Stop the Social Media Hamster Wheel

You know that feeling you get when you’re at a summer fair, trying to win that stuffed bear for your little one (like I was on Tuesday afternoon, because - who doesn't need ANOTHER toy these days? lol) 

You spend hours tossing rings and aiming darts, only to realize you’ve spent way too much time and money on something that might not even bring you the joy you were hoping for. 

That, my friend, is what social media can feel like for us business owners.

We’re often told that building a massive following is the golden ticket to success. But I’m here to tell you – your social media following doesn’t matter as much as you think it does. 

When I first started my journey, I spent countless hours crafting the perfect Instagram posts, trying to catch the algorithm’s attention.

It felt like running on a hamster wheel – lots of effort, but not getting anywhere meaningful. Sure, the likes and followers trickled in, but the real, meaningful connections? Not so much.

It’s like when you’re at the grocery store in our small town, and you bump into a neighbor. You chat about the weather, swap garden tips, and maybe even share a recipe. 

Now compare that to scrolling through a sea of perfectly curated social media posts. Which one feels more real to you?

Here’s the truth: a smaller, engaged community is far more powerful than a massive, indifferent audience. It’s the difference between having a few close friends who have your back and a crowd of people who wouldn’t notice if you disappeared. 

Instead of chasing numbers, focus on building relationships. Reach out directly to your clients, send personalized emails, and create content that resonates deeply with those who already value what you offer.

It’s like nurturing a small garden – tending to each plant with care rather than trying to manage a sprawling, unwieldy field.

I remember a few years ago when I decided to spend more time offline, connecting with people in a more meaningful way. I hosted a small workshop in our town hall, and let me tell you, the impact was incredible.

The conversations were rich, the connections were REAL, and the feedback was heartfelt. It reminded me of the power of real interactions. 

So, as we soak up the summer sun and make the most of these long, beautiful days, let’s rethink our approach to growing our businesses.

Let’s focus less on the flashy numbers and more on the real, meaningful connections that truly create success!

Here how you can create a small (but passionate!) community:

✨ Personalized Content: Share content that truly reflects the life and dreams of your audience. We all know those generic stock photos and cookie-cutter posts just don’t cut it anymore. Your community deserves better! Think about the unique stories, values, and aspirations of your audience. Share images that resonate with them on a deeper level. 

This isn’t just about posting pretty pictures – it’s about creating content that speaks directly to the hearts of your followers.

This way, you’re not just adding to the noise; you’re starting a conversation that matters. Let’s make sure your content stands out and truly connects with your community.

✨ Create a Facebook Group or Private Community: Cultivate a sense of community by creating a private group where your audience can share their experiences, ask questions, and support each other. Be active in the group, responding to posts and encouraging discussion. This is your space to create and share meaningful conversations.

 ✨ Share Client Success Stories: Highlight the achievements of your clients. Not only does this celebrate their success, but it also shows potential clients the real impact of your services. Create a template for collecting client testimonials and use them in your emails and social media.

✨ Engage with Comments and Messages: Take the time to respond thoughtfully to comments and direct messages. Showing that you care about your audience’s thoughts and questions goes a long way. Set aside dedicated time each day to interact with your audience. Engagement is key to building trust.

✨ Offer Exclusive Content: Provide your community with exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes looks, early access to new products, or special discounts. This makes your community feel valued and appreciated. Sharing exclusive content creates a deeper bond with your audience.

✨Run Challenges and Contests: Engage your community with fun challenges or contests. This encourages participation and creates a sense of camaraderie. Offer prizes that are meaningful to your audience. It’s a fun way to create excitement and interaction.

✨Provide Real Value: Engage your community with fun challenges or contests. This encourages participation and creates a sense of camaraderie. Offer prizes that are meaningful to your audience. It’s a fun way to create excitement and interaction.

✨Host Live Events: Go live on social media or your website to interact with your audience in real-time. Answer questions, share updates, and provide value. Promote these sessions in advance to maximize attendance. Live sessions are a great way to share and connect in the moment.

Here's the thing. 

The more people engage with technology, the more they crave real connections. We’re drowning in information and notifications all day, yet many of us feel lonelier than ever.

It’s like attending a huge party where you don’t know anyone – sure, there’s excitement and noise, but it lacks the warmth of a heart-to-heart chat with a good friend.

That’s why building a small, engaged community is so powerful. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Where real conversations happen, and genuine connections are made.

As business owners, we have the opportunity to cultivate these communities, to share more than just content – to offer them a place to belong.

Here’s to making the most of our time and building something that truly matters! 

Amber xo

PS. We would LOVE to see what you're up to...take 2 minutes to share the links to your latest links in the group here.  Can't wait to check it out!  🥳