Everything I’m doing to take 21 days off Instagram and still successfully run my business (🫰)
On the 5th of May, I am taking 21 days off of Instagram and whilst I’m shitting myself at the thought (yes, I’m addicted), I am also really looking forward to the, let’s call it strategic social experiment. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels zapped creatively from online consumption. Constantly comparing yourself to the next. Having the best day doing wholesome things, then jumping onto Instagram and slowly spiralling into mental noise. I have always said that I can’t take time off of Instagram because my business runs on there and well, I’m calling bullshit, because, if my business foundations are secure, I shouldn’t have to rely solely on the one platform for it to thrive. Because after all, Instagram could crash one day and all of a sudden so does your business. It shouldn’t be that way. SO, here is everything I am implementing in my business in the next week to prepare for 21 days off of Instagram.
1. Updating my pinned posts and highlights on Instagram
It seems counter intuitive, but the reality is, people will most likely still come across my Instagram profile. So when they do, I need to make sure that everything is as clear as possible. How can they contact me? Where do I find out more information about working together? What are the next steps? What’s my availability? It’s crazy because I’ve had such a block with creating content lately, but ever since I decided I was doing this, boom, creativity 🪄 I will also film a new section on my Instagram highlights with all this info but in a more casual, personable way.
Here’s what I’ve created to sit at the top of my Instagram for the next 3 weeks.
2. Creating flyers for Melbourne, Brisbane and The Sunshine Coast
We’re going old school and we are doing letter box drops across Melbourne, Brisbane and The Sunshine Coast. I saw Taylor Lee (incredible business consultant) do this with her partner who (*i think*) is an Electrician and thought damn, yeah, why not?! As I’m going to be living in between locations soon, I’m going to really focus on website design, as this is something that I can support my clients from no matter where I am. I’m also going to do some very specific marketing for Photographers, putting up flyers across the environments in which I know they hang out in.
3. Making sure all of my platforms are linking effortlessly
And no, I’m not just talking about the links working. But more so that each platform serves it’s purpose on continuing to nurture, understand and build my community, whilst Instagram takes the back seat. For example, my Instagram posts in the coming week are pushing people to get into my emails to follow the journey, musings and BTS of the Instagram hiatus - with the incentive being to get some inspiration to be able to do their own 21 days free of Insta. I’m also running a free FloDesk session the day before, so I’m simulatenously growing my email list there too. Once the 21 days start, I’ll be putting out regular drops on my emails, but will also have buttons on there linking to my blog, redirecting them to my website. You get the flow on effect…
4. Checking out the upcoming events in my area
Whilst the next month is going to be pretty busy as I navigating moving out of my home and heading back north for a few months, I’m going to try and get to a few different events to meet other like minded humans. And no, this ain’t going to be strictly networking events. If anything, it’ll be more focused on lifestyle. You never know who you might meet and what those connections could lead to, whether it’s friendship, a business relationship or simply just a really lovely (hopefully) time.
5. Making sure my website is bang on
I’m really going to let my website serve me over this time, so it means I need to have everything BANG ON. We’re talking the right messaging across all pop-ups and announcement bars, clarity around my services and as much detail as required on any enquiry forms. I’m also going to ensure I have the best possible SEO across the board too, because Google searches are so in.
6. Hello Google Ads?
We’re still on the fence about getting into Google Ads for this period, but we will most definitely be keeping the door open, especially once everything else is set up and ready to go.
7. Making sure I have all drafted posts saved into my phone
Once I delete the app, all drafted posts will be a see-ya later. I know I’ve got some goodies in there that I’ve just never gotten around to posting, so rather than losing them, I’m going to go in and make sure they’re all saved into my phone.
8. Reaching out to podcasts to schedule interviews
I absolutely LOVE being on podcasts and whilst it’s been a whole lot of nothing this year, it doesn’t mean I’m not dyyyying to get back onto one. So we’re going to try and book some in 🫰
The reality is, it’s not necessarily EASY to get rid of Instagram when you run a business, even if it is only for 21days, but I sure as hell think it’ll be worth it. And maybe, through all of this, you too, might be inspired to do the hard, uncomfortable thing and take a break from Instagram.
With love,
Sophie
