So, you’ve launched your business and you’re doing all the things. Social media? You’ve been figuring it out as you go, posting when you remember, maybe dabbling with Reels or trying to engage with followers between all your other to-dos. But let’s be real—it’s exhausting. You didn’t start your business to become a full-time content creator, right?
But here’s the thing: with a few tweaks, you can make social media work for you, not against you. You don’t have to be a digital marketing guru to have an effective online presence. Let’s dive into some strategies that can help you step up your social media game—without burning out.
1. Plan Ahead (It’s Not as Boring as It Sounds)
Look, no one loves the idea of planning, but a simple content calendar can save you from that last-minute panic of, “What the hell am I posting today?” It doesn’t have to be fancy—a Google Doc, a note on your phone, whatever works for you. The goal is to map out your posts ahead of time so you’re not scrambling. Try planning a mix of content: maybe some behind-the-scenes peeks, a post about your story, and yes, the occasional shoutout for your products or services.
Why It Helps: It makes your content more intentional and balanced. Plus, once it’s planned, you can stop stressing about it.
2. Show the Real You
Forget the polished, hyper-curated feeds—you’re not running a luxury brand campaign. People want to see you. Show the messy, the funny, the real. Share why you started your business, what excites you, or even what challenges you’re facing. Being authentic connects people to your brand in a way that curated content can’t.
The trick? Don’t overthink it. Snap a photo of your workspace, talk about a recent win (or fail), and remember that your story is part of what makes your business unique.
Why It Works: People buy from people, not faceless brands. Your authenticity is what sets you apart.
3. Get on Video (Don’t Panic)
We know, we know—video can feel intimidating. But hear us out: it’s one of the easiest ways to boost engagement. And no, you don’t need to become a TikTok star overnight. Start small. Maybe it’s a quick clip of you packaging an order, a 15-second intro to your space, or a simple how-to related to your product or service.
Pro Tip: It doesn’t need to be fancy. Use your phone, keep it raw, and just be you. Authentic, scrappy videos often resonate more than overproduced ones anyway.
4. Engage Like a Human
Social media isn’t just about pushing content—it’s about building relationships. So when people comment, like, or DM, don’t just leave them hanging. Respond. Have actual conversations. Comment on other people’s posts, interact with your community, and be present. It’s a simple way to show that you’re not just a brand but a real person running a business.
Try This: Set aside 10 minutes a day for engaging with followers. Just a quick scroll to drop some comments, like posts, and reply to messages can make a big difference.
5. Lean Into Your Queerness
This isn’t about marketing your identity—it’s about showing up authentically and unapologetically. Being a queer business owner is part of what makes your brand yours, and there’s power in that. Your story, your journey, your community—all of it should shine through in your posts.
Whether it’s talking about the values that drive your business, sharing the challenges of being a queer entrepreneur, or simply making your space feel inclusive, it’s about owning who you are and inviting others to connect with that.
What you can do: Weave your personal experiences into your content to foster a deeper connection with your audience. Authentic moments resonate strongly, building trust and creating a loyal community around your brand.
6. Track What Actually Works
You don’t need to get lost in the numbers, but do pay attention to what your audience responds to. Which posts get the most likes or comments? Which stories lead to more website clicks or DMs? Use that data to guide your future content. If people love your behind-the-scenes content, lean into it. If your product posts fall flat, maybe try a different approach.
Quick Fix: Both Instagram and Facebook offer basic insights. Spend 5 minutes looking through your analytics to see which types of posts resonate the most, and go from there.
Keep It Simple
You don’t have to post every day, join every trend, or be on every platform. Pick one or two social media channels that feel right for you and focus on those. Simplifying your approach can help you stay consistent and avoid burnout. Remember, social media is meant to help your business—not be a constant source of stress.
Social media can feel like a hustle, especially when you’re doing it on your own. But with a few simple changes, it can become a tool that works with you instead of draining your energy. You’ve already done the hard part by starting your business—now it’s just about
making sure the right people see it. Keep showing up, keep being real, and trust that your community will find you. And if you find that you need help, you know where to find us.
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