Is Instagram the right marketing platform for you?

 

Wondering if Instagram is still the go-to platform for marketing your online services in 2024?

Or wondering if it’s the right fit for YOU?

Feel like there’s too much competition?

It requires too much effort for little reward?

Your posts get low reach even though they take forever to create?

I understand, it CAN be frustrating.

Join me in this week's episode as we dissect the current state of Instagram and whether it's still a powerhouse for your business. 

Hit “play” on the podcast player below to tune in! Or keep scrolling to read the article.

PS -

  1. Click here to join the waitlist for my self-study course, The Simple Business Builder, designed to help you use content to book clients consistently & scale to $5-10K months with 3-day work weeks.

  2. Click here to join the waitlist for The Simple Business Builder coaching mastermind.

  3. Check out my courses and digital products!

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google or Spotify.

ARTICLE

I've been there - that moment in 2023 when the urge to quit IG was strong, and I took a hiatus from posting. Sound familiar? If you've ever felt the weight of low reach, mental health concerns, or the constant comparison game, know that you're not alone. The struggle is real, and it's a sentiment echoed by many of you in my DMs and through conversations with my clients.

Instagram and Mental Health: A Complicated Relationship

The narrative often revolves around Instagram being detrimental to mental health. The app is designed to be addictive, and it's easy to dwell on its negative aspects. However, rather than succumb to its toxic allure, I believe in working with what we have.

Boundaries are key. Setting limits on usage, curating your feed, and blocking negativity can transform your IG experience. When approached with intention, Instagram can be a powerful tool for connection, market research, and, dare I say, fun.

The Case for Instagram in 2024

Why bother with Instagram in 2024? In my view, it remains an unbeatable platform. With its vast user base and diverse functionalities, Instagram allows you to engage with your audience, share stories, and conduct surveys. Even if you're exploring other traffic-focused platforms, IG provides invaluable insights into your ideal clients' wants and needs.

Sure, growing on platforms like Pinterest, Google, or YouTube is a strategic move, but the time it takes to see results may not suit everyone. With the right approach, you can secure clients on IG within weeks. I recently closed a deal through DMs with a client who booked without knowing the price—proof that the right strategy can yield quick results.

Related Episode: I posted consistently on Instagram for 6 months. HERE’S what happened!

Crafting the Right Strategy

The frustration often stems from low reach and a lack of conversion. But here's the truth: it's not the platform; it's your strategy. Consistency without a well-thought-out plan won't cut it on any platform.

Addressing consistency struggles requires a sustainable content schedule and a content creation routine. Consider content batching, a technique that works wonders for many entrepreneurs, including Gigi, who learned the ropes from me and tailored it to her busy mom schedule.

Related episode: How Gigi got booked out for 6 months using my program

Shifting the Focus: Conversion Over Virality

"It's hard to stay consistent on Instagram!" I hear you. But here's the kicker: consistency struggles often result from an unsustainable approach, not the platform itself. Batching content can be a game-changer.

Yes, Instagram can impact mental health, but dwelling on the negatives won't change that. Instead, leverage the platform's free access to a massive user base, including potential ideal clients. Set boundaries, be intentional in your usage, and turn your Instagram time into a tool for creating and making money.

Related post: How I revived my dead Instagram account & reached 257K accounts in 90 days

Success Stories That Defy the Odds

Focusing on the wrong metrics, such as going viral, can lead to disappointment and potential burnout. Success on Instagram isn't solely about virality. Take Anca, a student who optimized her bio and secured her dream client within three weeks, or Shona, whose reels may not reach thousands but is gaining more clients with a strategic approach.

Business owners who thrive on IG are those committed to the long run, maintaining boundaries, and having a strategy focused on conversion, not virality. Don't rely solely on IG; integrate email marketing to build a list and ensure your business is sustainable.

Exciting News: The Simple Business Builder

Now, the big reveal - I'm launching the self-study version of my signature program, The Simple Business Builder, soon. This program, replacing Simple Sales School, offers a curriculum makeover with the option to join either the course or the mastermind.

Interested? Join the waitlist for exclusive bonuses and be part of a community focused on intentional growth and success on Instagram. Links are below.

Let's navigate the Instagram maze together - with intention, strategy, and success in mind.

Join the Waitlist for The Simple Business Builder Course
Join the Waitlist for The Simple Business Builder Mastermind

The Content Batching Blueprint

If you need a content creation process that shows you step-by-step how to create conversion content for Instagram, I invite you to check out The Content Batching Blueprint.

You’ll learn how to batch 1 month of content in 1 day so you can post consistently and secure clients from Instagram without burning out.

About Nesha

Hey there! I’m Nesha, 11-year traveling entrepreneur and host of The Simple Business Show. I teach women how to build a $5-10K/month online service business working just 3 days a week, so they can have the financial and time freedom to live the life they dream of.

Looking for more ways I can help you? Here they are:

1:1 Coaching: Work with me on an intimate level to take your business from where it is to where you want it to go.

Group Coaching Program: The Simple Business Builder: Learn to build a $5-10K/month online business working 3 days a week.

Organize & Automate - Join 1200+ students and learn how to organize your entire online service-based business in just two weeks (on the side of your regular routine!) so you can stop stressing and fall back in love with your business.

Simple Sales School - Learn how to get a consistent flow of clients so you can build the income & financial freedom you desire.

Subscribe & Leave A Review! 

If you enjoyed this episode, you can show your support by leaving a review, subscribing, or sharing your biggest takeaways on your Instagram story! Just remember to tag me @neshawoolery so I can see it.

Here’s how to subscribe and review the show:

Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google or Spotify.

To leave a review on Spotify: Open my podcast and click the “rating” button under my podcast name.

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts: Open my podcast, scroll to the bottom of the page and you’ll find the rating/review button.

More Episodes

 

2024 Online Marketing Predictions

 

After 11 years in online business and marketing, there’s only one thing that never changes: the fact that business (and marketing) will always change.

We’ve already seen huge changes in marketing since 2019. (AI, Tiktok, reels, etc!)

And changes in buyer & user behavior too.

And the changes don’t look like they’re about to stop in 2024. In fact, they’re just getting started!

So in today’s new podcast episode and article, I’m breaking down my 2024 online marketing predictions.

We're diving into the crystal ball of online business to unravel what's in store for the months ahead, including…

  1. The rise of faceless brands and impersonal content.

  2. Why you need to start infusing your values into your brand. 

  3. How the art of storytelling will help you stand out from AI.

  4. Why brand visuals matter again.

  5. And more!

Hit “play” on the podcast player below to tune in! Or keep scrolling to read the article.

PS -

  1. Need help organizing your 2024 business goals and plans? Get my 12-Month Business Plan Template to create a 12-month plan to boost profit and provide clarity + direction.. all on one simple page.

  2. Click here to join the waitlist for my mastermind, The Simple Business Builder. You’ll be the first to hear when doors open again in Spring 2024 and you’ll get a special bonus when joining!

  3. Check out my self-study marketing and sales course, Simple Sales School.

If you want to feel more organized and less overwhelmed by your business in 2024, check out my online course,Organize & Automate. It’ll help you walk into 2024 with more time and less stress.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google or Spotify.

In the ever-changing world of online business, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. As an online business coach and course creator, I've observed and embraced the shifts in the industry. Let's delve into some key trends that are shaping the way we approach marketing and branding in 2024.

1. Value-Based Marketing: Connecting through Shared Values

  • 77 percent of consumers gravitate towards brands that share their values.

  • 88 percent seek authenticity in the brands they support.

  • 64 percent would choose or boycott a brand based on its stance on social or political matters.

  • 94 percent state that a brand's treatment of its customers profoundly influences their purchasing decisions.

As social media becomes a platform for meaningful connections, businesses need to align with their audience's values. It's not just about selling a product; it's about building a community that resonates with shared beliefs.

2. Rising Skepticism Towards Impersonal Content

  • AI-generated content and fake income claims have fueled skepticism.

  • Emotionally exhausted individuals are hesitant to show up on social media due to toxic environments.

In a landscape filled with impersonal content, the human touch becomes a differentiator. Embracing authenticity and real connections will set you apart from those relying solely on AI-generated materials.

3. Storytelling Marketing: Crafting Compelling Narratives

Storytelling is a powerful tool for creating emotional connections with your audience. Sharing your journey, struggles, and successes helps humanize your brand and fosters a deeper connection.

4. Community Building: The Timeless Strategy

In an era dominated by AI, building a community is a long-term investment. A loyal community not only sustains your brand but also ensures a steady stream of clients over the years.

5. The Resurgence of Branding

Aesthetics matter. In a sea of online content, visually appealing branding stands out. As I experienced firsthand, a well-designed brand caught the attention of a fellow entrepreneur, leading to a meaningful connection.

6. Infographics and Static Posts: Visual Content Reigns on Instagram

Visual content is making a comeback, with infographics and static posts gaining popularity on Instagram. Engaging visuals are essential for capturing attention in a crowded feed.

7. Embracing Faces: Connecting as Humans

Amid a trend of faceless brands, showing your face can be a game-changer. Sharing personal stories on Instagram stories and occasional photos of yourself humanize your brand and facilitate genuine connections.

8. Longer Customer Journeys: The Need for Consistent Content

Customer journeys are evolving, becoming more extended. Consistent content marketing, strategic batching, and well-designed email funnels are essential for guiding potential clients through these extended journeys.

9. Quality Over Quantity: A Shift in Posting Strategies

Entrepreneurs are moving away from the pressure of posting multiple times a day. Instead, the focus is shifting towards quality content that resonates with the audience, recognizing that meaningful engagement surpasses mere frequency.

In conclusion, adapting to these trends is essential for thriving in the dynamic landscape of online business. As an entrepreneur, combining soft business approaches with strategic thinking and embracing the power of storytelling and community building will position you for success in 2024 and beyond.

About Nesha

Hey there! I’m Nesha, 11-year traveling entrepreneur and host of The Simple Business Show. I teach women how to build a $5-10K/month online service business working just 3 days a week, so they can have the financial and time freedom to live the life they dream of.

Looking for more ways I can help you? Here they are:

1:1 Coaching: Work with me on an intimate level to take your business from where it is to where you want it to go.

Group Coaching Program: The Simple Business Builder: Learn to build a $5-10K/month online business working 3 days a week.

Organize & Automate - Join 1200+ students and learn how to organize your entire online service-based business in just two weeks (on the side of your regular routine!) so you can stop stressing and fall back in love with your business.

Simple Sales School - Learn how to get a consistent flow of clients so you can build the income & financial freedom you desire.

Subscribe & Leave A Review! 

If you enjoyed this episode, you can show your support by leaving a review, subscribing, or sharing your biggest takeaways on your Instagram story! Just remember to tag me @neshawoolery so I can see it.

Here’s how to subscribe and review the show:

Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google or Spotify.

To leave a review on Spotify: Open my podcast and click the “rating” button under my podcast name.

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts: Open my podcast, scroll to the bottom of the page and you’ll find the rating/review button.

More Episodes

 

How to set business goals you’ll actually achieve in 2024 (& uncover your Word Of The Year)

How to set business goals you’ll actually achieve in 2024 (& uncover your Word Of The Year)

PLANNING 2024

In this episode you’ll learn two ways to uncover your Word Of The Year, and learn my framework for setting 3 core business goals in 2023.


WORD OF THE YEAR

How do you want to feel next year?

All goals we set are really feelings we want to have. So make the feeling the word of the year. It’ll remind you that the end goal isn’t the REAL goal, the feeling is, and we can create that feeling in more ways than one rigid end result we want to have.

What is your top desire in your business?

What is one thing you’re struggling with that is in the way of that goal, and why? The why can be your word of the year.

How to scale your business to $5K months when you have a full-time job (or busy schedule)

 

Sometimes it’s hard to find time to work on your business. You might have big goals and dreams for 2024, or have courses or programs you’re itching to go through, but struggle to find time.

Some entrepreneurs have big responsibilities, like being a parent, a caregiver, or having a 9-5 full-time job.

Others are in busy/hard seasons of their life. For example, planning a wedding, doing a renovation (like me!) or going through divorce.

Does this mean we should just give up on growing our business?

Tune in to today’s episode to learn:

  • How to grow your business in 15-30 minutes a day

  • 7 ways to free up time and mental space to work on your business

  • Why micro steps are the key to sustainable progress

  • 5 time-saving, stress-reducing projects to set up in your project management tool

  • My favourite time management + client management tools

  • Tips on batching content to save time and still grow on Instagram

  • Tips on creating a One Page Business Plan

Click “play” on the player below to listen to the episode! Or keep scrolling to read the article.

Disclaimer: If you suffer from an illness or mental illness then some of the tips may not apply to you. Please seek the help of a medical professional instead.

PS -

  1. You can now buy my Content Batching Blueprint and One Page Business Plan Template. And guess what? They’re both under £20! (I’ve priced them in GBP because I’m experimenting with a change in currency.)

  2. If you want to feel more organized and less overwhelmed by your business in 2024, check out my online course, Organize & Automate. It’ll help you walk into 2024 with more time and less stress.

  3. Click here to join the waitlist for my mastermind, The Simple Business Builder. You’ll be the first to hear when doors open again in Spring 2024 and you’ll get a special bonus when joining!

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google or Spotify.

Article

Rise and Shine: Early Mornings Matter

Start your day 15-30 minutes earlier. It sounds simple, but this small window of extra time can be your golden hour. Use it to focus on high-impact tasks that move the needle for your business. Whether it's engaging with potential clients, refining your offerings, or planning content, these minutes add up to significant progress.

Cut the Fluff: Prioritize Needle-Moving Activities

In a busy schedule, it's crucial to identify tasks that truly drive your business forward. Focus on activities that directly contribute to your growth. Ditch the distractions and prioritize what truly matters.

Harness the Power of Project Management Tools

Tools like Notion or Asana can be your lifeline. Set up a streamlined system:

  • Content Batching: Create a process to batch content creation efficiently.

  • Content Calendar: Plan ahead to maintain consistency.

  • Meal Planning: Keep your nutrition in check without sacrificing time.

  • Client Package Processes: Streamline your offerings for smoother client interactions.

  • One-Page Business Plan: Condense your vision and strategies into an actionable document. (You can purchase my template here.)

Streamline Communication: Email Scripts and DM Replies

Save time and maintain professionalism by crafting email scripts for various client stages and common inquiries. For Instagram, consider using pre-written direct message replies to swiftly engage with your audience.

Simplify Client Management with Tools like Dubsado

Efficient client management is key. Tools like Dubsado* help you streamline workflows, manage projects, and handle client interactions seamlessly.

Scaling your business while juggling a full plate is about working smarter, not harder. Implementing these strategies allows you to carve out space for your business to thrive, even within a busy schedule. Remember, consistency and smart systems are your allies on this journey.

Take charge of your time, prioritize effectively, and watch your business flourish, despite having a busy schedule or season.

Offers to help you:

Content Batching Blueprint - Plan, create and batch content in as little as 1 day a month

One Page Business Plan Template - Condense your vision and strategies into one simple, actionable document.

The Simple Business Builder - A group mastermind teaching you a simple framework for attracting clients & building a $5k/months online business working 3 days a week

Simple Sales School - A self-study course to help you book clients consistently and start scaling to $5k months

Organize & Automate - Organize your client process & online service business in 14 days (on the side of your regular routine)

25% off Dubsado using my affiliate link

About Nesha

Hey there! I’m Nesha, 11-year traveling entrepreneur and host of The Simple Business Show. I teach women how to build a $5-10K/month online service business working just 3 days a week, so they can have the financial and time freedom to live the life they dream of.

Looking for more ways I can help you? Here they are:

1:1 Coaching: Work with me on an intimate level to take your business from where it is to where you want it to go.

Group Coaching Program: The Simple Business Builder: Learn to build a $5-10K/month online business working 3 days a week.

Organize & Automate - Join 1200+ students and learn how to organize your entire online service-based business in just two weeks (on the side of your regular routine!) so you can stop stressing and fall back in love with your business.

Simple Sales School - Learn how to get a consistent flow of clients so you can build the income & financial freedom you desire.

Subscribe & Leave A Review! 

If you enjoyed this episode, you can show your support by leaving a review, subscribing, or sharing your biggest takeaways on your Instagram story! Just remember to tag me @neshawoolery so I can see it.

Here’s how to subscribe and review the show:

Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google or Spotify.

To leave a review on Spotify: Open my podcast and click the “rating” button under my podcast name.

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts: Open my podcast, scroll to the bottom of the page and you’ll find the rating/review button.

More Episodes

 

My 2023 End Of Year Review (& how to do your own)

 

December: It’s that magical time of year when everyone starts thinking about the new year and setting goals.

But before you can make a plan of where you’re going, you need to know where you are. And that’s why I’ve always been a fan of creating yearly business reviews.

Today, I’m going to walk you through my new and improved way of creating an End Of Year business review, so that you can do yours without any guesswork of what exactly should be in it!

It will take you about 1 hour to complete your own review.

Each question is listed below, along with one answer from my very own review!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How to create your own End Of Year Business Review

  • The most important metrics to track each month + year

  • What worked (and failed) behind the scenes in my business this year

  • How to use your last 12 months as a blueprint for making the next 12 months your best ever!

Click “play” on the player below to listen to the episode!

PS -

  1. If you want to feel more organized and less overwhelmed by your business in 2024, check out my online course, Organize & Automate. It’ll help you walk into 2024 with more time and less stress.

  2. Click here to join the waitlist for my mastermind, The Simple Business Builder. You’ll be the first to hear when doors open again in Spring 2024 and you’ll get a special bonus when joining!

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google or Spotify.

It’s that magical time of year when everyone starts thinking about the new year and setting goals.

But before you can make a plan of where you’re going, you need to know where you are. And that’s why I’ve always been a fan of creating yearly reviews.

Today I’m going to walk you through my new and improved way of creating an End Of Year business review, so that you can do yours without any guesswork of what exactly should be in it!

It will take you about 1 hour to complete the review.

Each question is listed below, and I’ve added some of my own answers in case you’re curious to see behind the scenes of my online coaching + courses business!

Top 2023 wins - Here is where we start thinking of what went well because we want to start this planning session off with positivity.

  • I posted consistently 5x a week on Instagram. I developed boundaries on Instagram and followed people who made the app feel fun to open again. I set up a content batching system which made being consistent WAY easier. And I gained course sales, clients and over 1000 email list subscribers from Instagram!

Top 2023 challenges

  • Procrastination: I started leaving things til the last minute. Especially this podcast. Here’s what I started doing to break that habit: I began breaking tasks down into baby steps. The smaller, the better. I also stopped overestimating how much I could get done in a day, which helped me procrastinate less because I no longer felt like avoiding my todo list and the feeling of “being behind” that it gave me.

Good/Bad Habits

Bad:

  • Phone in bed and first thing in the morning

Good:

  • Daily gratitude

  • Daily walk, 4000 steps

How did I feel for most of the year?

  • Did you predominantly feel content? Happy? Stressed? Burnt out? Awareness of how you feel most often is the first step to changing it.

Top 3:

Top 3 best selling services/products

Top 3 sources of sales/clients

Top 3 sources of email list subscribers

Yearly Stats

Yearly revenue:

Yearly Expenses:

Yearly Take-Home Pay:

IG following:

IG weekly posts:

Email List:

Did I achieve my revenue goal & how does it compare to previous years? If not, what fell short?

Growth Tracker Review:

How many leads entered my email funnels each month? How many leads converted to sales each month?

  1. Funnel 1:

    1. Average # of monthly leads:

    2. Average monthly sales:

    3. Average monthly conversion rate:

Did my team members make a profit?

Team Member:

Role:

Profit for the year:

Productivity Review

What boosted productivity?

  • Personally, I enjoyed using my Productivity Planner to help me focus on priorities for the week and day.

What hindered productivity?

  • Renovating a boat, having a vlog and running a business are sometimes a struggle to balance

Any schedules/routines that were helpful?

  • Waking at 5:30-6am

Now go through each section and see what I can take into 2024!

  • For me, I definitely want to keep posting reels 5x a week, IG is still no.1 source of clients

  • Have a set week once a month for podcasting, not just one day. It’s not enough time. Or, podcast bi-weekly instead of weekly.

How do I want to feel in 2024?

2024 Income Goal:

Expenses Goal:

Take Home Pay:

IG following goal:

Email List goal:

Funnel Opt-ins Goal:

How will I get these leads? (Max: 3 sources)

Habits to replace in 2024:

About Nesha

Hey there! I’m Nesha, 11-year traveling entrepreneur and host of The Simple Business Show. I teach women how to build a $5-10K/month online service business working just 3 days a week, so they can have the financial and time freedom to live the life they dream of.

Looking for more ways I can help you? Here they are:

1:1 Coaching: Work with me on an intimate level to take your business from where it is to where you want it to go.

Group Coaching Program: The Simple Business Builder: Learn to build a $5-10K/month online business working 3 days a week.

Organize & Automate - Join 1200+ students and learn how to organize your entire online service-based business in just two weeks (on the side of your regular routine!) so you can stop stressing and fall back in love with your business.

Simple Sales School - Learn how to get a consistent flow of clients so you can build the income & financial freedom you desire.

Subscribe & Leave A Review! 

If you enjoyed this episode, you can show your support by leaving a review, subscribing, or sharing your biggest takeaways on your Instagram story! Just remember to tag me @neshawoolery so I can see it.

Here’s how to subscribe and review the show:

Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google or Spotify.

To leave a review on Spotify: Open my podcast and click the “rating” button under my podcast name.

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts: Open my podcast, scroll to the bottom of the page and you’ll find the rating/review button.

More Episodes

 
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