Shannon's Social Media

Shannon's Social Media Full-time Social Media Manager for Rockhampton Businesses. Online coach for Social Media Managers & Local Business Owners. Learn from me!

Coaching & Courses available. Visit my website or send a message to learn more. www.shannonssocialmedia.com.au

If you’re running social media for a local business - or thinking of becoming a social media manager or virtual assistan...
24/01/2025

If you’re running social media for a local business - or thinking of becoming a social media manager or virtual assistant - this is for you. Managing content for a local café, shop, or service-based business is completely different to working with big brands or online-only stores. You’re not just posting for likes or follows... you’re building relationships with a local audience and driving real results.

That’s why I created my FREE 2025 Social Media Calendar, packed with 365 daily content ideas. It’s tailored specifically for local businesses and includes prompts for Posts, Reels, and Stories you can create quickly, using just your phone.

Here’s how it helps:

✅ Simplifies planning with a structured, easy-to-follow calendar in Google Sheet format.
✅ Includes ideas to help local businesses connect with their audience and showcase their expertise.
✅ Perfect for social media managers, virtual assistants, or even business owners managing their own accounts.

Ready to take the stress out of content creation? Visit www.shannonssocialmedia.com.au/free to grab your free copy today!

Sooooo much has happened on social media lately - let’s break it down:1️⃣ Instagram profile grids are now portrait mode ...
21/01/2025

Sooooo much has happened on social media lately - let’s break it down:

1️⃣ Instagram profile grids are now portrait mode – almost 4:5 (1080x1350px). Keep your posts in 4:5 to fit nicely, but note the left and right edges will get cropped slightly on the feed, so avoid putting important details near the edges! You can adjust old posts by tapping the three dots and selecting "Adjust Preview" then "fit" or "fill" the frame accordingly.

2️⃣ Profile layout changes: Name and pronouns are now at the top, and follower counts are smaller. IG is also working on features to let us rearrange grids and post content to our profile without sending it to followers’ feeds.

3️⃣ Reels updates: They can now be up to 3 minutes long! Plus, a new button lets you see Reels your friends are interacting with, though we’ll see how that one feels… I'm not entirely sure about this one.

4️⃣ TikTok had a wild weekend! ICYMI, TikTok went dark over in the USA. I was scrolling TikTok at midnight on Sunday and found loads of hilarious content from Canadians, the UK, and fellow Aussies that I normally wouldn't see. Was it weird without the usual US content? Yep! But the posts and humour that were there were 🔥 (especially the posts about Red Note!). By Monday morning when I woke up, it all seemed back to normal... for now.

5️⃣ Meta’s new editing app "Edits" is coming soon. Coincidence? CapCut also went offline when TikTok did, as they are owned by the same company. iOS pre-orders are open now, with Android coming soon. My Samsungs have to wait to test this out.

I don’t do much over on TT, but I’d probably have a minor seizure if I lost access to CapCut – it’s my go-to for editing client Reels and Stories! I feel for all the creators, businesses, and influencers who’ve poured so much energy into building their TT presence. Facing uncertainty, moving platforms, starting all over again, and potentially losing revenue is such a tough spot to be in. It’s a stark reminder of how important it is to diversify where you build your audience and not rely too heavily on one platform. 💔

What do you think of these updates?

First, I want to take a minute to share some snaps of the pools in our luxury private villas! This is where we'll be sta...
20/01/2025

First, I want to take a minute to share some snaps of the pools in our luxury private villas! This is where we'll be staying during my Social Media Retreat in Bali in May - want to join us??? They each have the most amazing gardens, sparkling pool, and outdoor areas to chill out in. (Plus you have your own room with air-con and ensuite bathroom, and house staff that will come make your breakfast for you each morning!).

And next, I want to tell you about the Poolside Discussions that will be happening here (when you're not just swimming, hanging out or relaxing in them).

Every afternoon/evening at the Bali Social Media Retreat, we’ll gather at one of our villas’ private pools for a fun and *insightful* 45-minute Poolside Discussion. This isn’t just a casual chat - it’s a focused conversation on the topics YOU want to dive into, all in a relaxed, inspiring setting.

Picture this:
🌸 Stretching out on a sun lounge, laying on a towel on the lush grass, or dipping your toes in the water with your drink of choice (cocktails, mocktails, or ice-cold softdrink - it’s up to you!).
🌸 Sharing knowledge about topics like outsourcing effectively, what platform brings you the best clients, finding the right tools for scheduling, or creating Reels that convert.
🌸 Learning from like-minded women who are navigating the same challenges as you and willing to share what they've learned and what is working in their business.

I think these sessions are one of the best ways to learn because they combine real, practical advice with the kind of creativity that comes from sharing our ideas freely in a fun, relaxed environment.

I have a few spots left - are you free from 17th to 24th May for 7 nights of fun, learning, networking AND relaxation???

📩 Interested? Get in touch so I can send you the full retreat details with pricing and payment plans!

Wish you had an easy-to-follow calendar that gave you simple ideas of what to post on your socials each day for your loc...
17/01/2025

Wish you had an easy-to-follow calendar that gave you simple ideas of what to post on your socials each day for your local business?

If you are feeling stuck for social media content ideas, I totally get it. Local marketing is way different than marketing for online businesses and big brands. It’s not about likes and follows... it’s about getting real customers through your doors, shopping with you, eating at your venue, hiring you or booking your services. You need to market to people in your own area, town, suburb or neighbourhood.

If you’re ready for quick and easy content ideas you can create with just your phone - right on the job, in your workplace - then grab my FREE 2025 Social Media Calendar. It’s a handy Google Spreadsheet loaded with 365 fresh Post, Reel, and Story prompts, laid out month by month. This brand-new version was created specifically with local businesses in mind!

📅 Here's the link to get your copy! https://shannonssocialmedia.com.au/free/

My dog Lulu was expecting puppies over New Year, so I gave her a little backyard maternity shoot while we waited for the...
16/01/2025

My dog Lulu was expecting puppies over New Year, so I gave her a little backyard maternity shoot while we waited for them to arrive.

[Everything is content, everything is connnntent!]

Pet Photographers - I salute you! 🤣

It's safe to say, this won't be something I add to my services anytime soon, but it was fun for my kids, myself and even Lulu... she's *glowing!*

Lulu is my Number 1 co-worker, listening intently as I flesh out ideas and strategies - or perhaps she just enjoys the fact she can hang out inside in the air-conditioning all day 😆

One of the things I love most about running my own business... working from home, chilling with my dogs, and building my schedule around family.

Can you relate?

Stuck for social media content ideas for your local business? I totally get it - local marketing is wayyyy different tha...
12/01/2025

Stuck for social media content ideas for your local business? I totally get it - local marketing is wayyyy different than marketing for online businesses and big brands. It’s not just about likes and follows; it’s about getting real customers through your doors (or booking your services) right in your own area.

If you’re ready for quick and easy content ideas you can create with just your phone - right in your workplace - then grab my FREE 2025 Social Media Calendar. It’s a Google Spreadsheet with 365 fresh Post, Reel, and Story prompts laid out in a handy monthly format. This is an all new version compared to previous ones with *brand new ideas* specifically for local businesses.

📅 Here's the link to get your copy! https://shannonssocialmedia.com.au/free/

👉 SHARE this post with anyone you know who has a local business, so they can get their free copy too!

I just deleted the "Contact Me" form on my website - sorry, not sorry. Every day, I'd get the same old spam emails from ...
09/01/2025

I just deleted the "Contact Me" form on my website - sorry, not sorry. Every day, I'd get the same old spam emails from a million different gmails and bots. So I just ran a report and decided the number of "genuine enquiries" I received through the website represented a very TINY % of the 833 entries from the last 2 years.

And that's not to say there haven't been some great enquiries come through the Contact Me form, but I can do without the daily spam emails to get to them. (Also, some of the genuine enquiries were the ones that got filtered out to spam!)

So.... DELETED!

You are welcome to book a Discovery Call into my calendar, or reach out to me on Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn if you'd like to chat first about any of my services and offers. It's the fastest and easiest way to get in touch with me.

👉 Have you done this? Would you? Is there an unintended consequence I haven't thought of???

Are you spending more time thinking about what to post than actually running your business? Trust me, you’re not alone! ...
07/01/2025

Are you spending more time thinking about what to post than actually running your business? Trust me, you’re not alone! It’s hard juggling social media as a Local Business Owner when you’ve got orders to fill, customers to serve, and a million other tasks on your plate.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. I’ve created a FREE 2025 Social Media Calendar specifically for local businesses to help you:

👉 Stop overthinking and start posting with ease
👉 Save time by using simple, ready-to-go prompts
👉 Showcase your products and services without feeling salesy
👉 Engage your community through relatable, everyday content

Ready to ditch the stress and finally get your social media sorted? Get your receive your free copy here: www.shannonssocialmedia.com.au/free

Imagine how much better you might have done in school if you could have sat through a class poolside instead of that bor...
06/01/2025

Imagine how much better you might have done in school if you could have sat through a class poolside instead of that boring old classroom?

At my Bali Social Media Retreat, I’ll host daily Poolside Discussions at one of our villas’ private pools. These 45-minute, guided conversations are all about exchanging knowledge in a way that’s both structured, relaxed and packed with information.

Here’s how it works:

🌺 You make yourself comfortable on one of the sun-beds, a towel in the grass, in the Bali hut, or even floating in the pool.
🌺 Bring your drink of choice, whether it’s a refreshing mocktail or a cocktail so you can stay hydrated!
🌺 I’ll guide the discussion on important topics YOU want to talk about, like how to build a killer LinkedIn profile, strategies for finding clients, or what tools and apps we are loving that save you the most time.
🌺 You’ll leave each session with fresh ideas, actionable tips, and insights from women who truly understand your business.
🌺 Then we'll reconvene later for dinner at one of the local restaurants, or you can do your own thing and venture off for some shopping, cocktails or another massage!

This is learning at its best - fun, collaborative, totally laid-back and PACKED with real-life information and experience.

📩 Click the link if you'd like to see the full agenda and pricing. Reserve your spot now with a $500 AUD deposit and monthly payment plan!

https://bit.ly/bali-may-2025

Happy New Year! Here’s to 2025! ✨ Looking back, 2024 was an amazing year for me - personally and in my businesses. Not t...
01/01/2025

Happy New Year! Here’s to 2025! ✨ Looking back, 2024 was an amazing year for me - personally and in my businesses. Not to brag (okay, maybe just a little), but I achieved so many of the goals I set for myself. The ones on my vision board, and the ones scrawled on my mirror in whiteboard marker:

🍾 I worked the right hours for me, served the right clients, and hit my income goals - all while creating a business that allows me to be a present, single parent involved in all my kids activities, sports, school events and more.
🍾 I traveled overseas for the first time in 10 years (since having kids!) and I'm ready for more!
🍾 I won my first business award (woohoo!).
🍾 My kids participated in competitive sports for the first time, which meant extra time commitments and travel - and I'm grateful that my business provides the funds and flexibility needed to do so.
🍾 Oh, and our family dogs surprised us by becoming pawrents for the first time. Raising a litter of puppies was an unforgettable experience! 🐾

Did I drink too much wine, eat too much cheese, and listen to waaaay too many murder podcasts? 100% yes.
Am I sorry? Nope!

I know 2024 wasn’t great for everyone, and if that’s you, I’m truly sorry to hear it. I share my highlights as inspiration because I’ve had those hard years too. I hope 2025 brings brighter days, more joy, and everything you’re working toward.

As for me? I have wonderful plans for 2025 - for myself, my family, and my businesses.
✨ I’m looking forward to working with amazing clients and building on that dreamy work/life balance.
✨ I might cut back on the wine and cheese (unlikely, but we live in hope).
✨ And I might get better at showing up to my fitness classes (I love my trainer and the ladies at bootcamp, but sweating and running? Not so much 😂)

I'm taking some time to chill out, rest, relax and reset for the new year. I'll be drinking, eating, dreaming and planning, swimming, napping and Netflixing. I'll hang out with my kids and my dogs in the aircon, and venture out when they all get a bit stir-crazy. And I'm going to whip up another Vision Board with some big 2025 plans on it.

I hope 2025 is your year too. Happy New Year!

*Some* business owners have a hard time switching off over the Christmas break (cough cough), and since it is the season...
28/12/2024

*Some* business owners have a hard time switching off over the Christmas break (cough cough), and since it is the season of giving, I've got a special gift for youuuuu!

My all new, re-vamped and FREEEEE 2025 Social Media Calendar is designed specifically for local businesses to help make social media planning easy and fun in the coming year!

Here's what you'll receive:

✅ 365 daily post ideas to keep your content fresh all year long
✅ Simple and practical prompts you can implement quickly
✅ Ideas using photos and videos from your own workplace
✅ Engaging content to connect with your local community and get customers through your door
✅ A bonus list of holidays, special dates and theme days

Ready to unwrap your free gift? Click the link to get your free copy!

https://shannonssocialmedia.com.au/free

One of the things I’m most excited about during my Bali Social Media Retreat next year is our Poolside Discussions. Thes...
27/12/2024

One of the things I’m most excited about during my Bali Social Media Retreat next year is our Poolside Discussions. These short, guided sessions happen at one of our luxury villas’ private pools and give you the chance to share, learn, and connect in a way that’s both relaxed and powerful.

Here’s what you can expect:

🌸 Settle in where you feel comfortable- whether that’s on a sun lounge, on the grass, in the pool or with your toes in the water.
🌸 Sip your drink of choice: a refreshing softdrink, an iced cocktail, or whatever you’re craving - stay hydrated!
🌸 Join in on a focused discussion on topics that matter to YOU, like hashtag strategies, finding clients, tips on outsourcing and which apps we're using that will save you the most time.

These sessions are my favourite because they create a space to really connect with other women who get it. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, new strategies, and a sense of inspiration you can’t get anywhere else... and maybe wrinkly fingers and toes if you stay in the water too long! 😆

I'd love to tell you more! In fact, I've prepped an Info Pack with the agenda, activities, inclusions and payment options. Get in touch and I’ll send it straight to you, and please let me know if you have questions!

Shouldn’t you have better things to do than scroll Facebook on Christmas Day? 😂 But hey, while you’re here… in case Sant...
25/12/2024

Shouldn’t you have better things to do than scroll Facebook on Christmas Day? 😂 But hey, while you’re here… in case Santa didn’t leave anything good under your tree this year, why not treat yourself to something amazing?

🎁 Join me on my Bali Social Media Retreat! 🎁 It’s your chance to spend a week in luxury, grow your business, and capture a year’s worth of content, all while relaxing in paradise.

What’s included? Here’s just a taste:

🏡 7 nights in a stunning private villa with your own pool.
🍳 Daily breakfasts with tropical fruits and made-to-order eggs.
🧖‍♀️ A full-day spa experience to unwind and recharge.
📸 A professional photoshoot for your brand content.
💻 Workshops on social media, strategy, and creativity.
🌺 Poolside discussions to share ideas with like-minded women.
🍹 Free time to explore, relax, or sip cocktails by the pool.
🛺 Private airport transfers to and from your villa.
🎥 Learn to create amazing Reels and Stories with hands-on editing sessions.
🌴 Incredible excursions like the Flying Dresses experience and scenic lunches.

🎄 Christmas Day & Boxing Day Special: Message me TODAY or TOMORROW, and you can secure your spot on the retreat now and pay NOTHING until the New Year!

DM me for all the details or send the word INFO to get the Info Pack straight to your inbox.

PS: This is a scheduled post. I'm probably trying set up my kids new toys right now, having a swim or cleaning the kitchen. Will definitely be under the influence of at least *some* wine by now... I hope you, your family, friends and pets all had an amazing Christmas Day!

Merry Christmas, everyone! It’s Christmas Eve, and I’m off to enjoy the magic of the season with my kids...🎥 Helping my ...
24/12/2024

Merry Christmas, everyone! It’s Christmas Eve, and I’m off to enjoy the magic of the season with my kids...

🎥 Helping my kids make some CapCut videos with our Elf on the Shelf (it’s “Elf Touching Day” in our house - check out my earlier post for the full story!)
🎁 Wrapping the last of the presents
🎅 Driving around to look at the Christmas lights, then
🥂 Sipping on some prosecco (of course!), and
🎄 Preparing for an early start tomorrow when Santa comes!

To all my followers, friends and clients - thank you for your incredible support this year. Wishing you all a Christmas filled with joy, love, and plenty of festive magic. Here’s to a wonderful day with the ones you love most.

Merry Christmas!
Shannon 🎅💛

Unpopular opinion? I actually LOVE posting daily content over the Christmas/New Year holiday period. Many people report ...
22/12/2024

Unpopular opinion? I actually LOVE posting daily content over the Christmas/New Year holiday period. Many people report their reel and stories views being down, as well as their reach in general. This can be due to the fact to people ARE really busy up until Christmas. We're busy with work, parties, shopping, Christmas prep and more.

But I find that from Boxing Day onwards, people finally get a chance to relax and their schedule isn't quite so hectic. And since I work with business owners, VA's and Social Media Managers, I can guess that they are finally taking some time off over the holidays... meaning, I know that EVENTUALLY they'll be picking up their phones having a good old scroll beside a pool, or a nice fire, or next to their dog on the couch.

People ARE online all the time. Yes, on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's.

So even if you feel like you reach/views are a little low - remember that paid ads from retail companies gearing up for Boxing Day sales may take up a chunk of your followers feed right now... but don't let that stop you!

You don't need TONNES of views to succeed in your business. You just need to reach a few of the right people, at the right time, with the right offer.

In fact, I run a whole *MEMBERSHIP LAUNCH* over the holidays for local busines owners in my town in December and January to great success. Why? Because many of these people *finally* get to shut down and take some time off. And a business owner's brain rarely manages to "ignore" business entirely (IYKYK). So they'll scroll, review 2024, plan 2025, and seek out the content and services they'll need for the new year.

I'll be sharing a few things during the holidays that I think are relevant to my audience for this time of year, and I know there will be enough SMM's, VA's and Biz Owners checking in over the break that will want/need this info:

🎁 Social Media Retreat in Bali, May 2025 -join us?
🎁 FREE Calendar of 365 Social Media Post Ideas for 2025 - made for local businesses
🎁 Membership Launch over on
🎁 Details on my Social Media Manager workload planner *might* make an appearance too!

So don't be afraid - go schedule some content!

Looking ahead to 2025?  I know it's not even Christmas yet, but if you’re starting to map out your goals and plans for n...
22/12/2024

Looking ahead to 2025? I know it's not even Christmas yet, but if you’re starting to map out your goals and plans for next year, make sure this Social Media Retreat is on your list:

🌴 7 nights in Ubud, Bali, in stunning luxury villas.
🌴 Practical workshops to help you grow your business and social media presence.
🌴 Time to relax, recharge, and create incredible content.

There’s no better way to invest in yourself and your business than by giving yourself the time and space to learn, connect, and grow. Social Media Managers, Virtual Assistants and Business Owners are all invited!

✏️ Pencil it in: 17th–24th May 2025
💸 Secure your spot with a $500 AUD deposit and payment plan.

Don't be shy! Contact me with any questions and get all the retreat details and pricing here, now: https://bit.ly/bali-may-2025

I see you Social Media Managers and VA's! You’ve been working so hard this Christmas.. perhaps you should treat yourself...
20/12/2024

I see you Social Media Managers and VA's! You’ve been working so hard this Christmas.. perhaps you should treat yourself? 🎁

Picture this:

🌟 A week in a luxurious villa in Ubud, Bali.
🌟 Days filled with learning, laughter, relaxation, and creativity.
🌟 Evenings by the pool with like-minded women, swapping ideas and stories.

You’ve poured so much into your work this year. Now it’s time to pour a little into yourself. This retreat is your chance to step back, recharge, and prepare to take on 2025 with fresh energy and inspiration.

📅 Dates: 17th–24th May 2025
🎄 Early-bird offer is still running! Secure your spot with a $500 AUD deposit and a payment plan.

Let me know if you have questions or want to chat and see if the Bali Social Media Retreat is right for you!

Story Time: The Legend of Elf Touching Day!🎄Our first Elf on the Shelf joined us back in 2016 when my kids were very sma...
19/12/2024

Story Time: The Legend of Elf Touching Day!🎄

Our first Elf on the Shelf joined us back in 2016 when my kids were very small, so we’re coming up on nearly eight years of elf antics. It’s been a lot of late nights, extra work, and cleaning up for me, but seeing the joy on my kids’ faces makes it all worth it (most of the time, lol).

A few years ago, I came across the idea of "Elf Touching Day" in an Elf on the Shelf Facebook group, and it’s become an incredible family tradition ever since!

As you know, the usual rule is that kids can’t touch the elves because they’ll lose their magic and can't fly home to the North Pole. But here’s a genius loophole: on Christmas Eve, it doesn’t matter if the elves lose their magic because they can catch a ride back to the North Pole on Santa’s sleigh that night when he drops the gifts off!

In our house, the elves left a special letter on Christmas Eve that morning letting the kids know they’re allowed to play with them ALLLLLL DAY. When my daughters got their first letter, they were absolutely over the moon! After weeks (years!) of just looking at the elves, they finally got to hold them, play with them, and even take them out for a day of fun.

Now, we call Christmas Eve "Elf Touching Day", and it’s become one of our favourite traditions. My daughters love taking the elves everywhere on Christmas Eve - running last-minute errands, going for a drive, or snapping fun photos together. It’s such a simple idea but adds so much magic to the day.

If you have an Elf on the Shelf, I highly recommend trying this tradition! Especially if you've been elfing for a few years and haven't tried this yet. Share this post with other parents who might love the idea of making Christmas Eve extra special for their kids.

PS: I also have a great trick for your Santa photos. You can take your Elves with you (I take ours in a clear shopping bag, and handle them with tongs), and you can include them in your photo with Santa because SANTA can give them their magic back after you've taken your photos. Our first Santa (and his helpers) seemed a bit bewildered by this, so I had to mum-splain to them what we were doing. But I'll share some pics soon!

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Rockhampton, QLD

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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