For years, I let social media dictate my content strategy. I would wake up, figure out what to post that day, and spend way too much time scrolling, getting sidetracked by what everyone else was doing. My focus was on what would perform well on social media—not what would actually move my business forward.

Then, I took a full year off social media (you can read about that here), and suddenly, everything changed. Without the constant pressure to create for Instagram, I was able to take a step back and ask myself: What kind of content actually supports my business? What type of content attracts my ideal customers? What helps me grow in a way that feels aligned and sustainable? What kind of content will feel authentic to who I am?

And that’s when I realized: I had my content strategy completely backwards.

The Mistake: Letting Social Media Lead the Way

For the longest time, I believed that social media was the foundation of my marketing. If I could just create the right posts, go viral, or keep up with trends, then everything else would fall into place.

But here’s the problem: social media is fleeting. Posts disappear in hours. Engagement doesn’t always lead to conversions. And constantly trying to figure out “what works” on social media meant I was chasing algorithms instead of building a real strategy.

Social media isn’t bad—but when it becomes the primary driver of your content strategy, it leads to burnout, frustration, and a whole lot of wasted time. I spent years stuck in this cycle, constantly tweaking my content to fit what I thought the algorithm wanted, instead of focusing on the long-term success of my business.

The truth? I was creating content for an audience that wasn’t even mine.

Every time I posted, I hoped for engagement, for validation, for a sign that I was “doing it right.” But I wasn’t building a sustainable marketing strategy—I was just feeding a system that rewarded short-term visibility over long-term growth. And today, I see so many business owners falling into the same trap, feeling beyond frustrated with their marketing strategy.

The Shift: Prioritizing SEO, My Blog, and My Email List

When I stepped away from social media, I had to rethink everything. Without it, where was my audience coming from? How was I reaching new customers?

That’s when I started focusing on:

SEO – Writing blog posts optimized for search so people could find me long after I published.
My Newsletter – Growing and nurturing my email list because it’s the only platform I own.
Long-Form Content – Creating high-value articles, guides, and resources that answer the questions my ideal customers are already searching for.
Creating Pinterest Pins – Turning my long-form content into searchable, evergreen pins because Pinterest is a search engine, not a social media platform.

Instead of creating for social media, I started creating for my business. I built my content strategy around what actually drives traffic, generates leads, and converts into sales.

And the best part? My content started working for me—even when I wasn’t online.

You’ve been thinking about it, haven’t you? You’ve been eyeing Wordsmith, wondering if now is the time to finally take the leap and make content creation for your business easier than ever. Well, friend, consider this your flashing neon sign: YES. YES, IT IS.

And here’s why you need to act right now—because for a limited time, you can grab full access to Wordsmith for just $9.95/month… forever. Yep, you read that right. No price hikes. No surprises. Just an insanely powerful tool at an insanely affordable price.

But here’s the kicker: This deal vanishes on February 28th. After that? The price is going up, because—brace yourself—Wordsmith 2.0 is coming, and it’s getting a MAJOR upgrade.

What’s Happening on February 28th?

A huge Wordsmith update is dropping! Think of it like your favorite coffee shop announcing a new menu that’s about to change your morning routine forever.

New features, smarter AI, and a sleeker interface designed to help you create content faster, better, and with even more ease. It looks so good. I can’t wait for you to see it!

The price will be increasing, but here’s the good news: If you sign up now, you’re locked in at $9.95/month for life. (Yes, even as we add new features and upgrades. Forever-ever.)

Why Wordsmith 2.0?

Because content creation shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth. For me, writing has always been the heartbeat of running a business—the thing I’ve loved the most. Whether it’s crafting a blog post, sending out a newsletter, or showing up on social media, content has been my way of connecting, building relationships, and making an impact. Most people call it marketing, but I see it as something bigger: a way for entrepreneurs to show up as their true selves, tell their stories, and build communities.

That’s why I built Wordsmith. I wanted to create a tool that helps you show up authentically without spending hours staring at a blank screen. It should feel like having a personal copywriter in your back pocket—ready to whip up on-brand Instagram captions, blog posts, email newsletters, and website copy at the click of a button—so you can focus on what you do best: running your business and making an impact.

Let’s talk about the powerhouse of marketing that doesn’t get nearly enough credit—Pinterest ads. When I built Wordsmith, I had two goals:

To help fellow entrepreneurs show up online and share their stories without the constant struggle of not knowing what to say.

To build something without spending my life glued to traditional social media platforms.

Fast forward, and I scaled Wordsmith to over $600K in revenue using two incredibly powerful things: Pinterest ads + my email list. No viral videos, no dancing on Reels, no posting 24/7 to stay relevant. Just a smart, strategic way to get my offer in front of the right people at the right time.

Here’s exactly how I did it—and how you can use Pinterest ads to grow your own business too.

Why Pinterest Ads?

First things first, let’s clear something up: Pinterest isn’t just another social media platform. It’s a visual search engine—meaning that when people are on Pinterest, they’re actively looking for solutions, ideas, and products.

Unlike Instagram or Facebook (where your content disappears in hours), Pinterest content lasts. People can search for and find your pins months—even years—after you post them. And when you pair that with a strong ad strategy, you’re literally getting your business in front of people who are searching for exactly what you have to offer.

That’s why Pinterest ads work so well. They put your brand in front of ready-to-buy customers without the constant content grind.

How I Used Pinterest Ads to Validate My Idea

Before I poured time and energy into building Wordsmith, I wanted to make sure there was actually demand for it. Enter: Pinterest ads.

I started with a simple strategy:

Created a few pre-written content templates and published them monthly to test the concept.

Ran a small Pinterest ad campaign targeting keywords that my ideal customers were searching for.

Tracked conversions to see if people were actually interested in what I was offering.

The result? They ate it up.

Social media burnout is real. If you’ve ever felt like keeping up with Instagram, Facebook, and every other platform is draining the life out of you, I see you. I was right there too. So, I did something drastic—I quit social media for an entire year.

At first, it felt like a massive risk. What if my business suffered? What if I lost connection with my audience? What if I missed out on opportunities? But here’s the spoiler: My business kept growing, my audience didn’t disappear, and I learned some invaluable lessons along the way.

If you’ve ever thought about stepping away from social media but felt too scared to take the leap, let me share what happened when I finally logged off.

Why I Walked Away

The biggest reason I wanted to step away from social media? It was taking too much from my real life and my business.

As a business owner, it’s easy to believe that if you’re not constantly posting, engaging, and following every new trend, everything will come crashing down. But I had already made some big shifts over the years to rely less on social media—things like growing my email list and focusing on SEO to bring in consistent traffic. And yet, social media still pulled me in.

The more I paid attention, the more I realized I wasn’t using it intentionally. I was spending way more time consuming content than actually creating it. And let’s be real—these platforms are designed to keep you scrolling. I knew I wanted more from life than doomscrolling through other people’s highlight reels.

So, I logged off. No more posting, no more checking notifications, no more endless scrolling. Just real life and real work.

What Happened When I Quit Social Media

To be completely honest, at first, it felt weird. I’d been so used to documenting parts of my life and business online that I had to untrain myself from reaching for my phone. But as the weeks went by, then months, something incredible happened—I felt free.

I doubled down on marketing strategies that actually aligned with who I am. I focused on writing more, improving my email list, and refining my SEO strategy. The pressure to constantly “show up” online disappeared, and in its place, I found a deeper sense of creativity and focus.

And guess what? My business did just fine. It turns out, I never needed social media to keep things running—I just thought I did.

If you’ve ever felt like keeping up with social media is a full-time job, you’re not alone. Between posting, engaging, creating reels, and staying on top of trends, it’s easy to feel like your entire business depends on showing up all the time—but I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way.

In fact, I spent an entire year not posting to social media to see just how much my business actually needed it. Spoiler: it did just fine. My income didn’t disappear. My audience didn’t vanish. And most importantly, the overwhelm I once felt around social media? It finally lifted.

A lot of us put way more weight on these platforms than we should. But when you have a solid marketing strategy in place that doesn’t depend on social media, it shifts from being the whole strategy to just an extra piece of it. And that changes everything.

If you’re tired of feeling like social media runs your business (instead of the other way around), let’s talk about how to build a business that thrives—without the overwhelm.

Step 1: Focus on Content You Actually Enjoy Creating

Here’s a little secret: the best content is the kind you actually enjoy making.

For a long time, I thought I needed to create more videos, find the perfect aesthetic, or spend hours piecing together Instagram-worthy content. But the truth is, I’ve always loved writing. I can sit down and pour my heart into a blog post or email, and it feels easy. But forcing myself to spend hours editing videos? That just drains me.

And I’m guessing you have something like that too. Maybe you love writing like I do, or maybe you prefer showing up in audio form through podcasts. Maybe video is your thing, and you feel energized creating short, engaging clips. Whatever it is, lean into it.

Because when content feels fun instead of forced, you’ll actually create it—consistently.

Step 2: Batch Your Work Like a Pro

One of the best things I ever did for my business was learning how to batch work. Instead of scrambling to come up with content every day, I set aside dedicated time to create in bulk.

Here’s how it works:

Content Prompt: “Feeling stuck trying to figure out [specific problem]? With [your service], you can skip the guesswork and start seeing results. I’ll show you exactly how to [specific solution]. Let’s get started!”

Copywriting Formula: Problem-Solution

Let’s be honest—there’s nothing more frustrating than feeling stuck, spinning your wheels, and getting nowhere. The Problem-Solution formula gets straight to the heart of that frustration. It starts by saying, “Hey, I see you. I get it.” Then it offers a way forward—a clear, actionable solution that makes everything feel possible again.

Here’s how it works:

Problem: Start by naming the struggle your audience is facing. Show them you understand their challenges and how hard it’s been.

Solution: Now, here’s where you bring the light! Show them how your service solves that problem. Make it clear, simple, and doable.

Call to Action: Finish by inviting them to take action—whether it’s signing up, booking a call, or trying your product. Let them know you’re ready to help them move forward.

Why it works: When your audience sees that you understand their struggle and have the solution, you build trust. And trust? It’s the secret sauce that makes them say, “Yes, I’m ready to do this.”

Wordsmith Instructions

Write a [blog post, social media caption, newsletter etc.] that highlights a specific problem your audience faces and shows how your service solves it. Use clear, actionable language and end with a CTA that invites them to stop guessing and start making progress. [Then enter the content prompt from above].

How to Use This Prompt

Here’s how to make the “No More Guesswork” prompt your own:

Start with empathy. Begin your post by naming the frustration your audience feels. Let them know you understand what they’re going through.

Present the solution. Show them how your service is the answer they’ve been looking for. Use clear, relatable language that makes it easy to see the value.

Make it actionable. Give them a step to take right now—whether it’s clicking a link, signing up, or booking a call. Keep it simple and inviting.

End with encouragement. Remind them that progress is possible and that you’re here to help every step of the way.

Information Needed About Your Business

To make this prompt work like magic, get clear on these details:

What specific problem does your audience struggle with? Think about the challenges that keep them up at night.

How does your service solve that problem? Highlight what makes your approach unique and effective.

What transformation can they expect? Paint a picture of what life looks like after working with you.

What’s the next step they should take? Be clear and direct about how they can get started.

Content Prompt: “Let’s cut to the chase: [your service] works because it’s [specific unique feature]. While others focus on [common approach], I make sure [specific differentiator]. This means you get [specific benefit]. Let’s make it happen!” Wordsmith Prompt:Write a blog post that explains why my service works better than other options. Focus on the specific […]

Did I just Google “how long is a marathon”? Yes. Yes, I did. Because somehow, I’ve decided that running a marathon (that’s 26.2 miles for those like me who didn’t know) in Honolulu sounds like a great idea, even for someone who’s only ever managed to run five miles—on a really good day.

Let’s be clear: I’m not a runner. The only running I do regularly involves chasing my two little ones around the house or racing to the kitchen before my coffee gets cold. But here I am, putting this wild goal out into the universe. I’m planning to run a marathon, and I can’t believe I’m saying that.

So, why this goal? Why now? Let me tell ya.

Choosing to Do Something Just for Me

As a mom of four, most of my attention goes toward raising and homeschooling my kids. I run my business from home, which gives me a ton of flexibility, but it also means that my personal time is practically non-existent. My days are a juggling act of lesson plans, family time, snack requests, and laundry—so much laundry.

Somewhere along the way, I stopped making time to do things just for me. And if you’re a parent, you probably know exactly what I mean. It’s easy to get lost in the needs of everyone else and forget that we deserve a little slice of our own time and energy, too. Back in my early business days, when I was working as a photographer, most of my weekends required me to travel to new locations for weddings and sessions. Although it was technically work, it often felt like a fun weekend getaway—a chance to do something on my own and explore new places. I didn’t realize at the time how important that solo time was for me.

Running a marathon is my way of claiming that space for myself. It’s a commitment to me. It’s a reminder that I’m allowed to set big goals that have nothing to do with being a mom or running a business.

And honestly? It feels empowering to choose something this big and audacious.

My Love for Unrealistic Goals

I have this weird obsession with setting really unrealistic goals and then figuring out how to make them happen. Running a business has always felt a lot like that—setting big dreams, making a plan, and just trusting that I’ll figure it out along the way.

Running a marathon feels exactly the same.

Right now, I can’t run more than five miles without feeling like my lungs might give out. But I’m not worried about where I am today—I’m focused on where I could be a few months from now. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that big goals push us in the right direction, even if they feel impossible at first.

How many times do we stop ourselves from going after something because we think, “I could never do that”? What if we flipped the narrative and thought, “I can’t do that yet but I’m willing to try”?

If you have a business, you know creating content can feel like a full-time job. You pour your heart into writing that blog post, designing that Instagram carousel, or crafting the perfect email… and then what? You move on to the next thing, leaving all that hard work behind, never fully tapping into the power of repurposing content to make it work harder for you.

But what if I told you there’s a way to make that content work harder for you?

That’s where repurposing content comes in. It’s not just about saving time (although that’s a huge bonus), it’s about stretching the life of your content so it reaches more people across different platforms. Because let’s face it — not everyone is seeing your content the first time around.

Ready to make your content hustle for you? Let’s dive into what repurposing content really means, why it’s a game-changer, and how you can do it right.

Why Repurposing Content Is the Secret to Consistency

Did you know that 60% of marketers create at least one piece of content every day? (Source) That’s a lot of time and energy spent on creating — but what happens to that content after it’s published?

Most of the time, it gets buried. And that’s a missed opportunity.

Repurposing content allows you to take that blog post you spent hours on and turn it into:

An engaging email newsletter

Pinterest pins that drive traffic

Social media posts (hello, Instagram!)

Quick video snippets for Reels or TikToks

The best part? You’re not starting from scratch.

How to Repurpose Content (Without Feeling Repetitive)

You might be thinking: But won’t my audience get bored if I keep sharing the same thing?

Nope. The key is to present the content in different ways that feel fresh and relevant for each platform. Here’s how I personally love to repurpose my content:

I like to start out with a long-form blog post — it’s the foundation of everything. Once I’ve got that cornerstone piece, I create multiple Pinterest pins to drive long-term traffic (because Pinterest is a goldmine for evergreen content!). After that, I send out a newsletter to my email list, sharing the main takeaways and inviting them to dive deeper. And finally — the cherry on top — I turn that content into a few social media posts.

Let’s start with a truth bomb: STORIES SELL. No matter what you do—whether you’re a photographer capturing life’s milestones, a coach helping women find clarity, or a shop owner selling handmade treasures—the way you tell your story can make or break how people connect with your brand.

The truth is, people don’t buy products or services; they buy feelings, connections, and experiences. They buy into you. And the best way to build that connection? Through storytelling.

Let’s break down why storytelling is so powerful, how to make it feel natural (not awkward!), and how you can start weaving your unique story into your business today.

Why Storytelling Works

Humans are wired for stories. Think about it: since the beginning of time, stories have been how we pass down wisdom, teach lessons, and connect with one another. Our brains light up when we hear a good story. It’s why you remember a friend’s hilarious vacation mishap more than a dry business pitch.

In marketing, storytelling taps into that same part of the brain. It builds trust, evokes emotions, and makes your brand memorable.

Here’s how storytelling works for your business:

It makes you relatable. People want to work with someone they trust. Sharing your story—your why, your struggles, your journey—makes you feel human and approachable.

It builds emotional connections. Facts tell; stories sell. Emotions drive buying decisions. When your audience feels something, they’re more likely to take action.

It differentiates you. Your story is your secret sauce. It’s the one thing no one else can copy. It’s what makes your brand unique in a crowded market.

Content Prompt: “You’re not meant to do this alone. If [specific challenge] has been weighing you down, I want you to know there’s a way forward. With [your service], you’ll have the support and tools you need to [specific benefit]. Let’s tackle it together.”

Wordsmith Prompt: “Write a [blog, newsletter, social media post, etc.] that highlights a common struggle my audience faces and how my service provides the solution. Use a warm and supportive tone to build trust, and end with an encouraging CTA that invites them to take the first step.”

Info Needed About Your Business:

👉 What is the main challenge your clients face before working with you?

👉 What specific benefit does your service deliver?

👉 What type of support do you provide to make the process easier?

Why Relatable Empathy Works

Relatable empathy is your secret weapon for connecting with your audience. It’s not about pitching; it’s about understanding. You’re meeting people where they are, showing them that you get it, and offering a way forward that feels both achievable and supportive.

Here’s why this approach resonates:

Emotional Connection: Acknowledging their struggles shows you see them as individuals, not just potential customers.

Building Trust: Empathy transforms you from a service provider into someone they can rely on.

Inspiring Action: When people feel understood and hopeful, they’re ready to take the first step toward a solution.

This week’s prompt is designed to tap into this powerful formula, helping you craft content that says:

I see you.

I understand you.

Let’s solve this together.

All About These Weekly Prompts

Let me guess—you’ve stared at your screen more times than you can count, trying to think of something fresh to share about your business. Been there, done that. That’s why I’m introducing something new to help: Weekly Content Prompts.

Yesterday’s flood of responses to my post was a wake-up call: people are feeling exhausted. Exhausted from relying on social media to keep their business running. Exhausted from the relentless content creation treadmill they are running on. Exhausted from feeling invisible and unheard in all the noise online. Exhausted from pouring their time into a platform that no longer values them.

But beneath the exhaustion lies fear—the fear of not knowing any other way to connect with clients and drive sales andkeep their business going.

I spent the better part of yesterday reading the heartfelt replies from fellow entrepreneurs echoing the samesentiment that landed in their inboxes. And let me tell you, it got me fired up.

There’s no doubt in my mind that change is not only possible but long overdue for a lot of us. 

Because, while we’re talking about social media for business, let me tell you, from firsthand experience, just how deeply entrenched social media had become in my life—and how liberating it felt to finally break free from it all.

So today, I want to peel back the curtain a bit more, sharing what I’ve done and the steps I’m taking, and maybe it willinspire you to make similar shifts.

First up….

Deleting Social Media Apps.

If you’re ready to step away from the social media frenzy for your business, it doesn’t necessarily mean wiping your accounts off the face of the internet. Start by kicking those apps off your phone. 

Why? Let me break it down:

ONE: Sure, you can still access your business accounts from your computer. But removing those apps from your phone disrupts that mindless scrolling cycle.

Those apps are designed to keep you hooked, and by eliminating them from your phone, you reclaim control without having to pull the plug on all your accounts at once.

TWO: Think of your social media presence more as a placeholder for your business in the digital realm. I don’t plan on returning to regular posting, but I know potential clients are still stumbling upon me there and can easily be redirected to my website.

This shift is a powerful step toward reclaiming your time and your focus. You’d be amazed at how much lighter you’ll feel with these changes in place.

Plus, if you’re not 100% ready to remove it completely, this can allow you to continue posting without needing to have any of the apps on your phone.

Now, onto the most crucial step: Imagining a Social Media-Free Marketing Strategy. 

Take a moment today to envision what your marketing strategy would look like without social media in the picture.