If the thought of posting on social media feels overwhelming or even terrifying, you’re not alone. Just five days ago, I was in the same boat — nervous about putting myself out there, worried about what people might think, and unsure if I could stick with it. But five days in I’ve gained clarity, confidence, and my first paid UGC collaboration — achieving one of my 2025 Bingo Goals (and one of the ones I thought would definitely take a while!)

Here’s what I’ve learned so far that can help you overcome the fear and get started:

1. Start Before You Feel Ready

I didn’t have weeks of content planned out when I began. Don’t get me wrong, I planned a lot, and I tried to schedule content, but in the end the days before I had planned to start ran away frmo me and in the end, I only had three days of full content scheduled. But I realised that waiting for the “perfect” moment or the “perfect” post was just holding me back. Starting with what I had — and giving myself permission to figure it out as I went — made all the difference.

Takeaway: You absolutely don’t need to have it all figured out. Focus on getting a few posts ready, and let the momentum build from there. Your first few posts will be terrible, so embrace that and learn to improve with time and experience.

2. Fear Fades With Action

Hitting “post” for the first time was so scary. I was posting for the first time on a public platform where I knew friends of mine would see it. I’d previously tried and posted on a separate account to avoid the risk of my friends seeing and judging me, but I realised that my real friends actually wouldn’t judge me — they would support me — and they have. In addition to my friends’ support, it turns out that a lot of people are the internet are also really supportive of people trying new things. Okay, yes, there will always be some trolls and keyboard warriors, but ultimately, as long as what you’re posting isn’t hurting anybody, the opinions of others actually matters very little. The fear fades quickly, and actually now my fear is more about looking stupid by failing to post consistently! Posting a video asking to be kept accountable is working for me, and I’m genuinely excited to see if I can continue to post everyday and see what happens to my accounts over time.

Takeaway: The only way to get over the fear is to face it. Start small, but start.

3. Build Connections, Not Just Content

One thing that’s amazed me this week is the strength of the UGC community. I’ve connected with supportive creators, learned from their journeys, and even booked my first paid collaboration. By sharing relatable and valuable content, I’ve not only gained followers but also started to build genuine relationships.

Takeaway: Consistency isn’t just about showing up; it’s about connecting. Engage with others in your niche to grow both your audience and your confidence.

4. Track What Works

Even in just five days, I’m starting to learn which types of content perform best. For me, UGC-related posts have resonated the most, while other posts haven’t gained as much traction. I’ve also learnt to focus more on providing content that helps others, rather than being more reflective and posting about myself. These insights are shaping how I plan future content, and will continue to guide my journey as I start posting about my other content pillars as well.

Takeaway: Pay attention to what your audience engages with — it’s a roadmap for what to create next.

5. Plan for Consistency (Even During Busy Times)

If there’s one thing I need to improve, it’s getting ahead on content planning. Right now, I’m working day-to-day, but I know that having posts ready in advance will make it easier to stay consistent, no matter how busy life gets.

Takeaway: Start small, but aim to get a few days ahead of your schedule. It’ll reduce stress and help you stay consistent.

If you’ve been holding back from posting consistently, take it from me — it’s not as scary as it seems. Start before you feel ready, take small steps, and focus on building connections. And if you’re already posting, I’d love to know: What’s been your biggest lesson or win so far?