Hi there, First name / friend,
You
can DIY your social media. Want the in depth discussion? Read our most recent blog post
here.
TL; DR:
You don’t need an agency to post, create, or show up online. And if you’ve been doing that on your own — that’s something to be proud of.
But here’s the gentle truth we keep seeing at the start of this year:
Posting without strategy doesn’t build momentum.
If Q1 has you feeling like:
- You’re showing up, but not seeing results
- Engagement feels low or inconsistent
- Your content feels thoughtful… but disconnected
You’re not alone.
And you’re not doing anything “wrong.”
Low engagement doesn’t automatically mean low impact — but posting without direction does make growth harder than it needs to be.
We wrote this week’s blog as a permission slip to slow down, zoom out, and rethink what success actually looks like online — especially as you build momentum for the year ahead.
Inside, we explore:
- Why “post more” isn’t the answer
- How strategy creates clarity (not pressure)
- What actually drives impact — even when engagement is quiet
- Why January and February are ideal for audits and planning
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered:
✨ Marketing Strategy & Content Audit Checklist:
It’s a simple, guided way to assess what’s working, what’s missing, and where your message needs alignment.
And if you want hands-on support:
Our Brand Tonic Strategy Sessions are perfect for Q1 planning
We’ve opened limited availability for new retainers and projects heading into the year. You don’t need to do more. You just need to do what matters — with intention. We’re here when you’re ready. Reply to this email and let us know what projects you have planned for 2026.
If you’ve felt like your marketing has been “fine” but not
fully working, this piece will help you zoom out and refocus.
A gentle nudge that this first part of the year is a great time to work with us on an audit & strategy ;)
And if you’re looking for deeper support, because you can't be bothered to do this yourself… we have availability for strategy sessions, channel audits, creative projects, and retainer partnerships. Reply to this email to get something on the books for quarter 1. Our schedule is filling up fast for January and February!
P.s. Do you know someone who is in need of digital marketing, design, and/or communications consulting services? Discover the awesome perks and benefits of being an
Affiliate Referral Program member with us at 989
by clicking here.
Your referrals help small marketing firms like ours partner with incredible organizations to elevate their marketing strategy and cohesively ensure that their brand strategy is aligned across all platforms. Referrals are our bread and butter!
We updated our
Referral Program perks & benefits tiers recently - so make sure you click through to check them out and sign up if you haven't already!
