Shed the Old, Speak the New: Messaging Strategies to Slither into Success for the Year of the Wood Snake

If there’s ever been a time to shed old ways of thinking and get strategic about how you speak to and connect with your audience, it’s now, as we step into the Year of the Wood Snake. The Wood Snake blends intuition, flexibility, and growth, and if the Year of the Dragon felt very high energy, then you may be relieved to hear that the Year of the Snake should be a nice change of speed. I know I am!


I’ve already started adjusting my mindset to lean into an intentional slowdown for purposeful growth and deeper alignment.
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If this sounds like the energy you need to be channeling for 2025, here’s how you can do that with your messaging.

1. Get Intentional with Your Messaging

Snakes aren’t rushing around—no, they’re calculated, moving with purpose. We can and should be doing the same with our messaging. It’s all about:

• Cutting through the noise: Get crystal clear about what you’re saying. Are you communicating your core message in a way that connects with exactly who you want to reach?
• Speaking to their needs: Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, double down on what your audience is craving right now. Get to the heart of their wants, pain points, and dreams.

It’s not about saying more—it’s about saying the right things.

Tip: Think about not just who your Ideal Client is, but who is your client now? And what is the next level of clients you’re trying to get to. Make sure you’re speaking to the right audience


2. Shed Outdated Messaging Like a Snake Sheds Its Skin

The Wood Snake is all about growth and renewal, so let’s ask:

• Are there old phrases, slogans, or strategies hanging around that are no longer vibing with where you’re headed?
• Is your messaging feeling a little stale or disconnected from what your audience really cares about?

Don’t be afraid to ditch what’s not working. 2025 is about fresh starts, not holding on to old habits!

Tip: Audit your messaging by revisiting your website, social media, and marketing materials. Highlight anything that feels outdated, off-brand, or no longer aligns with your vision. Ask yourself, "Does this reflect where my business is headed or where it used to be?" If it’s the latter, it’s time to let it go and make room for fresh, aligned messaging.

Keep in mind…it may be time to update your Brand Voice Guide, too!


3. Bring the Power of Storytelling into Your Messaging

The Wood element is all about growth, and there’s no better way to grow your connection with your audience than through storytelling.

• Show how you’ve evolved: Share the story of your business, how you’ve learned, adapted, and overcome challenges. Your audience will relate—and they’ll cheer you on.
• Make your audience the hero: Flip the script. It’s not about you—it’s about them. How do your products or services help your audience conquer their own challenges?

Great stories create deeper connections, and that’s what drives growth.

Tip: Start with your why. Share what inspired your business and the challenges you’ve overcome—it makes you relatable and human. Then, shift focus to your audience. Paint a vivid picture of their problem and position your product or service as the key to their transformation. Always close with a resolution that leaves them feeling empowered and excited to take action.


4. Trust Your Intuition, Back It Up with Strategy

Snakes are masters of intuition, and the Wood element emphasizes the need for structure. Let’s take that energy and apply it to our messaging:

• Tap into empathy: What’s really going on in your audience’s world? What do they need to hear from you right now?
• Create a solid plan: Yes, get creative—but also get organized. Once you’ve got your messaging, make sure you have a strategy to share it consistently across all platforms.

Think of your messaging like a dance—it’s an art, but it also needs a rhythm.

Tip: Start by journaling or brainstorming: What do you feel your audience needs to hear? Then, validate it. Use polls, surveys, or customer feedback to ensure your instincts align with their needs. Once you’ve nailed down your messaging, create a content calendar to keep your delivery consistent and aligned with your goals. Intuition sets the tone, but strategy ensures you follow through effectively.


5. Build Deep Relationships with Your Messaging

The Wood Snake reminds us that meaningful growth happens when we connect on a deeper level. How can your messaging do that?

• Invite conversation: Don’t just talk at your audience—start a dialogue. Get them involved.
• Focus on quality over quantity: A few truly meaningful messages will do far more for your business than a bunch of surface-level content.

People want to feel seen and heard—let your messaging be the bridge to that.

Tip: End every post, email, or story with a question or call to action that encourages your audience to engage. Examples: "What’s your biggest challenge with [topic]?" or "Which of these resonates with you most?" Respond authentically to their answers to build trust. Prioritize content that sparks emotion and makes your audience feel seen—those connections will set your brand apart.


6. Make Your Messaging Sustainable

​Sustainability isn’t just about the environment—it’s about how we communicate, too. In 2025, let’s create messaging that’s not only impactful but also sustainable. Here’s how:

• Repurpose and recycle content: Great messages can be told in many ways. Keep your storytelling fresh without reinventing the wheel every time.
• Align your messaging with your values: When your words reflect your true beliefs, consistency and authenticity come naturally.

Sustainable messaging isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving for the long haul.

Tip: Take inventory of your existing content—blogs, social posts, videos, or newsletters—and identify pieces you can refresh or adapt for new formats or platforms. For example, turn a blog post into a LinkedIn carousel, or break a long video into bite-sized clips for Instagram. Then, do a values check: Ask yourself, “Does this message reflect what my brand stands for?” Consistency in your values will make your messaging timeless and keep your audience coming back for more.

Consider organizing your content in a Brand Atlas or other easy to access and easy to organize tool.




The Year of the Wood Snake is all about growth, strategy, and connection. By refining your messaging with purpose and intention, you can create deeper bonds with your audience and set your business up for a transformative 2025.

What’s one change you’re making to your messaging this year? Let’s chat about it! Drop a comment or slide into our DMs.

Here’s to a year of intentional growth and dynamic connection.

Stay curious,
🎈Justine

P.S. Does your messaging strategy need some TLC? Let’s chat. Book a virtual tea with me. I’d love to help you make your brand, your work, and your impact absolutely unforgettable.