Build a Brand Without Instagram: A Guide for the Offline Creative
From a Harvard-certified brand strategist who ditched social media over a year ago and is still thriving!
In today’s post, you’ll find a downloadable guide for building your business without social media. Though I’m choosing to not use it these days, I’m not anti-social media. I know there will soon be a day where I’m called back to it; to be a light in a sometimes dark space. And even then, I will continue to use these strategies.
So, even if you’re on social media, these approaches are still necessary for building a well-rounded, sustainable business and brand that truly connects with the people you’re called to serve!
When Your Calling Feels Bigger Than the Algorithm
If your work is rooted in calling and community, it feels frustrating when an algorithm deems it unworthy to be seen. Even for creatives like me who had “large” platforms and wonderful engagement, it’s still taxing to share your work on a platform that doesn’t always feed you spiritually.
Many of you love to connect, but we don’t love to perform. You’re not anti-social, you’re just tired of feeling like our work has to live inside an app to matter. You love building relationships, but we want to quiet the noise of the outside world. I know this because I’ve received 39 submissions to the advice column about this tension: wanting to grow what God placed on your heart, but unsure how to do it without returning to the noise of social media.
Here are a few of those (summarized) messages :
“I’m a writing coach helping aspiring authors get clear on their story ideas, so they can turn blank pages into binge-worthy books. My struggle is reaching writers without social media. I left Instagram over a year ago and have no interest in returning to it or any other social media platform. I’ve been teaching workshops with writing organizations, but other than that, biz is at a standstill.”
— GwenTheCoach“I was really inspired by your last blog post about writing as a creator that outlives the algorithm. I was wondering how do you go about building a writing brand without relying heavily on social media?”
— Sara“How important is it to include an offline component to your business that allows for in-person meeting or connecting when you have a decentralized business? (i.e., a social media management company that can help people all over the world vs. an HVAC company that services the local area).”
— Gingerlocks (Anonymous)
Below, you can download the step-by-step guide that I customize for clients who want to build their impact offline.
Before we dive in, here’s a note from one of my current clients, LaNayah Marie. She hired me specifically to help build her doula business without heavily relying on social media. After a business strategy session and now, biweekly meetings, she can attest that YOU CAN THRIVE OFFLINE!
“I’m enjoying my journey of building my business out slide of social media. Building a business is a lot, so it’s a relief to have one less thing on my plate. Focusing on my local community, especially with my line of work (birth and postpartum doula) allows me to make meaningful connections. My most recent client found me via an online recommendation. I feel confident that my continuous involvement in my local community will allow my business to flourish. Word of mouth and personal/professional recommendations are much more impactful than having a potential client sifting through the sea hopeful professionals (not just an influencer) online.”
LaNayah Marie
Below the Paywall:
If today’s post is resonating with you, download the step-by-step guide I created to help you build your business without relying on social media! It’s filled with strategies you can use to customize your offline brand growth, clarify your audience, create a home you own, nurture real relationships, and set routines that support your life and calling!
The full guide is available below the paywall!
And, if you’d like to work with me 1-on-1:
You can pick my brain to get personalized strategies for your brand, business, or creative practice!