5 social media tips from Gary Vaynerchuk you need to start using today

From the Personal Branding Blog

I first discovered Gary Vaynerchuk when I was looking for straightforward, practical social media advice. 

As an early investor in major social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat, he had a front-row seat to the evolution of online culture. 

That pioneering spirit turned him into a go-to expert on building genuine, high-impact digital presence.

His track record speaks for itself: he’s authored best-selling books, launched top-rated podcasts, and helped countless entrepreneurs amp up their brand’s visibility. 

But what really drew me in was his no-nonsense approach to consistency, storytelling, and engagement. He’s proof that if you combine a relentless work ethic with a willingness to learn from your audience, amazing opportunities can unfold. 

Below are five strategies I’ve taken to heart from Gary Vaynerchuk—ones I believe can transform your social media game.

1. Double down on documenting

One of the biggest “lightbulb moments” I had was realizing social media isn’t about crafting perfect highlight reels. 

I used to hesitate before posting anything that didn’t feel polished or ready for a magazine cover. Then I realized that people crave real life—rough edges and all. 

Gary Vaynerchuk frequently talks about “documenting” instead of “creating,” which means sharing your everyday progress, challenges, and small wins as they happen, rather than waiting for grand achievements. 

When I started posting behind-the-scenes glimpses of my writing process—showing how I wrestled with ideas or overcame writer’s block—readers told me they felt more connected to me.

If you think about it, documenting helps ease the pressure to perform. You don’t have to stage elaborate photoshoots or type out a “perfect” script every time you show up on camera. 

Instead, you give people a window into the reality of what you do. That authenticity can lead to deeper relationships and a true sense of community around your work. 

Try sharing a quick snapshot of something unglamorous—like the piles of notes scattered on your desk—and see how it resonates with your audience. 

Often, it’s these little moments that remind people you’re human. And being human on social media is far more memorable than being a faceless brand.

2. Engage one-on-one

I learned early on that broadcasting our messages isn’t enough. We have to also tune in and engage with our audience in meaningful ways. 

Gary Vaynerchuk is known for responding personally to comments and direct messages. It’s a simple act that shows followers they’re seen and heard. 

I love the sense of community that builds when someone realizes I’ve taken the time to respond to their comment with more than a generic “thank you.”

It’s the difference between having an audience and having a loyal, supportive tribe.

Just like it is in the real world, people feel more connected to others when their experiences are acknowledged and validated. A quick, genuine reply can create a ripple effect of goodwill.

If you’re pressed for time, dedicate just ten or fifteen minutes a day to responding to comments. You’ll see the difference in the depth of relationships that form around your brand.

3. Embrace social listening

A mistake I made when I first got serious about social media was talking more than I listened. 

I was so excited to share my ideas that I forgot to pay attention to what people were actually asking or discussing. 

But real growth starts when we understand our audience on a deeper level. 

Gary Vaynerchuk often emphasizes the power of social listening—actively seeking out conversations on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to find out what people care about, what they’re struggling with, and what they’re celebrating.

I tried this approach by looking for specific hashtags related to personal development. 

What I discovered was a goldmine of topics: from managing burnout at work to improving self-confidence before a job interview. 

By engaging in those conversations and offering insights—without spamming links to my own articles—I attracted new followers who genuinely connected with my perspective. 

Social listening helped me refine my content strategy. Instead of guessing what my community wanted, I let their own words guide me. 

Give it a try by searching for keywords related to your niche and spending some time reading through the comments, questions, and concerns. 

You might find unexpected angles for your next post or even discover a new audience segment you’ve been overlooking.

4. Provide value before asking

This is a lesson I’ve had to learn and relearn a few times because it’s so easy to slip back into asking for likes, shares, or website visits before you’ve truly earned your audience’s trust. 

One of Gary Vaynerchuk’s best-known principles is “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook,” which means you should give, give, and give some more—then, when it’s appropriate, make your ask. 

It’s like paying forward generosity in your content. 

Maybe you share a personal story that your audience can learn from. 

Maybe you offer a free tip sheet or you just let them know you’re there to help. 

You keep providing useful, entertaining, or motivating content—no strings attached.

When people see that you’re genuinely interested in helping them, they become more open to your eventual invitations, whether it’s to sign up for a newsletter or attend a workshop. 

For instance, a while back, I went on Instagram Live every Friday to share quick “wins of the week” and mindset strategies—no promotion at all. 

Over time, those who tuned in felt a stronger connection with me and readily supported my new projects. 

If you make it a habit to give before you ask, you’ll naturally foster relationships that are based on trust and authenticity. 

Think of something you can offer your followers right now—a behind-the-scenes tip, a free resource, or even just a heartfelt story—and watch how giving back becomes one of the best brand-building moves you can make.

5. Experiment without fear

The social media landscape changes faster than my daughter changes her favorite cartoon. It can feel overwhelming to keep up, especially if you’re worried about how people might judge your posts. 

But one thing I’ve noticed is that every new platform or format has a window of opportunity. 

If you’re open to experimenting, you can catch people’s attention simply because you’re an early adopter or you’re willing to do something different. 

Gary Vaynerchuk often encourages entrepreneurs and creators to test content on emerging platforms—even if they’re skeptical at first—because you never really know what will click until you try.

I’ve personally tried posting short audio clips, quick daily videos, and even “day in the life” style photo dumps to see what resonates best with my community. 

Not every experiment becomes a home run, but that’s okay. Each “failed” attempt gave me insights I couldn’t have learned otherwise. 

Maybe you decide to try one new feature a week—like polling your audience in Instagram Stories or testing a fun TikTok challenge. 

Don’t wait for all the stars to align. The more you experiment, the more creative freedom you’ll feel, and the more you’ll discover what sets you apart. 

After all, creativity thrives in motion, not in a planning document that never sees the light of day.

Conclusion

Social media is a tool for making genuine human connections if we use it with purpose. 

Gary Vaynerchuk’s ideas gave me the nudge to step out of my comfort zone and share from the heart, engage with others on a personal level, listen actively to my community, give freely, and explore new avenues without letting perfectionism hold me back. 

By following these five approaches, I learned it’s possible to build a brand rooted in authenticity—one that resonates on a deeply personal level.

I encourage you to pick at least one tip and test it out this week. Let yourself learn from what works and what doesn’t, and remember that real impact comes from showing up consistently and openly.

Take one small step today: share a behind-the-scenes moment, reply thoughtfully to a comment, or simply ask a question that sparks real conversation.

You never know whose life you might change—maybe even your own.

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