Let’s unpack what’s really working on social media right now, it’s all about feeling and nostalgia. In this episode I’m diving into why people are craving content that’s emotional, specific, and makes them feel something. I share real examples of trending content, including two major summer trends that I’m loving, plus actionable ways you can apply these trends to your own business, whether you’re in real estate, education, hospitality, or any other industry. We’ll discuss how specificity and a little nostalgia can turn even the most standard tip or post into something people want to save, share, and return to, because let’s be honest, boring hooks are out. Tune in and let’s create content that makes people reflect, laugh, or just pause and exhale!

In this episode we’ll be covering:

• How important emotion-driven content is and why it works so well.
• Quick recap of the 4H Method (Heard, Helpful, Humor, and Happenings) and how it fits into this summer’s hottest trending content.
• Real examples of viral reels with an emphasis on nostalgia, like having a 90s summer.
• Adding specificity to your hooks to take it from bland and boring to evoking emotions and feelings, no matter what industry you’re in.
• Leveraging ChatGPT to help generate specific, emotion evoking content ideas.

Links to content in this episode:

• Carousel: I want to be that house
• Reel: Reminder to frame your momentos
• Reel: Top five mornings
• Reel: Blood Tests
• Reel: Don’t ask me for advice

Other episodes you might have missed:

• Episode 042: Your Simple B-Roll Can Become Easy Reels That Actually Convert
• Episode 053: Use Customer Insights to Create Reels That Attract and Convert
• Episode 061: Use The Relatable Expert Hook to Create Your Next Helpful Reel
• Episode 064: POV: They’re hitting follow… Immediately

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It’s time to wrap up our deep dive into the power of belonging in your social media marketing. In this episode, we’ll discuss creating “heard” content, evergreen strategies like the “you’re not alone” messaging and why pinning empathetic, relatable posts or reintroducing yourself can establish a welcoming vibe for new and returning visitors. With an emphasis on storytelling, we’ll talk about using customer wins, founder stories, and everyday relatable moments to spark a “that’s me!” reaction, inviting your audience to participate and trust your brand.

In this episode we’ll be covering:

• The power of belonging in social media marketing and how it drives audience engagement.
• Creating content that helps your followers feel seen and heard.
• Strategies for crafting “you are not alone” messaging to build a strong online community.
• Tips for creating evergreen, relatable content that resonates with your audience and boosts loyalty, including a reintroduction post or a founder’s story.
• Encouragement to use authentic stories, humor, and personality to nurture a sense of community and connection.

Links to reels in this episode:

• Reel: Elizabeth’s Reintroduction

Other episodes you might have missed:

• Episode 019: Convert Viewers to Followers with the “That’s Me” Reel
• Episode 040: Build More Connections with Everyday Moments
• Episode 049: Relatable Humor That Says “They Get Me!”
• Episode 067: The Importance of Belonging on Social Media

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At the heart of every thriving social media presence is a feeling of belonging, and in this episode I’m breaking down why cultivating a sense of belonging isn’t just a nice extra, it’s a non-negotiable. Inspired by a stand-out Instagram reel and a real-life story of resilience, we’ll discuss helping your audience feel truly seen, heard, and part of something special, whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a big brand. Plus, I’ll give you a simple assignment to start infusing that sense of belonging into your own content and a preview of what’s coming up next week, where we’ll dig even deeper.

In this episode we’ll be covering:

• Why belonging is crucial, especially during challenging times, and how to adapt the concept to your content.
• People want to connect with accounts and businesses that make them feel seen, heard, and accepted.
• How creating a sense of belonging can be achieved through your core values, vibe, and beliefs expressed online.
• The contrast between traditional advertising and community-focused marketing.

Links to reels in this episode:

• Reel: This is a trial reel
• Reel: Liking your regular life is the goal

Other episodes you might have missed:

• Episode 054: Is There Enough “You” In Your Content?
• Episode 058: Embrace the Content Creator Mindset
• Episode 064: POV: They’re hitting follow… Immediately.
• Episode 065: How to Start Using Trial Reels for Your Instagram Account

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Today, we’re diving into something that trips up so many entrepreneurs and content creators: understanding the strengths and differences between static images, carousels, and reels on Instagram. These formats have evolved so much over the years, and in this episode I’ll break down what makes each one unique, why you don’t need to choose just one, and how to play to your strengths and your audience’s preferences.

We’ll talk about the shifts in content trends, like the rise of “me” and “I” centric copy, how big brands are nailing it with simple, story-driven posts, and how you can use your favorite hooks not only for reels, but also for carousels and captions. If you’ve ever struggled with your reach or felt overwhelmed by different content options, this episode is for you!

In this episode we’ll be covering:

• Content formats explained: The key differences between static images, photo dumps, carousels, and reels.
• Importance of powerful hooks for increasing engagement and how hooks work for reels, carousels, and captions interchangeably.
• Mixing and matching content formats, testing and analyzing what resonates with your audience and what makes you happy.
• Shift toward authentic, personable, "me” centric messaging, spotlighting your experience or perspective.

Links from this episode:

• Reel Example
• Carousel Example

Other episodes you might have missed:

• Episode 033: Turn Your Content into Swipe-Worthy Carousel Posts
• Episode 054: Is There Enough “You” In Your Content?
• Episode 058: Embrace the Content Creator Mindset
• Episode 061: Use The Relatable Expert Hook to Create Your Next Helpful Reel
• Episode 063: Was That an Ad? Even the Big Brands are Making it Personal

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Have you ever felt puzzled by how trial reels actually work, or wondered what type of content actually pops off for non-followers? You’re not alone! I’ve been experimenting with trial reels since they first launched, testing out different hooks and content styles, and I’m here to share what’s really working. We’ll explore why storytelling and clear elevator pitch style intros just might be the secret sauce for trial reels, plus I’ll walk you through my step by step process so you can test, duplicate, and optimize your content with ease. There’s no magic one size fits all code, but I’ll break down exactly how to find the formula that works for you, and how to repeat it.

In this episode we’ll be covering:

• Tips for using Instagram trial reels to test content before sharing with your main feed.
• How to duplicate reels for both trial reels and your public Instagram feed.
• The importance of clear, storytelling hooks that introduce your account and vibe.
• Prompts and ideas for trial reels, including POV introductions and personalized captions.
• Testing multiple reel variations and analyzing which ones actually gain traction.

Other episodes you might have missed:

• Episode 060: Nail Your Short Form Videos with This Simple Formula
• Episode 061: Use The Relatable Expert Hook to Create Your Next Helpful Reel
• Episode 063: Was That an Ad? Even the Big Brands are Making it Personal
• Episode 064: POV: They’re hitting follow… Immediately.

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Love this conversation? Make sure to follow so you never miss an episode.

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This episode is coming to you straight from the beach and we’re diving into one of my favorite categories from my signature 4H Method. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the advice about content calendars, conversion posts, and complicated strategies, this is the episode for you. I’ll break down why making your audience feel heard is so important when it comes to creating your Instagram content, plus I’m sharing some of my most effective hooks and real viral examples that have actually converted viewers into followers.

In this episode we’ll be covering:

• An overview of the 4H Method and the real reason I created it.
• Why “traditional” content pillars didn’t work for me and why they probably don’t work for you either.
• Focusing on creating content that evokes feeling and emotion, creating a safe space for your audience.
• Viral hooks and reels that actually work, converting viewers to followers immediately.
• Trading inspirational and motivational content for content that makes people feel like you actually see and understand them.
• Giving your audience and identity or a name that makes them feel like they actually belong.

Links to reels in this episode:

• Reel: Middle Travelers
• Reel: Florida Realtor
• Reel: Summer Countdown
• Reel: This Vibe

Other episodes you might have missed:

• Episode 043: We’re Getting Back to Basics and Loving Our Content
• Episode 049: Relatable Humor That Says “They Get Me!”
• Episode 054: Is There Enough “You” In Your Content?
• Episode 063: Was That an Ad? Even the Big Brands are Making it Personal

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Join me in the Reels Lab!

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This summer is going to be amazing for your content and we are going to kick it off by exploring how today’s biggest brands (think Oreo, Taco Bell, and DSW) are embracing a more personal, relatable approach in their content marketing. We’ll walk through some big brand reels breaking down how they fit into the REP hook, discussing why the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing, and how being human and relatable always wins, even in a world driven by trends and algorithms.

In this episode we’ll be covering:

• Viral reels, trolls, and using the latest content trends for inspiration, not copyright infringement.
• The importance of adding your personal spin to trends and hooks on social media.
• The content shifts toward personalization and examples of how the big brands are adapting.
• The power of using the REP hook and moving beyond boring how to content.

Links to reels in this episode:

• Reel: “Don’t Steal People’s Content”

Other episodes you might have missed:

• Episode 058: Embrace the Content Creator Mindset
• Episode 059: Are You Talking About What You Love?
• Episode 060: Nail Your Short Form Videos with This Simple Formula
• Episode 061: Use The Relatable Expert Hook to Create Your Next Helpful Reel
• Episode 062: Why You Don’t Need Fancy Content to Stand Out

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Love this conversation? Make sure to follow so you never miss an episode.

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Today’s episode is a bit extra special, because I’m recording from our very own beach house at the Outer Banks! I’m sharing the wild, emotional journey of how I was able to buy the lot next to my grandmother’s original cottage and how content creation made it all possible.

We’ll also talk about why the best content these days looks and feels like it’s coming from a real person, and I’ll break down strategies for simple, relatable posts that make you the friend people want to follow, no matter your business size or follower count. Plus, I’ll highlight real examples as inspiration so you can create easy, authentic content that fits right into your life.

In this episode we’ll be covering:

• The power of posting authentic, relatable content rooted in real life.
• A huge follower count does not necessarily equate success.
• Instagram’s new Blend feature and creative ways to use it for marketing insights.
• Why posting like a person, not a brand, connects and resonates better with audiences.
• Creating low-stress, effective content by simply documenting moments from your daily life.

Links to reels in this episode:

• Reel #1: Two player board games
• Reel #2: Person with this initial owes you a beer…
• Reel #3: Solution to my problems
• Reel #4: Color mixing station

Other episodes you might have missed:

• Episode 058: Embrace the Content Creator Mindset
• Episode 059: Are You Talking About What You Love?
• Episode 060: Nail Your Short Form Videos with This Simple Formula
• Episode 061: Use The Relatable Expert Hook to Create Your Next Helpful Reel

Send a message!

Join me in the Reels Lab!

Love this conversation? Make sure to follow so you never miss an episode.

Let's connect on Instagram!