alittlebitsocial2 Working 12-hour shifts can feel like your whole day disappears before you even have time to think about marketing your business or side hustle. Between long hours at work, commuting, and trying to maintain some personal life, it’s easy to feel like marketing on a 12-hour shift is impossible. But the truth is, with a few smart strategies, you can stay visible, grow your brand, and connect with your audience, even if your energy is limited.
1. Prioritise Small, High-Impact Actions
You don’t need to spend hours every day crafting the perfect Instagram post or recording videos for TikTok. Focus on small tasks that make a big difference:
- Scheduling posts in advance using tools like Buffer or Later.
- Engaging with your audience in short, 5–10 minute windows.
- Repurposing content across platforms to save time.
Consistency matters more than perfection. Even posting once or twice a week is better than burning out trying to post daily.
2. Use Automation to Your Advantage
Automation is a lifesaver for anyone juggling long shifts. Some ways to use it:
- Social media schedulers for posts and stories.
- Email marketing platforms for newsletters or promotional campaigns.
- Tools like Canva templates to quickly create branded content.
Once set up, these systems work in the background so your presence stays consistent without extra effort after your shift.
3. Batch Your Work
Batching is a productivity hack that works wonders when your schedule is unpredictable:
- Pick one day a week to create multiple social media posts, emails, or blog drafts.
- Record short videos or reels in one session.
- Plan your content calendar in advance.
When you batch, you get the benefit of multiple pieces of content without needing daily energy for marketing.
4. Make Use of Micro-Moments
Even 12-hour shifts have small pockets of free time. Use these micro-moments wisely:
- Reply to comments or DMs during breaks.
- Brainstorm content ideas on your commute (if not driving).
- Take photos or videos of your day that can be repurposed as authentic content.
Small, consistent touches keep your audience engaged and show that your brand is active.
5. Protect Your Energy
Marketing while working long shifts is a balancing act. Your energy is finite, so protect it:
- Schedule content when you’re most alert – mornings or after your shift.
- Avoid comparing yourself to full-time creators; your consistency is enough.
- Remember that rest and self-care fuel creativity.
Burnout is the fastest way to stall progress, so pacing yourself is essential.
Conclusion
I know what it’s like to feel like there’s no time for marketing when your day is consumed by long shifts. I’ve been there myself, sometimes exhausted, unsure how to keep my side hustle alive while working full days. But even with limited time, I’ve found that small, consistent actions, batching, and smart automation keep my business moving forward.
You can market your brand without working 24/7. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and giving yourself grace in the process. If you want some personalised strategies for balancing long shifts and growing your online presence, you can work with me here to create a plan that fits your schedule.
