As a woman over 40 (or even 50!), it can feel wildly daunting to start a business… and the thought of using social media to promote said business? Erm, terrifying.
Up until now, most of us have only used socials for pics of our dinner, the dog, and the odd holiday selfie, yeah?
It’s scary.
You don’t want to look silly.
You’re worried about what the neighbours will think.
Or your work colleagues.
Or your kids, if they’re old enough to be lurking on Instagram too.
But, friend… take a breath.
You can do whatever you want in life, in business, and yep, on social media too.
First up: the blocking conversation.
If there is anyone on your personal social media who will mess with your head, block them.
Those work colleagues we spoke about?
The pals from school you haven’t seen in 20 years?
Even your own kids, if watching you online, will stop you from showing up…
Block.
It’s your business and your sanity we’re protecting here. And I’m going to presume they’re not your ideal client anyway. So no loss.
Speaking of ideal clients…
This is where every powerful social media strategy starts. I’ve interviewed multiple multi-millionaire CEOs on my podcast, Small Business Growth Addicts, and do you know the one thing they all had in common?
Absolute clarity on who they serve.
- Maxine Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen, who is killing it in her 60s (listen to her episode here, it’s incredible), talks about this beautifully.
And it’s something I teach inside my mentorship community, Get Seen Get Sales, every single week.
Please don’t jump onto Instagram or Facebook shouting about your new business if you’ve no idea who you’re talking to.
I want you to know them so well that you could order their coffee for them.
This is what makes your content land.
It’s what makes social media feel easy.
- Know who you help.
- Know what you offer.
- Say it clearly.
Do that… and you’re already miles ahead of most business owners your age.
Next: find your ideal clients (on the platforms they’re already using)
This is where my Get Seen Get Sales Method comes in.
Step 1 — Ideal Client
If you’re struggling with this part, I’ve got a full podcast episode talking you through it in the simplest way possible. Give it a listen here.
Step 2 — Content Planning
Women over 40 building businesses on socials are a different breed.
We’re not here for vanity metrics or “maybe it’ll go viral” energy.
We’re here to build something long-term, sustainable, purposeful.
This is where my 60-minute content planning method comes in.
It helps you plan one week of aligned, strategic content with every post having a job to do.
If you’d like help with that, grab the free workshop and a download of my Amazon #1 bestselling social media planner here.
Step 3 — Content Creation
Again… It’s not about going viral.
Every post should be a 1:1 conversation with your ideal client.
Your message, your story, your expertise, that’s what moves your business forward.
If you need a breakdown of the types of posts that attract, nurture and convert, I’ve written a full blog explaining each one. Pop over and give it a read.
Step 4 — Community
Honestly? This bit matters more at 40+ than it ever did in our 20s.
Surround yourself with people who cheer you on.
People who want the best for you.
People who understand the juggle and the fear and the excitement.
And if you’re following people who do what you do, but they’re miles ahead, and it leaves you feeling rubbish every time they pop up?
Unfollow.
Protect your peace at all costs.
And if you’re looking for your people…
You’ve found her! Hi, it’s me, I’m a woman over 40, a twin mum, and I’m building (not my first, but my second) business using social media as my main marketing tool. My community is full of brilliant, warm, friendly female small business owners, just like you.
Come join us on Instagram. Introduce yourself on one of my Sunday Small Business Shout-Out posts; you never know who you’ll meet
This really is the 40+ Female Founder Era.
We’re braver, wiser, and far more capable than we give ourselves credit for and social media is simply the tool that helps us show the world what we’ve built. So whether you’re starting from scratch, starting again, or finally backing the idea that’s been nudging you for years, know this… you’re not late, you’re right on time. Your experience is your superpower, your voice matters, and there’s a whole community of women walking this path with you. Keep going. You’ve absolutely got this.
