If you’ve landed here, chances are you’ve taken a step back from social media – maybe its just been a few weeks over a vacation, or maybe it’s been months or even a year (or two!).
And now you’re wondering how to start posting again without it coming across as awkward.
I’ve been there – more than once. I’ve had accounts that sat untouched for weeks, even months. Back when I was working as a Virtual Assistant, client work always came first, and so posting online slipped right off the list.
Plus more recently, I have found myself allowing a short break to turn into weeks going by without posting.
So that’s why I came up with an overwhelm-free social media plan for myself. Something easier to stick to going forward.
And just so you know, I don’t have a huge team behind me cranking out content. It’s just me.
So if you’re in the same boat – doing most of this solo – you’re in the right place.
The good news? Getting back into posting after a long break doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to begin with a simple first post, such as a quote or question, without apologizing for your absence. Refresh your profile, audit past content to see what works, and focus on sharing content around 3-4 core topics. Consistency matters more than perfection, so set realistic goals, repurpose and batch-create when possible, and remember even small, engaged audiences can have a big impact.
Keep reading for my tips for making a social media comeback that you can actually stick to this time!
Let’s talk about that first post back. It might feel like the hardest one of all – but honestly, it doesn’t have to be. For your first post after a break, the key is to keep it simple and not overthink it.
Here are some easy ideas to get you started:
One type of post I usually don’t recommend is an “I’m back!” announcement. Often, your audience hasn’t even noticed you were gone, and this kind of post can draw unnecessary attention to your absence.
Instead, focus on sharing something simple and valuable – something your audience will enjoy – without apologizing for your break or announcing your return.
If you want to get back to posting consistently, the key is to create a system that works for you – one that’s sustainable and actually enjoyable. Here’s how to start:
1. Audit your social media
Take a look at your past posts. Which ones got comments, DMs, or shares? Those are signs your audience really connected with that content.
Which posts had low engagement? Don’t overthink it – just note what didn’t land. That doesn’t mean the content was bad; you can always try it again a few weeks later. No one will remember, promise!
2. Identify what’s easiest for you to create
Think about the types of content that felt the most natural – stories, graphics, videos, or photos. Which ones made you feel good to create and share? That’s a big clue for what’s sustainable going forward.
3. Refresh your profile
Now’s a great time to check your bio, profile picture, and highlights. Do they still reflect who you are and what you offer today? A comeback is the perfect opportunity to give your profile a mini-refresh.
4. Check your links
Make sure your audience can actually find your website, offers, or sign-ups. Outdated links are an easy fix that makes a big difference.
Once you’ve done this quick audit, you’ll have a clear sense of:
5. Start smaller than you think you should
Don’t try to post daily if you’ve been inactive for a long time. Begin with a manageable schedule (e.g., 1–2 posts a week) and build from there.
This becomes the foundation of your new system. You’re not starting from scratch – even if it feels like it – you’re building on what you’ve already learned and improving as you go.
To make posting easier and more consistent, choose 3-4 main topics (or content pillars) that you’ll focus on. These are the themes that represent your brand or what your audience cares about.
Then, mix in plenty of quick-to-create posts, like:
Remember, not every post needs to be a big production. You don’t have to be on video or stage elaborate photo shoots every time. Simple, authentic content can connect just as well – sometimes even better than something polished and overthought.
One of the easiest ways to stay consistent with posting is to keep a running bank of content ideas. This gives you a go-to list whenever you sit down to create, instead of waiting for inspiration to strike.
1. Look at your tips from different angles
Instead of sharing the same “how-to” content over and over, explore it from multiple perspectives:
Go through the what, when, where, how, and why for each tip—this multiplies your content possibilities quickly.
2. Address common objections
Think about the typical concerns your audience or potential customers have – things like price, time, or confidence. Then create content that tackles each one:
“It’s too expensive” → Share why it’s worth investing in your product/service.
“I don’t have time for this” → Post something like “How to See Results in Just 10 Minutes a Day” or “Quick Wins You Can Expect in the First Week.”
“I’m not sure it will work for me” → Post “Who This Is For (and Who It’s Not For).”
3. Keep a running list
The worst thing you can do when generating ideas is wait until you “feel like it.” Keep a list somewhere accessible – your Notes app works perfectly. Every time you get an idea – scrolling, chatting with a client, reading a book – jot it down.
4. Use prompts to spark ideas
Prompts are a great way to expand your content bank:
You can also use AI tools to brainstorm different angles for these prompts.
Before you know it, you’ll have a little content bank ready to pull from, making posting consistently feel much easier – and less stressful.
Engagement isn’t just about what’s happening on your own posts. It’s about actively engaging with others in your space.
Commenting on other people’s content, responding thoughtfully, and joining relevant conversations can help you get noticed by new people who share similar interests.
When someone sees your name pop up regularly in the comments, they’re far more likely to check out your profile – and eventually engage with your posts too.
This reciprocity is powerful. Suddenly, it doesn’t feel like you’re shouting into the void. Instead, you’re part of a community. Over time, these small interactions build trust, strengthen relationships, and create a steady flow of people discovering your content organically.
Think of it as a two-way street: the more you show up for others, the more they’ll show up for you.
Batch-creating content is often recommended, and for good reason, but it can sometimes feel like more of a barrier than a helpful strategy. If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of doing it all at once, then this might be part of what’s holding you back.
That’s why important to take it step by step and build a workflow that works for your pace.
Start with your content plan. A simple calendar, whether in Trello, Asana, or even Google Sheets, can give structure to your bank of ideas.
Instead of asking, “What do I post today?” you’ll already know what type of content goes on certain days. For example:
You can theme your posts by season, campaign, or however you like – whatever makes it easier to stick to your plan.
My next tips is to repurpose content whenever possible. Creating fresh content all the time can feel like a hamster wheel. Instead, turn one idea into multiple posts:
Filming a longer video? Chop it into smaller clips. One 10-minute video can easily become five short videos to share over a few weeks.
You can also reuse your best posts. If something performed well a few months ago, post it again. Most of your audience won’t remember, and those who do will likely appreciate the reminder.
Repurposing isn’t about creating more work – it’s about getting more mileage out of what you’ve already done. It’s the easiest way to stay consistent without reinventing the wheel every single time.
Let’s dive into some practical tips to make creating content simpler and more consistent. The key is removing friction so creating and posting doesn’t feel like a huge task.
Use templates for visuals
Instead of designing each post from scratch, create a few reusable templates in Canva (or your preferred design tool).
Set boundaries around your creation time
It’s easy to get stuck over-editing or scrolling for inspiration. I’m guilty of it too! Spending hours consuming content can leave you with no energy to actually create.
Forget the so-called “rules”
You don’t need to stress about the perfect reel length, the ideal number of carousel slides, or any other social media formulas.
Instead, focus on moving your audience:
When you make your content creation easier and more focused, posting consistently stops feeling like a chore – and becomes something you can actually enjoy.
Once you’ve got your list of ideas and your content calendar set up, you’re ready to try batching your content. It’s not for everyone, but it’s one of the biggest time-savers.
Instead of creating one post at a time, you produce a whole batch at once, ready to go. Here’s the process:
Batching means you’re not relying on inspiration on the day of posting. No more staring at a blank screen, scrambling last-minute, or panicking about what to post. Everything is lined up and ready – even on days when you’re busy, tired, or just not feeling it.
Here’s something to keep in mind: social media isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Instagram: Over 2 billion active users as of 2025 – and that number continues to grow.
LinkedIn: Stats show that engagement rates have risen by 44%, with 134.5 million daily active users and over 48.5% active monthly.
Facebook: Despite what my teenage son says, Facebook isn’t dead. It’s still the world’s most widely used social platform, with over 3 billion monthly active users.
So what does this mean for you? Your audience is likely still on social media, making it worth building and nurturing your presence there.
Remember: Just because people aren’t liking or commenting doesn’t mean they aren’t paying attention. Many watch quietly, click links, and even buy without engaging publicly. Your content could be the exact encouragement or solution someone needs today.
Don’t let a small following hold you back. Small, engaged audiences often convert better than large, passive ones. Ten real fans beat 10,000 ghost followers every time.
You’re not starting from zero – you’re starting from experience. The more you post, the easier it gets. Social platforms reward consistent activity, even after a period of inactivity. Your reach improves simply by showing up regularly.
Many accounts are growing right now because they keep going. The only difference between accounts that grow and those that fade? Persistence.
Your comeback could be the turning point – so start posting, keep showing up, and watch your presence flourish.
If you’ve been thinking about making a comeback on social media, I know it can feel a little overwhelming to get started.
To make it easier, grab a free sample of the post templates inside my membership! Sign up and you’ll get 3 fill-in-the-blank captions and 3 Canva post templates – designed for small biz owners.
Designed to take the pressure off, these posts templates give you a quick win – to help you get back into the flow of posting with confidence!
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