Recently on the podcast, I talked about imposter syndrome and what would happen if we were just honest—honest about how we feel in business and in life, and what opportunities that honesty could open for us. Today, I want to continue the trend of getting real and sharing what’s been on my heart about running a business in a way that actually feels good. Marketing your business is one of those things that can often be stressful. But could there be a better way?
The Myth of the “One Right Way” To Do Marketing
Everywhere we turn, someone is selling us a strategy, a system, or a method that claims to be the way to succeed in business. And while these offers can be incredibly valuable (I buy courses, tools, and resources all the time that genuinely help me!), it can also feel like there’s only one right way to do things. But that’s just not true.
There are a million ways to run a business. The key is finding what works for you.
I often watch Yoga with Adriene on YouTube, and one thing she says frequently is, “Find what feels good.” She gives you the main yoga pose but encourages you to modify it if needed. She invites you to adjust, shift, and make it work for your body that day. And I wonder, what if we approached business the same way? What if instead of forcing ourselves into a rigid mold, we gave ourselves permission to do things in a way that actually feels aligned?
The Instagram Dilemma
Let’s talk about Instagram. It used to be a place where you’d simply share photos with friends. It was chronological, organic, and easy. Now, it’s an algorithm-driven platform where video dominates, and if you’re not making reels, you’re “doing it wrong.”
But what if you don’t want to make reels? What if video content doesn’t feel good to you? Are we just handing over control of our businesses to social media companies by playing by their ever-changing rules?
Personally, I don’t always love making reels. I don’t want to spend hours scripting, filming, and editing videos just to keep up with an algorithm. Some people thrive on that, and that’s amazing! But why do we tell each other that we have to do it? Who made that rule?
The truth is you don’t HAVE to post reels to be successful on Instagram. I’ve seen plenty of accounts that are just carousel posts or just images. It all depends on your unique strategy and what will work for you. And it depends on your goal with the platform!
Do You Need Social Media to Succeed?
This leads me to a bigger question: Do we have to use social media for our marketing at all? The common belief is that business owners must be on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook because “that’s where the people are.” But I have to believe there’s a world beyond scrolling, likes, and curated content.
For me, social media is often a time-suck. It’s addictive, it’s curated, and honestly it’s exhausting. There has to be another way.
Alternative Ways to Market Your Business
If you don’t love social media, you’re not alone. The good news is there are so many other ways to market your business. Here are just a few:
- Facebook Groups – Unlike Instagram, these can be places for real conversations. People ask for help, and I love jumping in to give thoughtful, detailed responses that provide genuine value.
- Email Marketing – Your email list is yours. No algorithm decides who sees your content—you do.
- Podcasting & Blogging – Long-form content allows you to connect deeply with your audience without being limited to bite-sized trends.
- Networking & Word-of-Mouth – Relationships are still one of the most powerful ways to grow a business.
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization) – Honestly, I believe SEO is still king. Your website is such an important place to focus your efforts because, just like your email list, you own it. You are in control of the content! (P.S. want tips on building a better website? Download my Ultimate Guide to a High Converting Website!)
Do Business Marketing in a Way that Works for You
At the end of the day, we each have to decide how we want to show up in our businesses. If Instagram and reels feel good to you, go for it! But if they don’t, give yourself permission to build your business another way.
The whole reason many of us became entrepreneurs was for freedom. Let’s not box ourselves in! Let’s find what feels good and build businesses that actually align with who we are.
What about you? Have you felt the pressure to market in ways that don’t feel good? Let’s chat in the comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
