Behind-the-Scenes of Leaving Social Media for My Business
I've always had a complicated relationship with social media.
Before starting my own venture, I didn't even have a Facebook or Instagram account. But once I dove into entrepreneurship, I felt the pressure to be "everywhere" online, including on the major social platforms.
After all, that's where all the other successful business owners I admired seemed to be thriving 😅
However, over the past few years, I've come to realize that social media was doing more harm than good for my business and my mental health. The constant need to create content, the pressure to perform, and the lack of tangible results were all taking a toll. I found myself dreading the time I had to spend on social media, and it was becoming a major source of stress and anxiety.
In this blog post, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of how and why I’ve stepped away from social media for my business - and what I’m doing instead!
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The Breaking Point
In September of 2022, I made the decision to take a 90-day break from social media, specifically from Instagram and Facebook. This wasn't a decision I made lightly, but I knew I needed to make a change. The time and mental energy I was spending on social media just wasn't translating into meaningful growth or engagement for my business.
I also found that I was constantly comparing myself to other business owners, and it was negatively impacting my self-confidence and creativity. I felt like I was just going through the motions, posting content that I didn't truly care about, just to keep up with the algorithm.
So, I decided to take a step back and reevaluate my relationship with social media. I wanted to see if I could find more effective and fulfilling ways to market my business and connect with my audience.
Documenting the Journey
To hold myself accountable and share my experience with others, I decided to document my social media sabbatical in a private podcast series called the Social Sabbatical. This allowed me to explore the thoughts, emotions, and realizations that came up during my time off the platforms, and it also provided a space for me to experiment with other marketing strategies.
One of the key things I wanted to do during this break was to free up the mental and calendar space that social media had been occupying. I didn't want to just "dust my hands" of social media and leave that time and energy void. Instead, I wanted to intentionally fill that space with other productive and fulfilling activities.
Lessons Learned
As I navigated my 90-day social media sabbatical, I learned some valuable lessons that I believe can benefit other business owners who are considering taking a similar break.
1. There is no "must-do" in business
One of the most important realizations I had during this process was that there is very little you "have to" do in your business. As the owner, you get to decide how to market, sell, and run your business.
Social media is not an obligation, and you can absolutely have a successful online business without it.
This was a crucial mindset shift for me. I had been operating under the assumption that I had to be active on social media to be a "proper" business owner. But once I let go of that belief, it opened up a world of possibilities for me.
2. 90 days is a magic number
When it comes to creating new habits or breaking old ones, research shows that it typically takes around 90 days to see lasting change. I found this to be true in my own experience with taking a break from social media.
The first few weeks were tough. I felt a strong pull to log in and check my accounts, and I had to actively resist the urge.
But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, I started to feel a shift. I no longer felt the same level of obligation or attachment to social media. It became easier to let go and focus my energy elsewhere.
Now I’m feeling so much clearer about how social media was (or wasn't) serving my business, and I feel empowered to make more informed decisions about how I want to move forward with it.
3. Keeping the apps off your phone is key
One of the biggest game-changers for me during this process was removing the Facebook and Instagram apps from my phone. Previously, I had found myself mindlessly scrolling through these platforms, even during times when I was supposed to be focused on other tasks.
By keeping the apps off my phone, I created a physical and mental distance that made it much easier to resist the temptation to check in. I still had access to my business pages on my computer, but the friction of having to log in on a desktop made it less of a habit.
I’m not saying I’m perfect and I did slip up once or twice, but this simple change had a profound impact on my productivity and overall well-being. I no longer found myself getting sucked into the social media rabbit hole, and I was able to be more present in my work and personal life.
4. Explore alternative marketing strategies
One of the most exciting aspects of my social media sabbatical was the opportunity to explore alternative marketing strategies for my business. Without the constant pressure to create content for social platforms, I was able to open myself up to new and innovative ways of reaching my audience.
For example, I decided to launch my low-lift YouTube channel and even create a multi-media content ecosystem by adding a podcast and repurposing everything here over on the blog!
I also experimented with other marketing tactics, such as guest blogging, collaborations, and email marketing. By taking a step back from social media, I was able to focus on building genuine relationships with my audience and finding more effective ways to promote my products and services.
Moving Forward with Intention
As I near the end of my 90-day social media sabbatical, I've come to the realization that I don't want to go back to the way things were before. Social media has become an optional tool in my business, rather than a mandatory one.
I may choose to use it for specific purposes, such as launching a new product or collaborating with other creators. But I'm no longer going to feel obligated to post original content on a regular basis or to maintain a constant presence on these platforms.
Instead, I'm going to focus on the marketing strategies that truly resonate with me and my audience. This might include things like:
Continuing to produce content for my YouTube / Podcast / Blog ecosystem
Expanding my email list and newsletter
Collaborating with other creators on joint projects or webinars
Optimizing my website and blog for search engine visibility
Exploring new and innovative ways to connect with my audience
The key is to approach these marketing efforts with intention and authenticity, rather than feeling like I have to do them. I want to find strategies that align with my values, my strengths, and the needs of my audience.
A Healthier Relationship with Social Media
One of the most significant benefits of my social media sabbatical has been the impact it's had on my mental health and overall well-being. Without the constant pressure to perform and the endless scrolling, I've been able to reclaim my time and focus on the things that truly matter to me.
I no longer find myself getting sucked into the comparison trap or feeling like I'm not doing enough. Instead, I'm able to approach my business and my life with a greater sense of clarity, purpose, and joy.
Of course, this doesn't mean that I'll never use social media again. I may choose to maintain a presence on certain platforms in the future, but it will be on my own terms. I'm no longer going to let social media dictate the direction of my business or my life.
Encouraging You to Take a Break Too!
If you're a fellow business owner who is feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or disillusioned by social media, I highly encourage you to consider taking a social media break. It may seem daunting at first, but the benefits can be truly transformative.
Remember, there is no "must-do" in business, and you have the power to decide how you want to market and grow your company. Don't be afraid to step outside of the traditional social media box and explore alternative strategies that align with your values and your audience's needs.
And if you're curious to learn more about my own social media sabbatical journey, be sure to check out the Social Sabbatical podcast. Here's to reclaiming your time, your sanity, and your business on your own terms.
