When You’re Starting From Zero

I just wanted to brain/heart-storm some ideas to keep in mind when you first start posting & sharing a new idea/project/brand/perspective/identity on new social media platforms.

I definitely understand how frustrating it can feel—especially at first, while you’re still building an audience for your new thing. Sometimes it can feel like we’re posting & sharing things with no one but the crickets. 🙂

Here are a few ideas that have helped me follow-through when launching something new from ZERO:

Consistency is key. I have to commit to showing up (even if/when I’m the only one showing up). Even if it’s just once per week—begin there.
I remind myself that I can always re-share my best content (in cycles) as my audience grows.
I like to create a weekly goal or intention of sharing [X] times per day (or week, at first). Quantity increases and timing decreases as I practice (and as my audience increases).
I try not to get too get hung up on the engagement (or lack thereof), at least in the beginning. I just keep posting and posting and posting, always focusing ahead to the next share, rather than obsessing over previous posts.
After I post/share something that I’ve made, I forget about it (at least at first, until I can find my rhythm). This is so I will focus only on the very NEXT thing.
It has also helped me to have themes or patterns. For example, I might share a quote from someone else (who matches or mirrors my own ideas) at least every 2-3 posts or days.
Or I might post something according to a specific or consistent theme (i.e. self-care tips on Sundays).
Sharing reposts from others can help generate a higher quantity of posts. I don’t spend a lot of time searching for content to share, but if something on my feed jumps out at me, I’ll know (intuitively) when it might be of value to my audience.
I started using relevant hashtags (and of course crediting other people’s content with links to their original post and hashtags). Specifically, on Instagram, it’s had a great impact on my audience.
I also created a custom/branded hashtag that I use on all of my original (non-reposted) content.
It also helps to know my audience. For me, everything changed once I had a clear picture of who I was speaking to through my posts and shares.
I focus on the value I can provide to my audience over the value my audience can provide for me.
I know that branding is the art of differentiation, and I constantly remind myself to lean INTO my (many) weirdnesses & eccentricities.
I also remind myself that this is a process. And processes take time. Time to build trust and time to build anything of value.