As we approach 2026, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your social media strategy and set clear goals for the year ahead.
Social media is constantly evolving – new platforms emerge, trends come and go, and audience behaviour shifts.
Before we jump into how to structure your social media goals, let’s take a look at what our personal goals are for the year ahead here at Social Progress. Janet’s goal is to travel more, while Alex wants to focus on self-improvement, and Scarlett is aiming to continue to build her future. As for Social Progress as a whole, our main goal is to continue supporting our wonderful clients.
Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get left behind. Here’s how to set social media goals that will help your brand thrive in 2026.
1. Review Your 2025 Performance
Before you set goals for the new year, take a close look at your performance over the past 12 months. Ask yourself:
- Which platforms drove the most engagement and traffic?
- Which types of content performed best?
- Did you meet your previous social media objectives?
This review will help you understand what works, what doesn’t, and where there’s room for growth.
2. Define Clear, Measurable Goals
When setting goals, be specific. Instead of a vague aim like grow our Instagram following, focus on measurable targets. This is where SMART objectives come in.
SMART stands for:
S – Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
M – Measurable: Use metrics to track progress, like a 20% increase in followers
A – Achievable: Set realistic goals based on your resources and past performance.
R – Relevant: Ensure your goals align with broader business objectives.
T – Time-bound: Give yourself a clear deadline.
Clear metrics make it easier to monitor success and adjust your strategy along the way.
3. Align Social Media Goals with Business Objectives
Your social media goals should directly support your business objectives. Whether it’s boosting brand awareness, driving sales, or building customer loyalty, aligning your strategy ensures every post has purpose and delivers measurable impact.
4. Stay Ahead of Trends
2026 is shaping up to be a year of continued innovation on social media. From AI-generated content to short-form video dominance, trends evolve quickly. Keep an eye on emerging formats, hashtags, and platform features that can help you stay relevant and stand out from the competition.
5. Monitor, Measure, and Adjust
Regular check-ins, monthly or quarterly, are crucial for keeping your social media strategy on track. At Social Progress, we never go a month without our team meeting to review our progress as a company and plan the next steps for the month ahead.
7. Don’t Forget the Human Element
Even in 2026, social media is about connection. Engaging authentically with your audience and showing your brand’s personality can be just as, if not more, important as metrics and numbers.
If all else fails…
At Social Progress, we offer a range of services, including social media account management and training. If you’ve been struggling to get your 2025 social media goals off the ground, consider making outsourcing your social media one of your goals.
Get in touch! Email us at info@socialprogress.co.uk
We could help ease the daily pressures of managing your online presence and keep your strategy on track.
#SocialProgress #SoProHigh5 #SoPro #TeamSoPro #HappyNewYear #Hello2026 #SocialMediaMarketing