What do you do when you hate Instagram but... you kinda need it to market your online business?
Do you push through even though it feels bad for your mental health?
Do you go cold turkey even though it'll hurt your business?
Or is there another way to get clients? A way that doesn't involve social media?
Until lately, you may have noticed I went quiet on Instagram, only using my Instagram story and not posting to my feed very often.
Before this silence, I was doing pretty well on the app!
I had reels that were getting 1.5 million views.
I gained 800 followers from one post.
Then 10,000 in a week.
Everything was amazing, right?
Except the app felt like information overwhelm.
I wasn't following accounts that made me feel good about myself or my business. (Believe it or not, it was the other "slow business" accounts that were making me feel bleh, not the girlboss accounts!)
And Instagram just felt bad for my mental health.
I complained about the app for a while. Moaned to my sister. I blamed the algorithm, I blamed the creators, I blamed the evolution of the app...
Until I realized, it wasn't necessarily Instagram that was the problem.
It was my relationship to Instagram, my perspective of Instagram, and the way I was using it.
In this episode I'm sharing:
9 ways you're using Instagram that are the REAL source of your overwhelm. (It's not everyone's truth but it is for many.)
How I've changed my Instagram marketing so it's fun again!
How I batch 14 days of content once every 2 weeks (in just a few hours)
How to not be RELIANT on Instagram for leads and clients. (There's another solution.)
The major change I've made to where Instagram marketing now fits in my marketing funnel
Why you need to stop thinking like a content creator and think like an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs aren't on Instagram to get lots of followers and go viral, we're there to get clients and sales.
Tune in below and learn more!
Resources Mentioned
Join the waitlist and be the first to hear when my group coaching accelerator opens this Autumn. You’ll learn how to build a life-first online business that can make 5-10 a month without you working 5 days a week or relying on social media.
Sign up for my free weekly emails to learn how to build a life-first business that makes a full-time income online without you working full-time hours or relying on social media
1:1 coaching in my 3-month program, Momentum
Online Course: Simple Sales School
Transcript
Lately, I reached out to my incredible community to talk about a hot topic: Instagram marketing. You've been sharing your feelings about building your online business without being caught up in the social media whirlwind and content creation hamster wheel. And you know what? I get it.
Let's dive into why some of you want to steer clear of Instagram and social media in general:
Instagram's Impact on Mental Health: It's true, Instagram can be a real mental health maze.
Overwhelm: The endless scroll and all the short-form, fast-paced content can be overwhelming. And so can the pressure to post consistently!
Time vs. Results: The effort you pour in might not always match the results.
Platform Ownership: You don't really own the platform—Instagram can change the algorithm at any time and it could affect your business.
Starting from Scratch: Growing from zero followers can be tough, and getting reach can be hard.
By the way, massive thanks if you were among those who took part in the poll!
Honestly, I can relate. For the past year, I've taken a step back from posting on Instagram for similar reasons. I've been focusing mainly on IG Stories, and it's been quite the journey.
Just before this, I was riding the Instagram Reels wave, gaining a whopping 800 followers from a single post. I even witnessed a growth spurt of 10k followers in a week, with some Reels clocking in at 1.5 million views.
But amidst the buzz, I had an epiphany about Instagram—why it lost its charm for me. And today, I'm sharing this insight because many of you who prefer biz growth without social media might be wrestling with similar limiting beliefs and mindsets.
Even if you're not in that camp, fret not! I've got an alternative to replace Instagram, or at least to shift it from being your go-to for cold leads and traffic. My approach now is all about utilizing Instagram for a different purpose, not just chasing followers or going viral. My goal is different—allow me to unpack it for you today.
But first, a question for you:
Do you truly hate Instagram, or do you resent your current relationship with it?
This question isn't something I came up with, by the way—it's a gem from Lynette Marieh.
Take a moment to ponder this: Is your relationship with Instagram toxic because...
You're solely reliant on it for leads (hello, pressure!)
You're overly fixated on vanity metrics
You're lost in your business identity, leading to an unclear content strategy
Your content's performance leaves you disheartened (hint: it might need a tweak)
Your boundaries with the app are wobbly
You lack a content creation system
You don’t feel inspired or follow people who inspire you to create and not just consume
You are consuming more than you create
You tried a marketing strategy for a couple of weeks, didn't see instant results, and waved it goodbye.
Now, I'm not letting Instagram off the hook here. It's designed to be addictive, those 15-second reels can be quite the attention thief, and let's face it, the creators behind these apps aren't our favorite people.
But here's the deal: We can either grumble about our Instagram frustrations or take charge. We can evolve our marketing as the platform evolves, shift our perspective, and redefine our relationship with it.
Let's break down the key points that might be fueling your Instagram dissatisfaction:
Reliance on Instagram for Leads: I get it, this can be a huge weight. My solution? If you have the capacity for it, consider replacing Instagram as your main “cold leads machine” with something like guest podcasting. What is that? It’s when you go on people’s podcasts and teach about your topic of expertise, then direct them to a Call To Action. This is a non-social-media way of getting cold leads. Then use Instagram as one of your relationship builders - a tool to nurture the cold leads that follow you from those podcasts, and turn them into clients. (Listen to this episode to hear me go into more detail on this!)
Focus on Vanity Metrics: You're not a content creator; you're an entrepreneur. Your goal should be converting followers into clients and subscribers, not just piling up likes.
Confusion about Your Business: Clear messaging, a solid niche, and confident offers are vital for impactful content. Without these, you'll be lost in the content wilderness.
Disappointment in Content Performance: Low engagement? Revamp your strategy with market research, experimentation, and a Hook/Value/CTA content structure. (Listen to this episode to learn what that is! The links are at the top of this article.)
App Boundaries: Are you glued to it 24/7? A little separation might be healthy.
Lack of Content System: A repeatable content creation process is your best friend. Batch your posts, and watch the magic happen.
Inspiration Woes: Follow accounts that spark your creative flame. Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself or your business.
Consumption vs. Creation: Strike a balance—create more than you consume.
Instant Gratification in Marketing: Marketing strategies need time to simmer. Give them at least 90 days before you evaluate their effectiveness. Don’t just give up after a few weeks.
So here's the lowdown:
We've tackled why Instagram might be a pain point for you.
We've explored how to heal your relationship with the platform.
I've got alternatives to replace or lessen your reliance on Instagram for leads and cold traffic.
And hey, if you enjoyed this, check out my course, Simple Sales School—it's got the full IG strategy.
Feel free to share this on your Insta story and tag me! And don't forget to leave a 5-star rating and review.
P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming group coaching accelerator this autumn. We'll dive deep into booking consistent clients & making 5-10k a month without relying on social media. Together, we’ll clarify your niche, craft irresistible offerings, and more. Join the waitlist to be the first to hear when spots open!
About Nesha
Hey there! I’m Nesha, 10-year traveling entrepreneur and host of The Simple Business Show. I teach freedom seekers how to make a full-time income online without working full-time hours, so they have the time, location and financial freedom to live the lifestyle they dream of.
Looking for more ways I can help you? Here they are:
1:1 Coaching: Work with me on an intimate level to take your business from where it is to where you want it to go. Availability: April 2023.
Organize & Automate - Join 1200+ students and learn how to organize your entire online service-based business in just two weeks (on the side of your regular routine!) so you can stop stressing and fall back in love with your business.
Simple Sales School - Learn how to get a consistent flow of clients so you can build the income & financial freedom you desire.
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