Bianca is your go-to expert in Social Media and Mailchimp. Leading the team at B Thriven, she's all about creating custom solutions for SMEs worldwide. Since kicking off B Thriven in 2019, she's been on a mission to help businesses tackle those tricky marketing challenges.
Consistency is a term often thrown around in social media circles, but it’s much more than a buzzword. It’s vital for success. While many businesses recognise the importance of social media, they often overlook how crucial consistency is to their overall strategy. Let’s look into why staying consistent on social media is key and how you can maintain that consistency effectively.
Why consistency is key
1. Reflect on your business’s operation
The way you manage your social media presence directly reflects how your business operates. When a business starts with an ambitious plan to post five times a week, but by the third week, the posts dwindle or stop altogether, it sends a message. This inconsistency can make potential clients or customers question the reliability and professionalism of your business. Just as you wouldn’t want to walk into a store that sometimes opens and sometimes doesn’t, your audience doesn’t want to follow a brand that shows up sporadically. Consistency in posting is a clear indicator of your business’s dedication, discipline, and operational efficiency.
2. Algorithms favour consistency
Social media platforms, from Instagram to LinkedIn, are governed by algorithms that determine what content gets seen by users. These algorithms are designed to reward consistent activity. When you post regularly, you’re more likely to have your content surfaced to your audience. Inconsistent posting, on the other hand, can cause your posts to get lost in the shuffle. By maintaining a steady presence, you align yourself with the platform's algorithms, increasing your visibility and engagement rates over time.
3. Build trust with your audience
Trust is the foundation of any relationship, including the one between your brand and its audience. When your followers see that you’re consistently sharing valuable content, they begin to trust that your brand will continue to provide insights, solutions, or entertainment regularly. This trust can translate into loyalty, making your audience more likely to engage with your content, share it with others, and eventually convert into customers. A consistent presence reassures your audience that your brand is reliable and here to stay.
4. Keeps you top of mind
Staying consistent ensures that your brand remains at the forefront of your audience’s mind. When you regularly share valuable content, your brand becomes a familiar and trusted presence. This familiarity is crucial in the decision-making process. When your audience needs a product or service that you offer, your brand will likely be the first one they think of. By staying consistent, you maintain a continuous dialogue with your audience, making it easier for them to remember and choose you when the time comes.
How to stay consistent
Now that you understand why consistency is essential, let’s explore how to maintain it.
1. Schedule a regular content planning session
Set a recurring date in your diary each month or week to plan your content. Treat it as a non-negotiable meeting with yourself or your team. During this session, review your upcoming content calendar, brainstorm ideas, and decide on the themes for the month. Consistency in planning leads to consistency in posting.
2. Create a content calendar
A content calendar is your roadmap for the year. Outline your topics for each month, and schedule when each post will go live. By having a clear plan, you reduce the last-minute scramble and ensure that your content aligns with your overall strategy. A well-maintained calendar will help you stay on track, even when your schedule gets busy.
3. Prepare content in advance
Whenever possible, prepare your content a month in advance. This not only helps you stay ahead but also gives you time to refine and perfect your posts. Pre-scheduling posts with tools like SocialPilot or Metricool ensures that your content goes out on time, even during unexpected busy periods.
4. Repurpose existing content
Don’t be afraid to repurpose content. After six months, revisit your high-performing posts, and refresh them with new insights or a different angle. This saves time and also reinforces key messages to your audience.
By following these strategies, you’ll stay consistent on social media and build a strong, trustworthy, and recognisable brand that stands out in the digital landscape.
Bianca Schwartpaul, Social Media and Mailchimp Expert
Bianca is your go-to expert in Social Media and Mailchimp. Leading the team at B Thriven, she's all about creating custom solutions for SMEs worldwide. Since kicking off B Thriven in 2019, she's been on a mission to help businesses tackle those tricky marketing challenges. She understands the hurdles companies face online and is all about offering smart, encouraging ways to get past them. Her team is super skilled at putting together personalised strategies in social media and email marketing, making sure each client doesn't just get by, but actually stands out in the crowded online world. With a big focus on putting clients first, she's always there, guiding businesses on their path to success.