The Best Time to Post Isn’t What You’ve Been Told

Don M. McNely
Jul 13
2 min read

Here’s What Really Works

You’ve seen it everywhere—"Post to LinkedIn Wednesdays at 9am!" "Instagram works best on Tuesdays at 11!" These tips flood marketing blogs like clockwork, promising a secret schedule for going viral.

Here’s the truth: those so-called “best times” are useless for your business.

They’re based on platform-wide averages that combine data from millions of unrelated users across industries and time zones. It’s like tailoring your suit based on the national average waist size—it just doesn’t fit.

What really matters? When your audience is most engaged with your content based on your business goals. And that data lives in your own analytics, not in someone else's infographic.

Let’s break it down:

Platform activity ≠ readiness to buy. Just because someone is online doesn’t mean they’re ready to think about your service. Timing is about mindset, not just presence.
Algorithms rule the feed. Most content isn’t shown in real-time anymore. It appears when the platform predicts users will engage. So that “perfect time” post might show up days later—if it’s worth engaging with.
Crowded time slots hurt more than help. Posting when everyone else does can bury your content. Slightly off-peak posts often perform better.
Timing depends on your goals. Looking for instant conversions? Evening might work. Building authority? Stick to business hours. One strategy doesn’t fit all.
Your content lifespan matters. Time-sensitive promotions need sharp timing. Evergreen content? Focus on value and consistency over the clock.

So what's the real answer?

The best time to post is when your audience is ready—and the only way to know is through testing and analyzing your own data. That’s where we come in.

At The Small Business Mentor, we help small businesses and entrepreneurs like you not only understand these principles but apply them. We’ll help you analyze your audience behavior, run smart tests, and develop content strategies that align with your goals—so you stop guessing and start growing.

Don’t waste time chasing trends. Outsmart your competition. Start leveraging AI and strategy the right way.

We’re The Small Business Mentor. And we’re here to help.