April was a tough month for many businesses and we are now in May, which is another stretch of challenging times. During March and April, I noticed many companies hustling to promote and support themselves and others. Like many situations, there is a GREAT start, but it’s easy to lose motivation, ideas, or consistency. This following challenge is not just to help you, but to help myself stay on track and keep momentum up.

A social media calendar is a tool to use with how and what to post on your social media sites. In this article, we will go over tips and tricks, along with a calendar to inspire ideas of what to post each day in May.

Keep the hustle! Don’t let up on your marketing, even when we get past this COVID-19 crisis. Keep going!

Who is this for? Companies, businesses, and brands (professional or personal).

The challenge

It is recommended to post 3 times to each social media platform you focus on. That can seem like a big task, but its solid advice because of how the platforms function. BUT for this challenge, I am asking you to post at least once a day. This is an effort to form consistency.

The giveaway

Use the hashtag #EvergreenChallenge on each post + on May 31st post how this challenge helped your business and tag Evergreen Creative Company on that post. The more days you complete with #EvergreenChallenge, the more entries earned.

= Entered into a random drawing to receive a Creative Services Package ($4,000 value).

• 10 original images

• 1-2 minute promo video

• Social media strategy consultation

• Pathfinder Digital Marketing consultation - Includes full Google Reputation Audit and Competition Audit

Formula

Each post should have a certain structure and include certain items. I’ll leave an example, but you will want to have your own voice for your brand.

Include the following

• Text - 1-4 sentences about the subject. The first sentence be sure to include keywords and lets the reader know exactly what you’re talking about.

• Image, graphic, or video - NEVER post without an image, graphic, or video.

• Link - always include a link to the subject you’re talking about and/or to your website.

• Hashtags - use about 3-6 #s that are relevant to your subject.

• Try to use original images, graphics, and videos. Today’s society connects more with authentic posts. Not stock images.

Example.

Cater to each platform

Don’t just copy and paste to each platform. I’m just as guilty as the next with copying from Facebook to Instagram. It’s good practice to cater to each post to each platform. Instagram is images and videos. Get people to double-tap the screen. Facebook can be treated like a blog post with more information to read, have links, etc.

Social media calendar

Here is a calendar to follow. These are suggestions and ideas to inspire what to post each day. Make them your own and be creative! If you need help, we offer consulting and production services. Let us help you communicate your brand’s message.

• May 1 | #MayDay - First day of summer. How has your business grown? Use an image symbolizing growth.

• May 2 | Free Comic Book Day - What is your business’s superpower/strength? Use an image showing off your best features.

• May 3 | What specials, promos, or events are coming up this week?

• May 4 | #Maythe4th - National Star Wars Day. May the 4th be with you! Post something that inspires you to keep doing what you're doing.

• May 5 | #CincodeMayo - Show appreciation for Mexican culture.

• May 6 | National Skilled Trades Day - What skills does your company specialize in? Create a Facebook and/or Instagram Stories post an hour or more before the live video letting your audience know when you’re going live.

• May 7 | #TBT (Throw Back Thursday) - Tell your audience about when you first opened your business.

• May 8 | #NationalHaveACokeDay - It’s Friday. How can your audience share a moment with your company?

• May 9 | Feature your best product or service

• May 10 | Mother’s Day - Show appreciation for the Moms in your business or maybe there is a mom figure in your company. What products or services would moms like?

• May 11 | Motivation Monday - Post something inspirational or that motivates clients to use your product or service.

• May 12 | Poll - Ask your audience their opinion about a product or service.

• May 13 | Live Video - Q & A. Answer Questions from live viewers or answer FAQ. Create a Facebook and/or Instagram Stories post an hour or more before the live video letting your audience know when you’re going live.

• May 14 | #TBT - Post a product or service that has been with your company since the start.

• May 15 | SEO Friday - Search Engine Optimization. Write a blog post, create a YouTube video, or ask for reviews (Facebook, Google, etc.)

• May 16 | National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day - Promote a business friend or neighbor.

• May 17 | What specials, promos, or events are coming up this week?

• May 18 | Motivation Monday - Post something inspirational or that motivates clients to use your product or service.

• May 19 | Poll - Ask your audience their opinion about a product or service.

• May 20 | Live Video - Q & A. Answer Questions from live viewers or answer FAQ. Create a Facebook and/or Instagram Stories post an hour or more before the live video letting your audience know when you’re going live.

• May 21 | #TBT - Is there a product or service your audience would like you to bring back that you no longer offer?

• May 22 | SEO Friday - Search Engine Optimization. Write a blog post, create a YouTube video, or ask for reviews (Facebook, Google, etc.)

• May 23 | Feature your best product or service.

• May 24 | What specials, promos, or events are coming up this week?

• May 25 | Motivation Monday - Post something inspirational or that motivates clients to use your product or service. Memorial Day theme.

• May 26 | Poll - Ask your audience their opinion about a product or service.

• May 27 | Live Video - Q & A. Answer Questions from live viewers or answer FAQ. Create a Facebook and/or Instagram Stories post an hour or more before the live video letting your audience know when you’re going live.

• May 28 | #TBT - Post about a core value that has been with your company since the beginning.

• May 29 | SEO Friday - Search Engine Optimization. Write a blog post, create a YouTube video, or ask for reviews (Facebook, Google, etc.)

• May 30 | Feature your best product or service.

• May 31 | What specials, promos, or events are coming up this week?

When to post

Consistency is key. Pick a time to post each day. When you do this, people will begin to expect a post from you at a certain time. Some suggested times can be first thing in the morning, lunchtime, or late afternoon. Post when your audience is scrolling through the phones.

Pro Tip: Schedule out posts that can be created in one sitting at the beginning of the week and you won’t have to worry about posting on each day.