The #1 Mistake Businesses Make on Social Media
Let’s just say it: social media can be a lot. Algorithms change weekly, trends come and go, and it’s easy to feel like you’re just throwing stuff out there and hoping it sticks.
But after working with so many small businesses, I’ve noticed one common mistake that shows up over and over again, and it’s usually the thing holding people back the most:
👉 Posting without a strategy.
I’m not talking about being super rigid or having your entire year planned out (that’s not realistic for most small business owners). I’m talking about posting just to post. No plan, no purpose, no clear direction.
You’ve probably been there:
You haven’t posted in a week so you throw something up “just to have something there.”
You’re not sure what your audience actually wants to see.
You’re mixing a little bit of everything, some promos, a quote here, a random product shot there, and wondering why it’s not working.
The truth is, consistency without clarity won’t grow your brand.
You don’t need to be everywhere. You don’t need to post every day.
You just need to show up with intention.
So what does having a strategy actually look like?
It means:
Knowing who you’re talking to (your ideal customer)
Creating content that serves a purpose (educate, inspire, convert, etc.)
Staying consistent with your message and vibe
Planning your content in advance so you're not scrambling last minute
Tracking what’s working and doing more of it
What to Do Instead:
If you’re tired of winging it, here’s a simple way to reset:
Pick 3–4 content “buckets”, like behind-the-scenes, tips, testimonials, or promos.
Batch a few posts ahead of time each month so you’re not always starting from scratch.
Focus on why you’re posting, not just what you’re posting. (Ask: What do I want my audience to feel or do after seeing this?)
Still overwhelmed? That’s exactly why Mae Media exists! To help small business owners create content with strategy, without the stress.