Breaking Out of the Loop: Moving Beyond Recycled Advice for Designers and Freelancers - Part 1
If you're a graphic designer or freelancer scrolling through social media for business advice, chances are you’ve noticed it all starts to sound the same. The same tips get tossed around in slightly different packaging, looping back to where you started. But why is that? Why does it feel like you're caught in an echo chamber of generic mantras, overused phrases, and worn-out advice?
1. The Basics Don’t Change
The reality is, there are core business principles that work—and have worked—for everyone. Stuff like "build a strong portfolio," "network consistently," and "charge your worth" are standard pillars for success. These aren’t going away anytime soon. They're like the bedrock of freelance work, and because they stand the test of time, they keep getting repeated.
That said, it makes sense. These foundational rules will always be relevant, so it’s no surprise they’re constantly rehashed. But for seasoned designers, hearing the basics over and over can feel like being trapped in a loop.
2. Content Overload
In a world where everyone is a content creator, it’s hard to avoid repetition. Social media runs on continuous content production, and with so many designers, freelancers, and business gurus offering their take, the same advice inevitably gets recycled.
It’s a game of who can shout the loudest or who can say “build your personal brand” in a more visually appealing Instagram post. When creators see that certain advice trends or gets clicks, they jump on the bandwagon, giving the same advice a fresh coat of paint and pushing it back into your feed.
3. SEO & Algorithms Fuel Repetition
Blame the algorithms. Social media platforms favor what’s already popular, and they push that content to the top. So if a video about “how to land clients as a designer” performs well, the algorithm makes sure you’re seeing more of the same. Creators respond by optimizing their posts to ride that trend.
It’s like a feedback loop: creators produce content that the algorithm loves, and the algorithm keeps serving up that content because it gets engagement. The result? More of the same advice floating around your feed.
4. Beginners Are the Main Audience
A lot of business advice floating around is aimed at those just starting out. And for good reason—new freelancers are hungry for guidance, so that’s where the demand is. For experienced designers who’ve been around the block, though, the tips often feel redundant.
But for the thousands of beginners stepping into the freelance world every day, that same advice is crucial. It’s not that the advice is bad, it’s just that for veterans, it starts sounding like an overplayed song.
5. Generic Advice Lacks Depth
Business advice on social media tends to be one-size-fits-all, which is why it feels repetitive. Tips like "set boundaries with clients" or "find your niche" are applicable to almost anyone, but they lack the nuance that more experienced designers need.
If you’re beyond the basics, this advice starts to feel like filler. The lack of personalization and specific context makes it hard to extract anything new, so it’s easy to tune it all out after a while.
6. Same Ideas, New Wrapping
Social media thrives on fast, snackable content, so creators often resort to rephrasing the same ideas in a catchy way. Think about how many times you've seen “charge what you’re worth” framed differently, or “hustle harder” presented as some new, groundbreaking insight.
It's not that the advice itself is wrong—it’s just been repackaged to fit into trendy infographics, viral threads, or a punchy TikTok clip. But underneath, it's the same tune on repeat.
7. Repetition as a Learning Tool
There’s also a strategy behind all the repetition: it sticks. Hearing the same advice repeatedly—like “build a portfolio that tells a story” or “communicate clearly with clients”—reinforces key ideas and pushes you to take action.
Sure, it feels like déjà vu at times, but that’s the point. Repetition helps solidify these lessons, especially for those who haven’t acted on them yet.
8. Buzzwords & Clichés Overload
Social media is flooded with buzzwords like “value-based pricing,” “personal brand,” or “niche down.” These terms get repeated because they’re catchy and easy to understand. But the problem with buzzwords is that they often lack the depth to provide meaningful insights.
It’s easy for creators to lean on these clichés because they sound smart, but once you’ve heard them enough times, they lose their impact and just become noise.
Breaking Out of the Loop
So how do you escape the echo chamber? If you’re tired of hearing the same business advice, it’s time to dig deeper. Seek out niche communities or more advanced resources tailored to your specific journey. Connect with seasoned pros who can offer unique insights, or explore outside of the mainstream platforms to find fresh perspectives.
At the end of the day, the repetitive nature of social media advice isn’t inherently bad, but it can feel limiting if you're ready for something more. The key is to move past the basics and into spaces where you can find the deeper, more personalized advice that speaks directly to where you are in your career.
We will dig into this deeper in our Breaking Out of the Loop: Moving Beyond Recycled Advice - Part 2