In today's episode, I sit down with Thomas Finetto, the head of creative for Instagram for Business—yes, the account with over 20 million followers helping business owners grow on Instagram (@instagramforbusiness). We talk about what it actually takes to win on Instagram today, from the biggest mistakes he sees creators and brands making, to the mindset shift every entrepreneur needs in order to succeed online.

Thomas shares why speed and trust are the secret weapons for social teams, and how giving creators more creative freedom is a game-changer for growth. We also get into why reposting content isn’t lazy, it’s smart - and why “letting a post breathe” is one of the worst myths in the game.

We break down real examples from brands like Duolingo, Ryanair, and even a donut shop in the UK that went viral by giving their staff the freedom to create content. Plus, Thomas shares overlooked tools like Instagram Close Friends, employee-generated content, and why most people are doing social media competitor research completely wrong.

This episode is full of hot takes, behind-the-scenes insight from someone who works at Meta, and tons of actionable advice for anyone using Instagram to grow their business—whether you're a solo creator or running a team.

In today's episode, I sit down with Pat Flynn (@patflynn 106k), an OG in the world of online entrepreneurship and podcasting, to talk about what it really takes to build a thriving audience and business. Pat shares his journey from being laid off as an architect to launching a massively successful online brand, breaking down the principles behind his bestselling book Superfans and his upcoming book Lean Learning.

Click HERE to pre-order Lean Learning, today!

We dive into why super fans (not just followers) are the key to longterm business success, how to turn casual listeners into die hard supporters, and why most entrepreneurs get stuck consuming instead of doing. Pat also shares his game changing 111 strategy, his framework for focusing on the right information, and the exact steps he used to scale multiple YouTube and Instagram accounts to millions of followers.

If you’ve ever struggled with staying focused, getting results from what you’re learning, or building a loyal community around your brand, this episode is for you. Plus, if you’re a Pokémon fan, we nerd out a little on that too. Get ready for a packed conversation with one of the smartest minds in digital business.

Pat's other channels:

Deep Pocket Monster Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@deeppocketmonster

In today's episode, we're doing another You Interview Me segment where I answer questions directly from my Instagram DMs. We're covering some of the biggest challenges content creators and entrepreneurs face on social media, including why engagement drops, how to stay organized with content, and whether cold DMing is an effective strategy.

I also share my take on the future of live shopping on Instagram and how it could be a game changer for businesses, plus my step-by-step approach to starting an Instagram account from scratch — from optimizing your profile to building a content strategy that drives consistent growth.

And before we dive into your questions, I’m also announcing a major shift for the podcast — we’ll be releasing fewer episodes, but we’re going all-in on securing the biggest names in the industry for high-value interviews.

If you’ve ever struggled with declining views, figuring out the best way to organize your content, or just getting your Instagram strategy off the ground, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take your social media game to the next level.

In today's episode, we dive into the world of print on demand and how entrepreneurs can create and sell physical products without needing massive warehouses or upfront inventory costs. This episode is a little different from our usual focus on digital products, but it's an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to add an extra revenue stream to their online business.

Our guest, Adrian Vonarx (@ecomlegendsacademy), is an expert in print on demand and walks us through the four essential steps to launching a successful business in this space. He breaks down how to choose a profitable niche, design products that resonate with your audience, set up a simple yet effective Shopify store, and market your products using social media and email marketing. We also cover how to validate product ideas, the best platforms for research, and the importance of an owned platform like an email list to build long-term success.

Adrian shares actionable strategies for beginners, emphasizing that you don’t need a large audience to make this work. He also talks about the power of automation and how print on demand allows you to focus on sales-generating activities while outsourcing fulfillment. If you’ve ever thought about launching a merch line, selling apparel, or testing out a product idea without the risk of traditional inventory, this episode is for you.

In today's episode, I dive into the journey of Ian Grant (@vermontdogtrainer 270k), a dog trainer who transitioned from in-person coaching to launching a successful online course, all while managing life as a parent and business owner. Ian shares his formula for creating viral Instagram reels, with 17 of his videos surpassing 1 million views. He breaks down the strategies that helped him grow his audience and explains why understanding client pain points and documenting real-world moments are key to creating impactful content.

We also explore how Ian built his online course, starting with a six-month beta program that evolved into his current three-month "Canines and Culture" program. He discusses the value of running launches, building community, and gathering feedback to continuously improve his offerings. Whether you’re a content creator, entrepreneur, or dog owner, this episode is packed with actionable tips for balancing life, growing a business, and creating meaningful connections through social media.

You’ll learn my approach to deciding when it’s time to start over with a new Instagram account, the difference between free content and paid offers, and my top strategies for converting non-followers into followers. I also discuss using tools like trial reels to maximize reach and why over-delivering on free content can actually help you grow your business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your Instagram game to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can implement today.

In today's episode, I answer your advanced social media question that you submitted through Instagram!

We dive into nuanced strategies for priming your audience before a launch, effectively running ads for an engaged organic audience, and preparing for a potential influx of creators to platforms like Instagram and YouTube in case of a TikTok ban. I also share insights into overcoming challenges as a long-time content creator, managing engagement as your audience grows, and staying passionate about your work.

Additionally, I discuss how to strategize content for multiple products, trends to expect in 2025, and the evolving importance of DM automation and creative storytelling in reels. Listen in to get actionable advice and advanced tactics to level up your social media game!

In today's episode, you're interviewing me! I’m answering your questions to wrap up the year with insights and actionable advice for content creators and entrepreneurs. You’ll learn how to navigate algorithm changes during dips in engagement, whether around the holidays or any time of year, and why consistency matters. I also share practical tips for improving SEO by using audience-relevant language and keyword research tools.

We dive into strategies for setting fair rates when working with brands, identifying your niche with ease, and reaching non-followers through creative, share-worthy posts. I’ll also walk you through how to create authentic content, maximize Instagram story reach with a simple reset strategy, and tailor your content to different platforms while overcoming fears about posting publicly.

Plus, I reveal my predictions for the best-performing content in 2025, discuss how to use DM automation effectively, and offer advice on converting followers into clients by mastering empathy. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is packed with real-world tactics to help you grow your online presence.

In today's episode, I speak with Maria, an incredible content creator and pediatric physical therapist (@DeveloBaby 375k). Maria has grown three Instagram accounts, each in a different language, with over 50,000 followers each—her English account alone boasting over 375,000 followers. We dive into how Maria stands out in a crowded niche by sharing evidence-based, practical advice for parents and building trust with her audience.

Maria shares her content creation strategies, including her innovative content days, where she films up to 250 clips in one day, and her ability to simplify complex information for her audience. We discuss the importance of understanding your audience’s pain points and how Maria turned the most common challenges she encountered in her clinic into successful online programs, including her bestselling baby sleep program.

Maria also opens up about balancing authenticity and professionalism on social media, the challenges of going viral with the wrong audience, and why she believes consistency, genuine enjoyment of the process, and giving value are the keys to success. Whether you're a content creator, entrepreneur, or parent, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Lo (@stanforcreators 100k), the face behind Stan’s social media and someone who’s played a key role in growing the brand’s Instagram to nearly 100,000 followers in just over a year. Lo shares the strategies that helped the account skyrocket, from the importance of adapting content formats to what’s working now on Instagram, like B-roll videos with text and storytelling-driven hooks.

We also dive into Lo’s “Rule of Three” method for repurposing ideas into multiple content types, helping creators stay consistent without burning out. Later, I shift gears and ask Lo to guide me through the steps of monetizing on social media, whether you’re brand new, pivoting your niche, or figuring out what digital product to create first. Lo emphasizes starting with your experiences, identifying your audience’s pain points, and testing different ways to serve them, like 1:1 coaching, ebooks, or video courses.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for content creators and entrepreneurs looking to grow their audience, streamline their strategies, and start making money online. Don’t forget to check out the Stan for Creators Instagram page, and help them hit that 100K milestone!