content curation isn’t just sharing other people’s posts—it’s about improving and repurposing what you already have.

• Update long-form content into bite-sized pieces for social media.
• Share industry news or great examples of trends with your unique spin.
• Keep your feed active without starting from scratch every time.

👉 Get more tips on content management tools.

4. How can I align my social media with audience interests?

• Use tools like Google Analytics to dig into your audience’s interests and demographics.
• Conduct audience research to uncover their preferences and challenges.
• Create shareable content that matches what they find engaging.

👉 Not sure where to start? Learn about the best social media marketing tools for 2025.

5. How can a content calendar help my strategy?

A content calendar makes your life easier by:

• Organising your social media content plan so you’re not scrambling for ideas.
• Ensuring a mix of curated content, educational content, and promotional content.
• Planning campaigns in advance to keep your posts timely and relevant.

👉 Need advice on structuring your strategy? Try these social media management tips.

6. How do I stay ahead of social media competitors?

• Monitor what your competitors are doing with tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social.
• Focus on your brand voice and unique valuable content to stand out.
• Use success stories and company culture posts to build authenticity and trust.

7. What’s the balance between creating and curating content?

A mix of both works best:

• Create content: Share your expertise, showcase your brand, and connect on a personal level.
• Curate content: Repurpose good examples from your archives and share valuable information from industry leaders.
  This combo keeps your feed active and engaging without exhausting your team.

👉 Explore our social media management services to nail the perfect balance.

8. What are some creative social media post ideas to engage my audience?

• Run a social media takeover with influencers or team members to share behind-the-scenes moments.
• Post visual elements like videos, infographics, or carousels to grab attention.
• Share success stories or customer testimonials to build trust.
• Host polls, Q&A sessions, or giveaways to encourage interactions.

👉 Check out Instagram management tips to get even more inspiration.

9. How do I create a content marketing strategy that works?

• Start with your marketing goals: Are you looking to generate leads, increase reach, or boost engagement?
• Use your target audience insights to shape your content formats—short videos for TikTok, long-form content for LinkedIn.
• Mix up your posts with industry news, promotional content, and educational or entertaining posts.

👉 For tools to help you manage it all, check out our list of free social media tools or our marketing workshops.

For all your social media needs, trust Youbee Media to take the stress out of strategy. Let’s make your brand shine! 🌟