f your social media “system” is actually a pile of half-used notebooks, 42 open browser tabs, and that one content idea you jotted on a napkin… you’re not alone. I’ve been there.
For years, I was running full-scale social media strategies for major health and wellness brands, while juggling my own business marketing behind the scenes. I had the knowledge. I had the tools. But my own system? Pure chaos.
Think color-coded sticky notes for content ideas, to-do lists scattered between Trello, Notes app, and my whiteboard, and a nagging feeling of “I’m behind” that just wouldn’t quit.
The turning point came when I realized: being creative doesn’t mean being disorganized.
It was time to turn my scroll into strategy, and build a system that actually worked.
The Problem: Duct-Taped Content Planning
Let me guess-- your process might look a little like mine did:
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You brainstorm ideas whenever inspiration strikes, but they don’t always get used.
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You write captions when you're “in the mood,” and it’s either a flow state or a flop.
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You batch… sometimes.
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You promise yourself this is the month you’ll schedule content ahead—and then you post in real time anyway.
Even though I had a deep background in digital strategy, my personal content systems were messy, reactionary, and hard to scale.
The truth? Good marketing can’t rely on good moods.
I needed a structure. Not a rigid system that stifled creativity, but a repeatable, supportive process... something that felt good and did good.
What Finally Clicked (And Why Most Advice Didn’t Work)
The internet is full of social media advice: “Just batch on Sundays!” “Use this template!” “Buy this $27 content calendar!”
And while those things can help, they’re often Band-Aids, not solutions.
The root problem wasn’t a lack of tools, it was a lack of strategy and alignment.
Here’s what I discovered:
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The best system is the one that matches your brain, your business model, and your bandwidth.
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“Doing more” isn’t the answer. Doing smarter is.
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A system should reduce decision fatigue, not create more.
I stopped looking for the perfect productivity hack and started building a system around the way I work best.
Step 1: I Defined My Content Purpose (Not Just My Pillars)
We’ve all heard the phrase “define your content pillars,” but I went deeper.
Instead of asking “what should I post about?” I asked:
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What kind of content drives awareness vs. conversion?
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What do I want my audience to feel when they land on my page?
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How does this content tie into my offers and sales cycle?
This reframing helped me move from random ideas to intentional messaging. It became less about filling a calendar and more about building brand trust, educating potential clients, and priming people to buy.
Step 2: I Created a “Campaigns First” Calendar
Most content planning starts with posts. Mine now starts with campaigns.
Each month, I outline:
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What I’m promoting or focusing on (offer, opt-in, event, etc.)
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Key messages and desired outcomes
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Any important dates or launches
From there, I map weekly themes, then individual posts. The result? My content doesn’t just show up, it stacks.
It aligns with my business goals, my values, and my audience’s journey.
Step 3: I Streamlined My Tools
At one point, I was using: Google Docs, Trello, Canva, Notion, Airtable, and Planoly—all at once. It was too much.
Now? I use just three tools:
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Notion for content strategy, campaign planning, and calendar view
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Google Drive for collaboration and storage
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Metricool for scheduling and analytics
The key was choosing tools that worked across both strategy and execution—without overwhelming me or my team.
Step 4: I Systemized My Creative Process
Content creation used to mean carving out a “creative day” and hoping for the best.
Now, I’ve built a process that supports creativity with structure:
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I use templates for idea prompts and outlines (not copy-paste captions)
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I create voice guides and “anchor phrases” to keep brand tone consistent
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I set aside two days a month for deep creation (and protect that time like gold)
The result? Content that feels aligned, thoughtful, and easy to produce, even on low-energy days.
Step 5: I Built in Flexibility + Feedback Loops
The best system isn’t one you set and forget-- it’s one you can tweak.
Every quarter, I ask:
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What content performed best (and why)?
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What took too long or felt like a drag?
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What’s changing in my offers or audience?
This check-in helps me evolve my system over time. Because marketing isn’t static, and neither is your life or business.
The Transformation: From “Post and Pray” to Marketing That Moves the Needle
Here’s what changed when I moved from sticky notes to strategy:
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I started posting with purpose (and seeing measurable growth)
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I stopped second-guessing every caption or graphic
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My engagement became more consistent (and more aligned)
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I could prep months in advance instead of scrambling
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I had more time to focus on serving clients and building new offers
In short? I systemized my social media, and finally felt like a marketer again, not just a content machine.
Why This Matters (Especially If You’re a Wellness Brand)
You didn’t start your business to become a full-time content creator. But you do want to grow a community, make an impact, and generate real revenue online.
That takes more than random Reels and “just show up” energy.
It takes strategy, intention, and a system that works for you.
Whether you’re managing your content solo, working with a VA, or building a team—your social media system doesn’t need to be complicated. But it does need to be clear.
That’s what I help brands build every day.
Want to Systemize Your Social Media Without the Overwhelm?
If you’re ready to stop duct-taping your marketing together and start showing up with clarity, consistency, and purpose, you don’t have to do it alone.
Inside my Social Media Campaign Strategy service, we map out your next big launch, promo, or push so your content doesn’t just “look good,” it works hard.
You’ll walk away with:
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A complete campaign strategy across 1–3 platforms
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A 30-day content plan tailored to your brand
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Custom guides for social processes, best practices, and (optional) paid or influencer integration
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One-on-one strategy support from someone who’s scaled 20+ wellness brands the right way
Let’s build a system that makes your marketing feel like second nature, not a second job.
👉 Book your Social Media Campaign Strategy and turn your next scroll into strategy.
About the Author
Carlisle Russell helps health and wellness brands build social strategies that work—without the pressure to go viral or be someone you’re not.
With 10+ years leading content for brands like Charlotte’s Web, Ancient Nutrition, and HarperCollins, she knows how to create systems that scale and connect.
