The Social Strategist

Instagram AI Update: AI Labels. Instagram is labeling content using the background remover tool as Ai. Creators are NOT happy about it. In this week's update I'm covering everything you need to know about Instagram from the Canva background remover controversy to Google Search Console's new integration and more!   CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 0:16 Instagram's AI Mislabeling Controversy 0:51 The EU Transparency Act 2:31 How Other Platforms Handle AI Labeling 5:10 Google Search Console Now Tracks Instagram Traffic 7:14 Instagram's New Logo 7:28 Instagram Series, Bonus Program & Edits Updates   INSTAGRAM GROWTH TOOLS → 131 tested hooks you can use in reels, carousels & yapping videos: https://iammichellegifford.com/hooksguide → Join my 6 Figure Insta-Club: https://www.skool.com/insta-club/about  What do you think about instagram's new AI content label? If this helped your Instagram growth, subscribe — I post strategy that helps women build real businesses online without the hustle. Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleGifford Hey, I'm Michelle Gifford — a social media strategist, brand strategist, and marketing agency CEO who's passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small business owners grow their online presence and turn their content into real, consistent revenue. I share actionable social media marketing tips, Instagram growth strategies, Reels tutorials, content planning systems, and everything you need to show up online with confidence and clarity. Whether you're trying to crack the Instagram algorithm, build a content strategy that attracts your ideal clients, or finally get consistent with your email marketing and personal branding, this channel is for you. Download my FREE 131 Hooks Guide: https://iammichellegifford.com/hook-ideas #Instagramupdates #socialmediastrategist #Instagramexpert Let's Connect! Website: https://iammichellegifford.com/ Agency: https://michellegiffordcreative.com/ Podcast: https://iammichellegifford.com/podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/iammichellegifford/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleGifford

How do you actually make money on Instagram? If you're posting consistently but your content isn't converting into sales, this episode is for you. Click here to join my 6 figure Instagram Club: https://www.skool.com/insta-club/about In this episode of The Social Strategist Podcast, Michelle Gifford shares the strategies behind selling on Instagram without feeling pushy or salesy. Learn why creating content isn't enough, how to overcome common money mindset blocks, and the exact framework to turn your Instagram audience into paying customers. Michelle breaks down the four questions every high-converting sales post should answer, how to identify "money leaks" in your Instagram account, why Instagram Stories are one of the most powerful sales tools, and how to build a content strategy that nurtures followers into buyers. She also dives into the psychology of selling, handling rejection, and why successful entrepreneurs embrace sales as a way to serve—not pressure—their audience. Whether you're a content creator, coach, service provider, small business owner, or entrepreneur, you'll walk away with actionable Instagram marketing strategies you can implement today to increase engagement, generate leads, and grow a profitable online business. In this episode, you'll learn: How to sell on Instagram without sounding salesy The biggest mistakes keeping creators from making money How to overcome money mindset and sales fears The four-part framework for high-converting content How to use Instagram Stories to increase sales Why email lists and lead magnets boost Instagram conversions How to create content that attracts followers and converts customers If you're ready to turn your Instagram into a six-figure business, this episode gives you the roadmap to start selling with confidence.

Can you actually make six figures on Instagram? And if so... what's stopping most creators? Join my 6-figure Instagram Club: https://www.skool.com/insta-club/about In this episode, Michelle Gifford shares the mindset shifts and business strategies that separate hobby creators from profitable business owners. She opens up about the unexpected events that completely changed the direction of her business, why she created the Six Figure Insta Club, and the biggest mistakes creators make when trying to monetize Instagram. You'll learn why growing followers isn't enough, how to build a clear path from Instagram posts to paying customers, why an email list matters more than ever, and how tools like ManyChat can automate your sales process. Michelle also tackles one of the biggest hidden obstacles to success: the uncomfortable beliefs many women have about making money, abundance, and building a profitable business. If you're ready to stop posting just for engagement and start creating an Instagram business that generates consistent income, this episode is for you. In this episode: How to make money on Instagram What it takes to build a six-figure Instagram business The biggest money mistakes creators make Why Instagram followers don't automatically create income How to create a clear path from content to sales Why every creator needs an email list How ManyChat helps automate Instagram sales The mindset shifts that make profitable businesses possible Whether you're a coach, service provider, creator, photographer, or online business owner, you'll leave with practical strategies to turn your Instagram account into a profitable business.

Instagram Just Changed Everything: Series Content, Adam Mosseri's Algorithm Update & What Creators Need to Do Next Instagram is testing a brand-new feature that could completely change how we create content: Netflix-style series for Reels. In this episode of The Social Strategist Podcast, Michelle Gifford breaks down what Instagram's latest experiment means for creators, coaches, and business owners trying to grow on social media. Plus, we're unpacking Adam Mosseri's recent post about algorithms, recommendations, and why users are feeling disconnected from the platforms they spend the most time on. You'll learn: What Instagram's new series feature is and why it matters Why TikTok and Instagram are both investing heavily in episodic storytelling How Adam Mosseri says the algorithm actually works Why followers matter less than engagement in today's Instagram landscape How to create binge-worthy "TV show" style content that keeps people coming back The difference between content pillars and content series Practical ways to build stronger audience connection through storytelling How to use "lenses" so you can share more of your life without confusing your audience Join Club 10 now: https://iammichellegifford.com/club10   If you're a creator, entrepreneur, coach, or small business owner trying to grow on Instagram in 2026, this episode will help you stay ahead of the latest Instagram updates and build a content strategy designed for where social media is heading. Keywords: Instagram strategy, Instagram algorithm, Adam Mosseri, Instagram updates, Instagram growth tips, Reels strategy, content marketing, creator economy, social media marketing, Instagram series feature, storytelling content, episodic content, grow on Instagram, Instagram tips for business owners, content strategy for creators.

The Creator Who Grew 300K Followers by Saying She's "Not the Expert" | Instagram Growth Strategy What if the fastest way to grow on Instagram right now isn't looking more polished… but more human? In this episode, Michelle Gifford breaks down the explosive rise of Jessie Jane Hom, a creator who gained over 300,000 followers in just a few months by doing the opposite of what most creators are taught to do. No guru energy. No overly polished content. No pretending to have it all figured out. Instead, Jessie built a personal brand around "yapping videos," emotional connection, strong hooks, audience research, and showing up in the middle of the journey instead of waiting until she had all the answers. Michelle unpacks the 7 Instagram growth strategies Jessie is using right now, including: The "I'm not the expert" hook How to use audience polls for viral content ideas The power of hot takes in Instagram Reels Emotional content that gets shared How captions increase Instagram watch time Why creators should teach from the middle of the climb How to create Instagram content series that keep followers coming back If you're trying to grow on Instagram in 2026, build a personal brand, create better Reels, or figure out what's actually working with the Instagram algorithm right now, this episode will give you practical strategies you can start using immediately. This episode is especially for creators, business owners, influencers, and personal brands who want to grow faster on Instagram without sounding like everyone else online. https://substack.com/@michellegifford