Tis’ the season for low engagement on the socials.
If you’ve noticed a plummet in new followers, views, likes, and comments, you’re not the only one. And no, your account isn’t doomed!
(Let’s be real; we all know you’re thinking it.)
These quiet moments aren’t setbacks at all – they’re actually opportunities for growth in disguise.
In this blog post, I’m spilling what I know as a social media manager about why the slow season happens, what you can do to fight it, and why it’s actually going to move your business forward.
Understanding the Slow Season
When December hits, it’s completely normal for activity on the Gram to slow down. Before you jump to the conclusion that your content is junk and your business is over, consider these reasons for the shortage of engagement.
- Your audience is distracted by holiday happenings.
- Your audience’s financial priorities have temporarily shifted during the holidays.
- There are shifts and changes in social media trends and algorithms.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand that these periods are a natural part of the business cycle—and you will get through them if you stay persistent.
Shifting Your Mindset: From Slow Season to Growth Season
When your numbers begin to tank, it’s critical to shift your perspective from “OMG, it’s over” to “I’ll get through this if I stay consistent.”
When you panic during the slow season, it’s easy to make rash decisions that can damage your biz in the long run. Instead of panicking, take a hot minute to look at your metrics and assess them accordingly.
Signs You’re Actually in a Growth Phase
Believe it or not, a slow season can actually be a sign that you’re on the right track.
When you’re not constantly juggling your socials with your workload, you have more time to reflect on and adjust your long-term goals. A slower pace allows you to experiment with new creative ideas and approaches.
Take the time to review your analytics and see where you can make improvements. When things are slower, you can also listen to followers who are still engaging and give em’ what they want!
Get Productive & Grow
Now that you’re ready to keep trucking, it’s time to take action. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your slow season:
Check-In on Your Content & Branding
- Audit your current content: What’s working? What’s not?
- Update your brand materials: Is your branding still on brand, or is it time for an upgrade?
- Create content banks: Stock up on content for future use. Repurposing your high-performing content from the past is queen here.
- Take time to create new lead magnets: Use this time to create a new lead magnet. When your socials are booming again, you’ll have a lead-generating machine ready to go.
Revamp Your Operations
- Review and streamline systems: Are your processes efficient?
- Organize digital files: Use this time to organize your content, Google Drive, and Instagram saved folders.
- Clean up email lists: Remove inactive subscribers and update any active email sequences.
- Audit tools and subscriptions: Are you getting the most out of your tools? Now’s the perfect time to review your subscriptions and cancel anything you’re not using!
Plan & Re-Strategize
- Analyze past performance data: What can you learn from your past content?
- Research industry trends: Stay relevant by researching trends and creating aligned content.
- Develop new offering ideas: What new services can you offer?
- Set up automation systems: Save time and increase efficiency.
Work on Your Skills
- Identify knowledge gaps: What skills do you need to develop?
- Take relevant courses: Invest in your education.
- Read industry publications: Stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
- Join professional groups: Network with other bada** entrepreneurs.
Build Relationships
- Nurture existing client relationships: Send personalized thank-you notes or gifts.
- Reach out to past clients: Rekindle old relationships.
- Build professional networks: Attend industry events and conferences.
- Engage with your community: Begin connecting with ideal clients in the comments, stories, and your feed.
And Remember. . .
A slow season on social isn’t a setback in your business. It’s an opportunity for you to grow. The next time you begin doubting your social skills, remember that!If you want expert advice on improving your social media presence, our Social Media Audits can help! We’ll identify your growth opportunities and provide actionable insights to optimize your strategy. Want the deets? Click here!