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5 tips to create content for Social Media consistently even when you have a demanding 9-5 job

Are you juggling a full-time job and a burning desire to share your knowledge, passions, or creative projects with the world as an influencer or content creator? The struggle to balance creating content consistently with a demanding work schedule is real. But the good news is, it’s absolutely possible to thrive in both worlds!

Here are five strategies that have helped countless creators (including myself!) stay consistent with their content, even while working 9 to 5:

1. The Power of Planning (and a Content Calendar)

Having a content calendar will make creating content consistently much easier. Set aside a focused block of time to map out your content ideas for the week or month ahead, aligned with your content pillars. Make sure to plan out the details ahead of time too, like where you need to go to record a Reel or if you need any prop for that content idea, for examples. This prevents last-minute scrambles and ensures you have a clear direction – so no time is wasted.

• Pro Tip: Consider using tools like Google Sheets, Notion, or dedicated content calendar apps to keep yourself organized and on track.

2. Batching: Your Productivity Hack

Instead of spreading out your content creation efforts, try “batching” tasks.

Batching is a productivity technique that involves grouping similar tasks and completing them in one go – and it will be your secret weapon to creating content consistently. This approach reduces mental fatigue from switching between different types of tasks, allows you to build momentum and tap into your creative energy when it’s at its peak, streamlines your workflow, and prevents decision fatigue.

Dedicate a few hours to writing several captions at once, recording multiple videos in a single session, or creating a batch of social media graphics in one sitting. This streamlines your workflow and frees up valuable time during the week.

3. Repurpose and Recycle

Don’t let your hard work go to waste! Repurposing content is a brilliant time-saver and even helps keep your engagement high! Turn one high-performing piece of content into another format or repurpose it in a different platform. For example, get your most read blog posts and extract key points for a social media carousel or a Reel, film yourself recording your next podcast episode so you can post a short clip for it as a Reel, or repurpose a Reel into a TikTok!

If you don’t have or use other platforms, don’t worry – you can still create content consistently using this strategy. Check your insights to determine which stories from last month got the most views, and turn them into a Reel. Get your best-performing Reel and repurpose the key points into a carousel, or mix and match video clips from your previous Reels into an entirely new video. The possibilities are endless!

4. Embrace the “Micro-Content” Movement

Who says content has to be long and complex? Micro-content, aka short videos or quick tips, is perfect for busy schedules. These bite-sized pieces are easier to create and consume, making them a win-win for you and your audience. So instead of creating a 45-second reel sharing “5 ways to elevate your home decor”, create a series of 5 short Reels sharing one tip at a time. Don’t forget to follow these strategies here to create Reels that go viral.

• Examples:
  • A short Instagram Reel or TikTok video sharing one quick idea or tip
  • A Thread reposted to your feed

5. Schedule for Success (and Sanity)

Treat your content creation like any other important appointment – after all, you’re building a business. Block off dedicated time slots in your calendar, whether it’s an hour before work, during lunch breaks, or a few hours on weekends. The longer the timeslot you can block off, the better, so you can batch more content in one sitting.

Back when I was growing my Instagram on the side of my full-time job, I would block off time here and there during the week in the evening to work on captions, editing, etc, and a longer window of time on weekends to take photos and record videos. Consistency is key, so stick to your schedule as much as possible.

Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Find what works best for your unique schedule and energy levels. And most importantly, have fun with it!

The Bottom Line

Creating content consistently while working a 9-to-5 job is a challenge, but it’s definitely doable with the right strategies. Remember, start small, be patient with yourself, and celebrate your wins along the way. You’re building a business, so it’s important you make time for it and show up for your dreams.

Now, consistency is just half the battle. The other half is knowing how to create high-performing content that can reach more people and grow your audience. If your content isn’t going viral, check out this post about mistakes you’re making and how to fix them.

Happy creating!