let’s be honest….social media is a lot!
(A Very Real Talk for Small Business Owners)
Social media… honestly, where do we even start?
We all know it matters.
We all know we should be posting regularly.
We all know it works for business growth.
But also… sometimes it feels like one more bloody thing on an already overflowing to-do list.
And that’s the truth nobody puts on their Instagram highlight reel.
I help clients with this every day, and even I have moments where I look at my socials and think, “Nope. Not today. The tank is empty.”
So if you feel that too — you’re normal. You’re human. You’re running a business, not a content factory.
Let’s break down the real experience of social media — the planning, the pressure, the awkwardness, the wins, the cringe moments, the camera fear, and everything in between.
1. Content Pillars……“Stop Posting Random Shit”
If you’re posting whatever pops into your head the moment you open the app, your socials will always feel chaotic.
Your content pillars are your rails — the themes you circle back to so your audience knows who you are, what you do, and why it matters.
For example, mine include:
• Education
• Behind the Desk
• Client Spotlights
• Services
• Systems & Organisation
• Visual Storytelling
They stop everything feeling like a lucky dip. They give your voice structure. They make planning so much easier.
2. Your Content Plan — Boring but Bloody Life-Changing
A content plan answers the questions you avoid until the last minute:
Who am I speaking to?
What do they care about?
What tone do I want?
What images do I need?
What’s happening in my business over the next few months?
It pulls everything together so you’re not spiralling every time you need a caption.
Future-you will absolutely thank present-you for doing it.
3. Your Images Matter (Annoying but True)
You don’t need to look perfect — you just need to look like you.
✔ decent lighting
✔ clean-ish backgrounds
✔ images that match your brand
✔ updated photos (not ones from 2018)
And yes… YOU actually have to appear in them.
People buy from people.
4. Stories, Reels, Posts — “How Much Is Enough?”
Simple version:
• Posts → 2–3 per week
• Stories → daily (ish)
• Reels → 1 per week
Stories = the real everyday stuff
Reels = reach
Posts = consistency
Consistency wins over volume every time.
5. Outsource or DIY? Both Have Pros, Both Have… Moments
Outsourcing is a lifesaver when you’re drowning — but it still needs your input, your stories, your photos, your approvals. It’s teamwork.
DIY gives you control but can also steal your time, drain your brain, and sometimes kill your motivation.
Ask yourself:
Is social media taking time away from money-making work?
If yes → outsource.
If no → DIY with boundaries.
6. Hashtags, Scheduling & The AI Trap
Hashtags: use a few, keep them relevant, don’t obsess.
Scheduling: absolute game changer.
AI: handy… but dangerous.
AI should help you — not replace your voice.
Your audience can smell “robot talk” instantly.
Use it as a sidekick, not the whole show.
7. Vulnerability & Real Behind-the-Scenes — Where the Magic Actually Is
Perfection is out.
Real is in.
Show the bits that make you human:
• the messy middle
• the twelve-take reel
• the honest overwhelm
• the real story behind why you do what you do
This is where connection happens.
This is how people begin to trust you.
8. A Little Reminder Before You Hit “Post”: Perfection Is the Enemy of Good
Let’s highlight this because it’s the one thing that stops most people from ever showing up:
Perfection is the enemy of good.
And honestly, it’s the enemy of getting anything done.
If you wait for perfect lighting, perfect wording, perfect hair, perfect confidence… you’ll post nothing.
Your audience doesn’t want perfect; they want YOU.
Stop polishing the damn thing and hit post.
Good content DONE > perfect content never shared.
“Perfection is the enemy of good!”
9. Now Let’s Talk About the REALLY Scary Part: Being on Camera
Right.
The part that makes most small business owners want to hide under the desk.
Talking. To. The. Camera.
Suddenly you’re asking yourself:
• Is my hair doing that weird thing?
• Do I need lippy? Probably. Definitely.
• Why does my voice sound like THAT?!
• What’s in the background? Please God don’t let it be washing.
• Do I actually have to be in this?
If this is you, congratulations, you’re completely normal.
And introverts… yep, this includes you too.
You can still do this — we just do it differently.
“I Hate the Sound of My Voice” — Join the Club
Everyone hates the sound of their recorded voice, EVERYONE.
It’s only weird to you — other people hear it like that every day.
“What If My Background Looks Messy?”
If your house looks lived in, welcome to real life.
Just avoid:
• dirty dishes
• wet towels
• half-naked husbands wandering through
Otherwise?
A bit of real-life clutter is completely fine, people relate to it.
“I’m an Introvert… How Do I Even Do This?”
Introverts can absolutely thrive on camera — we just need:
✔ quiet room (no audience = no pressure)
✔ a simple script
✔ short videos
✔ batching energy
✔ limited re-watching (don’t torture yourself)
✔ practice
✔ stories before reels
Introverts bring calm energy that people LOVE.
“I’m Not Confident Speaking” — So What?
You don’t need confidence to start.
You build confidence by doing.
Start simple:
“Hey everyone, quick update…”
“Just popping in to share something…”
“This is what I’m working on today…”
You don’t need to be polished, just be human.
Truth Bomb: Everyone Is Awkward at First
Even the influencers who look smooth as butter now?
Yep — they hated it at first too.
Awkward is normal.
Awkward is relatable.
Awkward still connects.
Every video gets easier.
10. ENGAGEMENT — Yes, You Actually Have to Talk Back
Posting and disappearing doesn’t work.
Reply to comments.
Respond to messages.
Comment on other businesses’ posts.
Show up for your community.
It’s called social media for a reason.
11. The Time Cost (The Part Nobody Mentions)
Between:
• planning
• writing
• taking photos
• editing
• posting
• replying
• reviewing analytics
• redirecting when something flops
… it’s basically a part-time job.
So if you feel overwhelmed?
You’re not failing.
You’re just juggling everything like every other business owner out there.
12. Analytics — Boring but Crucial
Your analytics tell you:
• what works
• what doesn’t
• when your audience is on
• who’s engaging
• what to do more of
• what to ditch
Ten minutes a month will change everything.
13. The Good, The Bad & The Ugly — Summarised
THE GOOD
✔ builds trust
✔ grows your audience
✔ creates connection
✔ opens doors
✔ shows what you do well
THE BAD
✖ time-consuming
✖ overwhelming
✖ creativity isn’t always “on”
✖ confidence issues on camera
THE UGLY
💀 burnout
💀 comparison
💀 letting AI wipe out your voice
💀 disappearing for 3 months and pretending it was intentional
14. So… How Do You Make Social Media Easier?
Start with clarity.
Start with honesty.
Start with systems.
Start small.
✔ Define your pillars
✔ Fill in your content plan
✔ Update your photos
✔ Choose a posting rhythm you can maintain
✔ Keep your real voice
✔ Review your analytics
✔ Ask for help when needed
Your social media doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be YOU.
Warm. Real. A bit funny. Slightly chaotic.
Human.
Better Business Together — even on the bloody internet.
If You’re Reading This Thinking “Yep… I Need Help. Yesterday.”
You’re not alone — truly.
Most small business owners are drowning in social media… and pretending they’re not.
That’s exactly why Virtually Done Social Studio exists — to take the marketing stress off your shoulders so you can get back to the work you actually love (and the work that actually pays the bills).
If you want your socials handled with real strategy, real storytelling, and zero bullshit…
