How can athletes tell if their social media strategy is working for sponsors?

Look at engagement metrics rather than just follower growth. Track interactions (likes, comments, shares) relative to your follower count. Watch for spikes that you can sustain over time - viral videos can bring followers, but the real measure is whether you can keep them engaged with consistent quality content. Brands can easily investigate your engagement rates within 30 minutes, so be upfront about your real numbers rather than inflating them. Authenticity and consistency over time matter more than one-time viral hits.