Picture this: It’s the end of 2024, and you’re still catching your breath from the social media marathon you've been running all year. Between managing your business, answering endless questions from clients, and maybe herding a kid, it's a wonder you even had time to post at all. But before you rush headlong into 2025 with new ideas and resolutions, let's take a breather and look back on the year that was—on social media, at least.
Reviewing your 2024 social media posts isn’t just about feeling good about what you achieved (although, yes, you should do that too!). It’s about gathering clues, learning from what worked, and setting up a smoother, more effective, and dare I say, fun, content plan for 2025. And because you’re a busy business owner who appreciates affordable social media management, I’ll walk you through this process in a way that won’t require a marketing degree. Just grab a coffee, and let’s dive in!
Look Back and Celebrate Wins (and Laugh at the Misses)
Start by skimming through your 2024 posts. Yep, all of them. Don’t panic! You don’t have to analyse each one. Think of this as flipping through a photo album; you’re getting an overall sense of what happened. Pay attention to these three categories of posts:
- The Winners: Look at the posts that got the most likes, comments, or shares. These are the stars of your 2024 content! Whether it was a funny meme that had everyone tagging their friends or a heartfelt story that resonated, jot down what made these posts work. Was it the topic, the tone, or maybe the timing?
- The ‘Meh’ Posts: We’ve all got these—the posts that just didn’t land as expected. Maybe you thought your audience would love your 500-word caption on How Reviewing Your Social Media Content Can Set You Up for Success in 2025, or perhaps you posted at the wrong time. Don’t be too hard on yourself. These posts give insight into what your audience doesn’t want, which is just as valuable.
- Surprise Hits: These are the posts you threw up on a whim (like that snap of a blue tongue lizard helping itself to your cats food), only to have it blow up. Sometimes, these spontaneous posts reveal that your audience loves seeing the human side of your business.
2. Identify Themes That Click with Your Audience
Now that you’ve done your social media "album flip," it’s time to look for patterns. What topics consistently performed well? Was it product tips, behind-the-scenes looks, or maybe posts that showed the reality (aka chaos) of running a small business?
By identifying themes that your audience loves, you’re already halfway to a solid content plan for 2025. Here’s a simple checklist to help spot those patterns:
- Tone: Did funny posts do better than serious ones? Or maybe a mix?
- Content Type: Were photos, videos, or text posts more popular?
- Topics: What themes resonated most? For example, were your followers more interested in industry advice or your journey as a business owner?
Armed with these insights, make a note to focus more on these themes in 2025. For example, if your “behind-the-scenes” posts got the most love, plan to sprinkle more of those in the new year.
3. Assess Your Posting Schedule
Small businesses have unique audiences, so figuring out when they’re most active on social media is key. Think of this like picking the best time to visit the coffee shop—you don’t want to show up right when it’s closing!
Use your social media analytics (don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds) to see which days and times your posts got the best engagement. This little bit of detective work will help you find the prime times for reaching your audience in 2025. And remember, there’s no need to post every day if it doesn’t work for you. Consistency is important, but quality over quantity is the golden rule.
4. Plan Content That’s Easy (and Fun) to Replicate
Remember the goal here: keep social media manageable and affordable. Rather than reinventing the wheel every week, build on what’s already working. If you know your followers love client testimonials or product tips, plan to include these regularly in 2025. Here’s an idea:
- Create Content Buckets: Think of these as categories or themes you can pull from every week. For example, you might have a “Motivation Monday” slot for quick business tips, a “Behind-the-Scenes Thursday” for relatable glimpses into your life as a business owner, and a “Feature Friday” to showcase products or client stories.
- Batch Content Creation: Try setting aside a day each month to plan and create a bunch of posts. This keeps you from scrambling at the last minute and helps you stick to your themes. Plus, if you get into a groove, you might even start to enjoy it!
5. Sprinkle in Personal Touches—Your Audience Will Love It
Remember, social media is about connection. People follow businesses because they enjoy what you offer and because they feel like they know you. So, don’t shy away from adding a few personal tidbits now and then. You’re a small business owner, not a corporate robot!
Maybe your followers will enjoy seeing your dog’s love affair with the Amazon van or hearing a little about what drives your passion for your business. These personal stories help people connect with you on a deeper level, which builds trust. And in a world full of big brands, this authenticity is your superpower.
6. Set Realistic Goals for 2025
Finally, set a few achievable social media goals. Aim to increase your followers by a certain percentage, boost engagement, or simply make social media feel less like a chore and more like a chance to connect with your community. Whatever you choose, keep it realistic and give yourself grace. You’re doing great!
Ready to Rock 2025?
So there you have it—an easy, low-stress way to reflect on your 2024 social media efforts and create a better plan for 2025 -no fancy analytics software needed, just a bit of time, a lot of coffee, and maybe some chocolate.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Affordable social media management is out there, and it’s made especially for busy small businesses just like yours. So, let’s make 2025 the year of connecting with your audience in a way that feels genuine, enjoyable, and oh-so-you! 🎉
Michelle x
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