Over the last week, Instagram released news that they are no longer a photo-sharing app, but an entertainment app.

*cue business owners groaning all over the world*

Small businesses who were late to the Instagram party have really had a go of it over the last five years. It’s been harder and harder to grow your Instagram page organically, and with the introduction of stories, and then reels, it requires more work than ever before.

We say this while acknowledging that Instagram is an incredibly valuable platform. We’ve developed important relationships on the app and are thankful that it exists. However, these updates are a stark reminder that social media platforms can change any day. You are hosting your marketing on a rented platform. If someone hacks your account, or worse, Instagram disappears completely, will your business suffer? If yes, then we highly recommend investing in other marketing strategies before it’s too late.

Here are a few to consider:

Tik Tok

Unlike Instagram, Tik Tok’s algorithm is much more forgiving to new creators. Small businesses have seemingly blown up overnight on Tik Tok!

Email Marketing

If you don’t have an email list, start one today! Email is one list that you *own,* and they’re usually highly engaged audience members (if you grew your email list organically).

Pinterest

Pinterest is the queen of sending web traffic to your website. We’ve had clients with 40,000 followers on Instagram get 0.5% of their traffic from Instagram, whereas 70% was from Pinterest. Something to consider. 😉

Search Engine Optimization

Similar to Pinterest, SEO can be HUGE for your business. It is always worth the investment you put in and can also help you with Pinterest, too.

The Best Way to Diversify Your Marketing: Invest In Growing Your Email List

If you want to grow your email list in the new year, I’m excited to announce that we are launching a new service with Kendall from the Candid Collective called The Sweeter than Honey Service Funnel.

When you work with us, we will:

• Develop a freebie idea that will be unique to your audience’s needs
• Write and design the freebie according to your brand guidelines
• Create a strategic landing page so your audience will sign up for your email list to get the freebie
• Write and design a 3-part automated welcome email series to introduce new subscribers to your business & service

Developed by a professional copywriter (hey, Kendall!) and designer (that’s me!), we can promise that it will be *chef’s kiss* for growing your audience.

Learn more about the new service here!