Your 2026 Social Media Strategy: Variety, Bravery & Actually Scheduling Content Time

It’s February 2026, and if you’re feeling like social media is louder, harder, and more soul-crushing than ever — you’re not wrong. Between algorithm changes, AI-generated content flooding feeds, and just the general noise of being online, it’s exhausting to show up as a small business owner.

But here’s the thing: this year isn’t about doing more content or chasing every trend. It’s about being intentional, strategic, and (dare I say) a little braver with how you show up.

In this episode (and blog post!), I’m breaking down what a real 2026 social media strategy looks like for small business owners who want results without the burnout. We’re talking variety of content, why you need to schedule social like any other business task, and how being bolder can transform your connection with your audience.

Stop Treating Social Media Like a Side Task

Let’s start with the foundation: social media needs to be in your calendar.

I know, I know. You’re busy. You’re juggling client work, admin tasks, maybe kids, and a million other things. Social media feels like something you can squeeze in during those random 10-minute pockets of time. Or maybe late at night after the kids are in bed when you’re already mentally done for the day.

But here’s the reality: that’s not where your best content gets created.

Think about it. Other important tasks in your business probably have dedicated time in your calendar. You block off time for client work, meetings, admin tasks. Social media deserves that same respect because it is part of your job. It’s how your audience finds you, connects with you, and ultimately decides to work with you.

How to Make This Work (Even If You’re Busy)

Start with just one hour per week. That’s it. Open your calendar right now and block off 60 minutes. Maybe it’s Monday mornings before your day gets going, or Wednesday afternoons when you typically have a lull. Find what works for your schedule and commit to it.

In the beginning, you might only create two posts in that hour. And that’s totally okay! You’re building the muscle. As you get more comfortable batching content and you have systems in place, you’ll be able to create your whole week’s worth of content in that single hour.

This is exactly why I created content co-working sessions in the Social with Kat Club. Every Monday at 10 a.m., members show up with their ideas, use the weekly Reels prompts and monthly content guides, and actually execute on their content. It’s not just ideas—it’s accountability to get those ideas out into the world.

The Type of Content That Matters in 2026

Okay, so you’ve got your hour scheduled. Now what do you actually create?

This is where variety becomes non-negotiable. And I’m going to be really honest with you: B-roll alone isn’t going to cut it anymore.

Don’t get me wrong—I love B-roll. It’s quick, it’s easy, and there are definitely seasons in your business where leaning on B-roll makes total sense. (In fact, you can grab my free B-roll checklist and shooting guide to fill up your camera roll with usable clips.)

But with the way algorithms have evolved, and frankly with how noisy social media has become, your audience needs more. They need depth. They need to actually see you and hear you and connect with you on a real level.

The Content Mix You Need

Here’s what a well-rounded content strategy looks like in 2026:

1. B-Roll Reels (Yes, Still!)

Quick, aesthetic clips with text on screen. These are great for showing your products, your workspace, or quick behind-the-scenes moments. They’re easy to batch and perfect for those trial reels that bring in new followers.

2. Talk-to-Camera Reels

This is where you show up as YOU. Share your expertise, give updates about your business, answer questions. I know it feels scary if you haven’t done it before, but here’s the truth: you don’t have to be a content creator. You’re a business owner talking about your business or a topic you’re passionate about.

Tips to make it easier:

• Keep them short—they don’t have to be long essays
• Use the teleprompter feature if having a script helps you feel more comfortable
• Do something with your hands while you talk (organize your desk, show off a product, make coffee). It takes the pressure off just staring at the camera
• Remember: this is just you talking to a client or customer, not a full production

3. Voiceover Reels

This is a beautiful bridge between B-roll and talk-to-camera content. You’re showing clips from your day, making a product, or working behind the scenes—but you’re adding your voice to tell the story.

Voiceovers let you go deeper. You can explain the why behind your business, share the passion that drives your work, or give context to what’s happening on screen. It allows your audience to hear your voice and feel the energy you bring to your work.

Voiceover ideas:

• Restocking products at a store or market (share the behind-the-scenes story of why you picked these products or what went into making them)
• Clips from a class you’re teaching (pull out the biggest takeaways and share that education with your broader audience)
• Setting up for your next client (but instead of just describing the setup, tell a client success story or share something you’ve learned in your years of business)

The key with voiceovers is to pair a story with the visuals. Don’t just narrate what’s happening on screen—use it as an opportunity for deeper storytelling.

4. Storytelling Carousels

Here’s something you might not know: carousels have been huge for Social with Kat Club members in terms of building connections and gaining followers.

We’re talking about simple photos with text on screen that tell a story. Not those super-designed graphics you see everywhere, but authentic, relatable posts that get people to swipe through, comment, and follow.

In fall 2025, we did a workshop on carousels that convert, and members have been using that blueprint to get hundreds of new followers, show up on the explore page, and get more engagement than they’ve ever seen. One member even told me a single carousel got more comments than any post she’d ever shared before.

The magic of carousels is that they give your audience a different way to engage with your content. Not everyone watches Reels. Some people prefer to read and swipe. By showing up in multiple formats, you’re meeting your audience where they already are.

But What About Views?

Here’s something important you need to know: talk-to-camera content and voiceovers might not get as many views as your trending B-roll reels. And that’s okay.

Because these types of content have incredible value in a different way—they build connection. They’re what turn a casual viewer into someone who shows up for your business again and again. They’re what build trust and loyalty.

So yes, use B-roll and trending audio to bring in new eyes. But use these other formats to turn those views into actual relationships with people who care about your business.

Creating Variety Without Overwhelm

I can feel you panicking right now. “Kat, you just listed like five different types of content. How am I supposed to do all of that?!”

Deep breath. You’re not doing all the things all the time.

This isn’t about posting five different formats every single week. It’s about picking and choosing what works for your business right now and slowly expanding your comfort zone.

There will absolutely be seasons where you lean more heavily on B-roll. That’s fine! Members of the club use my B-roll hooks library constantly, especially when they’re busy or trying out trial reels to bring in new followers.

But what I want you to do is start small and intentional.

Look at your content calendar for this month and ask yourself: How can I start sprinkling in some variety?

• Maybe your goal for February is to post one voiceover reel. That’s it. Just one.
• Or maybe you want to try one storytelling carousel this month and see how your audience responds.
• Or maybe you’re ready to test out one talk-to-camera reel where you share your expertise or a business update.

We’re not reinventing the wheel. We’re taking small, bold steps in the direction you want to go. And the only way to get better at these formats—the only way to learn what resonates with your audience—is to actually try them.

Being Braver and Bolder on Social

Let’s talk about what it means to be brave on social media in 2026.

For you, bravery might look like trying that new content format we just talked about. It might mean posting that voiceover reel or talking to the camera for the first time.

But it can also mean being bolder with what you say.

When you look back at the content you shared in 2025—the B-roll, the carousels, all of it—ask yourself: Could I say these same things again, but bolder?

What “Bolder” Actually Means

Being bold doesn’t mean being controversial or clickbaity. It means being more definitive. Being more YOU.

Instead of generic statements or safe opinions, can you really own your point of view?

• Say what you believe in: “This is my number one tip for…”
• Name what you disagree with: “This is why we don’t do X at my studio…”
• Be really clear about your approach: “Here’s exactly how we approach this differently…”

I know what you’re worried about. What if someone disagrees? What if the wrong person sees this and challenges me?

But here’s what actually happens most of the time: it allows you to connect with the people who really need to hear your message. The people who are nodding along saying “YES, exactly!” Those are your people.

And honestly? Sometimes that pushback or those questions can be a great opportunity for content. If someone asks you to explain your point of view, that’s a perfect opportunity to respond with a talk-to-camera reel where you dive deeper into why you believe what you believe.

Being braver on social in 2026 means:

• Trying new content formats
• Being bolder with your opinions and point of view
• Being comfortable being YOU—and that in itself is brave

You Don’t Have to Do Everything at Once

Let me say this one more time because I know how easy it is to hear all of this and feel overwhelmed:

You don’t have to do everything at once. I just want you to stop doing only one thing.

Your story is valuable. Your expertise matters. Your behind-the-scenes moments, your voice, your opinions—all of it has a place in your content strategy. And your community wants to see more from you.

So here’s what I want you to do right now:

1. Open your calendar and block off one hour this week for content creation. Set a reminder. Show up for yourself and your business.
2. Pick ONE new content format to try this month. Just one. A voiceover reel, a talk-to-camera moment, a storytelling carousel—whatever feels like the right next step for you.
3. Be a little braver. Say what you believe. Own your expertise. Let your personality shine through.

This is exactly what we work on together in the Social with Kat Club. It’s not just about weekly Reels prompts (though those are amazing and members love them). It’s about building a sustainable, strategic content practice that includes variety, supports your business goals, and doesn’t burn you out.

We have content co-working every Monday at 10 a.m. so you actually have space and accountability to create. We have monthly content guides and frameworks (like our carousel blueprint) to help you try new formats with confidence. And you have a community of other small business owners who are figuring this out right alongside you.

Ready to Build Your 2026 Strategy?

Listen to the full episode for even more insights and examples, or join the Social with Kat Club to get weekly content prompts, monthly coaching, and a community that will cheer you on as you show up more strategically on social.

Free Resources Mentioned:

• B-roll Checklist & Shooting Guide
• More Free Social Media Resources