Do you really need social media to run your business?
I used to think running a successful business without social media was impossible. After all, isn't it the lifeblood of modern marketing? But over the past year, I’ve learned that stepping back from social media doesn’t just work—it can transform your life and your business.
For years, I juggled the expectation to constantly post with the desire for more balance. On my personal Facebook account, I limited myself to just two posts a month, but even that felt draining. Instagram? Untouched. LinkedIn? A ghost town. I questioned if I was sabotaging my own success. Then something happened that turned my perspective upside down—my catering business began to thrive without me lifting a finger on social media.
Replacing Social Media with SEO and Referrals
The catering business replaced my full-time job income through referrals and search engine optimization (SEO) alone. Instead of spending hours crafting posts and chasing algorithms, I focused on what mattered most: serving my clients with excellence. Word of mouth became my most powerful marketing tool, and my website, optimized for local searches, brought in steady inquiries.
This approach didn’t just work—it gave me back my time. Instead of obsessing over likes and shares, I invested in bettering myself and my business in ways that truly matter.
Life Without the Social Media Frenzy
How have things changed since I cut back on social media?
I read more. Instead of scrolling, I now devour books that challenge my thinking and deepen my faith.
I sleep better. No late-night doom-scrolling means I wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
I feel more peaceful. Without the constant noise, I have space to reflect and pray.
I engage deeply. Conversations with family, friends, and clients feel richer and more meaningful.
A Plan to Cut Back (or Eliminate) Social Media
If you’re considering cutting back on social media, here’s a plan to help you start:
Define your "why." What’s motivating your decision? Write it down to remind yourself when temptation strikes.
Set boundaries. Limit your time on platforms, just as I do with my personal Facebook account.
Focus on alternatives. Replace social media with other marketing tools like SEO, email newsletters, or in-person networking.
Engage intentionally. Instead of broadcasting to the masses, invest in personal connections and meaningful conversations.
Evaluate regularly. Reflect on how stepping back impacts your life and business. Adjust as needed.
Is Social Media Necessary?
The truth is, it depends on your goals and priorities. For me, stepping back was the best decision I’ve made. My business didn’t just survive—it thrived. More importantly, I regained the peace and purpose I had been missing.
So, if social media is draining you, consider this your permission to rethink its role in your life. You might find, as I did, that less is so much more.
I’ll end this by saying I’m not offline completely. But I do use a platform that soothes my spirit and doesn’t make me feel like I’m missing out something if I don’t show up. And that’s Pinterest.
Pinterest is a search engine rather than a social media platform so it works way differently. I go there to gather and save ideas and I’ll be honest — I don’t feel icky when I’m on Pinterest like I do with other platforms.
Maybe you’re looking for a quieter place online — give Pinterest a try. There’s a button below with information on Pinterest marketing. Check it out.
If you want to learn how to use email marketing to grow your business, make sure to click the link below.
SAVE ON PINTEREST!
Regina is a writer, homeschooling mom, and owner of a soul food catering business. She is the host of the Pray to Play podcast, where she shares practical tips and heartfelt advice for parents navigating the busy world of athletics. A contributor to several publications, including Tracie Miles' Living Unbroken book study, she is also an advocate for young adults with developmental disabilities and serves on the Compel Pro volunteer leadership team. Living in Ohio with her family, she designs Squarespace websites for fellow creatives and spends her free time cheering her sons from the sidelines or sipping tea while chatting about God’s goodness with women.
