When Your Business Has Zero Content… But the Algorithm Still Wants to Eat

Written by Kyoshi Richardson

Running a business is great until you realize you’re expected to create content every single day like you’re a full-time influencer, part-time comedian, and unpaid social media intern all in one.

But what happens when business is slow… nothing exciting is happening… and your camera roll looks like tumbleweeds blowing through it?

Oh, don’t worry. I’ve been there. Welcome to my TED Talk:

“Creating Content When Your Business Is Giving… Absolutely Nothing.”

Let’s get into it.

1. Post the Behind-the-Scenes Nobody Asked For

When business is quiet, people love seeing the random stuff.

Stuff like:

• Your desk: “Where the magic happens… and also the chaos.”

• Your planner: “Shoutout to the 15 unchecked boxes. We’ll get there.”

• Your coffee: “CEO fuel.”

• You staring at your laptop: “Strategizing (AKA thinking about a nap).”

It’s still behind-the-scenes. And behind-the-scenes = content.

2. Re-Introduce Yourself Like You’re Beyoncé Dropping a Surprise Album

If you have nothing new to post, post… YOU.

Try:

“Hi! I’ve gotten a lot of new followers recently, so here are 5 facts about me even my business is tired of hearing.”

People love personality.

People love connection.

People love to stalk the person behind the brand (respectfully).

3. Educate Your Audience With Something They Didn’t Know They Needed

When you run out of content, become a teacher.

Examples:

• “3 things I wish I knew before starting this business”

• “A mistake I made so you don’t have to”

• “What customers think I do vs. what I actually do”

• “The hidden cost nobody tells you about”

You don’t need a big event to drop wisdom. Your trauma is content now.

4. Repurpose Old Media Like You’re a Sustainability Influence

If you posted something 6 months ago, guess what?

Nobody remembers it.

Post it again. Rephrase it. Re-edit it. Recycle it.

You’re not repeating content —

you’re maximizing asset efficiency (that’s CEO language for “reposting”).

5. Turn the Slow Days Into Comedy

People LOVE a business with personality.

Post things like:

• “Here’s my workload today: … yup, that’s it.”

• “Me refreshing my business email like it owes me money.”

• “POV: You run a small business and your only coworker is your anxiety.”

It’s relatable.

It’s funny.

It’s true.

6. Share Customer Questions or Conversations

Got a DM?

Got a review?

Got a customer who asked something wild?

Boom. Content.

Examples:

• “FAQ that I’ve answered 237 times but here we go again…”

• “A customer just asked the BEST question — let’s talk about it!”

• “Someone messaged me this and honestly… same.”

Just keep it respectful, of course.

7.Create “Value Posts” So Good People Think Business Is Booming

Teach something.

Explain something.

Break something down.

Even if you’re posting from your couch in pajamas thinking,

“Lord, I am tired.”

If the content is good, nobody will know business is slow.

Fake it like you still have 47 orders to ship today.

8. Remind People What You Offer

When you run out of content, SELL.

But don’t say “buy this.”

Say things like:

• “Here’s what problem I solve (and how I can help you today).”

• “A lot of you don’t know I offer this service too!”

• “Let’s talk about what makes my business different.”

Remember:

People forget what you do unless you remind them consistently, kindly, and with a little humor.

9. Celebrate Something — Anything

Got a new pen? A new notebook? A new candle?

POST IT.

Got 3 likes on your last post?

Celebrate it.

Got one customer this week?

Highlight it like it’s a national victory.

You’re not delusional —

you’re building a positive brand culture.

10. Remember: YOU Are the Business

Your personality sells.

Your voice builds trust.

Your story keeps people around.

Your audience wants the person behind the brand — the chaos, the jokes, the “I’m winging this and learning as I go” truth.

So show up.

Even when you have nothing to show.

Because YOU are the content.

Final Thought:

Running a business is hard, posting content is harder, and convincing yourself that your everyday tasks are interesting enough for social media? That’s elite-level mental gymnastics.

But trust me — you have content.

You just have to see the magic in the everyday moments.

And if not?

Make it up! You’re an entrepreneur. Improv is part of the job description.