Social Goals: Social media strategy for small businesses

In this episode of Social Goals, Kat sits down with Heather Litster — holistic health practitioner and founder of Moon & Bloom — to talk about creating content that flows with your energy, not against it. Heather shares how one reel went viral (over 3.5 million views!) and the unexpected emotional weight that followed. Together, they unpack how to prepare for virality, why capturing simple B-roll is a must, and how syncing your content creation with your menstrual cycle can make social media feel a whole lot easier. If you’ve ever felt content fatigue or worried you can’t keep up, this episode offers both relief and strategy.'

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☆ Build your custom social media game plan with Social Goals: The Course https://socialkatmedia.com/social-goals?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

☺ Connect with Heather:

• Moon & Bloom on Instagram
• Cycles of Change Project
• Heather’s Website

☺ Connect with Kat:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialkatmedia/

* Threads: https://www.threads.net/@socialkatmedia

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-tepylo-murphy/

☺ Free Resources to Help Your Small Business:

https://socialkatmedia.com/resources?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

B-Roll Checklist: https://socialkatmedia.com/resources-broll?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

Small businesses don’t need clickbait or manipulation to thrive. In this episode of Social Goals, Kat is joined by copywriting expert Maddy Aucoin to share how small business owners can use authentic, honest marketing to build real community — without relying on sleazy sales tactics or viral trends. They discuss the dangers of fear-based messaging, why trust and transparency matter more than ever, and how infusing your everyday life into your content can strengthen your brand (plus simple ways to show up online that feel good for you and your audience.)

What You'll Learn:

• What honest marketing looks like for small businesses
• How fear-based tactics hurt your reputation and bottom line
• Why authenticity wins over "expert hacks"
• How to use your real life (like coffee shop visits or hobbies) to connect with customers
• Easy ways to show up more consistently and joyfully online

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave 5 stars!

☆ Build your custom social media game plan with Social Goals: The Course https://socialkatmedia.com/social-goals?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

☺ Connect with Maddy:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bymaddyaucoin/

* Website: bymaddyaucoin.com

☺ Connect with Kat:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialkatmedia/

* Threads: https://www.threads.net/@socialkatmedia

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-tepylo-murphy/

☺ Free Resources to Help Your Small Business:

https://socialkatmedia.com/resources?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

Marketing data doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, Kat and Ally bust the myth that analytics are only for big brands and dive into how beginners can harness simple data to make better decisions. From Instagram metrics to checkout optimization, they explore the real reasons small businesses should start using data now—not later.

Kat and Ally break down:

• Why data matters more for new or small businesses than big ones
• The 5 essential metrics every product-based business should track
• Real-world examples of small tweaks that tripled conversions
• How Kat uncovered a hidden issue in her launch with Ally’s help
• Why UTM codes are game-changers for data tracking
• The 4 pillars of marketing strategy: Reach, Nurture, Convert, Retain

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Ally's FREE Google Analytics Self Audit: https://akaridigital.thrivecart.com/google-analytics-self-audit/?coupon=SOCIALKAT
• Follow Ally on Instagram: @akaridigital
• Start here with Ally’s beginner resources: akaridigital.ca/start

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave 5 stars!

☆ Build your custom social media game plan with Social Goals: The Course

☺ Connect with Kat:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialkatmedia/

* Threads: https://www.threads.net/@socialkatmedia

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-tepylo-murphy/

☺ Free Resources to Help Your Small Business:

https://socialkatmedia.com/resources?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

In today’s episode, Kat shares how small-town and local-based entrepreneurs can leverage social media to connect authentically with their nearby audience. From strategic engagement to location tagging and hashtag tips, she walks through exactly how to become a visible and valued part of your local online (and offline!) community.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why local engagement is a smart growth strategy—even for online businesses
• The power of starting your audience-building efforts in person
• How to use Instagram’s features (like location tags, favorites feed, and hashtags) to be discovered by people in your area
• Daily and weekly habits to build genuine local engagement on social media

Mentioned Resources:

• Get Found & Followed: Instagram Profile Must-Haves for 2025 https://rss.com/podcasts/social-goals/1873482/
• Instagram Hashtags in 2025: What Works & What Doesn’t https://rss.com/podcasts/social-goals/1873482/

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave 5 stars!

☆ Build your custom social media game plan with Social Goals: The Course https://socialkatmedia.com/social-goals?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

☺ Connect with Kat:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialkatmedia/

* Threads: https://www.threads.net/@socialkatmedia

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-tepylo-murphy/

☺ Free Resources to Help Your Small Business:

https://socialkatmedia.com/resources?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

If you've ever thought personal branding meant sharing your entire life on social media, this episode is here to change your mind.

Kat is joined by branding photographer and coach Maddie Peschong for an honest, energizing convo about building a personal brand online—without sacrificing your privacy. They dig into the real reasons personal branding matters for every business owner, how even introverts can show up authentically, and why small businesses actually have a leg up over big brands when it comes to connection and marketing.

Whether you're a service provider, product-based business, or creative entrepreneur, you’ll walk away with practical tips on how to stand out, build trust, and enjoy showing up on social.

In this episode, Kat and Maddie explore:

• What personal branding actually is—and why it’s not just for influencers
• How to build a strong personal brand without sharing your whole life
• Why authenticity doesn’t mean full access
• The secret sauce behind social media connection and conversions
• How introverts can thrive on social with small, intentional shares
• What even big brands are trying to do—but small business owners do better

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave 5 stars!

Personal brand product-based accounts we love:

• https://www.instagram.com/xxl.scrunchie/
• https://www.instagram.com/ivorypaperco/
• https://www.instagram.com/elysebreannedesign/

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Find Maddie on Instagram & Threads: @maddiepeschong
• Visit Maddie online: maddiepeschong.com
• Listen to Maddie's podcast: Take It Personally

☆ Build your custom social media game plan with Social Goals: The Course https://socialkatmedia.com/social-goals?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

☺ Connect with Kat:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialkatmedia/

* Threads: https://www.threads.net/@socialkatmedia

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-tepylo-murphy/

☺ Free Resources to Help Your Small Business:

https://socialkatmedia.com/resources?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

In this episode of Social Goals, Kat sits down with Samantha Perry—multi-passionate entrepreneur and founder of Samantha Ann & Co.—to talk about how she built not one, but three thriving businesses rooted in authenticity, creativity, and community.

From humble beginnings making DIY pallet signs to running a bustling home décor storefront, a stunning wedding venue, and a home styling service, Sam opens up about the hustle, the pivotal leap to full-time entrepreneurship, and the power of social media in growing a brand that feels like home. Whether you're building a business or a brand online, Sam’s insight into community-building and content strategy is packed with lessons for any small biz owner.

Key Takeaways:

• How Samantha transitioned from side hustle to full-time entrepreneurship
• Why community-building was the key to her growth
• The realities (and wins) of managing three businesses at once
• How she uses Instagram to drive real foot traffic to her storefront
• Her behind-the-scenes approach to showing up on social media without burning out

Connect with Samantha:

• Instagram: @samanthaandco
• Wedding Venue: @pondview.estates
• Website: www.samanthaannandco.com

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave 5 stars!

☆ Build your custom social media game plan with Social Goals: The Course https://socialkatmedia.com/social-goals?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

☺ Connect with Kat:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialkatmedia/

* Threads: https://www.threads.net/@socialkatmedia

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-tepylo-murphy/

☺ Free Resources to Help Your Small Business:

https://socialkatmedia.com/resources?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

If you've been obsessing over your Instagram bio, trying to make it perfect once and for all, here’s some relief: your bio is meant to change! In this episode, Kat Tepylo Murphy explains why your Instagram bio is a living document and how you can strategically adjust it as your business evolves. Learn why your bio isn’t just about what you do, but also about what your content does for people.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why your bio should change over time

✅ The difference between what your business does vs. what your content does

✅ How to make your bio work with your content strategy

✅ When and how to tweak your bio to align with business goals

✅ Why overthinking your bio is keeping you stuck

Update your bio with the IG Bio Micro-Workshop— only $15: https://socialkatmedia.com/ig-bio-micro-workshop?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals&utm_campaign=ig-bio-micro-workshop

☺ Connect with Kat:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialkatmedia/

* Threads: https://www.threads.net/@socialkatmedia

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-tepylo-murphy/

Is your Instagram bio working for you or against you? In this episode, Kat Tepylo Murphy puts ChatGPT to the test by having it write her Instagram bio—then breaks down where AI gets it right, where it falls short, and how you can create a bio that actually connects with your audience. If your bio is bland, generic, or just not you, this episode is packed with insights to help you fix it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why most AI-generated bios miss the mark

✅ The problem with vague statements and emoji overload

✅ How to make your bio stand out and attract the right audience

✅ A better approach than the overused “I help” statement

✅ The key role your bio plays in your content strategy

Get your $15 ticket to the IG Bio Micro Workshop— $3 from every ticket goes to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation: https://socialkatmedia.com/ig-bio-micro-workshop?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals&utm_campaign=ig-bio-micro-workshop

☺ Connect with Kat:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialkatmedia/

* Threads: https://www.threads.net/@socialkatmedia

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-tepylo-murphy/

In this powerful episode of Social Goals, The Pod, host Kat Tepylo Murphy welcomes farmer and advocate Emma Lee Harrison from Harrison Hill Farm to discuss the importance of authenticity in online spaces, particularly on Threads. Emma shares her journey of using her farm's social platforms to build a supportive community, speak up for human rights, and create a safe space for open conversations. From navigating viral moments to embracing change and growth in branding, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to use their voice meaningfully online.

Takeaways

• Threads is creating a supportive environment for authentic self-expression.
• Social media should be used strategically to connect with audiences.
• Building a community is essential for effective advocacy.
• Kindness can be a powerful tool in social media interactions.
• Everyone has the ability to influence and create change.
• Women should feel empowered to share their voices and experiences.
• Sharing beliefs can attract like-minded individuals to your brand.
• Engagement on social media can lead to meaningful connections.

Resources & Mentions:

• Follow Emma on Threads & Instagram: @theharrisonhillfarm
• Join Emma’s email list for farm updates & advocacy insights: https://harrisonhillfarm.myflodesk.com/
• Get 50% off your first year with Flodesk: https://flodesk.com/c/KATTEPYLO

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave 5 stars!

☆ Build your custom social media game plan with Social Goals: The Course https://socialkatmedia.com/social-goals?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

☺ Connect with Kat:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialkatmedia/

* Threads: https://www.threads.net/@socialkatmedia

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-tepylo-murphy/

☺ Free Resources to Help Your Small Business:

https://socialkatmedia.com/resources?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

In this episode of Social Goals, Kat Tepylo Murphy sits down—literally, on the studio floor—with business friends Maddy (@bymaddyaucoin), Ally (Akari Digital), and Mariah (Mariah Makes It Happen) to spill their biggest content icks. From cringe-worthy hooks to misleading marketing tactics, they’re calling out the content trends that just don’t work—and sharing better strategies to keep your audience engaged.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The content marketing mistakes that instantly turn people off
• Why some viral trends hurt your brand more than help it
• How to create authentic, engaging content without the gimmicks
• The fine line between hooking your audience and misleading them

Connect with the guests:

1. By Maddy Aucoin: https://www.instagram.com/bymaddyaucoin/
2. Akari Digital https://www.instagram.com/akaridigital/
3. Mariah Makes It Happen: https://www.instagram.com/mariahmakesithappen/

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave 5 stars!

☆ Build your custom social media game plan with Social Goals: The Course https://socialkatmedia.com/social-goals?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals

☺ Connect with Kat:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialkatmedia/

* Threads: https://www.threads.net/@socialkatmedia

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-tepylo-murphy/

☺ Free Resources to Help Your Small Business:

https://socialkatmedia.com/resources?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=social-goals