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If you’re a small business owner like me, you’ve probably felt it.

That constant pressure to stay visible on social media.

You start the week absolutely determined, post once or twice, before the real life demands of running your business take over. Before you know it, days have passed, your feed is silent, and you’re back to square one.

But social media doesn’t have to be a time-drain.

I use a simple ‘set-and-go’ schedule, which you can use to stay active, connect with customers, and grow your brand, without spending every waking minute online.

It’s how I’ve built an online audience of over 300,000 followers.

So. Here’s how you can you can set yourself up in a similar way.

Step 1: Choose the right platforms

The biggest mistake small businesses make is trying to be everywhere at once.

I’ve tried it and it’s a physical impossibility.

You don’t need to conquer Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Instead, focus on where your audience already hangs out. If you run a café or boutique, Instagram and Facebook might be ideal. A consultancy? LinkedIn could be your strongest platform. Start with just one or two channels. This helps you stay consistent and reduces stress right away.

Benefit: You save time and energy while showing up where your audience is most likely to engage and buy. This focus pays dividends in the long run.

Step 2: Plan your content in batches

Instead of scrambling daily for something to post, set aside a weekly or monthly content planning session.

I use Sunday mornings to plan my entire week’s content ahead and then schedule it into Social Bee. You can do the same with other social media schedulers.

Use a notebook, Google Calendar, or a digital planning tool, whatever works for you. Brainstorm topics like:

• Behind-the-scenes moments

• Customer testimonials

• Product or service features

• Helpful tips or how-tos

• Special offers or events

Map out what you’ll post and when. Aim for 3–5 posts per week to maintain visibility without burning out.

I even write and schedule my newsletters a week in advance (like this one!) and schedule it using. I use Beehiiv for this.

Benefit: Planning in batches stops the daily panic of ‘I don’t know what to post’ and frees up mental space, allowing you to focus on your work during the week.

Step 3: Use scheduling tools to automate

This is where the ‘go’ part happens while you get on with your actual work.

Tools like Social Bee, Buffer, Later, Facebook Business Suite, and Canva’s scheduler allow you to upload content and schedule posts days, or even weeks, in advance. Your social media continues running even when you’re busy serving customers, fulfilling orders, or taking a day off.

The more you can automate, the less you’ll need to worry about it.

Benefit: Your business stays active online 24/7, even when you’re asleep or on holiday.

Step 4: Engage intentionally, not constantly

You don’t need to be glued to your phone. 

Checking messages and comments once or twice a day is enough. Respond warmly. Share useful info. Be human.

Set aside maybe half an hour a day to focus purely on the engagement.

Benefit: Engagement builds trust and relationships, which lead to repeat customers.

Step 5: Review and adjust

Every few weeks, review what performed well.

Did people love your behind-the-scenes posts? Did a product demo get more engagement than a quote graphic? Use that insight to guide future content. I use Social Bee because it provides me with the stats I need to make those decisions.

Benefit: You waste less time guessing and more time posting what works.

The Takeaway

By creating a simple set-and-go schedule, you’ll show up consistently, strengthen your brand, and create meaningful engagement, but without letting social media run your life.

It’s about working smarter, not harder. Your business, and your sanity, will thank you, especially when the going gets tough in the working week.

The Future of the Content Economy

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On November 13, beehiiv’s biggest updates ever are dropping at the Winter Release Event.

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