How I Went From Blank Screen Frustration to Social Media Bliss
When I first became interested in senior moves and downsizing in 2018, one of the first things I realized was that there wasn’t any content about senior moves and downsizing available on the web. Because I was a former business consultant, writer, and educator, it felt perfectly natural for me to fill the void and write the helpful content, checklists, and advice that my clients needed as they approached a complex move. But then I had to spread the word.
I distinctly remember typing away on my laptop, coming up with 15 ideas that I would need for the month, and feeling the weight of the never-ending cycle of social media posts. Even though I actually loved writing about this stuff and had tons of ideas, feeding the social media beast felt like punishment.
I remember thinking to myself, “Is everybody having to do this? Are there Move Managers, Organizers, or Senior-Focused Realtors like me across the country staring at a blank screen on a Sunday night?” And that was the beginning…the thought that inspired me to offer something truly unique, just for my friends and colleagues in senior downsizing services.
Why I Started Offering Content Marketing Services
So I started doing a little research. Back in 2019 when I created Home Transition Pros and got to talk to a lot of other downsizing experts, I wasn’t surprised to find that many of my colleagues across the country didn’t even want to open their Facebook account. To most, it felt like a burden and a mystery, even though they understood that it was a necessary and unavoidable marketing task.
Just like me, even with many years of experience in downsizing and senior moves, I knew others were struggling to find the bandwidth and idea flow to come up with interesting and credible content. It’s difficult to fit in, and time consuming once you begin, but we all know that a good social media presence helps us stand out and signals our expertise in this niche market.
So between the lack of resources most face for this important task, a dearth of content, and a general desire to avoid social media tasks, the need was clear. I began creating monthly done-for-you social media packages to provide peace of mind to exhausted small business owners.
A High Quality Baseline That Supports Your Brand
So here’s where we are today…our marketing packages provide a fundamental flow of relevant and helpful information for seniors and downsizers, packaged in a clean, professional style that doesn’t compete with your brand or individual voice.
The best way to enjoy this service is to use our attractive, engaging content, then post on social media when you actually have something to share — something to celebrate, a project to show off, or an event to announce. Your personalized and branded posts merge seamlessly with our pre-written feed so that you are always up to date, and even if things get busy or you’re feeling uninspired, your social media sites will not go dark.
How the Content Is Researched
A lot goes into putting out high quality, original content that’s designed to be attractive and informative. It’s important for our online presence to reflect our standards as professionals in the industry. I personally search for the latest thinking and current writing about the senior downsizing process. I look for well-written, helpful articles that are not hidden behind a paywall or plastered with annoying pop-ups. I research topics like move planning, tips for decluttering, and approaching a move with confidence.
Because I know that our target market is a 65-year-old woman, I also include lifestyle tips that speak to her desire to lead a more simple and enjoyable life surrounded by things that truly matter. Sometimes we post about what popular items are worth at auction, or ideas on how to decorate or organize a new smaller space. Of course, we tap into the emotional side of moving and starting a new life.
Do Social Media Posts Matter That Much? Yes!
A lot of people ask me, “Do social media posts even matter?” Sometimes I wonder too. But the fact is, it’s a strong Yes!, because if you’re not posting on social channels, prospective clients and referral partners may not take your business seriously. Whether we like it or not, social media is a metric of viability and evidence of a fully functional business. Posting three times a week, minimum, is the best way to stay relevant, and look engaged with your audience.
Your Newsletter Matters Too
While social media can feel like a nuisance, I’ve never once doubted the value and benefit of regular email communication with clients and referral partners. That’s why I create monthly newsletter templates as part of my package and encourage my clients to conquer the sometimes elusive monthly newsletter that keeps your business top of mind.
Even though a newsletter requires a little more effort on your part, we’ve done the heavy lifting. With a little planning, you could be sending out a well-written newsletter every month in a matter of minutes instead of hours.
What About AI?
Now that artificial intelligence feels approachable and seems eager to write endlessly about any topic, you may be wondering, “Can’t I use AI to generate all of these ideas?”
While AI can be useful for research and new ideas, there just isn’t that much content on the web that truly speaks to the concerns and needs of seniors approaching a major downsizing project. Plus, coming up with ideas is only one piece of it. Those ideas need to be clearly articulated, and the images need to be designed by a human who understands what will appeal to our ideal client. Then those posts need to be scheduled to your accounts without glitches or missteps that can make you look worse than not posting at all.
Your Real Time Investment
It would take you or an assistant several hours to research, create, and post three times a week with polished, relevant content that appeals to our target market.
My clients tell me that the convenience and quality make this subscription a no-brainer for anyone who wants to easily outsource these monthly marketing tasks to someone who knows what to do and what to say. The freedom to focus on more meaningful and personalized marketing activities creates space for you to invest your energy in relationships and higher-level marketing efforts.
Two Ways to Work Together
We offer two options based on your budget and your willingness to dedicate your own time to social media and newsletter creation.
If you want more control, you can choose our do-it-yourself package with a month’s worth of ideas and templates to customize and post yourself.
If you don’t want to think about social media or writing your own newsletter, our full-service version takes the whole thing off your plate.
Built With Intention. Exclusive and Limited By Design.
Thankfully, after all these years, I’m still not tired of coming up with new ideas about senior moves and downsizing. I hope that my passion for educating our clients with engaging content can help you build your business, stand out, and invest your time in the most meaningful way possible.
Because the posts we design are specific and distinctive, we limit the number of clients posting our pre-written content by area, and overall as well. This keeps the quality high and gives our clients peace of mind that their Facebook and Instagram feeds are not like everyone else’s in their area.
If this sounds like a better way to manage your time and put forth a consistent professional stream of actual downsizing content, please schedule a quick call to discuss your marketing goals.
Author: Anna Novak
Content Marketing for Downsizing Businesses
SimplyDownsized.com
