5 Steps to a Successful Content Strategy for Small Business Owners
You’re doing all the things—running a business, answering emails, keeping clients happy, and trying to post something… anything on social media that might bring in more work.
If content creation feels like a full-time job you didn’t apply for, you’re not alone.
A strong content strategy for small business doesn’t mean you have to show up everywhere, every day. It means building a simple, intentional plan that supports your business without draining you. If you’re not sure who your ideal client is, download my Ideal Client Workbook to help you through it. It’s free. This workbook will always be free because it’s crucial for you to work efficiently in your business to know who you want to serve. This is the tool I want everyone to have. Download it, do the work, and then come back.
Why is content strategy so important?
You’re busy. You don’t have time to waste throwing content at the wall and hoping something sticks.
That’s where content strategy comes in.
A solid strategy gives your content purpose. It helps you stop posting just to “stay visible,” and start creating content that actually serves your clients and supports your business goals.
When you know who you’re talking to and what you’re offering, content becomes a tool—not just another task.
Here’s what a thoughtful content strategy can do for your business:
✅ More Efficiency
When you have a clear plan, you don’t have to guess what to post next. You can focus on creating content that connects with your dream clients and leads them back to your offer—without starting from scratch every time.
✅ Better Results
Strategic content helps you track what’s working. You’re not just measuring likes—you’re measuring leads, clicks, engagement, and conversion. And when something isn’t landing? You’ll know how to adjust.
✅ Real Connection
A strong content strategy is rooted in empathy. It’s not about shouting louder. It’s about meeting your people where they are, speaking their language, and building trust over time.
When your content is aligned with your business and your voice, it becomes a bridge—not a burden.
Now that we understand why we love content strategy, let’s discuss how to make that happen.
✅ Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on Who You’re Talking To
You already know this: the content that gets traction is the content that speaks directly to the person reading it.
But when you’re juggling everything else in your business, it’s easy to forget who you’re writing for.
Ask yourself:
What is my dream client actually struggling with right now?
What questions do they ask me all the time?
What are they trying to figure out before they hire someone like me?
Your content shouldn’t speak to everyone. It should speak to her. The one client you wish you could work with over and over again.
✅ Step 2: Choose the Platforms That Actually Work for You
You don’t have to be everywhere. In fact, you shouldn’t be.
If you’re trying to juggle Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, email, and blogging… no wonder you’re exhausted.
Choose 1–2 platforms where:
Your ideal client is already spending time
You feel most confident showing up
You can actually stay consistent
Then focus your content there. You’ll see more traction by going deep than spreading yourself too thin.
There’s a section in the Ideal Client Workbook that speaks to this. I found you on Instagram or LinkedIn, probably. Maybe Facebook. But I didn’t find you on X. You’re not there, so neither am I. You’re not BlueSky, so neither am I. I only create content that will find you where you are, and then I lead you back to my site where I have more helpful information to help you grow through strategic content planning.
✅ Step 3: Plan Before You Post (Even If It’s Just a Little)
If your content process looks like “Oh shoot, I haven’t posted in 3 days,” you’re not alone.
But winging it leads to burnout and bland results.
Instead, build a loose plan based on:
Your offers
What your client needs to hear
Where they are in their decision-making journey
No need for fancy spreadsheets. Even a sticky note with “this week’s content” helps you show up with intention.
Start with 3–4 content pillars like:
Quick tips / education
Behind-the-scenes of your process
Success stories or client transformations
Offers and how you can help
So, what are mine? Go to my Blog page and you’ll see. You’re growing your business, so I’m talking to you about Automation, Workflow, Messaging, and Mindset. Those are my content pillars because I want to help you write your blog posts and website content.
✅ Step 4: Focus on Value, Not Volume
You're not chasing likes—you’re building trust.
Every post, blog, or email you share should help your dream client feel:
Seen
Heard
Supported
Empowered to take the next step
This doesn’t mean you need to teach everything you know.
It means offering just enough to spark trust, connection, and curiosity.
Ask yourself:
“Does this piece of content move someone closer to hiring me, referring me, or trusting me?”
If not—it’s probably noise.
One of the reels that had the most watches was me just making faces at the camera, but the original message was, “My clients are scrolling right past me.” That hit emotionally. That made an emotional connection. It was a spark that initiated three in-person conversations.
✅ Step 5: Check What’s Working—Then Do More of That
You don’t need a full analytics breakdown to track success.
Just check in regularly with:
What people are responding to
What’s getting saves, replies, or DMs
What’s leading to inquiries or new email signups
Even if you don’t have a big audience, your content is talking to someone. Pay attention to what they’re telling you through their behavior.
Then tweak, refine, and double down on what feels good and works.
The things that are working for me is me getting on the camera and talking to you. So, that’s what I’m doing more of. You need to hear me. You need to see me. You need to interact with me before you commit to letting me help you. Why? Because I’m a risk.
Are you? What is your ideal client risking to work with you? How can you bridge that trust gap with your content?
You Don’t Need to Hustle Harder—You Need a Strategy That Serves You
Content shouldn't feel like a burden.
It should feel like a bridge between your business and the people you're meant to help. I woke up this morning excited to shoot some videos to talk to you about things you’ll see later this week. That’s how it should be for you, too. That energy shines through your content and it’s what your ideal client will connect with.
And when you build your strategy around who you really want to serve, and how you naturally show up, everything gets easier.
Start with one step.
Keep it simple.
Let your content work with you—not against you.
Recap: 5 Steps to a Sustainable Content Strategy
Know exactly who you're creating for
Show up where you can be consistent
Plan just enough to stay focused
Lead with value, not noise
Track what works and do more of it
Want to take this even further? Let me help you build custom content strategies that align with your offers, your goals, and your energy.
Let’s build yours—book a consultation today.
