Can You Really Build a Business Without Social Media Marketing?

Aug 29

Cozypreneur Episode 48

Short answer: yes.
Longer answer: not without a strategy.

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to delete Instagram, but will I lose all my leads?”, you’re not alone. And you’re not wrong to ask. Social media can help you grow faster. But it’s not the only way to run a successful business. And it might not even be the best way for you.

Social Media Is a Tool, Not a Requirement

Let’s get one thing clear: social is a tool. Not a rule.

It gives you reach. It creates visibility. But if it’s making you miserable or leading to nowhere, it might be time to step back and ask:

Is this aligned with the season I’m in?
Is this how I want to show up?
Is it even working?

Spoiler: if you’re posting every day and still not signing clients, it’s probably not about being on social, it’s about what your strategy is missing.

**The Three Things You Actually Need**

If you’re leaving social, you can’t just disappear. You need a marketing system that includes:

Visibility – How are new people finding you?
Nurture – How are you building trust and showing your expertise?
Sales – How are you inviting them to take the next step?

Social media can hit all three, sure. But so can:

Guest podcasting
Searchable blogs and SEO
Speaking, trainings, and workshops
Email marketing
Strong referral networks and real relationships

It’s not about being everywhere. It’s about being strategic.

My Social Media Marketing Exit Strategy (and What I Built Instead)

Before I logged off, I made sure I had systems in place:

A podcast with consistent episodes
A blog that feeds SEO
An email list I genuinely enjoy writing to
Referral relationships that bring in warm leads

These didn’t show up overnight. They took time. But now they work for me — and they keep working even when I’m not performing online.

If you’re just starting out, don’t feel pressured to quit cold turkey. Use social media marketing to build those foundations if it makes sense. Then decide how you want to grow from there.

You Still Have to Talk to People

Here’s the real secret:
No matter what platform you’re on (or off), you still have to connect.

Reply to emails.
Hop on coffee chats.
Collaborate.
Follow up.

Business still runs on relationships. And those can’t be automated or outsourced — no matter how many tools promise otherwise.

Thinking About Leaving Social?

Ask yourself:

Where are my leads coming from now?
What’s draining my energy and what’s fueling it?
Which parts of my marketing feel clear and consistent — and which feel like guesswork?

Ready to grow your business without burning out on content?

Inside Copy Classroom, you’ll get the messaging support, feedback, and strategy to show up clearly and consistently — no matter where you’re marketing.

You don’t need to be on Instagram every day.
You just need the right words and the right plan.
Join us here or hit reply if you’ve got questions.