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If your Instagram growth feels stuck or you are posting without a clear direction, this episode gives you clarity fast. I break down the five Instagram growth hacks that are helping small business owners grow their accounts, tighten their messaging, and get more eyes on their work. Each strategy is simple. Each strategy is doable. Each strategy is relevant to your 2026 plan.

I also share how these principles work inside Hot Reels, my high-touch content lab for business owners who want clarity, confidence, and a repeatable system that drives real results.

What You’ll Learn

[00:00] Why your Instagram growth feels stalled
 [00:26] Five simple growth strategies that work in 2026
 [07:16] Growth hack #1: Target market research
 [12:52] Growth hack #2: Narrow your focus
 [16:43] Growth hack #3: Trial Reels
 [21:19] Growth hack #4: Remixes
 [23:38] Growth hack #5: Talking head videos and stories
 [25:22] How Hot Reels supports you year-round

Key Takeaways

• Your audience responds when you use their exact words.
• Clear focus helps the right followers see themselves in your message.
• Trial Reels remove guesswork and speed up your growth.
• Remixes help your reach when you add your own perspective.
• Talking head videos deepen trust and connection fast.

Links and Resources

• Join the Hot Reels waitlist or DM me hot on Instagram
• Read Dani’s Story: How She Made $100K from Instagram in Under 12 Months (A Hot Reels Success Story)

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

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Most people lose their ideal audience in the first two seconds of a video. That tiny moment determines whether someone keeps scrolling or thinks this message is for me. If your content feels ignored or flat, the issue usually starts with your hook.

If you want stronger engagement, better watch time, and more qualified leads from your content, this episode gives you the exact tools to make that shift.

What You’ll Learn

[00:00] Why the first two seconds decide whether your content works
 [00:29] The reason hooks fall flat and how to fix them
 [01:32] Why hook creation is a learnable skill
 [02:28] How clarity and brevity help your message land
 [03:49] The three hook strategies I teach inside Hot Reels
 [07:05] Real client wins that show what is possible
 [08:59] Why attention leads to conversions
 [09:29] How to write hooks that speak to your ideal clients
 [12:15] How to remove filler words and sharpen your messaging
 [13:41] Examples of hooks that activate the right audience
 [14:39] How to use your audience’s language when you write hooks
 [17:30] How to use client conversations to find better hook ideas
 [18:55] A simple hook structure anyone can follow
 [19:51] How pacing and editing keep viewers engaged
 [21:46] How movement, cuts, and angles strengthen your videos
 [22:17] Why implementation drives results more than information

Key Takeaways

• You have two seconds to earn someone’s attention on Instagram.
• Clear and brief hooks outperform long and complicated statements.
• Your content resonates when you use the words your audience uses.
• Strong pacing and simple edits help people stay with your message.
• Small upgrades each week create major results over time.
• Support and mentorship remove guesswork and speed up growth.

This Week’s Challenge

Choose one hook strategy from this episode. Use it in your next reel, story, or carousel. Keep it short. Make it clear. Use your audience’s exact words. Then post it without overthinking.

Links and Resources

• Join the Hot Reels waitlist or DM me hot on Instagram
• Read Dani’s Story: How She Made $100K from Instagram in Under 12 Months (A Hot Reels Success Story)

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

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What if one year from now you could double your prices, expand your brand, grow your Instagram from under 2,000 followers to more than 22,000, and add more than $100,000 in revenue to your business.

That is exactly what happened for my client, Dani Alvarez.

When Dani and I first met, she was a homeschooling mom of three running a small farm in Northern Colorado and posting the occasional photo on Instagram. She did not know how to post a reel. She felt stuck and overwhelmed. She wondered if Instagram was even worth her time.

Fast forward twelve months, her videos have hit millions of views. Her business has transformed from the inside out. Her brand is clear, elevated, and profitable. And she has added an entirely new revenue stream because of her visibility on Instagram.

What You’ll Learn

[00:00] Dani’s growth from 1,800 to 22,000 followers
 [00:26] Why she almost quit Instagram
 [00:56] How we doubled her prices
 [03:20] How Sparrow Hill Beverage Burros began
 [07:05] When she saw she needed a real strategy
 [08:26] What we fixed before reels
 [09:21] Her first bride at the new rate
 [10:49] Learning reels for the first time
 [12:43] Daily reel commitment
 [14:38] Facing the fear of showing up on camera
 [15:58] Filtering out conflicting advice
 [17:20] The reality of the first ninety days
 [19:18] Her first viral reel
 [24:40] Visibility driving bookings and revenue
 [30:45] Unpredictable opportunities from social media
 [32:05] Dani’s advice on joining Hot Reels
[34:23] Why strategy plus encouragement transforms results

Guest Bio

Dani Alvarez is the founder of Sparrow Hill Beverage Burros and Friends, a Northern Colorado wedding and events business featuring highly trained mini donkeys and farm animals. She is a former elementary teacher turned entrepreneur who built her business from a small family farm while homeschooling her three children. Dani has grown her Instagram to more than 22,000 followers, added over $100,000 in revenue in one year, and now co-runs a global coaching program for farms wanting to add luxury beverage animals to their offerings. Her work blends hospitality, joyful experiences, and intentional brand storytelling.

Links + Resources

• Follow Dani on Instagram: @sparrowhillbeverageburros
• Book the Beverage Burros or stay at the Airbnb: farmatsparrowhill.com
• Join the Hot Reels waitlist or DM me hot on Instagram
  

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

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In this episode, I go deeper into the visibility work we started last week. I explore two blocks that show up for every entrepreneur I know: imposter syndrome and perfectionism. These patterns often present as hesitation, overthinking, procrastination, or feeling like you need everything perfect before you show up online. I share how they show up in life and business, how they have shown up in my own journey, and how you can move forward with confidence even when doubts and fears are present. I also talk about the power of DM automation and how it keeps your business running even when you step away from your phone.

What You'll Learn

[00:00] Why visibility work matters and why hesitation usually comes from deeper blocks
 [00:28] Introduction to imposter syndrome and perfectionism
 [00:59] My mission to help entrepreneurs get visible and monetize on Instagram
 [02:07] How DM automation allows your content to drive leads while you are offline
[03:03] How keywords in comments or DMs trigger links and next steps automatically
[08:43] How imposter syndrome signals growth rather than weakness
[10:12] The emotional journey leading up to speaking at Wedding MBA
[14:04] How perfectionism shows up through planning, delaying, and waiting
[15:00] How writing my book has challenged my own perfectionism
[20:30] Why sustainability matters more than hustling in every direction

Key Takeaways

• Imposter syndrome and perfectionism are not signs that you lack readiness. They are signals that you are growing.
• You do not need to eliminate doubt. You need to learn how to move forward with it.
• Confidence comes from taking action, not waiting for perfection.
• Visibility and results come from consistency, not flawless execution.
• DM automation helps your business continue to sell and serve while you rest or focus elsewhere.

Links Mentioned

• Try ManyChat Pro free for 30 days or by DMing me LEADS on Instagram
• Join the Hot Reels waitlist or by DMing me HOT on Instagram

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

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If people do not know you exist, they will not buy from you. It sounds simple, but visibility requires more than hitting publish on a post. It requires you to show up as your real self. It requires you to let your audience connect with your humanity. That means being honest. It means being a little messy in public. And that is where the fear kicks in.

In this week’s episode, I share the first two visibility blocks that keep entrepreneurs stuck, silent, or overthinking every word they publish. I walk you through fear of judgment and self doubt. I share stories from my own journey, from speaking on the biggest stage of my life to blocking real life people on Instagram so I could create freely again. You will learn how to find evidence that you do know what you are doing and how to support your nervous system as you grow.

This is part one of a two part series. Today we explore fear of judgment and self doubt. Next week we explore imposter syndrome and perfectionism.

What You’ll Learn

[00:00] Why you must be seen to be paid and why visibility requires honest humanity
 [00:29] Why sharing your struggles matters for connection and sales
 [00:58] How appropriate vulnerability builds trust with your audience
 [01:15] Why visibility feels scary and how to navigate those emotions
 [01:52] My prep for speaking at the Wedding MBA and how perfectionism shows up
 [02:46] Why caring deeply often looks like anxiety and high standards
 [04:07] How visibility triggers self reflection and inner growth
 [05:30] The first two visibility blocks you must understand
 [10:17] Understanding the self doubt block and where it comes from
 [16:53] What my clients seek in Hot Reels and why it works
 [17:50] How Instagram reflects your inner world and leadership
 [18:20] Why confronting your inner blocks creates long term success
 [18:46] How Hot Reels helps you build visibility, messaging, and funnels
 [19:11] Why you need an intentional content system that sells for you

Links and Resources Mentioned

Join the Hot Reels Waitlist: elizabethmarberry.com/hot. Get early access and bonuses when doors open in December.

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

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This week, I’m talking with Anthony Lambatos, owner of Footers Catering and founder of MIBE (Make It Better Every Day), a leadership and culture organization helping people build heart-led, people-first businesses.

Anthony and his wife April have quadrupled their company’s revenue, achieved 50% higher employee retention than the industry average, and earned Best Places to Work honors eight years in a row. But the real story is how they did it, through heart leadership.

We unpack what heart-led leadership really looks like, why vulnerability and communication are the most powerful leadership tools, and how this philosophy applies whether you’re a CEO, a small business owner, or a team of one.

What You’ll Learn

[03:57] How Anthony went from family business to people-first CEO
 [05:45] The secret behind Footers Catering’s long-term success and retention
 [07:10] What heart leadership really means and why it matters now
 [10:00] Why everyone is a leader, no matter your title or team size
[13:44] How emotional intelligence builds stronger businesses and cultures
[16:29] The link between leadership, authenticity, and social media presence
[20:45] The four convictions of heart leadership: Lead, Love, Mibe, and Vibe
[24:35] How communication can transform culture and client relationships
[27:58] Why small, 1% improvements lead to exponential growth
[30:23] How to protect your culture and surround yourself with the right people
[35:00] What to expect from the 2025 MIBE Summit for hospitality leaders

This Week’s Challenge

This week, I challenge you to reflect on how you’re showing up as a leader in your business. Ask yourself: Am I leading with heart? Am I communicating clearly? Am I making small, consistent improvements every day?

Then share one way you’re committing to lead with more authenticity this week and tag me @elizabethmarberry, I’d love to celebrate it with you.

Links + Resources Mentioned

• Join the MIBE Summit: themibe.com/summit
• Follow MIBE on Instagram
• Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: Anthony Lambatos 

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

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If your content isn’t converting, it’s not your strategy, it’s your messaging.

In this Strut It episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest shifts we’re seeing on Instagram right now: moving from generic to personal and specific content. The truth is, broad, how-to posts like “5 Ways to Grow Your Instagram” no longer perform. What’s working now are personalized, story-driven posts that speak directly to your ideal clients.

What You’ll Learn

[01:06] The biggest content shift happening on Instagram right now
 [03:56] Why specific, story-driven hooks outperform generic how-tos
 [05:44] The end of the “five tips” era and what to do instead
 [08:08] A real example from my business: how I grew 20,000 followers in 30 days
 [09:34] What Adam Mosseri says about shareable content and DMs
 [11:53] How to write posts that get shared—and why people share them
 [13:44] Coaching example: rewriting a burnout coach’s hook for clarity and impact
 [15:40] How to transform a generic idea into a personal, scroll-stopping hook
 [18:59] The difference between “I/me” hooks and “you” hooks (and how to use both)
 [20:53] A simple storytelling prompt to create relatable, magnetic content
 [22:20] How to get feedback and mentorship inside my Hot Reels content lab

This Week’s Challenge

Create one piece of content that feels personal and specific. It could be a Reel, carousel, or post that shares a true story or insight from your journey. Use the prompt: “What I wish I knew before…” and fill in the blank with a meaningful moment or decision from your business or life.

Then tag me @elizabethmarberry on Instagram—I’d love to see it and cheer you on.

Links + Resources Mentioned

Join the Hot Reels Waitlist: elizabethmarberry.com/hot — Get early access and bonuses when doors open in December.

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

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If your content isn’t converting, it’s probably not because you need a new strategy, it’s because your messaging isn’t connecting.

In this episode of Strut It, I’m joined by marketing expert and wedding business strategist Heidi Thompson, the founder of Evolve Your Wedding Business and author of Clone Your Best Clients. Heidi breaks down exactly how to uncover what your audience really wants, thinks, and feels so you can write content that actually converts.

Whether you’re a wedding professional, creative, or service provider, you’ll walk away with practical tools to strengthen your message, attract the right people, and boost your ROI without reinventing your entire marketing strategy.

What You’ll Learn

[02:17] Why truly knowing your audience is the foundation of every great marketing strategy
 [03:45] The psychology behind effective marketing and what most business owners get wrong
 [05:35] The biggest mistake creators make when identifying their ideal client
 [08:27] Why old-school demographic worksheets don’t actually help you sell more
 [10:51] The “Clone Your Best Clients” method and how to identify your dream customers
 [14:36] The most effective way to get real audience insights (and it’s not guessing)
 [17:27] How to ask for and conduct client interviews that reveal the gold in your messaging
 [20:19] The key questions that uncover what truly drives people to buy
 [27:17] Why refining your messaging by just 5% can completely change your results
 [31:58] How to apply what you learn across your website, Instagram bio, and all content

This Week’s Challenge

I want you to identify one or two of your favorite clients. The people you wish you could clone, and reach out to them. Ask if you can hop on a short call to learn what really motivated them to work with you. Use their exact words in your next piece of content or Instagram post. You’ll be amazed at how it changes your results. Then DM me @elizabethmarberry and tell me what you discovered.

Links + Resources Mentioned

• Heidi’s Free Resource: Clone Your Best Clients Workbook
• Join Heidi’s Free Training: Build a Six-Figure Wedding Business
• Connect with Heidi: Evolve Your Wedding Business
• Follow Heidi on Instagram: @evolveyourweddingbusiness
  
  

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

Send us a text

If you’ve ever spent hours creating a reel you thought would crush it, only for it to flop, this episode is for you.

I’m pulling back the curtain on one of my favorite Instagram growth hacks: trial reels. This is the exact method I use (and teach my clients) to A/B test hooks and uncover what kind of messaging actually stops the scroll, grabs attention, and converts.

I’ll also share how one of my clients tested three versions of the same reel and tripled her views just by tweaking the first line. You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to implement this in your own business this week.

What You’ll Learn

[01:15] Why trial reels are one of the most powerful (and underused) features on Instagram
 [02:11] What trial reels actually are and how to know if you have access to them
 [03:01] How I’m using trial reels to test hooks and grow faster
 [05:21] The story of how one client tripled her reach by changing three words
 [07:44] How trial reels help you A/B test your messaging—just like email subject lines
 [09:13] Real examples of viral hook testing you can try this week
 [10:12] When to use trial reels (and when not to) depending on your goals
 [12:07] The difference between attraction and promotional content
 [13:29] How to use trial reels differently for nurturing vs. growth seasons
 [14:54] Why perfectionists need trial reels the most
 [16:20] Your weekly action step: how to test your first trial reel and measure results

This Week’s Challenge

Post your first trial reel.
If you’ve already been using them, A/B test your hooks this week. Try posting the same video with different on-screen text and see which version performs best. When you get your results, DM me on Instagram @elizabethmarberry and tell me about your win. I’d love to celebrate with you.

Links + Resources Mentioned

• Join the Waitlist: Hot Reels – My 12-month Instagram content lab for small business owners and creatives ready to grow visibility and sales.
• Free Resource: Monetize Your IG Guide. Learn seven simple, proven ways to finally make money on Instagram.

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

Send us a text

People buy people, not products. That’s why your story isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s the heartbeat of your visibility strategy.

Today you’ll learn the art and strategy of storytelling, how to share your truth in a way that connects, inspires, and builds trust on Instagram. I even take you behind the scenes of my own story—my life as an actual showgirl (yes, with feathers and rhinestones!) — and what it taught me about visibility, perfectionism, and finding confidence in authenticity.

If you’ve ever wondered how to share stories that truly connect with your audience, not just sell to them, this episode is your guide.

What You’ll Learn

[01:21] Why your story, not your content calendar, makes your brand magnetic
 [03:13] My past life as a professional showgirl and how it shaped my visibility journey
 [05:06] The hidden struggles behind “living the dream” and how perfectionism shows up in business
 [07:28] Why storytelling is the heartbeat of an effective Instagram strategy
 [08:54] The real currency of social media (and it’s not likes or followers)
 [10:22] My simple three-part storytelling framework: setup, shift, and takeaway
 [12:46] How to turn your vulnerability into connection without oversharing
 [14:39] How to use AI and the CRIT Framework to craft emotional, relatable stories
 [16:05] This week’s Emotional Storytelling Challenge—share one story that connects
 [17:33] How to tag me in your storytelling post so I can cheer you on

This Week’s Challenge

I’m calling this the Emotional Storytelling Challenge.

Create one piece of content. A Reel, carousel, or post, where your only goal is connection. Don’t try to sell or promote. Just share a real piece of who you are or why you do this work. Then tag me @elizabethmarberry. I’d love to see it and cheer you on.

Links + Resources Mentioned

Free Resource: Monetize Your IG Guide. Learn seven simple, proven ways to finally make money on Instagram.

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth
• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram

Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.