Why I’m Stepping Back from Instagram (And What I’m Focusing on Instead)

As I sat at my gate in Austin at 4:24am—zero sleep, retreat adrenaline still pumping—I started reflecting on one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in business this year:

Instagram is no longer my growth strategy.

And if you're a small business owner trying to build a sustainable, scalable business... it probably shouldn't be yours either.

A Quick Flashback: The Launch That Changed Everything

Let’s rewind to January of last year. I was stuck in another slow month. My brain said, “Just sell some easy done-for-you services,” but my heart said, “I want to teach. I want to coach.” So I made what felt like a risky decision: I joined Rachel Spencer-Wolff’s Launch Queens program.

At that point, I had just completed my first real launch and enrolled three people. I was proud—but I knew I needed a better strategy if I wanted to turn momentum into meaningful income.

Fast forward three months, and here's what happened:

• 40 people joined my Grow Your List bootcamp

• I relaunched my course and earned just under $20K

• That one launch gave me the breathing room to book premium 1:1 clients—without scrambling

And I did it all with just 500 Instagram followers and an email list of 200.

What Actually Worked in That Launch

The strategy wasn’t revolutionary. It was intentional.

What worked:

• Daily emails that built trust

• Reels and carousels to stay visible

• Strategic Instagram Stories using simple frameworks and strong messaging

That was enough to move people—and drive sales.

Instagram’s Changing Rules (And Why I’m Opting Out)

While I’ve loved using Instagram Stories to stay connected, I learned something wild at the retreat this weekend...

Instagram now penalizes too many story posts in a day.

Apparently, the new “sweet spot” is 1–3 story posts in 24 hours.

And when I was sick last week and only posted twice? My story views doubled.

Cue the frustration. Why, Instagram?

The Real Problem With Relying on Instagram

Instagram is powerful—but it’s unpredictable. Algorithms shift. Features change. And as a small business owner, the mental and emotional cost of keeping up is exhausting. Honestly, I’ve seen the writing on the wall for a while.

Because here’s the truth:

My most successful clients aren’t relying on Instagram either.

What’s Actually Working to Grow a Business in 2025

If you’re ready to grow your business without Instagram, these are the strategies I’ve seen drive real, sustainable growth for myself and my clients:

YouTube

One client committed to YouTube in Q1. By her next launch, she filled her course with 28 students—without a single viral Reel.

Podcasting

Another client consistently sells out her signature program in just a few hours. Her podcast builds trust before the cart even opens.

Speaking and Thought Leadership

One client leaned into podcast guesting, visibility strategy, and optimized funnels—and crossed multiple six figures, all without daily content loops.

What I’m Focusing on Now (And What You Should Be, Too)

If your 2025 goals include:

• Bigger launches

• Better leads

• Less algorithm stress

• Long-term growth

…then it’s time to go beyond Instagram.

Here’s what I’m prioritizing in this next season:

• A visibility strategy that works even when I’m offline

• A lead magnet that attracts the right people

• A sales system that turns cold leads into ready buyers

• A funnel that works on autopilot—without relying on social trends

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I’m Building Something New (And You Might Be Invited Soon)

I’m not just the “email girl” anymore. Because the truth is:

A great email doesn’t matter if your lead magnet flops, your traffic is cold, or your checkout process leaks.

So I’m developing a new 1:1 container that goes beyond email to support:

• Full-funnel strategy

• Lead generation and visibility

• Scalable offer mapping

• Email marketing that actually converts

The retreat gave me clarity. I’m done building one piece of the puzzle. I’m building the whole track.

Final Thoughts: Grow Your Business Without Instagram

If your business goals feel bigger than what Instagram can hold, you’re not wrong.

Stop chasing algorithm hacks. Start building real strategy.

• Create systems that serve you

• Build a funnel that supports your offers

• Let your voice and message do the heavy lifting

Big results come from bold decisions—and I’m making some.

You with me?