When a Writer is Exhausted by Social Media Try These 7 Things

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I know, I’m supposed to be the cheerleader of all things social media. But let’s get real here. Some days—some weeks—it just makes me tired. There are times when every writer gets weary of social media. Usually it happens when certain situations arise:

• I haven’t had any meaningful conversations in a while.
• My updates seem to be going into a black hole because no one is noticing them.
• Life in general has gotten chaotic and it’s squeezing the life out of me.
• My numbers aren’t moving up, they’re sitting there like an old tire in a mud hole.
• It seems like everything I read on social media is rude, wrong, or just plain shallow.

Yeah, I’ve been where you are.

But I’ve also come through it to the other side. There are some things to do when social media gets to be too much to deal with. Here is what I do when it becomes just too much work.

Social Media Strategies for the Exhausted Writer

1. Remember your why. We all should know WHY we're doing social media. And if that why is meaningful—it will help sustain us when the going gets tough. For me, I have a double why. I do it to bring light to the dark. I want to bring God's joy to people only. The second reason I do it it to equip others to discover the strength and ability God has given them to fulfill their purpose.

With these whys always before me, I can stay the course when the algorithms change, the world gets ugly and others decide to leave. 

2. Take a 3-day break. Don’t stay off too long, but I’ve discovered giving myself a short 3-day vacation gives me the time I need to regroup. The permission to not open FB or Twitter is almost exhilarating. One thing about this though, don’t advertise it. Don’t get on FB and tell everyone you’re getting off for 3 days. That falls into the category of noise, not meaningful conversation on social media. Just quietly take a few days off. 

3. Set a timer. When you return, watch your . . . er . . . watch. Don’t try to make up for lost time. Instead be very deliberate about the time you’re on. Don’t let it go over 30 minutes a day. The one caveat to this is if you reserve a social media network for only play. I know some who love Pinterest or Instagram and only use it for personal enjoyment. If that’s the case, separate that time from your work time. 

4. Reply to those who’ve mentioned you. If they’ve shared your blog, retweeted, commented on a FB post, or whatever. Take about 5 minutes and pick out a few to thank and engage with. 

5. Share something meaningful to you. Don’t try to anticipate what will get the most traffic humming. Just be transparent. Post a pic from childhood, share a quote, ask a question. 

6. Evaluate your social media content. Look again at what you’re sharing. Spend some time looking for new places to visit online—blogs, websites, etc. Shake things up a bit. You will enjoy it and so will your audience.

7. Change when you schedule your social media. If you normally schedule it in the morning, move that to late afternoon. Streamline what you can, but remain disciplined in your consistency. A change in routine can help shake things up in a good way. 

Social media is a tool. It’s a valuable tool when we use it correctly. But like any good worker, we can’t just use one implement to get the job done. Sometimes we must put it down and pick up another one. 

Remember also that being a writer—like any other career/hobby choice—has aspects to it that aren’t fun. There isn’t anything out there that’s one hundred percent fun one hundred percent of the time. So do the work that dreary, and focus on the reason you write. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on what to do when you get weary of social media. Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

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Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.