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10 Thanksgiving Posts That Serve and Build Real Connection
Posted in Marketing with Meaning
It’s Monday—and this week’s tip is going to feel a little different.
Good different. Heart-level different.
The kind of different I think we all might need right now.
Instead of rushing into strategy, algorithms, or conversions…this week, we’re slowing down on purpose.
Because sometimes the most effective “marketing” isn’t marketing at all.
It’s presence.
It’s gratitude.
It’s simply showing up like a human before you show up like an author.
So take a deep breath. Let this one land a little deeper.
And know this: even though today’s email is longer than usual, I think you’ll be glad you kept reading.
This Week’s Tip: 10 Thanksgiving Posts That Serve (Not Sell)—and Build Real Connection
(Note: For our friends outside the U.S.—these ideas still work beautifully any time you want to slow down, be present, and bring encouragement to people’s inboxes or timelines.)
The holidays can get loud online.
Everyone’s promoting something, launching something, pushing something.
But what if your presence felt different over the next couple of weeks?
What if you showed up not to sell your book … but to bless, encourage, and bring a little warmth into people’s timelines?
Here are 10 simple, heartfelt ideas—lifted straight from our recent “Marketing Talk for Authors fUNfiltered” conversation on YouTube—to help you show up with gratitude and authenticity, not pressure.
Choose one. Choose two. Or try all ten throughout the next couple of weeks.
These aren’t marketing tactics … yet somehow, they build the kind of trust that leads to lasting impact.
1. A “10 Things I’m Thankful For” Post
Super simple. Surprisingly meaningful.
Examples you can steal:
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Morning sunshine
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A lesson I didn’t want but needed
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Someone who believed in me before I believed in myself
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God’s steady presence in a wobbly season
Invite people to add to your list, or share their own top 10 list. They will.
2. Share a Small Story of Gratitude from Your Life
Tender. Imperfect. Human.
Try something like:
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A childhood Thanksgiving memory
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A moment this month when God felt close
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A funny or chaotic story that became a favorite over time
Little slices of real life connect deeper than polished posts ever will.
3. Ask: “What’s One Thing You’re Thankful for This Week?”
It’s simple. It’s warm.
And people love answering this question.
4. Ask a Light, Faith-Focused Thanksgiving Question
This is one of my (Shelly) favorites! These are fun and spark instant conversation:
- “What’s one blessing from this year that still makes you smile—and one Thanksgiving food that should be retired forever?”
- “What’s one answered prayer from this year—big or tiny—and what’s the best pie on earth? (There is a right answer.)”
People love thoughtful & playful together.
5. Share a Scripture that’s Grounding you Right Now
Pair it with one honest sentence:
“This verse helped me slow down today.”
You don’t have to preach—just share what’s real.
Invite people to share theirs.
6. Share a ‘Small Joy Snapshot’
This is where you let people peek into one little corner of your life—nothing fancy. Just a moment that made you smile, pause, or breathe a little deeper.
It could be:
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A cozy mug and a quiet morning
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A pretty leaf you picked up on a walk
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A messy kitchen full of people you love
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A sliver of calm in the middle of a full day
Then add one simple, heartfelt line like:
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Life doesn’t have to be perfect to hold joy. Sometimes it shows up in the smallest, messiest moments.
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I’m learning that joy isn’t found in perfect days, but in the quiet gifts tucked inside ordinary ones.
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Nothing about this moment was perfect, but joy showed up anyway—and I’m grateful.
People love these glimpses. They feel warm, real, and relatable—not curated or performative.
7. Post a Short Prayer of Gratitude
Nothing formal or flowery. Just human.
Something like:
“Lord, bless the person reading this right now. Bring Your peace into whatever this week holds for them.”
It meets people where they are.
8. Share a Fun ‘Thanksgiving Top 10’ List
Go for lighthearted:
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Top 10 foods you pretend to like
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Top 10 family traditions that always make you laugh
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Top 10 desserts (this one might start a war, but a friendly one)
People love jumping in on these.
9. Send a Simple ‘Thanksgiving Check-In’ Email
Short. Gentle. Just kindness.
Something like:
“I know the holidays can be beautiful and overwhelming at the same time. If that’s you, I’m praying peace over you this week.”
This tiny act builds connection like nothing else.
10. Start a 5-Day Gratitude Challenge
One prompt per day. Easy for you. Life-giving for them.
Here are five ready-to-use:
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Who are you thankful for today?
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What’s one simple thing you’re grateful for right now?
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What stretched you this year that you can now give thanks for?
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What unexpected blessing surprised you?
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Where have you sensed God’s presence lately?
Invite people to respond—or simply reflect quietly.
Why This Works:
- It builds trust and warmth in a crowded season
- It helps your audience see your heart, not just your book
- It strengthens long-term connection, which strengthens long-term sales
- People remember how you made them feel far longer than any promotional post
This holiday season, your “marketing” can be ministry.
And the fruit of that ministry? It always multiplies.
Try This Today!
Hit reply and tell us: Which one will you try first? We’d love to hear!
With so much gratitude,
Shelly, Athena & Carol
P.S. Want more practical strategies like this one to grow your reach and impact—without feeling salesy? Come join us inside Book Marketing Pro Academy. You’ll find weekly trainings, live coaching, and a community of authors learning how to make their message multiply. Join us HERE.
