Guide: How to Get Started with Social Media

Social media is one of those things that sounds simple but can quickly feel overwhelming. You know your business should be posting, but questions creep in fast. What should you say? Where should you show up? How often is “enough”? And how do you do it without it becoming another job on the never-ending to-do list?

This guide is designed to cut through the noise. No trends you’ll forget next week, no pressure to be everywhere, and no unrealistic expectations. Just practical, confidence-building steps to help you get started in a way that feels manageable and motivating.

Step 1: Get Clear on Why You’re Using Social Media

Before you even think about posts, captions or platforms, take a moment to reset your mindset.

Social media isn’t about:

• Going viral

• Posting every day

• Copying what bigger brands are doing

It is about:

• Being visible to the right people

• Building trust over time

• Making it easier for customers to choose you

Ask yourself:

• Do I want more enquiries?

• Do I want people to understand what I do?

• Do I want to stay front of mind with existing customers?

You don’t need lots of goals. One or two clear reasons for showing up is enough to guide everything else.

Step 2: Choose the Right Platform (Not All of Them)

One of the biggest confidence killers is feeling like you should be everywhere.

You shouldn’t.

Start with one main platform.

A simple rule of thumb:

• If you’re B2B or service-based → LinkedIn

• If you’re visual, local or consumer-facing → Instagram or Facebook

Choose the platform where:

• Your customers already spend time

• You feel most comfortable communicating

• You can realistically post consistently

You can always add more later. Right now, focus beats spread.

Step 3: Decide What You’ll Talk About (Your Content Pillars)

Confidence grows when you’re not starting from a blank page every time.

Content pillars are just 3–5 themes you regularly talk about.

Examples:

• What you do and how it helps

• Frequently asked questions

• Behind the scenes of your business

• Tips, advice or education

• Case studies, reviews or results

Once you have these pillars, you’re never stuck for ideas. You’re simply choosing which pillar to post from.

Step 4: Keep Your Content Simple and Human

You don’t need polished graphics or perfect wording.

Some of the most effective posts are:

• A short paragraph explaining something clearly

• A photo from your phone

• A quick insight from your working day

• An honest answer to a common question

Aim to:

• Write like you speak

• Explain, not impress

• Be helpful rather than salesy

If someone reads your post and thinks, “That makes sense” or “That sounds like me”, you’re doing it right.

Step 5: Set a Realistic Posting Rhythm

Consistency matters more than frequency.

If you can only manage:

• One post a week → that’s fine

• Two posts a week → even better

What matters is choosing a rhythm you can stick to without resentment or stress.

Social media should support your business, not drain it.

Step 6: Plan a Little, Not a Lot

You don’t need a three-month content calendar to get started.

Try this instead:

• Block out 30–45 minutes once a week

• Choose 1–2 posts

• Write rough captions (they don’t have to be perfect)

• Schedule them or save them ready to post

Planning ahead removes the daily pressure and builds confidence fast.

Step 7: Stop Overthinking Engagement

Early on, engagement might be quiet. That’s normal.

People are still:

• Watching

• Learning

• Getting familiar with you

Social media works quietly before it works loudly.

Focus on:

• Showing up

• Being consistent

• Improving clarity over time

Confidence comes from doing, not waiting for instant results.

Step 8: Build Confidence Through Small Wins

Confidence isn’t a personality trait. It’s a by-product of action.

Celebrate small wins like:

• Posting regularly for a month

• Getting a thoughtful comment

• Someone mentioning they saw your post

• Feeling less anxious about what to say

Each post is a brick. Over time, they build visibility, trust and momentum.

And Don't Forget...You’re Allowed to Learn as You Go!

You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start. Social media is a skill. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.