What to Post When You Don’t Know What to Post: A Simple Social Media Formula for Small Businesses

It’s Monday morning, you’re already on your second cup of coffee, and Facebook is open in one tab, Instagram in another. You’re staring into the digital void thinking, “What on earth do I post today?” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Even I, someone who literally does this for a living, have been caught mid-scroll wondering if I should post a dog photo or a marketing tip (spoiler alert: sometimes I just do both).

The truth is, social media doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to reinvent the content wheel every week. In fact, most small businesses thrive by keeping it simple, authentic, and consistent.

Here’s a go-to formula I recommend for clients who feel stuck:

1. Value - Share a tip, resource, or insight your audience can actually use. Think: "3 things to include in your newsletter" or "Why you should claim your Google Business Profile."

   
   

2. Personality - Show who you are. This can be a quick story from your day, a fun behind-the-scenes moment, or even your office dog doing absolutely nothing productive.

   
   

3. Credibility - Post something that builds trust. A client shoutout, testimonial, or a look at your process does wonders here.

   
   

4. Engagement - Ask a question. Get feedback. Run a quick poll. Anything that sparks a two-way convo.

   
   

Mix and match these types across your week and voilà, you’ve got a content plan that feels balanced and intentional.

Real-Life Example from a Client:

One of my nonprofit clients was stuck in a content rut until we implemented this formula. They started posting a weekly “Tuesday Tip,” shared behind-the-scenes photos from events, spotlighted volunteers, and ended the week with a Friday question to their community. Engagement? Doubled. Stress level? Halved.

So, the next time you’re stuck, remember you don’t need magic. You need a system (and maybe a marketing bestie like me).

Feeling stuck with your content? Let’s brainstorm together. Reach out to Bamber Consulting and let’s build a content plan that actually works.

Bridging the Marketing Gap – So you Don’t Have to! ~ Jessica Bamber, Founder | Bamber Consulting