How to Manage Marketing for Your Menstrual Cycle

As an agency founded primarily by women, we know all too well the impact our cycles have on our ability to ‘show up’ in the digital realms.

Whilst Andi’s ADHD and subsequent energy, productivity and stress levels are highly affected by hormones, Trudi’ long journey with Endometriosis means some weeks she just need to switch off.

This is the special thing about our team. We hold each other with respect and love, trusting that we are not always on top form and just need a good rest.

But when you’re running your own wellbeing business it can feel tricky to take time out for your period, especially if you are self-employed.

We started Aszend as a way to help take the pressure off by managing your digital marketing so you can get on with what you do best. But occasionally your presence in the digital realm calls you.

So how can you plan your marketing for your menstrual cycle to get the most out of your efforts?

Avoid Marketing Burnout

Pushing yourself to maintain an unwavering pace throughout the month, without recognising the nuances of your menstrual cycle, can risk damaging your well-being and productivity in the long run. This constant push disregards the inherent ebb and flow of energy levels your body experiences during different phases of your cycle. There might be a tendency to overvalue ‘high productivity’ phases and undervalue the quieter, introspective phases, leading to an imbalanced approach to work.

This imbalance can manifest as a chronic state of stress and exhaustion, often referred to as burnout. The symptoms can range from physical exhaustion, to emotional fatigue, and even cognitive impairment. Burnout not only impacts your personal health but also the quality of your work. It can lead to a lack of creativity, reduced engagement with your audience, and ultimately, diminished returns from your marketing efforts. Therefore, it is crucial to respect your body’s natural rhythms and align your workload to your cycle, rather than operating at full throttle throughout the month.

Seasons of Your Cycle

Your menstrual cycle works in roughly four phases, much like the seasons of the year, each having distinct effects on your energy, creativity, and productivity.

Winter (Menstrual Phase):

This phase starts with the first day of your period. Your energy is likely at its lowest, however, it’s the perfect time for introspection.

Utilise this time to reflect on your marketing strategies, assess what’s worked and what hasn’t, and identify areas for improvement.

Best Practices for Wellbeing Marketing during the Winter (Menstrual) Phase:

1. Reflection and Evaluation: Use this time to reflect on past marketing campaigns. Critically analyse the performance and note what worked and what didn’t. It’s a suitable time for introspection and planning.
2. Ideation: The calm might spark creativity. Jot down any new marketing ideas or campaigns that come to mind. Don’t worry about the execution at this stage; it’s all about gathering ideas.
3. Content Curation: Gather and organise resources, like insightful articles, interesting studies, or inspiring quotes related to your wellbeing business. These can be shared with your audience over time.
4. Educate Yourself: Learn something new about digital marketing. This could be a new social media platform’s features, the latest SEO practices, or understanding the nuances of email marketing.
5. Rest and Recharge: Prioritise rest. Do not push yourself to execute demanding tasks. This time of your cycle is about nurturing yourself both physically and mentally, which in turn will reflect positively in your business.
6. Delegate: If possible, delegate more demanding tasks to teammates or use automated systems to lessen your workload during this phase.

Spring (Follicular Phase):

As your period ends, there is a resurgence in your energy levels. This phase can bring about a burst of creativity and a drive to start new projects. It’s an ideal time to brainstorm fresh marketing ideas, organise content calendars, or start innovative campaigns.

Best Practices for Wellbeing Marketing during the Spring (Follicular) Phase:

1. Brainstorming and Planning: Use your renewed energy to brainstorm new marketing strategies and prepare a plan for their execution. This could involve organising a content calendar or outlining a new email marketing campaign.
2. Content Creation: This is the perfect time to draft blog posts, create engaging social media content, or even film video content. Your creativity is likely to be at a peak, so utilise it to its maximum potential.
3. Networking and Engagement: Engage more actively with your online community. Respond to comments, start discussions, and engage with users on various platforms. This could also be a good time to reach out to potential collaborators or influencers.
4. Learning and Development: Continue educating yourself on new marketing techniques. Attend webinars, enrol in online courses, or read up on the latest trends in digital marketing.
5. Execution of New Ideas: Start implementing the ideas and plans you came up with during the Winter phase. Whether it’s a new marketing campaign or a revamped social media strategy, now is the time to put these ideas into action.
6. Healthy Work-Life Balance: Despite the surge in energy, remember to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Schedule regular breaks and remember the importance of self-care even during your most productive periods.

Summer (Ovulation Phase):

In this phase, you’re often in your most social and communicative state. It’s the best time to engage with your audience, host social events or live sessions, and effectively network.

Best Practices for Wellbeing Marketing during the Summer (Ovulation) Phase:

1. Engagement and Interaction: Use this time to connect with your audience on a personal level. Host live Q&A sessions, initiate discussions on your social media posts, or even conduct webinars or workshops. The aim is to foster a stronger relationship with your audience.
2. Outreach: Reach out to influencers, potential partners, or other wellbeing experts for collaborations. Your improved communication skills during this phase will aid in building valuable connections.
3. Public Speaking: If you’re comfortable with public speaking, leverage this time for speaking engagements, podcast recordings, or interviews. These platforms can help expand your reach and establish your credibility in the field.
4. Promotions: Roll out any promotions or special offers during this phase. Your persuasive and communicative edge will help in effective marketing.
5. Content Distribution: Share the content you’ve prepared during the Follicular phase. Given your high energy and sociability during this time, take the opportunity to share your work far and wide.
6. Reflect and Realign: At the end of the day, take some time to reflect on your accomplishments and realign yourself with your business goals. This will keep you grounded and focused on your journey.
7. Self-Care: Even amidst the bustle, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Practise mindfulness, enjoy some leisure activities, and ensure you’re resting adequately. Your wellbeing is crucial to sustain your business in the long run.

Autumn (Luteal Phase):

As this phase progresses, you might start to feel your energy levels dip again. Use this time to tie up loose ends, evaluate the success of your initiatives, or plan for the next ‘Winter’ phase.

Best Practices for Wellbeing Marketing during the Autumn (Luteal) Phase:

1. Completion and Finalisation: Use your energy to wrap up ongoing projects, campaigns, or tasks. This might involve publishing that article you’ve been working on, or finalising the design for your next promotional material.
2. Reflection and Evaluation: Like the Winter phase, this is a good time to look back and evaluate your strategies. What worked well? What didn’t? Use this information to refine your future plans.
3. Planning for the Winter Phase: Given that your energy levels are likely to take a dip during the next phase, it’s a good idea to start preparing for it. This could involve scheduling posts, setting up automated emails, or delegating tasks in advance.
4. Engage and Respond: Keep up with your audience engagement, respond to queries, comments, or reviews. This helps maintain a robust online presence.
5. Self-Care: Even as you wind down, remember that self-care is essential. Take breaks, engage in stress-relieving activities, and ensure you’re adequately nourished and rested.
6. Knowledge Update: If time allows, updating yourself with the latest in digital marketing can be beneficial. Read articles, watch videos, or attend webinars to keep in sync with the trends.
7. Delegate: If you find tasks too demanding, delegate them to teammates or use automated systems to lighten your workload during this slower phase.

By aligning your marketing efforts with your menstrual cycles, you can maximise your productivity and foster a healthier work-life balance. Remember, it’s essential to listen to your body and respect its needs.