Instagram vs TikTok: The Definitive Guide to Choosing Your Hero Channel

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Instagram vs TikTok: The Definitive Guide to Choosing Your Hero Channel

If you are serious about using social media trends to grow your business, you need to understand one thing: where trends start and where they should live permanently. And the answer surprises most entrepreneurs.

TikTok creates the trends. Instagram grows your business.

In this definitive guide, you will learn exactly why Instagram should be your hero channel even though TikTok sparks most viral moments online. You will also learn how indexing works, why Instagram impacts your SEO and Google visibility, and how choosing the right hero platform can transform your long-term growth.

Where Social Media Trends Start

Let’s be honest about where trends come from.
Most trends start on TikTok. The platform has been ahead of the curve since day one, and every other platform has been playing catch-up ever since.

TikTok also offers the best ROI for creators using trend-based content. They have trend discovery, trend reports, trending sounds, and trend tools dialed in.

If you are not on TikTok at all, you are already behind when it comes to spotting what is about to take off.

So if trends start on TikTok, why is TikTok not your hero channel?

This is where the strategy flips.

Why Instagram Should Be Your Hero Channel for Trends

Here is the plot twist most entrepreneurs never see coming.
TikTok is not being indexed by Google. Instagram is.

This means your content on Instagram becomes part of your long-term digital footprint. It helps build your visibility across Google search, improves how your brand is recognized by AI language models, and directly strengthens your SEO.

Your TikTok content does none of that.

Instagram indexing affects your business because:

Your Instagram posts can show up in Google search
Your content contributes to your online authority
New audiences can discover you through search
Google and AI get more data about what you teach and who you serve

This is massive for long-term growth. You are not just posting. You are building a searchable, discoverable digital library that works for you every day.

The Smart Strategy: TikTok for Trends and Instagram for Growth

Here is the simple breakdown.

Use TikTok for:

Trend discovery
Fast testing
Understanding early traction
Research and inspiration

Use Instagram for:

Long-term reach
SEO value
Google visibility
Hero content
Brand authority
Strategic repurposing

When you watch TikTok for upcoming trends and publish your strongest content optimized for Instagram, you get the best of both worlds.

TikTok shows you what is working.
Instagram helps your business grow from it.

How Instagram Indexing Works for SEO

Instagram indexing means Google is categorizing your content behind the scenes. Every post, caption, keyword, and topic can support your search visibility when aligned with search intent.

This influences:

How you rank for expertise topics
How easily new clients find you
Whether Google sees you as an authority
How AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude interpret your brand

Google is looking at your Instagram almost as closely as your website.
This is why Instagram should be your hero channel for trends and content.

How to See What Google Has Indexed from Your Instagram

Here is a quick way to check your indexed content.

Go to Google and search:
site:instagram.com/yourusername

If Google returns posts, those are the pieces of content currently indexed.
If very few posts appear, you need to increase your:

Posting consistency
Keyword usage in captions
Engagement activity
Alignment with search terms your audience uses

This is one of the easiest ways to measure how your Instagram content supports your SEO.

Real Results: How I Hit 2.5 Million Views in 7 Days Using This Strategy

Recently, I reached 2.5 million views in seven days using a trend-based workflow combined with authenticity and a hero platform strategy.

Here is exactly what I did:

I used TikTok to spot trends early
I adapted the strongest trends to fit my brand
I showed up as myself and kept the content real
I posted consistently on Instagram, my hero platform
I repurposed winning content across TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn

This created visibility, reach, and audience growth without ads or complex posting schedules.

You do not need to go viral.
You need clarity, consistency, and a strategy built for sustainable growth.

Instagram vs TikTok: The Bottom Line

TikTok is where trends begin.
Instagram is where your business grows.

Use TikTok as your research tool.
Use Instagram as your hero channel and long-term growth engine.

Businesses that win in 2026 and beyond will be the ones who understand this distinction and build their content strategy around it.

Check out the first in this series here: https://lesliemlyon.com/why-social-media-trends-are-essential-in-2026/

Next Step: Want Smarter Trend Strategy?

Subscribe to my newsletter Market Like a Lyon for biweekly strategy drops designed to help you grow with clarity, confidence, and a system that finally works.

How to Find TikTok Trends Fast: A Practical Guide for Entrepreneurs

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How to Find TikTok Trends Fast: A Practical Guide for Entrepreneurs

If you are gearing up to use social media trends to grow your business in 2026, there is one thing you need to master: how to find trends quickly without getting sucked into an endless scroll.

You do not need hours on TikTok.
You do not need to “stay up to date” daily.
And you definitely do not need to waste time hoping the algorithm magically delivers inspiration.

Here is exactly how entrepreneurs can find TikTok trends fast, stay ahead of the curve, and use them strategically across every platform.

Use TikTok’s Trend Discovery Tools First

TikTok literally created a trend finder for you, and most creators still do not use it.

Where to Find It

Open TikTok or Click Here
Tap “Creative Center” or go to your profile click the three dashes in the upper right and go to Tiktok Studio, scroll down to inspo and start finding a trend you vibe with.
(You can also Google “TikTok Creative Center” and access it in your browser)
Choose “Trends”
Select one:
- Songs
- Hashtags
- Creators
- Videos

You will instantly see:

What is trending
How fast it is growing
What industries it works for
Whether it is rising or declining

This is the cleanest, most reliable trend intelligence available. No guessing. No rabbit holes. Just data.

Use Your For You Page as a Personalized Trend Forecast

Your For You Page is one of the best trend indicators because it customizes trends to your niche.

What to Watch For

Look for:

The same audio repeating, these audios will also be on instagram and are usually trending or about it.
The same video format repeating
The same style or joke showing up across different creators

If you see something three times in ten minutes, it is an active trend.

Bonus:
Your FYP often shows micro-trends relevant to your industry.
If you are in real estate and suddenly see the same audio across multiple realtors, that is your green light. Now you just have to customize to your style. This is fairly simple and if you lack creativity drop a few screenshots into chat and explain the trend and ask for ideas.

Search TikTok for Trend Lists (Shortcut Most People Ignore)

Some creators track trends daily and share them for free. Use them.

What to Search:

“trending sounds”
“viral audio”
“trending now”
“trends this week”

You will instantly find curated trend lists that save you time and tell you what is hot today.

Let other creators do half the work for you.

Save Trending Sounds All Week Long

This is the step that makes everything effortless later.

As you scroll naturally:

Save trending sounds
Save formats you want to recreate
Bookmark ideas

Do not try to film in the moment.
Do not break your workflow.

Just save it and move on.

When you sit down to batch your content, you will have a ready-made library of trend options already vetted by TikTok.

The Real Shortcut: Batch Record Your Trend Content

Most entrepreneurs waste time because they try to create trends one video at a time.

Batching solves everything.

Weekly Workflow

Friday (or your content day):
Record 5 to 10 videos using the sounds you saved all week.

Then post:

Instagram first (your hero channel)
Repurpose everywhere else:
- TikTok
- Pinterest
- Facebook Reels
- YouTube Shorts
- LinkedIn

One trend → several pieces of content → multiple platforms.

How Much Time Should You Spend Finding Trends?

Check TikTok Creative Center
Scroll your FYP
Save 3–5 relevant sounds

Thursday (10 minutes):

Search “trending sounds”
Re-check Creative Center
Save 3–5 more sounds

Friday:
Batch record and schedule your content.

That is it.

No overwhelm.
No burnout.
Just consistent visibility.

Why This Works Better Than Scrolling for Hours

The creators winning with trends in 2026 are not the ones glued to their phones.

They are the ones who:

Use data
Work strategically
Batch record
Repurpose wisely
Choose a hero channel
Stay ahead of the trend curve with intention

You are not trying to “keep up.”
You are trying to build a system.

This is the system.

Finding TikTok Trends Fast: Your Action Plan

Here is your full weekly trend routine in one place:

Check TikTok Creative Center
Scroll your FYP intentionally
Search “trending sounds”
Save relevant audio
Batch record content
Post on Instagram first
Repurpose everywhere else

Simple. Scalable. Sustainable.

Next Steps

To continue building your trend strategy, read the next two posts in this series:

Want weekly strategies that actually move the needle?
Subscribe to Market Like a Lyon and get smarter marketing in your inbox every other Sunday.

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Instagram Hero Channel Strategy, TikTok Trends Discovery, and Social Media 2026 Predictions

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Instagram Hero Channel Strategy, TikTok Trends Discovery, and Social Media 2026 Predictions

I’m doubling things up with my emails/newsletters. I want to coordinate all my goodness into two longer newsletters per month. This will allow me to dive into some of the deeper topics and do a series which will allow for more details and depth.

Let me know if there are burning questions you might have…

This week’s Topics:

Why Insta Rocks
Where Trends Start
How to Find Them (if you’re not on TikTok already)
Social Media Set Up

Part 1: Why Instagram Should Be Your Hero Channel (Even Though TikTok Starts Trends)

Trends Aren’t Just for Dance Videos (And How They’ll Grow Your Business)

Hello [contact.first_name],

Let’s talk about social media trends because I know what you’re thinking: “That’s not for my business.”

Wrong.

Here’s why trends are one of the smartest moves you can make for your social media strategy. No really. And let me spell it out for ya.

1. Trends give you instant visibility.

When you use trending audio, the platform pushes your content harder. Period. Instagram and TikTok prioritize content that uses popular sounds because it keeps people on the platform longer. That’s how you get in front of people who’ve never heard of you.

2. Every trend works for every business.

“But I sell insurance/accounting services, trends don’t apply to me.”

They absolutely do. Every trend can be adapted. Take the success trend going viral right now: “Tell me you’re [profession] without telling me.” A lawyer can turn themselves walking into court into viral content with this trend. Accountants can do the same with tax jokes. Chiropractors can poke fun at people’s bad posture.

The trend gives you the format and the audio. You just adapt it to your reality. That’s what makes it work for ANY business.

3. Trends aren’t about being cringe. They’re about reach.

This is the big one. The algorithm rewards trend participation by pushing your content to people who don’t follow you yet. That’s how you break out of just reaching your existing audience.

If you’re not incorporating trends into your content strategy, you’re leaving reach on the table. Reach = growth.

Start with one trend this week. Adapt it. Post it. Watch what happens.

This week’s challenge: Pick one trend, adapt it to your business, and post it. Then tag me so I can see what you create!

Part 2: Where Trends Start (And Why Your Hero Channel Matters)

Where do trends come from?

90% of trends start on TikTok.

TikTok is the trendsetting platform and it is highly innovative. The best creator platform out there. And it’s where trends begin.

Instagram, YouTube, and others gravitate and copy ideas.

TikTok has been out of the top trending algorithm since day one, and every other platform has been playing catch-up since. If you’re not on TikTok, you’re seeing trends in second place.

So if all trends start on TikTok, why wouldn’t you make TikTok the origin point for most “viral” platforms?

Here’s the truth: TikTok is not being indexed by Google. Instagram is.

Your content on Instagram is being cataloged by search engines. It becomes part of your discoverability on your website and your newsletter on LLMs (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, etc.).

TikTok content? Not part of that equation. It should be a part of your marketing ecosystem, no doubt about that.

This is why I tell everyone at least learn from channels:

Watch TikTok. See what the are and what when. Then use the screens seen by Instagram, so that you pick up the screens seen by Instagram, LinkedIn etc.

Your content on Instagram is being cataloged by AI, and it’s affecting your credibility.

Language learning models like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and others are indexing content from across the web to build their knowledge base. When someone searches for expertise in your niche, what comes up is determined by what AI can find, understand, and trust.

And right now, LinkedIn articles and Instagram content are one of the most powerful ways to establish your authority in these systems.

TikTok content? Not part of that equation. It should be a part of your marketing ecosystem, no doubt about that.

This is a big line. The algorithm rewards trend participation by pushing your content to people who don’t follow you yet. That’s how you break out of just reaching your existing audience.

So if all trends start on TikTok, why shouldn’t you make TikTok the origin point for most “viral” platforms?

Here’s the truth about social media as we close out 2025 and jump into 2026:

The algorithm isn’t the enemy. It’s handing you opportunities every single day through trends, audio, and discoverability. But only if you know how to use it.

Most businesses are still treating social media like a megaphone. Post and pray. Hope someone sees it. Wonder why nothing’s working.

That’s where I come in.

I’m Leslie, and I help businesses turn social media strategies into real, tangible engagement. I’m More specifically, I help busy business owners who are tired of posting into the void. Now’s the time to actually growing you.

I offer training for you and your team on:

How to spot trends early (and adapt them to your business)
Building a sustainable content machine that doesn’t burn you out
Using trends, SEO, and platform algorithms to your advantage
Creating an online presence that makes people stop, pay attention, and remember you when your new clients models like Chat GPT to write and trust contactable when you new clients need

Ready to level up?

If you’re tired of putting in the work on social but not seeing results, DM me “SOCIALS” and I can help you put your Instagram making group? Just reply “SOCIALS” and I’ll send you details.

And if you ever want that Instagram making group? Just reply “SOCIALS” and I’ll send it to you next.

See you in two weeks,

Leslie Lyon

Part 3: How to Find Trends on TikTok (Without Living on the App)

You don’t need to scroll TikTok for hours to stay on top of trends. Here’s how to find what’s working without it becoming a second job:

1. Use TikTok’s Trend Discovery Page

TikTok literally built a trend finder for you.

How to access it:

Open TikTok
Tap the “Creative Center” (you can also Google “TikTok Creative Center”)
Tap Trends, then choose Songs, Hashtags, Creators, or Videos

You’ll see real-time trending audio, how fast it’s growing, and what niches it works best for. This data is gold for deciding what trends to jump on.

2. Scroll Your For You Page with Strategy

Your FYP is a personalized trend forecast.

Look for:

The same song/format appearing
The same format (e.g., trending)
The same dynamic (e.g., trending)

When you see something 3 times in 10 minutes, that’s an active trend.

Bonus: Your FYP shows you trends relevant to your niche, which is more valuable than jumping on a random viral trend.

3. Search “Trending Sounds” or “Viral Sounds” in TikTok’s Search Bar

Type:

“trending sounds”
“viral beats”
“viral sounds”

Creators and trend pages come live for you daily. Quick, easy, done.

The Best Shortcut (The One Most Creators Don’t Use)

Save the sounds you see trending on your scroll throughout the week. Then when you batch record content, you already have a list of sounds that are actively working.

This keeps you ahead of the trend while saving you hours of hunting later.

Bottom line: Set aside 10 minutes twice a week to check the Creative Center and scroll your FYP. Save what’s relevant. That’s it. You’re now trend-ready without TikTok taking over your life.

Part 4: Here’s the Truth About Social Media as We Close Out 2025 and Jump Into 2026

The algorithm isn’t the enemy. It’s handing you opportunities every single day through trends, audio, and discoverability. But only if you know how to use it.

Most businesses are still treating social media like a megaphone. Post and pray. Hope someone sees it. Wonder why nothing’s working.

That’s where I come in.

I’m Leslie, and I help business owners and teams turn their social media into real, tangible engagement and revenue. But More specifically, I’m tired of posting into the void, frustrated by low reach, increase engagement, and revenue. But More specifically by Find growth optimizing the tools the platforms are already giving you.

I offer training for you and your team on:

Spotting and using trends strategically (without looking cringy)
Building a sustainable content system that doesn’t burn you out
Using trends, SEO, and platform dynamics to your advantage
Creating an online strategy that makes people remember you when they’re ready to buy

Ready to level up?

DM me “SOCIALS” and let’s build a strategy that actually works for 2026. Because here’s here’s Podcast’s 23.5 I trust confidence can help you put your trends dominate your social media in 2026.

And if you ever want that Instagram sticking going? Just reply “SOCIALS” and I’ll send it to you next.

See you in few weeks,

Leslie Lyon

Next newsletter we will be discussing:

Important Changes to 2026 Social Media Strategy
Multi-Generational Agency
Branding + Sales Friendly with Integrity

See you in two weeks, Leslie Lyon

Why Social Media Trends Are Essential in 206

Why Social Media Trends Are Essential in 2026

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Why Social Media Trends Are Essential in 2026

If you’ve been ignoring social media trends because you think they’re just for influencers and dance videos, you’re leaving serious growth on the table. Trends aren’t a gimmick. They’re one of the most powerful tools for growing your reach, attracting new customers, and beating the algorithm in 2026.

Whether you run a real estate company, a law firm, an accounting practice, or any other business, trends can work for you. Here’s exactly why social media trends matter and how they can transform your organic reach.

Trending Audio Gets Algorithmic Priority

When you use trending audio on Instagram or TikTok, the platform pushes your content harder. Period.

Instagram and TikTok prioritize content that uses popular sounds because it keeps people on the app longer. Your video gets shown to more people simply because you’re riding that wave.

This isn’t a hack or a trick. It’s how the algorithm is designed to work. Platforms want people to engage with what’s popular, and when you participate in trends, you’re working with the algorithm instead of against it.

Every Social Media Trend Works for Every Business

“But I sell insurance/real estate/accounting services. Trends don’t apply to me.”

They absolutely do. Every trend can be adapted to any business or industry.

Take the Jackass trend going viral right now. People are using that iconic theme song to call out the wild, uncomfortable, or straight-up ridiculous parts of their industry:

A realtor can show themselves walking into a house with 47 cats
A lawyer can film themselves opening an email from that client
An accountant can document the shoebox of receipts a client just dropped off

The trend gives you the format and the audio. You just plug in your reality. That’s what makes social media trends work for ANY business.

Social Media Trends Unlock the Non-Follower Audience

This is the big one. The algorithm rewards trend participation by pushing your content to people who don’t follow you yet.

That’s how you break out of only reaching the same 200 people every time you post. Social media trends are how you get discovered by new potential customers who have never heard of you before.

When you use trending audio or participate in trending formats, you’re essentially getting free distribution to people outside your existing audience. That’s the entire point of organic growth.

Timing Social Media Trends Matters (But Not How You Think)

You don’t need to jump on a trend the second it starts. Actually, catching it on the upswing or even at its peak can work better for smaller accounts because that’s when the audio has maximum momentum.

Jump in when you see a trend 3 to 5 times on your feed, not when it’s brand new or completely dead.

Early adopters get credit for being first, but mid-cycle participants often get better reach because the trend has proven itself and the algorithm is pushing it hard.

Social Media Trends Build Relatability Faster Than Polished Content

Trends are inherently casual and human. When you participate, you’re showing up as part of the conversation, not above it.

People connect with businesses that feel like they’re in the mix, not just broadcasting perfectly curated content. Social media trends give you permission to be less perfect and more present.

This matters because today’s consumers want to buy from businesses they feel connected to. Trends help you build that connection faster than traditional branded content ever could.

Check out both Instagram and Tiktok Creators.

You Don't Need to Go Viral for Social Media Trends to Work

You can and should if your content is relatable. You might need outside eyes if you aren’t getting some viral posts. HOLLER, I’m open to reviewing your socials with you.

Even if your trend video gets 500 views instead of 50,000, you’ve likely reached 300 new people who’ve never seen your account before.

That’s 300 potential clients who now know you exist. Social media trends aren’t just about going viral. They’re about consistent discovery and steadily expanding your reach over time.

If you’re not incorporating trends into your content strategy, you’re leaving reach on the table. And in 2026, reach equals growth.

If you are curious what all we do here at LML, if it is digital we do it.

Why Social Media Trends Matter: The Bottom Line

Social media trends give you:

Algorithmic priority and increased distribution
Access to non-follower audiences
A way to showcase your brand personality
Consistent organic growth without ad spend
Connection and relatability with your target audience

Start with one trend this week. Adapt it to your business. Watch what happens.

Next step: Learn which platform you should focus on for maximum SEO impact in our next post: [Instagram vs TikTok: Choosing Your Hero Channel for Trends]

Resourses:

Instagram Creators: https://creators.instagram.com/

Tiktok Creators: https://www.tiktok.com/creators/

Social Media Algorithms: https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-algorithm/

How I Hit 2.5 Million Views in 7 Days (And What You Can Learn From It)

Let’s talk about results, because trends mean nothing if they don’t translate into traction.

Recently, I hit 2.5 million views in just 7 days, and it wasn’t luck, virality magic, or selling my soul to the algorithm. It came from a very intentional mix of:

1. Trend Strategy with Purpose

I didn’t just follow trends. I applied the right ones at the right time. I used trending formats, audios, angles, and timing that aligned with what my audience was already thinking about. Trends aren’t about copying. They’re about riding momentum with intention.

2. Radical Authenticity

I showed up as myself. Voice, personality, opinions, and all. People are not engaging with perfect content anymore. They are engaging with real humans. That alone can multiply your reach.

3. Trail Reels (My Secret Weapon)

I leveraged Trail Reels, which push your content out to non-followers. That means fresh eyes, new leads, and audience growth without boosting. If you aren’t using Trail Reels yet, you are missing one of the easiest organic visibility tools available right now.

4. Hero Platform Focus

Instagram is my Hero Platform. It is the place where my content hits hardest and where I show up the strongest. Instead of trying to be everywhere, I mastered one platform. Then I expanded.

5. Smart Repurposing

I took the winning content and repurposed it across all my channels:
TikTok
Pinterest
Facebook
Email
YouTube Shorts
LinkedIn
One piece of content became multiple touchpoints and massive visibility.

What You Can Take From This

You do not need virality.
You need clarity, consistency, and a strategy aligned with the platforms that carry the most weight for you.
Apply these steps and you will increase visibility without burning yourself out or posting 14 times a day.

Why My Marketing Works (And Why You Should Listen)

One of the reasons my strategy works so well, for me and for my clients, is that I’m not teaching theory. I have built, launched, and scaled five businesses in the last eight years.

Here is what that means:

1. I Understand Real World Pressure

Most marketing advice comes from people who have never worried about payroll, client churn, or doing everything alone or with a small team. I have lived it, more than once.

2. I Know What Drives Sales and What Doesn’t

Running businesses in different industries taught me exactly what moves people, what converts, and what is simply noise. My strategies come from experience, not guesswork.

3. I Have Tested Everything I Teach

Funnels, content systems, CRMs, branding, offers, ads. I have broken things, rebuilt things, optimized things, and refined every system I teach today.

4. I Do Not Believe in Overcomplication

When you have built multiple businesses, you learn very quickly that complexity kills momentum. Everything I teach is designed to be simple, repeatable, and profitable.

5. I Know How to Build From Zero

Starting from scratch repeatedly gives you the kind of clarity that no course can teach. You learn what matters and what doesn’t. You learn how to get traction fast. You learn how to build systems that do not fall apart.

That is why my marketing works.
It is built on real life, not “Instagram guru” theory.

The Marketing Ecosystem -8 Pillars

with No Comment 8 Pillars of Digital Marketing

1. Attract & Engage

Bring people into your world.

Social media (IG, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest)
SEO / blogs
PR / podcasts/webinars
Paid ads (visibility campaigns)

2. Capture & Convert

Turn attention into leads.

Lead magnets + freebies
Landing pages + opt-in forms
Quizzes, webinars, challenges
Low-ticket offers (tripwires)

3. Nurture Relationships

Build trust + authority.

Email sequences + newsletters
DM conversations
Private communities (FB groups, Slack, Circle)
Storytelling content (blogs, carousels, reels)

4. Book & Close

Turn leads into clients.

Sales calls / discovery calls
Sales pages + funnels
Evergreen webinars / video sales letters
Live launches or challenges

5. Paid to Perform

Scale visibility + conversion.

Facebook / Instagram ads
Google ads + retargeting
TikTok ads / Pinterest ads
Split testing + optimization

6. Deliver & Delight

Client experience = client retention.

Client onboarding flows (emails, welcome kits, portals)
Coaching, services, or DFY delivery
Weekly updates + milestone check-ins
Surprise & delight moments

7. Upsell & Cross-Sell

Increase lifetime value.

Advanced programs (VIP days, masterminds)
Product suites + bundles
Add-on services
Renewal pathways

8. Amplify the Love

Turn clients into marketers.

Testimonials + case studies
Referrals + affiliate programs
Client spotlights + social proof
Community building + alumni groups

Ecosystem

All 8 pillars connect. A healthy marketing system means your ecosystem works like a cycle: attract → capture → nurture → convert → deliver → upsell → amplify → back to attract.

Check out my more in depth delivery here.

The 5-Stage Customer Journey for Small Business: Convert More Clients at Every Step

with No Comment Customer Journey Uncategorized

You might need more content but I promise what you for sure need is purpose behind the content. You need the right content at the right time with a purpose behind every piece. That is the entire point of a mapped and optimized customer journey.

If you are a coach, consultant, or service provider wondering why your reels, freebies, or email list are not producing real leads or sales, it is probably because your journey has missing links. The fix is simple. Five stages. One strategy. And a clear plan for what to say and where to say it.

Why the Customer Journey Is the Missing Link

Imagine your client experience like a GPS. If you do not know where someone is starting or how to guide them to a sale, they are going to stall or exit before they convert.

Most business owners go heavy on awareness but ignore the rest of the path. That is why you get stuck in the feast and famine cycle. With a smart journey map, you can create intentional pathways that move people from discovery to decision and from client to brand advocate.

More Information on the Customer Journey

Click Here

The Five-Stage Customer Journey Framework

1. Awareness

At this stage, people are discovering you for the first time. They are skeptical, curious, and overwhelmed by too many choices. Your job is to get their attention and immediately signal that you understand their problem.

What works here:

Reels that challenge common myths or frustrations
SEO blog posts and Pinterest content that expand your reach
Freebies that solve a small, specific problem and lead to your list
Content hooks like “Three reasons your content is not converting”
View all our products here

2. Consideration

Now your leads are comparing options. They are watching, lurking, and wondering if you are different than the rest. Your job is to make trust easy. This is where your authority and clarity need to shine.

What helps build trust:

A “Start Here” highlight or landing page that outlines who you help and how
Welcome email sequences with case studies and clear next steps
Testimonials, before and after examples, and proof of process
Strong DMs or comment replies that guide people to schedule a call
Our Services are all listed here

3. Decision

This is where most leads hesitate. They are interested but scared. Price, trust, and timing concerns come up. Your job here is to reduce risk, answer objections, and provide a clear next step.

Ways to support decision-making:

A low-ticket strategy session or audit they can try before committing
Carousel content that addresses fears like “I have been burned by agencies before”
A transparent “How We Work” page that outlines your process and pricing
A strong call-to-action that makes it easy to say yes

4. Loyalty

Once someone says yes, your work is just beginning. This is where you build long-term trust by delivering a standout client experience. You want new clients to feel supported, heard, and excited to stay.

How to create loyal clients:

A branded welcome kit or getting started video
A dashboard or tracker that shows progress and wins
Weekly updates and fast responses to client questions
A 30-day check-in to ask what is working and what they need next

5. Advocacy

Your happiest clients want to refer you, but they often do not know how. Your job is to make it easy to share their success and invite others into your world.

How to spark referrals:

An email asking for a testimonial with links and sample prompts
A Canva template they can share to Instagram stories or LinkedIn
A quarterly referral incentive or client spotlight feature
A follow-up that says, “Who else needs this and how can we thank you for the intro”

Discover what people are searching and what is trending.

Meet Journey Genius

This is not theory. This is what Journey Genius does for you. It walks you through each stage of your customer journey, identifies your gaps, and tells you exactly what to create next.

It asks questions like

How do people find you
What makes them hesitate
What convinces them to commit
What keeps them coming back
What turns them into superfans

Then it gives you custom advice on what to post, how to automate, and how to turn cold leads into consistent sales.

Ready to Optimize Your Journey

Use this framework to audit your own customer path. Where are you strong. Where are you invisible. Fix that, and you will stop guessing and start converting.

Need help mapping it out. Journey Genius was built to guide you through it step by step. Let it do the heavy lifting so you can focus on what you do best.

Get Instant Access to My Customized GPT- Journey Genius

Decentering Men at Work: Rewriting Power in the Office

with No Comment Decentering Men

There’s an unspoken script in most work environments and it centers men. From who speaks first in meetings to who gets praised for “leadership qualities,” the professional world was built on a model that benefits masculine traits and sidelines those not in that avenue.

I have actively been studying decentering men in all areas of my life for a few years. I would not equate this with feminism in any way. What I would call it is a complete rewiring of the programming we have all been handed. It is wild how deep it goes. Even when I think I have it sorted I can see myself viewing things through a lens of the masculine programming I was steeped in.

Not only is what we were handed toxic for us it is also toxic for men as well. Elevating them in a way they are quite literally kept from being their authentic selves. For those that are new to this concept it can bring up a variety of responses from defensiveness to injustice. I would remind you these emotions are simply a mirror for you to look at yourself more fully with.

1. The Invisible Default: When Men Are the Baseline

In most companies, being male is the unspoken norm. Leadership styles are modeled after command-and-control. Assertiveness is applauded in men, questioned in women. Empathy is framed as “nice to have,” not a strategic asset. And when men dominate the conversation, it’s seen as natural. When anyone else tries? It’s called “aggressive,” “emotional,” or “too much.”

Decentering men at work begins with recognizing these patterns, not to shame, but to shift.

There has been a natural evolution towards this in many arenas. There are also some industries and environments that will resist.

At the founder level the majority of companies are male led and by default male centered. The concept of decentering in the workplace has many nuances and great potential to be an evolution that is filled with honor for the variety of ways an organization can grow and reach goals.

2. Masculinity as Efficiency: The Culture That Rewards Burnout

Urgency culture. Hustle culture. The need to always be “on.” These are workplace values often rooted in masculine performance. Being productive is prized over being human. But when workplaces only value speed, domination, and relentless output, they ignore the quiet power of reflection, collaboration, and sustainable pacing, all strengths often brought by women or better said by anyone who views the old paradigm as expired and dare to try something new.

Decentering men at work means challenging the myth that fast is always better, and that only one mode of working is valid. There are so many ways to the same destination and opening up to what that looks like is key to shifting out of old paradigms and beliefs.

3. Leadership Isn’t Loud: Dismantling the Old Blueprint

The best leaders aren’t the loudest in the room. They’re the ones who listen, who notice, who build trust. Leadership that centers emotional intelligence, empathy, and mutual respect isn’t soft, it’s strategic. Decentering men at work means redefining what power looks like. It’s not about removing men. It’s about removing the assumption that there’s only one right way to lead.

This work isn’t only about women this is a collective work that requires emotional intelligence and mental flexibility. These two traits are the currency of the future in any arena.

I love men, I raised four amazing men that actually got me started on what a healthy view of the masculine arena looks like. Reprogamming ourselves to a more fluid gender programming is the key to decentering men.

Hear me: we all carry masculine and feminine in our experiences. If we can remove some of this need for one to be better and embrace whichever part of our programming has been repressed we will be better off. Truth is the majority of us regardless of our sex have had a feminine attributes repressed. If we can bring those forward we can be more balanced in our approach.

I would go so far to say that decentering truly is un-brainwashing ourselves to see we are both and can be both and both have value in every single arena we are in.

4. What Decentering Men Actually Looks Like

It’s not theoretical. It’s practical. Here’s what it actually looks like day-to-day:

Creating space for emotional intelligence as a leadership skill, not a liability
Making room for nonlinear paths to success, letting go of “the way it’s always been done”
Turning down roles or requests that default to women or caretakers (note-taking, morale-boosting, cleaning up office messes, literal or emotional)
Naming where credit is due in real time and ensuring credit isn’t hijacked in meetings
Designing team roles, job descriptions, and reviews that reward collaboration, intuition, and relationship-building
Checking in with your own assumptions when you think someone is being “too sensitive” or “not assertive enough”
Letting silence, spaciousness, and reflection be just as valued as speed and output
Choosing language that doesn’t default to male-centered metaphors or hierarchy
Removing the male lens from every thought, convo, and idea

In short, decentering men at work is about updating the system to honor a fuller range of humanity, not just the part that gets the loudest applause.

5. Everyone Gains When We Share the Mic

This isn’t about shaming men, it’s about evolving work for everyone. When we decenter men, we open the door for everyone to lead in a powerful way. To not have to perform stoicism. To ask for help. Everyone benefits when the workplace stops being a performance of toughness and becomes a space for growth, evolution and honor.

Examples of Male Centered Work Expereinces

I thought it might help if I gave you an example of what male centered programming looks like:

If you’ve ever felt the need to apologize before speaking up, worried about being ‘too much’ in a meeting, or downplayed a bold idea to seem more agreeable, congrats, you’ve met the inner voice trained by male-centered programming. It’s that whisper that says, ‘Don’t rock the boat,’ even when your insight could steer the whole ship.

How about this one….Ever hesitated to negotiate your salary because you didn’t want to come off as ‘difficult’ or ‘ungrateful’? That’s male-centered programming at play. It teaches women that confidence in men is assertiveness, but in women, it’s audacity. So we shrink, smile, and accept less, just to seem easy to work with.

If you have ever had a discussion about a co-worker’s clothing it was 9/10 about a woman’s clothing not a man’s. This would be where decentering starts to control those not in the line they want them.

The ironic part of this entire process is that a good majority of women are enforcing the male centered view because they are simply so steeped in their own toxic male lens they don’t see their own unique feminine qualities. Or worse they view them as a weakness.

How Women Can Do the Work of Decentering:

Examine internalized bias. Notice when you expect men to lead, speak, or validate ideas before you believe them yourself.
Unlearn the ‘good girl’ narrative. Practice asking for what you need—clearly, directly, unapologetically.
Say no to default emotional labor. You don’t have to organize the birthday cards or mentor every new hire unless you want to.
Take up space. In meetings, on teams, in leadership—own your ideas and speak them with authority.
Support other women publicly. Repost their wins. Back their ideas. Say their names in rooms they’re not in. Buy their products and services.

Challenge hierarchy when needed. Ask: “Why is this process/leader/voice always the default?” Then offer a new possibility.

How Men Can Support Decentering Workplaces:

Listen without defensiveness. When someone points out bias or imbalance, resist the urge to explain it away. Ask, “What can I do differently?, What is my part in this? How can I be more inclusive in my role?”
Amplify underrepresented voices. If you notice a woman being interrupted or ignored, pause the room and redirect attention back to her. This is an ultimate power play that garners instant respect.
Share the spotlight. If you’re given credit for something that was a team effort (or not your idea), call it out. Publicly.
Decline the default leadership role. If you’re always assumed to lead, offer to step aside or co-lead with someone who brings a different perspective.
Model emotional intelligence. Talk about burnout, fear, mistakes. Show vulnerability. You’ll give others permission to do the same.

Challenge locker-room culture. Don’t let “jokes” or dismissive language slide in meetings or behind closed doors. Boys are only boys when allowed to be. That needs to end.

Final Thoughts

Decentering Is a Daily Practice, Not a One-Time Fix This work is ongoing. It requires curiosity, compassion, and courage. It means choosing to lead with intention instead of inertia.

We each hold the power to shift culture by how we show up, how we speak up, and how we share power. Decentering men at work isn’t about erasure. It’s about expansion. It’s the brave, necessary work of honoring the full spectrum of human capacity.

6 Steps to Create a Social Media Strategy for Small Business That Actually Works

with No Comment 8 Pillars of Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Instagram Social Media

Social Media Strategy for Small Business

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, this 6-step social media strategy for small business will help you plan smarter, post better, and convert more.In the fast-paced world of social media, standing out and making a meaningful impact requires strategic planning, creative content, and consistent engagement. To navigate this dynamic landscape successfully, it’s crucial to develop a comprehensive social media strategy that not only captures the essence of your brand but also resonates with your target audience. By following these six essential steps, you can create a robust social media presence that effectively communicates your brand’s message, fosters meaningful connections, and drives business growth. From uncovering your rivals’ strategies to analyzing your social media results, each step is designed to build a solid foundation for your brand’s digital footprint, ensuring you stay ahead in the competitive social media game.

Step 1: Uncover Rivals’ Winning Strategies- Plus one cautionary share

Caution First: I am not big on spending a ton of time looking at competitors unless you can do it objectively. It’s not uncommon to fall into comparison. Some analysis is always good if you can stay neutral and objective. You should be able to remain in your brand voice and be authentic while still seeing what your respected competitors are doing. If you can’t then pay someone who can or don’t engage in researching your competitors. Always keep in mind that there is room for everyone at the table and there is no other business like your or you!

Market Research: Conduct in-depth market research to understand the competitive landscape.
Competitor Analysis: Assess competitors’ social media performance, identifying which platforms yield the most engagement and the content types that resonate with their audience.

Step 2: Create a Content Strategy

Audience Identification: Define your target audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.
Content Pillars: Develop content pillars that align with your brand identity and audience interests, ensuring a balanced mix of promotional, educational, and entertaining content all this helps establish social media strategy for small business.
Editorial Calendar: Establish an editorial calendar to schedule posts across platforms, maintaining a consistent brand voice and message.

Here are some types of content to consider:

Video short and long form
Live streaming
Blogs and articles
Text-based posts
Images
External content
Infographics
Ebooks
Testimonials
Memes video and static

Step 3: Create Small Business Social Media Content

Content Creation: Produce high-quality, engaging content tailored to each social media platform, emphasizing visuals, storytelling, and brand values.
Brand Consistency: Ensure all content reflects your brand’s identity, with consistent use of colors, logos, and messaging to enhance brand recognition.
User-Generated Content: Promote and share user-generated content to build community and authenticity around your brand.
Employee-Generated Content: Founder and Employee generated content allows people to know who makes up your brand.
Check out these trends……
Want to go deeper on what to create and why check this out.

Step 4: Distribute Small Business Social Media Content

Cross-Platform Publishing: Use social media management tools for efficient publishing across multiple platforms.
Optimal Timing: Schedule posts for when your audience is most active, using analytics to identify the best posting times.
Promotion: Apply both organic and paid strategies to maximize content reach and visibility.

Step 5: Engage With Your Audience

Community Management: Actively monitor and respond to comments, messages, and mentions to cultivate a responsive and engaged community.
Social Listening: Employ social listening tools to track brand mentions, industry trends, and customer feedback, enabling real-time engagement and proactive issue resolution.
Influencer Collaboration: Collaborate with influencers who embody your brand’s values to expand reach and establish trust with potential customers. For small businesses specifically I always suggest UCG- user generated content. Yes you can pay for these but most of you have clients who will happily provide you with relevant content that shares your products or services.

Step 6: Analyze Your Social Media Results

Performance Metrics: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as engagement rate, follower growth, and website traffic from social media.
Analytics Tools: Use the analytics features of social media platforms to gain insights into content performance and audience behavior.
Continuous Improvement: Consistently review analytics to determine effective strategies and areas for improvement, leveraging data-driven insights to refine your social media strategy continuously.

Social Media Strategy for Small Business

These steps provide a structured approach for any brand to develop and execute an effective social media strategy, leveraging competitive insights, content planning, audience engagement, and analytics for ongoing improvement for any social media strategy for small business.

Ready to finally create a social media strategy for small business that works without burning out? Let’s make that plan together.

Why Defining Your Ideal Client Avatar Should Be Step One in Your Marketing Strategy

with No Comment Client Avatar

Why Defining Your Ideal Client Avatar Should Be Step One in Your Marketing Strategy

If your content isn’t converting or your offers aren’t resonating, it’s not because your platform is broken—it’s because your messaging isn’t clear enough.

And that clarity starts with defining your Ideal Client Avatar.

What’s an Ideal Client Avatar, Really?

An Ideal Client Avatar (ICA) is a detailed profile of the person you’re best equipped to help. It’s not just about their age or income—it’s about their mindset, struggles, desires, and buying behavior.

This profile becomes the foundation for:

Your content strategy
Your brand messaging
Your sales funnels
Your client experience

If you don’t know who you’re speaking to, you can’t expect your marketing to land.

But What If You Serve More Than One Type of Client?

Good news: You can (and likely should) have more than one avatar.

Especially if you’re multipassionate or offer multiple services (like done-for-you work and consulting). Each audience will need its own messaging, its own pathway, and sometimes its own funnel.

Here’s the key: Market to one person at a time.
Don’t try to cram everyone into one catch-all campaign. Segment your strategy so each avatar gets a tailored experience that speaks directly to their pain points and goals.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

Marketing without avatars leads to:

Bland, forgettable content
Low-converting offers
Poor-fit clients
Wasted time and ad spend

With clear avatars, your brand messaging sharpens, your content connects, and your sales process becomes more intuitive—and effective.

What Defining Your Avatar Unlocks

Sharper Messaging
No more filler content. You’ll write posts, emails, and offers that feel like they were made just for the reader.
Stronger Lead Quality
You’ll stop attracting “meh” leads and start pulling in aligned, ready-to-work-with-you clients.
Better Conversions
When your audience feels seen, they’re more likely to trust—and buy.
Streamlined Systems
Clear avatars help you build automations, email sequences, and sales funnels that actually perform.
Confidence in Your Strategy
You’ll stop second-guessing and start executing with precision.

What to Include in Your Avatar Profile

Demographics: Age, role, income, location
Psychographics: Values, fears, habits, motivators
Pain Points: What’s keeping them stuck?
Buying Behavior: What have they tried? What didn’t work?
Decision Drivers: What makes them commit?

And remember—each offer might have a different avatar. That’s normal. Just don’t try to speak to all of them at once.

Tools to Help You Get Started

I created a custom GPT to help you define your ideal avatar. Below is a form to fill out and then I will send you an email with free access to that.

You do have to have the paid version of Chat GPT to access it. If you don’t have that shoot me an email and let me know you need more support with that.

How to Build a Magnetic Social Strategy That Does Not Burn You Out

with No Comment Instagram

The problem is likely a combination of things…

You don’t have a direct plan and strategy in place, you likely aren’t creating with conversions in mind, and you’re trying to do everything everywhere at once.

That’s why it feels like you’re running in circles online.
You don’t need 14 platforms. You need one powerhouse platform like Instagram to do the heavy lifting, then let that content ripple out strategically

This post breaks down a scalable system that gets you seen and sells, without the constant social media grind.

Start with a Platform That Plays to Your Strengths (Hint: Instagram)

Instagram gives you the perfect combination of discovery through Reels and carousels, trust-building through Stories, and conversions through DMs and Links. Start here and build a content hub that fuels every other platform. It is also now being indexed by google.

Step 1: Create One Core Weekly Content schedule (Instagram First)

Pick your signature content style:

Reels
Carousels
Static Posts

These are your anchor. Make it value-packed, save-worthy, and aligned with what you sell.

Example: A Reel that says “3 signs your content is costing you leads” that teaches and ends with a soft call to action to book a consultation.

Step 2: Repurpose Like a CEO, Not a slave to socials

From that one post, repurpose into:

Email: Turn the post into a newsletter with a story, tip, and call to action. Sign Up for my NEWSLETTER.
Stories: Behind the scenes of making it, client example, poll or slider on the topic
Pinterest: Create a pin from the hook and link back to the blog or Reel
Blog: Expand the post into a how-to or listicle like this one
LinkedIn or Facebook: Copy and paste the post and tweak the hook or headline
TikTok or YouTube Short: Reuse the Reel as-is or add new caption overlays

Step 3: Batch Your Workflow by Platform, Not by Post

Instead of writing five separate posts, do this:

Monday: Draft the core Instagram post/posts for the week
Tuesday: Film or design it in Edits
Wednesday: Repurpose into email and Pinterest
Thursday: Schedule repurposed content in your preferred tool or even meta
Friday: Rest and check the stat of what performed.
Personally I do this all daily in 30 min and it’s a no-brainer for me to get it done.

Step 4: Align Everything to Your Offer

Each post should gently lead to one of these:

Booking a call
Downloading a freebie
Sending a DM with a keyword
Joining your email list

Magnetic content is not just educational. It is multi-directional.

Bonus: My Favorite Tools for This Flow

Edits for sure for video editing for Instagram
Canva Pro for Carousels and Pinterest graphics
GoHighLevel for automations and scheduling
Social Pilot

Your Strategy Is Just Overcomplicated.

If your content is not converting or feels exhausting, or even too overwhelmed to start it is probably because you are creating for every platform at once instead of building a repurposing machine.

Start with one core Instagram post. Build out from there. Keep it simple, bold, and client-focused.

What would it look like if you got serious about your business and quit acting like it was hobby?!