How to avoid a social media hangover following the break

While many of us may be returning from the well-earned break, it's
important we don't lose the essence in our social feeds by forgetting about our
audience's interests.

Here are five things you can do to make sure there is no social
media hangover this season, particularly as the month of January tends to be a
blur of holidays and work for many small business owners.

Stay on brand

Over yesteryear year, followers have become fans of the content. So,
when it comes to posting celebratory messages over the summer, don't make the
mistake of running to free stock images or reposts of fabric that were
successful earlier in the year.  This strategy puts your brand identity at
risk.

Instead, use a more personalised approach by creating artwork that
is within line with your brand and tone. Canva is ideal for quick,
easy, on brand artwork creation.

Don't stress within the metrics

It's normal for engagement to lower in December and January, as
people spend more time off-line and are more sociable.

Don't stress about the vanity metrics – followers, likes,
comments. When people return to social media after a break, in case your
posts give value and are interesting, you will notice those metrics
increase quickly.  

Keep posting

While you don't have to post daily it's important to post every
couple of days on the platform. This allows you to stay connected to your consumers
and encourage them to spend time with your business.

Maintain value

There will be countless sales messages online during this period.
Remember why your followers communicate with your business and continue to deliver
quality content they love.

Stick to your plan

Just because it's the summer season it doesn't mean you should
stray from your strategy.  Remember what you want
to achieve overall out of your social media by communicating with
customers and stick to that plan. When we panic post, we risk forgetting the
important elements that help to generate sales, such as the right call to action.

If you run a service-based business but they are on holidays, you can
still offer tips and advice, reminding people when you will be available again for
bookings.

By remaining professional, even if you're being transparent and
authentic, remembering your audience and sticking with your strategy, you can
avoid a social networking hangover and still find new customers to fall in love with
your business too.