I’m Quitting Instagram for my Small Business — Here’s What I’m Doing Instead

I have news: I’m quitting Instagram for my business.

October will be the start of a new content plan for my business — one that doesn’t involve an Instagram posting schedule. No more scheduled posts and Reels, and no more stressing over what to share. If the moment is right, I’ll hop online, but other than that, it’s not going to be a focus in my content strategy anymore.

But…why?

That’s what I’m answering here. But more importantly, if you’ve been feeling that nudge to pull back from Instagram too, hang with me. You’re going to see what you can do to supplement your content strategy!

Why I’m Walking Away from Instagram

I’m going to keep it 100% honest with you — Instagram is exhausting. And I know I’m not alone in this.

When I was planning and prepping for this video, I came across so many comments from others who feel the same way. It kind of feels like a small-business-wide trend, doesn’t it? No matter if it’s in our mastermind groups, coaching programs, or in the comment sections of a post, there are always the same frustrations.

But what, in particular, is so frustrating about it?

There’s Too Much Procrastination and Comparisonitis Involved

When I spend too much time on Instagram, I go into a comparison spiral, and I start thinking that I’m not doing enough or that I need to do more.

It feels like a one-way street where I’m pouring in my time and energy but not seeing the results. There’s always this fear of missing out — like if I’m not on Instagram, I’ll miss leads, or potential clients will forget about me.

It becomes this constant loop of “not enoughness,” and that’s just not the energy I want in my life or business!

It Also Drains my Creative Battery

I do love creating Reels and having fun with them. However, to make those Reels worthwhile (i.e., drive leads), I would have to churn out Reels non-stop. If I’m already pressed for time, how would posting double, or even triple, my usual amount help at all? I’m stressed just thinking about it!

How I Knew it Was Time to Leave

This summer is what really set me off to pump the brakes on Instagram a little bit. I had a lot going on, and I knew my focus was needed elsewhere. So I decided to take the summer off, and guess what? Nothing happened!

In fact, I had the most profitable month in my business in July — and I wasn’t even active on Instagram!

And I just wrapped up my best launch YET of my coaching program, and the numbers don’t lie. My YouTube traffic converts WAY higher than anything I’ve seen from Instagram. So why keep dividing my attention? It just doesn’t make any sense!

Enter: YouTube

The writing’s been on the wall for a while now. YouTube is where the magic happens for business owners like me.

For one, Instagram is a pay-to-play platform. Unless you’re paying to boost posts or ads, you’re swimming upstream. YouTube, on the other hand, puts you in front of a ready-to-buy audience organically.

Not to mention that content lasts longer, too. A video can keep driving traffic for months, even years.

But it’s not just easier to create content — there are also WAY MORE opportunities to boost your revenue with things like brand deals, AdSense, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. That means less time spent on the platform and more time spent making money. It’s a great way to get passive income!

How I’m Using YouTube as my Main Content Platform

So, what’s the plan now that I’m doubling down on YouTube? How is it going to fill in the content gaps and continue to help me grow my biz?

Keep scrolling to see my exact game plan!

#1: No More Instagram Posts or Reels

Like I said above, Instagram is officially out of my content strategy. If I feel like sharing a Story now and then, I might, but I’m making ZERO plans to post or schedule anything. Instead, I’m using that time to focus on YouTube.

#2: Posting Three Times a Week

My goal is to post three times a week on YouTube, with one of those videos being a weekly live stream! While it’s something I’m still working towards, I am pretty excited about it because I know it’s going to help boost results.

I tested live streams in September during a launch, and I loved how they helped me connect with my audience even more. I saw a boost in both channel reach and growth, so it’s something I’ll definitely be prioritizing.

#3: Using More of YouTube’s Community-Based Features

Let’s not forget that YouTube is a social media platform — so yes, there are still plenty of opportunities to get social BEYOND the comment section!

They’re adding even more ways to connect with your audience, including community forums (kind of like a built-in Facebook group!). Plus, I’ll be diving into YouTube Shorts and the Community Tab more intentionally — not just repurposing content, but really digging into what works.

And because of YouTube’s algorithm, I know I won’t be shouting into the void or watching my posts collect dust. I know my audience will see them and engage with them, unlike my posts on Instagram.

#4: Doubling Down on Analytics

I’m committing more time to audit and analyze my videos’ performance, so that they can do the work for me. Yes, YouTube has your back, but if you want to make the most out of what it can do for you, you also need to be keeping an eye on your analytics. That way, you can know what’s working.

And with that information, I can tweak things like titles and thumbnails to make each video as strong as possible.

Stay Tuned — More Updates to Come

I’ll be tracking the results of these changes and sharing all the details, so if you’re curious to see how it all pans out, make sure you’re subscribed to my channel! 

Want to work through this with me? Check out my top 10 tips for using YouTube as a business owner. These are things I’ve implemented and are still using with my channel today. It’ll also dive deeper into the points I mentioned in this post so you can stop relying on Instagram.

Let’s work on building our channels together!