What to Schedule Now So You’re Not Scrambling in December
I know, I know. It’s only just autumn and here I am talking about Christmas.
But hear me out. Every year I speak to small business owners who get to the first week of December, look at their social media and think, “I really should be posting something.” By then they’re busy, tired and trying to fit posts in between everything else.
A little planning now can save you a lot of stress later. Here’s how to get ahead.
Start with the key dates
Grab a calendar and jot down the dates that matter to your business. Some ideas to get you started:
- Black Friday: Friday 27 November
- Small Business Saturday: Saturday 5 December
- Your last order or delivery dates, if you sell products
- Your Christmas opening hours and when you close for the break
- Any local events, such as Christmas markets or late-night shopping
You don’t need to post about everything. Just pick the dates that make sense for you and your customers.
Decide what you want Christmas to do for your business
It’s worth asking yourself a simple question: what do I want from my social media this Christmas?
It might be selling gift vouchers, filling January appointments, getting bookings for Christmas parties or simply staying in people’s minds while they’re busy.
Once you know your goal, it’s much easier to decide what to post.
Plan your posts in themes
Rather than trying to come up with something new every day, think in themes. For example:
- Gift ideas: products, vouchers or services that make great presents
- Behind the scenes: decorating your premises, packing orders, your team’s Christmas jumpers
- Helpful tips: something useful linked to what you do
- Thank yous: to customers, suppliers and your local community
- Practical info: opening hours, last order dates and when you’ll be back
Pop a couple of each into your calendar and you’ve got a good mix without much effort.
What to schedule now
This is the bit that will really save you time. Some posts can be written and scheduled weeks in advance, such as:
- Opening hours and closing dates
- Last order and delivery reminders
- Gift voucher promotions
- Small Business Saturday posts
- A Christmas message and a New Year message
Use Meta Business Suite for Facebook and Instagram, or a scheduling tool you’re comfortable with, and get these in the diary. Then they’re done.
What to leave for the moment
Not everything should be scheduled. Leave some room for real-time posts, like photos of your busy shop, a lovely message from a customer or a quick video from a Christmas event.
These are often the posts that get the best response, because they feel genuine and in the moment. The trick is that because the practical posts are already scheduled, you’ll actually have time to share them.
Get your images ready
One of the biggest time-savers is sorting your photos early. Take pictures of your Christmas stock, your decorations or your team as soon as things are in place. Save them in one folder so they’re ready when you need them.
If you use Canva, now’s a good time to create a few Christmas templates too.
Don’t forget January
It’s easy to switch off completely over Christmas (and you should!). But it’s worth scheduling a couple of posts for early January so your social media doesn’t go quiet. A “we’re back” post or a January offer is a great way to start the year.
Your next steps
- Put your key dates in a calendar this week.
- Decide on your main goal for Christmas.
- Write and schedule your practical posts.
- Start a folder of Christmas photos.
- Leave space for a few fun, real-time posts.
Need a hand?
If you’d rather someone else took care of your Christmas social media, or you’d like some help putting a plan together, just get in touch. Leave it with me and I’ll help you get sorted so you can enjoy the festive season. Drop me an email at [email protected]
