New Business? Your First 30 Days on Social Media

You've just launched your business. The website's live, the cards are printed, and someone's told you that you absolutely need to be on social media. So you've created a Facebook page, maybe an Instagram account, stared at the blank "What's on your mind?" box for ten minutes, and closed the tab.

Sound about right?

Here's the thing: those first 30 days on social media don't need to be perfect. They don't even need to be particularly good. They just need to happen. And there's a simple way to approach it that won't make you want to throw your phone into the nearest canal.

Week One: Lay the Groundwork

Before you post a single thing, spend twenty minutes getting your profiles sorted. Upload a decent logo or photo (not the one where you're holding a pint at your mate's wedding), write a bio that actually says what you do, and add your contact details. That's it. That's the whole first task.

Then post an introduction. Not a corporate mission statement — just a straightforward "here's who we are, here's what we do, here's why we started." If you're a plumber who got fed up working for cowboys and decided to do things properly, say that. If you're opening a cafe because you've always dreamt of it, say that. People connect with the reason behind a business far more than they connect with a list of services.

For the rest of week one, aim for two more posts. Behind-the-scenes content works brilliantly here — photos of your workspace being set up, stock arriving, your first delivery going out. It doesn't need to be polished. In fact, the rougher it looks, the more authentic it feels.

Week Two: Find Your Rhythm

This is where most new businesses hit a wall. The excitement of "we're live!" has worn off, and now you need to actually think of things to say on a regular basis.

Here's a framework that takes the guesswork out of it: alternate between three types of posts.

Show what you know. Share a tip, a fact about your industry, or answer a question you get asked all the time. If you're an electrician, explain why extension leads daisy-chained together are a fire risk. If you run a dog grooming salon, share how often different breeds actually need a bath. You know things that your customers don't — that's literally why they hire you.

Show what you do. Before and after photos. A project in progress. A product being made. A delivery being packed. This is the easiest content you'll ever create because it's just documenting your day.

Show who you are. A quick thought about something in your industry. A recommendation for another local business. Something you've learnt recently. This is the stuff that builds genuine connection and stops your page feeling like an advert.

Three posts a week, rotating through those categories. That's your week two sorted.

Week Three: Start Conversations

By now you've got a small handful of posts up, and hopefully a few likes or follows trickling in. Week three is about shifting from broadcasting to connecting.

Reply to every single comment you get, even if it's just your mum saying "well done love." Follow other local businesses and engage with their content — not with a sales pitch, but with genuine comments. "That looks brilliant" on a local bakery's post costs you nothing and puts your business name in front of their audience.

Ask questions in your posts. "What's the one thing you wish you knew about [your industry]?" or "We're thinking about offering [new thing] — would any of you actually use it?" People love giving their opinion, and it tells your audience that you're listening.

This is also a good week to share your first piece of customer content. Got a nice review? A photo a customer sent you? A kind message? Share it (with permission). Nothing builds credibility faster than someone else saying you're good at what you do.

Week Four: Reflect and Adjust

You've been posting for nearly a month. Take ten minutes to look at what's actually worked. Which posts got the most engagement? Which ones felt easiest to create? Which ones felt like pulling teeth?

Do more of what worked. Drop what didn't. That's genuinely all the strategy you need at this stage.

Don't get obsessed with follower counts. Thirty engaged local followers who might actually buy from you are worth infinitely more than three hundred random accounts who followed you back out of politeness. Look at comments, shares, and messages — those are the numbers that matter when you're starting out.

The Mistakes Everyone Makes (So You Don't Have To)

Posting once and disappearing for a fortnight. Consistency beats frequency every time. Two posts a week, every week, is better than seven posts in one day followed by silence.

Only posting about your products or services. If every post is "buy this" or "book now," people will tune out faster than you can say "algorithm." Aim for roughly one promotional post for every four non-promotional ones.

Comparing yourself to businesses that have been at this for years. That competitor with the beautiful grid and thousands of followers? They didn't start there. They started exactly where you are now, posting slightly awkward photos and wondering if anyone was watching.

Trying to be on every platform at once. Pick one or two where your customers actually spend time and do those well. You can always expand later.

The Honest Truth

Your first 30 days on social media won't transform your business. They probably won't even feel particularly productive. But what they will do is establish a habit, build a small foundation, and — crucially — prove to yourself that you can actually do this.

And once you've got that foundation? Tools like Aunty Social can help you keep the momentum going without it eating into the hours you should be spending on, you know, actually running your business.

But that's for month two. Right now, just focus on showing up. Imperfectly, inconsistently if you must, but showing up nonetheless. Your future self — the one with a thriving social media presence — will thank you for starting.