EP. 026 | THIS is the reason why I think you should post on social media every day
Podcast Summary
Ever wondered how often you should post on social media to market your business? In this episode, I dive into the age-old question of posting frequency and consistency. I break down the difference between these two often-confused terms and explain why they're both crucial for your social media strategy.
I share my expert opinion on how often you should be posting and why it matters for your business growth. We'll explore practical tips for creating daily content without burning out, including batching, quick post practices, and using scheduling tools.
I also discuss why showing up every day is important for gathering meaningful data to improve your strategy. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom starting a VA business or an established web designer, I offer tailored examples of how to maintain a consistent online presence.
By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of how to approach your social media marketing strategy and the confidence to show up consistently for your audience.
Episode Highlights
00:48 Posting Consistently to Market Your Small Business
04:22 How to Create Quality Content Each Day
08:45 How to Post Every Day and Challenges You Might Face
How Often Should You Post on Social Media? The Truth About Consistency in Content Marketing
As a content strategist with over a decade of experience, I've heard this question countless times: "How much should I post on social media?"
If you've found yourself typing this into Google, YouTube, or Instagram, you're not alone. We're all searching for that magic formula, that exact number of posts that will skyrocket our business's online presence. Today, I'm going to share my insights on this topic, and I promise it might ruffle a few feathers – but it's information you need to hear.
The Importance of Consistency in Social Media Marketing
Before we dive into the frequency of posting, let's talk about consistency. In the world of content creation and social media marketing, consistency is king. But what does it really mean?
Consistency vs. Frequency: Understanding the Difference
These two terms often get used interchangeably, but they're quite different when it comes to social media marketing:
Consistency: This refers to the predictability of how you show up as a business online over an extended period. It's about maintaining your brand presence, messaging, and content strategy across platforms and marketing channels. Consistency helps build trust with your audience – they know what to expect when they see your content.
Frequency: This is about how often you post on social media within a shorter timeframe. It's what people might call a "posting schedule" and directly affects your visibility, reach, and other platform analytics.
The key difference? Consistency is about reliability, while frequency is about volume. Think of consistency as the quality of your content over time, and frequency as the quantity of your content in a given period.
Let's clear up some misconceptions:
You can be consistent without high frequency (e.g., posting every Monday)
High frequency doesn't guarantee consistency (e.g., posting randomly throughout the week)
Consistency often has a greater impact on building your audience and community
Frequency can have a greater impact on your analytics
How Much Should You Really Be Posting?
Now, here's the answer you've been waiting for, and it might not be what you want to hear: In my expert opinion, you should be posting at least once a day, Monday through Friday. Before you close this tab in frustration, let me explain why I believe this is crucial for your business.
The Philosophy Behind Daily Posting
I'm not an unhinged "bro marketer" telling you to post three times a day on TikTok, nor am I an influencer saying you can see insane growth without posting daily. I'm a realist who sits somewhere in the middle, and my experience tells me that most business owners should be marketing their business every day.
Why? Because if you want to operate a true business – even if you're a solopreneur or just starting out – you need to treat it like one. You adhere to office hours, you work in your business like it's a 9-to-5, so why wouldn't you market it daily like any larger company would?
The Highs and Lows of Inconsistent Marketing
Let me share a quick example from my agency experience. When I was consistently showing up online every day, sharing valuable content, and engaging with potential clients, I saw a significant increase in inquiries and bookings. The days or weeks when I slacked off on my online presence? Crickets. This pattern has repeated itself countless times with my clients as well.
What Daily Posting Looks Like
Now, before you start panicking about creating a long-form YouTube video or an intricately edited TikTok every day, let me clarify what I mean by showing up daily. The key is to show up on the platform(s) of your choice in a way that makes sense for you and your business. For example:
A stay-at-home mom starting a VA business might post one carousel and one Reel per week on Instagram, and spend other days networking in Facebook groups.
A web designer two years into her business might create engaging videos on TikTok and Reels three days a week, and show up in Instagram Stories the other two days.
The point is to market your business every day, but in ways that work for you.
Practical Tips for Daily Content Creation
Here are some implementable tips to help you create content consistently without burning out:
Implement a batching routine: Set aside dedicated time to create multiple pieces of content at once.
Develop a daily 5-minute post practice: Quick, easy posts can be just as effective as longer, more involved content.
Lean into scheduling tools: Use tools to plan and schedule your content in advance.
Find templates or resources: These can help you create content more quickly and efficiently.
Consider outsourcing: If you have the means, hiring help can take the pressure off you.
The Data Advantage of Daily Posting
Another crucial reason for showing up daily is the wealth of data it provides. At the end of the year, would you rather have 100 Instagram Feed posts and 200 Instagram Stories to analyze, or just 10 Reels posted sporadically? More data points mean more insights into what works and what doesn't, allowing you to refine your strategy more effectively.
I understand that the idea of posting every day can seem daunting. Here are some common challenges and how to overcome them:
Time constraints: Use the batching and scheduling techniques mentioned earlier.
Running out of ideas: Keep a content ideas document and jot down thoughts as they come to you.
Perfectionism: Remember, done is better than perfect. Your audience values authenticity over polished content.
Burnout: Mix up your content types. Not every post needs to be a masterpiece.
The Long-Term Benefits of Consistent Daily Posting
The long-term benefits of consistent daily posting are substantial and far-reaching. By maintaining a regular presence on social media, you'll increase your visibility, keeping your brand at the forefront of your audience's minds. This consistent interaction fosters stronger relationships with your followers, building trust and loyalty over time.
As you create content more frequently, you'll naturally improve your skills, leading to higher-quality posts. Daily engagement also provides valuable insights into your audience's preferences, allowing you to refine your strategy and create more impactful content. Ultimately, this increased visibility and engagement often translates into more business opportunities and sales.
The key to success isn't about overwhelming yourself or your audience, but rather finding a sustainable rhythm that allows you to show up consistently for your business. Start with what you can manage comfortably, and gradually increase your posting frequency as you become more adept at the process.
Remember, the most crucial step is simply to begin. By committing to daily content creation, you'll likely see a transformation in your online presence and, consequently, your business's bottom line. So, are you ready to take on the challenge of daily posting? Start small, stay consistent, and watch as your online presence flourishes. Your future self will thank you for the commitment you make today.