Why I don’t use social media to grow my business – and what I do instead

Let me start by confessing… I’m a marketing consultant and freelance writer who doesn’t use social media to grow her business.

It’s not because I don’t understand the platforms. I do. I’ve written the captions, scheduled the posts, and played the game. But when I quit Corporate America to launch my own business, I knew social media wouldn’t serve my brand OR my wellbeing.

So I stepped away from the world of scrolling, and guess what? My business didn’t just survive. It thrived. More importantly – so did I.

Here’s why I walked away from social media and what I focus on instead.

1. Social media drains my creative energy.

As a writer and strategist, creative energy is my lifeblood. I need space to think deeply, write meaningfully, and create content that truly helps people. But every time I sat down to craft the “perfect” Instagram post, the digital noise dulled my creative intuition.

There’s a hidden cost to always being “on”—mentally rehearsing captions, worrying about engagement, staying in performance mode, scrolling even on your off days... It’s not just time-consuming. It’s energy-depleting.

The energy I spent obsessing over hashtags and video dimensions left me drained—too tired to focus on the things that actually moved the needle in my business. I wasn’t creating anything lasting. I was just chasing visibility in a format that demanded more noise, more often.

That’s when it clicked. Social media was stealing my best energy. And I needed to reclaim it.

2. Social media is fast, cookie-cutter, and fleeting.

We live in a culture that moves fast. And social media thrives on that speed—on hot takes, trending audio, and swipeable graphics. But I work with thoughtful professionals: therapists, wellness providers, and story-driven entrepreneurs. My audience doesn’t want content that’s loud and rushed.

They want depth. They want clarity. They want peace. And so do I. That’s why I choose evergreen marketing instead. I want my marketing to authentically reflect my values, and I don’t value the frantic chaos or the condensed down, bite-size messaging social media offers.

My core focus is on strategies that grow over time—like blogging, SEO, newsletters, and actual face-to-face networking. These tools may not feel as flashy or immediate, but they’re rooted. They age well. They create compounding value like interest in a savings account.

One strong blog post or networking interaction can bring in new leads for years. One good email can deepen trust in ways no social reel ever could. Social media becomes ‘old news’ a moment after you post.

3. Social media may work for products—but not for service-based professionals.

If you’re selling a physical product with eye-catching visuals and mass-market appeal, social media can be a powerful tool. But if you’re a service-based professional like a therapist, coach, or writer, your brand is built on trust—not trends.

And here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud: the ROI on social media for service-based businesses is often dismal. Part of the reason? The myth of organic reach. Platforms are increasingly pay-to-play.

Unless you’re already viral or spending on ads, only a tiny fraction of your followers will ever see your posts—let alone convert into clients. For solo, service-based practitioners, that is not a sustainable funnel.

You could spend hours posting, engaging, and showing up daily… and never actually convert a new client. Most followers aren’t looking to make a purchasing decision when they’re scrolling. They’re looking to be entertained or distracted. That’s not fertile ground for the kind of connection service work requires.

But when someone finds you through a thoughtful blog post, a Google search, or a trusted email referral—they’re already seeking what you offer.

What do I do instead?

I pour my energy into creating content that meets people when they’re ready to say yes.

My business is built on the quiet power of content marketing. I write blog posts (like this one). I optimize my website for search engines so the right people can find me. I send a monthly newsletter filled with useful tips, marketing tools, and inspiration. I make sure my offers are clear and compelling and that everything I share reflects the values I stand for.

It’s slower, yes. But it’s sustainable. And it works.

Caveats…

While social media may not bring in new clients for service providers, social media can play a pivotal role in your overall branding. I think having a social media footprint can be worthwhile - it just depends on your business goals. For my clients who want to get involved with influencing and thought leadership, social media is a must.

As my business grows, my marketing strategy may evolve, and I eventually may need to leverage social media to grow my brand. But that’s in the future. For now, in this beautiful season of my life, my Always Rebekah brand doesn’t have a social media. I have a personal account, and I post 2-3 times a year to celebrate a business win – but that’s it. And it’s working.

Final Thoughts

I’m not anti-social media. I know some people love it—and I think it can be a creative tool when used intentionally. But if it’s not working for you? If it’s burning you out or pulling you away from the deeper work you’re called to do? You’re allowed to step away.

There really is no one-size-fits-all marketing plan. What matters is finding a rhythm that feels honest, effective, and aligned with your energy.

If you’re looking for a more peaceful path to marketing, I created something to help:

A peaceful, step-by-step strategy to grow your brand with authenticity and calm. 🌿

Subscribe to my newsletter and I’ll send it to you instantly. It’s the exact framework I use in my business—and the one I share with every client who’s ready to grow without the grind.
See what's included

Sometimes, quiet brands can make the biggest impact. If you’re willing to work hard but refuse to buy into the frantic, fast-past world of social media marketing, the Mindful Marketing Guidebook is for you.

Subscribe now to download.

The Mindful Marketing Guidebook