Are you treating social media like another task on your to-do list? Do you treat it as a tool to genuinely connect with your audience? For many small business owners, the difference between feeling overwhelmed and seizing an opportunity comes down to one thing: mindset.

This week, I’m exploring what it means to adopt a creator mindset in your marketing. This shift isn’t about becoming an influencer or oversharing. It’s about weaving in stories, values, and moments of connection so your audience feels seen and understood. When you bring the personal into the professional, you create content that resonates….and ultimately, converts which is what we all want, right?

If you’ve ever struggled with making your content feel authentic (without oversharing), this conversation will give you the perspective and practical tips you need to humanize your brand and show up online with confidence.

Episode Highlights:

• Why the traditional “check the box” approach to social media doesn’t work
• What it means to adopt a creator mindset (and why it’s not about being an influencer)
• How storytelling builds stronger audience connections than endless “how-to” content
• Why authenticity and relatability matter more than perfection in your content
• Why treating social media as a creative sandbox helps you experiment, play, and grow

Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing.

Resources & Mentions:

• Download our Free Guide to Hooks (updated for 2025!)
• Book an Instagram Audit

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

Ever feel like your Instagram content deserves way more views than it gets? The truth is, it might not be your content at all…it’s your hook(s). Without a scroll-stopping first impression, even your most valuable posts will get ignored.

In this episode of Stop the Scroll, we’re breaking down the three types of hooks —visual, verbal, and caption —and why they’re key to grabbing attention and keeping your audience engaged. We’ll talk about why vague hooks fall flat, how storytelling creates stronger connections, and what you can do to make your content irresistible in those first three seconds.

If you’ve been frustrated by Reels that flop or captions that no one clicks “…more” to read, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with practical strategies (and plenty of examples) to turn your hooks into powerful tools for growth and connection.

Episode Highlights:

• What a hook is and why it’s the most important part of your content
• The three types of hooks: visual, verbal, and caption—and how to use them effectively
• Why generic, vague hooks don’t stop the scroll (and what to do instead)
• How storytelling hooks build connection and keep people watching
• Real examples of strong vs. weak hooks you can apply today
• Why captions matter for engagement signals (like “…more” clicks)

Resources & Mentions:

• Download our Free Hook Guide
• Shannon McKinstrie on IG
• Emily Schwalbach on IG
• Book an Instagram Audit

Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you!

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

Scrambling to pull together holiday promotions at the last minute? Let’s fix that.

Marketing during this time of year can feel incredibly overwhelming, but with the right plan in place, it can also be your most profitable season.

In this episode of Stop the Scroll, we’re walking you through a practical approach to small business marketing strategy for the final 90 days of the year. From tying your revenue goals directly to your marketing goals to breaking down a tactical plan that balances visibility, conversions, and client nurturing, you’ll learn how to simplify your efforts while still hitting big results.

We’re also discussing how service providers can capitalize on this season to attract clients looking ahead to 2026. With insights on holiday promotions, email marketing, social media content pillars, and key metrics to track, you’ll walk away with the tools to finish the year strong and enter the new year with clarity and momentum.

Episode Highlights:

• Why Q4 planning looks different from other quarters—and how holiday noise impacts your strategy
• How to tie your marketing goals directly to your business revenue goals
• The most important metrics to track (open rates, click-throughs, conversions) and how to pivot when something isn’t working
• How to leverage Q4 as a service provider (not just retail!) to attract clients looking ahead to 2026

Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more business owners like you!

Resources & Mentions:

• Q4 Marketing Workshop (Tuesday, 9/23 in Annapolis, MD!)
• Book a 1:1 Strategy Session
• Schedule a discovery call

Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you!

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com