Today, I’m giving you the ultimate ten minute crash course in social media marketing. We’re diving into the real differences between traditional marketing (think billboards, sales copy, and campaigns) and the world of social media, where connection, community, and belonging matter more than ever. I’ll share why selling shouldn’t be your primary focus on social platforms and how to shift your mindset to prioritize genuine human connection, because showing up as yourself is the fastest way to g...
Social media isn’t just about churning out endless posts, it’s also about genuine engagement and community building. Even if you only have a few minutes a day, you can still build engagement into your daily routine. I'll walk you through my signature 10-10-10 Method aka The Shannon Method, for intentional engagement, and share stories of how meaningful conversations, (yes, real convos in the DMs!) can lead to unexpected friendships, collaborations, and business growth. Whether you’re managing...
If you’ve been looking for your winning content strategy: it’s hiding in plain sight! We’ll discuss our favorite type of content right now: personal and less polished, while we break down real examples with viral hooks. Plus, I'm going beyond just Instagram today, I’ll let you in on my favorite carousels taking both Instagram and TikTok by storm (with links!) and we’ll talk about studying your own scrolling and buying habits to unlock the kind of content that drives engagement and sales, all ...
Sometimes creating new, original content just isn’t in the cards. It’s been a busy, chaotic week here, so I’m sharing my go-to for creating content when life gets too busy to plan, edit, and create something new. I’m sharing how I use intentional B-roll days, compelling hooks, and the magic of repurposing to consistently show up on social media without burning out. We’ll discuss practical tips for capturing your own engaging B-roll, along with tons of examples using my favorite hooks that wil...
This episode is an absolute wake-up call for anyone feeling overwhelmed, bored, or even frustrated by the never-ending content creation cycle. I’m not here to make you feel like you’re doing something wrong, because you’re not! Instead, I want to get real about what’s actually working in the world of content right now. Spoiler: it’s not hacks or gimmicks, and it’s definitely not boring, impersonal posts. Instead, we’re talking about humanizing your brand, sharing your vibe, and making your ac...
Consider your next five Instagram posts done! This week I’m sharing what I would post to your Instagram account if I was your social media manager, so you can stop wondering what to post. I’ll walk you through exactly what I would be posting if I was running your account, whether you’re a coffee shop owner, realtor, or run a bigger business. We’re talking about random thoughts to educational demos, with POV storytelling, community-building content, and the easy carousels that we’re all loving...
I’ve been seeing and preaching this major shift on Instagram and across social platforms for a while. Yes, I’m talking about the move away from cold, expert-only content back to building authentic, human connection, so let’s get into why it matters, how it can make your business thrive, and what it really looks like in action. I’m sharing real examples, honest client stories, and practical advice to help you start blending your expertise with personality so your audience can actually relate t...
Without stories, I would not have the business or the community I have today, I truly believe that. For years I've been using Instagram stories as a way to bond with my community, not just as a tool for selling or boosting engagement, but as a real connection, sharing what’s happening throughout my day, what I’m doing, where I’m going, what I’m watching. I want that connection for you too, so I’m sharing my own experiences, like how a single Instagram Story led me to my new favorite restauran...
Let’s get into one of the biggest hang-ups I see with business owners on social media: the belief that if you’re not a creator, you don’t need to make creator-level content. After a recent conference, I realized just how big this disconnect still is. So today, I’m breaking down why your content needs to have that human, personal touch (just like creators and even big name brands do). I’ll walk you through real life examples from my explore page, showing you how businesses of any size can easi...
Today we’re diving into something that so many of you have been asking for, how to start (or refresh!) your Instagram from scratch, without all the second guessing. Whether you’re brand new to the platform or you’ve been around a while and just need an account audit, I have tons of practical tips and golden nuggets to help you take the guesswork out of establishing a strong Instagram presence. We’ll walk through everything from the three lines every Instagram bio needs, to what your pinned po...
What really drives growth on social media? It might not be what you think. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a niche or worried your content is too personal to help your business, you need to hear this. I’m sharing how my mentor Sara Wiles exploded her Instagram following just by posting what she’s passionate about, and how big brands are nailing social by being, well, more human. We’ll break down my top two Instagram growth hacks, focusing on bonding with your audience and creating content that’s...
Let’s unpack what’s really working on social media right now, it’s all about feeling and nostalgia. In this episode I’m diving into why people are craving content that’s emotional, specific, and makes them feel something. I share real examples of trending content, including two major summer trends that I’m loving, plus actionable ways you can apply these trends to your own business, whether you’re in real estate, education, hospitality, or any other industry. We’ll discuss how specificity and...
It’s time to wrap up our deep dive into the power of belonging in your social media marketing. In this episode, we’ll discuss creating “heard” content, evergreen strategies like the “you’re not alone” messaging and why pinning empathetic, relatable posts or reintroducing yourself can establish a welcoming vibe for new and returning visitors. With an emphasis on storytelling, we’ll talk about using customer wins, founder stories, and everyday relatable moments to spark a “that’s me!” reaction,...
At the heart of every thriving social media presence is a feeling of belonging, and in this episode I’m breaking down why cultivating a sense of belonging isn’t just a nice extra, it’s a non-negotiable. Inspired by a stand-out Instagram reel and a real-life story of resilience, we’ll discuss helping your audience feel truly seen, heard, and part of something special, whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a big brand. Plus, I’ll give you a simple assignment to start infusing that sense of belo...
Today, we’re diving into something that trips up so many entrepreneurs and content creators: understanding the strengths and differences between static images, carousels, and reels on Instagram. These formats have evolved so much over the years, and in this episode I’ll break down what makes each one unique, why you don’t need to choose just one, and how to play to your strengths and your audience’s preferences. We’ll talk about the shifts in content trends, like the rise of “me” and “I...
Have you ever felt puzzled by how trial reels actually work, or wondered what type of content actually pops off for non-followers? You’re not alone! I’ve been experimenting with trial reels since they first launched, testing out different hooks and content styles, and I’m here to share what’s really working. We’ll explore why storytelling and clear elevator pitch style intros just might be the secret sauce for trial reels, plus I’ll walk you through my step by step process so you can test, du...
This episode is coming to you straight from the beach and we’re diving into one of my favorite categories from my signature 4H Method. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the advice about content calendars, conversion posts, and complicated strategies, this is the episode for you. I’ll break down why making your audience feel heard is so important when it comes to creating your Instagram content, plus I’m sharing some of my most effective hooks and real viral examples that have actually co...
This summer is going to be amazing for your content and we are going to kick it off by exploring how today’s biggest brands (think Oreo, Taco Bell, and DSW) are embracing a more personal, relatable approach in their content marketing. We’ll walk through some big brand reels breaking down how they fit into the REP hook, discussing why the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing, and how being human and relatable always wins, even in a world driven by trends and algorithms. In this epi...
Today’s episode is a bit extra special, because I’m recording from our very own beach house at the Outer Banks! I’m sharing the wild, emotional journey of how I was able to buy the lot next to my grandmother’s original cottage and how content creation made it all possible. We’ll also talk about why the best content these days looks and feels like it’s coming from a real person, and I’ll break down strategies for simple, relatable posts that make you the friend people want to follow, no matter...
When you create content you’re passionate about, your audience feels it, and that authenticity leads to better engagement and faster growth for your brand. Today, we’re talking about my tried and true R.E.P. hook formula: Relatable, Expertise, and Personal. We’ll discuss how to infuse these elements into your reels, using relatable words, recognizable brands or phrases, and personal storytelling to create effortless, trust-building content. I also share tips on structuring your hooks on scree...