Social Media Marketing Basics: Where to Start When You’re Over 40
Starting something new can feel intimidating, right? Especially when it involves technology and social media, which may feel like a different world if you haven’t had to dive into it yet. For so many women over 40, social media marketing can seem like it’s “for the younger crowd,” but I want to let you in on a little secret: it’s absolutely for you too.
“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”
If you have a business, a dream, or a vision, there’s no better time to learn social media marketing. You bring so much experience, wisdom, and value that is exactly what people need.
So, let’s take it step-by-step to make social media feel easy, welcoming, and even fun!
Step 1: The Right Mindset
Starting out, the first thing to know is this: it’s completely okay to feel like you’re starting from scratch. If you feel a little nervous, you’re not alone! Most people, no matter their age, feel unsure when they begin learning social media. And if it helps, remember all the other things you’ve learned in life—new jobs, new roles, maybe even new technologies back when email first started! Social media is just a new skill to add to your growing list.
When we start with the right mindset, social media becomes an opportunity rather than a challenge. The key is to keep an open mind, stay curious, and know that every small step counts.
If you find you are struggling with self doubt and lack of confidence then I’d encourage you to strengthen your mindset through continuous learning. Personal development books and podcasts can offer new perspectives, practical tips, and help you build the confidence you need. I’ve definitely had to work on this area, especially as I’ve gotten older! I try to read or listen to something to improve my mindset every day and it really does make a big difference.
Step 2: Choosing Your First Platform
There are a lot of social media platforms, and they all work a bit differently. If you’re brand new, I suggest picking just one platform to start. This way, you can focus on getting comfortable without feeling overwhelmed. Trust me, social media overwhelm can happen easily, so take it slow to start.
- Facebook is often great for connecting with a broad audience, especially if you enjoy building communities.
- Instagram is perfect if you like visuals (think photos, short videos, etc.) and want a more creative, visual platform.
- LinkedIn is ideal if you’re more business-oriented and want to connect with other professionals.
The choice depends on where your ideal clients are and what type of content you’d enjoy creating. If you’re not sure, Facebook is often a good starting point since it’s popular with many different age groups and you can create a variety of content types.
Step 3: Setting Up for Success
Once you’ve chosen your platform, it’s time to make a profile that feels professional and true to you. Here are some quick tips:
- Profile Photo: Choose a clear, friendly picture of you, where people can see your smiling face. This makes you relatable and approachable.
- Bio: Write a bio that quickly tells people who you are, what you do, and how you help others. Keep it simple and clear!
- Contact Info: Make it easy for people to reach you, whether it’s through email, your website, or a messaging feature on the platform.
And if you have a website or a free resource (like a helpful PDF), add that link! You want people to have an easy way to learn more about what you offer.
Step 4: What to Post First
If you’re wondering what in the world to post, start with simple content that lets people get to know you and your business.
Here are a few easy post ideas to kick things off:
- Introduce Yourself: Share why you started your business, what you’re passionate about, and how you help people.
- Share Your Story: Tell a story about how you came to be where you are today, whether that’s in business or in life.
- Show Your Expertise: Offer a quick tip or a bit of advice related to your industry. This could be something simple, like “3 ways to handle stress” if you’re in wellness, or “how to choose the best makeup shades” if you’re in beauty.
These types of posts build trust and show your followers that you’re a real person with valuable knowledge to share.
Step 5: Building Consistency and Confidence
Consistency matters more than posting all the time. If you can only manage a few posts per week, that’s completely fine! The goal is to keep a regular rhythm so your audience knows you’re around and engaged.
Consider setting aside one day a week to plan and schedule a few posts. For example, every Sunday you could plan two or three posts for the week. As you grow more comfortable, you can add more or experiment with new types of content.
Step 6: Engaging with Your Audience
Now, here’s the secret sauce of social media marketing: engagement. This just means connecting with the people who comment on or like your posts. It’s as simple as saying “thank you” when someone leaves a nice comment or replying when someone asks a question.
Social media is about building connections, not just broadcasting “buy me” promotions. When you see social media as a conversation, it becomes a lot more enjoyable. And guess what? Your followers will notice when you engage with them, which helps build trust and encourages them to stay connected with you.
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow
is our doubts of today.”
A Few Final Words
Starting social media marketing in your 40s (or beyond!) might feel daunting, but remember that every step counts. You’re bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and unique insights that people want and need to hear.
If you want more guidance, I highly recommend the Roadmap Exclusive course that walks you through each of these steps in even greater detail, helping you feel confident and prepared at every stage. It helped me in my social media marketing journey and I know it will help you. So, take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and know that you’re on your way to mastering social media marketing, one step at a time. You’ve got this!
