Are you tired of pouring hours into creating “perfect” business content only to hear crickets? I’ve got news for you: I recently made a simple shift in my Instagram strategy that has dramatically increased my engagement, views, DMs, and yes – paying clients. The best part? It doesn’t involve complicated algorithms or paying for ads. It’s about getting back to what social media was actually designed for: being social.
The Business Content Trap
Let’s be honest. As business owners, we hop on social media with one primary goal: to sell our services. We meticulously craft posts with tips, tricks, and business advice, thinking that’s what will convert followers into customers.
I fell into this trap too. For months, my feed was filled with valuable but admittedly robotic content – “5 Ways to Gain More Clients” and similar business-focused posts that, while helpful, weren’t creating the connection I needed with my audience.
The Experiment That Changed Everything
Recently, I decided to conduct an experiment. I opened up more time in my schedule to personally create content rather than outsourcing to my team or planning too far in advance. This allowed me to take advantage of trends and bring more of my authentic self to my feed – not just my stories.
The results? More engagement, more views, more likes, more DMs, and yes – more clients. The shift was so dramatic that I had to share it with you today.
Treat Your Business Account Like a Personal Account
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard (shoutout to Shannon McKinistry) is this: the best way to build an engaged community is to treat your business account like a personal account.
This doesn’t mean abandoning strategy – you still need to be intentional with your content. But you can be just as intentional with creating personalized content as you are with business content.
Think about it: why do you scroll through social media? It’s probably not to find another good business tip. You’re there for connection, entertainment, and a break from the everyday grind. Your audience is no different.
Bring Personal Content to Your Feed (Not Just Stories)
While your stories are certainly where your warmest leads hang out, your feed is what brings people to your stories in the first place. It’s the entry point – what creates new fans who will eventually view your stories and potentially buy from you.
That’s why it’s crucial to start posting personal content in your feed, not just your stories. What would you post if your business account was just a personal account? Daily life updates? Outfit checks? Pool days and date nights? Start incorporating these elements alongside your business content.
Recent posts on my feed that have performed exceptionally well include carousels of “a day in my life” and simple life updates about me and my family, with a subtle mention of what I’m selling. These consistently outperform purely business-centered content.
Share Unfiltered Opinions and “Hot Takes”
Another way to inject personality into your content is by sharing your unfiltered opinions and “hot takes” on industry topics. If your opinionated aunt can boldly share her views at family gatherings, you can bring that same energy to your business content!
Don’t be afraid to put a stake in the ground: “Hey, don’t listen to the coach who’s telling you to do XYZ” or “It’s not cute for you to make excuses about this anymore.” Bring that fire. Be unapologetic.
Will you get pushback? Absolutely. But that’s the point – we want engagement, comments, and conversation. The people who disagree aren’t your people anyway.
Show Your Humanity
There was a time when I was terrified of being “canceled” for saying the wrong thing. Now? That fear is gone. Real confidence is palpable, and people can feel it through the screen.
It’s okay for people to know you’re human. When I started jiu-jitsu to strengthen my mental health, I shared it. When I’m heading to therapy, I might post about it. You can be a powerful [insert your title] AND show your human side. In fact, people will appreciate you more for it.
The voices that are being heard in today’s crowded online space aren’t the ones saying, “Here’s one way you can grow your Instagram account.” They’re the authentic, sometimes controversial voices speaking their truth in a way that stirs emotion.
The Emotional Connection is Everything
Remember: people don’t buy for the features or even (always) for the price. They buy because they like YOU and how you make them feel. They buy because you inspire action for them or because you’re someone they want to be around.
Think about the people in your life who energize you whenever they’re around. How can you bring that same quality to your online presence? It starts with embracing your humanity and allowing yourself to be seen – the good parts and the challenging parts.
Ready to Transform Your Social Media Strategy?
If you’re feeling stuck in the robotic business content cycle, it’s not too late to start being human again. Take a look at my Instagram account to see the difference this approach has made in my engagement and content performance.
And if you’re ready to take your social media strategy to the next level, I’ve got you covered. Inside my Grow Membership, you’ll receive daily content prompts, hooks, trending audio suggestions, and a supportive community where you can workshop your ideas.
But that’s just the beginning. You’ll also get access to my comprehensive Grow Framework – my robust course that takes you through building a simple, sustainable business you can grow without limits.
Check out the Grow Business and Marketing Academy today and start creating content that truly connects with your audience. Your engagement (and your bank account) will thank you!
