Feeling that end-of-year burnout creeping in? You’re not alone, and I’ve got your back. In today’s episode, I’m serving up two simple but powerful ideas for your Instagram strategy. First, we’re diving into Instagram’s newest feature, Trial Reels—what they are, how to use them, and why they might just change the way you create content. Then, we’re tackling something we all feel this time of year: exhaustion. I’m sharing three quick tips for taking a guilt-free pause, so you can recharge and step into 2025 with clarity and confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• [02:14] What are Trial Reels? Instagram’s newest tool for testing content on non-followers without posting to your grid.
• [03:28] How to Use Trial Reels Effectively: Testing hooks, experimenting with content, and deciding if this feature fits your strategy.
• [06:50] Trial Reels Pros & Cons: Why they can be a creative game-changer and why Elizabeth is still on the fence.
• [08:24] Avoiding End-of-Year Burnout: Elizabeth shares a personal story of hitting the wall and what she learned from taking a month-long Instagram break.
• [12:22] Three Tips for a Guilt-Free Pause: Setting boundaries, repurposing content, and making space for reflection.

Key Takeaways:

1. Trial Reels Offer Low-Risk Experimentation: Use them to test hooks, storytelling formats, or niche topics without worrying about follower reactions.
2. Rest is Your Superpower: Avoid burnout by setting boundaries and embracing intentional breaks. "Rest is a requirement of your highest-level self."
3. Repurpose & Simplify Content: Share top-performing posts or use trending memes to stay visible with minimal effort.
4. Reflection Breeds Creativity: Take time to celebrate wins, reflect on lessons learned, and reconnect with your creative energy.

Quote

"Rest is a requirement of your highest-level self. The world won’t end if you pause—your creativity will thank you for it."

EPISODE LINKS:

Get your first month of ManyChat Pro FREE with my exclusive link!

Want personalized support? JOIN HOT REELS: The 12 Month Instagram Content Lab: An intimate, strategy-packed mentorship for established business owners ready to create killer content that stops the scroll, grows your following and attracts your dreamboat clients (even if you have no idea what to post and feel like you’re always throwing spaghetti at the wall!)

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.

Are you tired of feeling stuck when it comes to selling on Instagram? I’m breaking down a simple, proven process to turn your followers into paying clients—without feeling sleazy or overwhelmed. You’ll learn how to create content that resonates, set up DM automation to streamline sales and nurture your audience every step of the way. Let’s simplify your sales strategy and get results!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• [02:27] The Sales Process You Need: A step-by-step system to turn followers into clients without overwhelm.
• [08:51] Create Resonating Content: How to deeply connect with your ideal client using the Triple E Formula: educate, entertain, and connect emotionally.
• [12:52] The Power of CTAs: Why a strong call to action is non-negotiable for driving engagement and conversions.
• [13:44] DM Automation 101: Simplify sales with keyword-triggered automation that keeps your business running even when you're offline.
• [17:36] Capturing Leads: Why collecting emails is key to nurturing relationships and ensuring your audience doesn’t slip away.
• [21:09] Real Results with DM Automation: How this tool saves time, boosts engagement, and drives conversions on autopilot.

Key Takeaway:

Start creating content that serves, resonates, and drives action. When you pair scroll-stopping content with DM automation, you create a seamless, sales-generating machine that works for you around the clock.

⏭️ Don’t stop now! Catch the other episodes in this series here:

41. Reels 101 For Business: Everything You Need to Know to Start Growing Your Brand on Instagram (part 1)

42. 7 Viral Instagram Reel Ideas For Your Business (part 2)

EPISODE LINKS:

Try ManyChat for FREE with my LINK

Want personalized support? JOIN HOT REELS: The 12 Month Instagram Content Lab: An intimate, strategy-packed mentorship for established business owners ready to create killer content that stops the scroll, grows your following and attracts your dreamboat clients (even if you have no idea what to post and feel like you’re always throwing spaghetti at the wall!)

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.

If your Instagram content isn’t capturing your dreamboat client’s attention in the first three seconds, it’s not just failing—it’s invisible. But don’t panic! Today, I’m giving you the ultimate tool to change that: viral hooks. These little gems are your secret weapon for stopping the scroll, sparking curiosity, and driving engagement. Get ready, because I’m breaking it all down with actionable ideas you can swipe for your business and start using today!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• [01:19] The Attention Economy: Why capturing attention is the most critical skill for thriving in today’s noisy social media landscape.
• [05:07] Viral Hook Formula #1: Three questions you need to ask before you… See how it applies across niches, from wedding florists to coffee lovers.
• [08:53] Viral Hook Formula #2: This is your sign to… How emotional appeals can drive action and build connection.
• [10:20] Viral Hook Formula #3: Calling out your audience with engaging questions to spark conversation.
• [12:13] Viral Hook Formula #4: POV (Point of View) reels that deeply resonate with your ideal client.
• [13:38] Viral Hook Formula #5: Before and After reels—people love transformations!
• [15:51] Viral Hook Formula #6: Industry trend content and why it positions you as a thought leader.
• [17:14] Viral Hook Formula #7: I wish more… knew… How specificity and empathy make this hook irresistible.
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Attention is the new currency: You need to captivate your audience immediately.
• Your content isn’t a monologue—it’s a conversation. Hooks that invite interaction drive deeper engagement and conversions.
• Transformational stories and specific, relatable hooks create sharable, binge-worthy content.
  
  

Quote

"If you want new results, you must take new actions. A strong hook isn’t just a tactic—it’s a connection point between your brand and your ideal audience."

⏭️ Don’t miss next week’s finale of this three-part series: How to Make Sales with Instagram Content!

EPISODE LINKS:

Want personalized support? JOIN HOT REELS: The 12 Month Instagram Content Lab: An intimate, strategy-packed mentorship for established business owners ready to create killer content that stops the scroll, grows your following and attracts your dreamboat clients (even if you have no idea what to post and feel like you’re always throwing spaghetti at the wall!)

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.

If you’re not creating Instagram Reels for your business yet, you’re leaving money—and clients—on the table. Do you feel Reels might be the secret sauce to growing your business, but you’re unsure where to start? This episode is for you! I’m breaking down why Reels should be central to your Instagram marketing strategy and sharing an easy-to-follow method to help you get started today.

Plus, you’ll hear a real-life story about stepping out of my comfort zone during my biggest speaking engagement to date—and how that ties into your journey as a business owner. Let’s dive in and get real about Reels!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• [02:30] The Power of Reels: Why Instagram Reels are the most effective content format for reaching new audiences.
• [06:15] Boosting Brand Visibility: How Reels help you get in front of people who don’t yet follow your brand.
• [08:25] The Triple E Formula: Create educational, entertaining, and emotional content that connects with your ideal audience.
• [12:15] How the Algorithm Works: Demystifying how Instagram sorts and prioritizes content—and what that means for your Reels strategy.
• [17:40] Reels vs. Paid Ads: Why organic content can be just as impactful as paid ads.
• [21:10] Building Confidence on Camera: Overcome your fears and start showing up authentically for your audience.
• [25:30] Reel Success Stories: A behind-the-scenes look at how my Reels strategy helped grow my business by 84% in a year—without spending a dime on ads.
• [28:45] Next Steps for You: Simple, actionable tips to start creating scroll-stopping Reels today.

⏭️Don’t Miss This: Next week, you’ll learn the seven viral Reel ideas and formulas you can swipe for your business—so make sure you subscribe to Strut It!

EPISODE LINKS:

Want personalized support? JOIN HOT REELS: The 12 Month Instagram Content Lab: An intimate, strategy-packed mentorship for established business owners ready to create killer content that stops the scroll, grows your following and attracts your dreamboat clients (even if you have no idea what to post and feel like you’re always throwing spaghetti at the wall!)

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.

Are Instagram mistakes silently sabotaging your growth? If you're struggling to drive leads and sales on Instagram, this episode is your wake-up call. I’m breaking down the 10 most common Instagram mistakes I see business owners make (yes, I’ve made them too). From hashtag blunders to engagement fails, I’m giving you actionable tips to fix these errors fast and start growing your audience with ease.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• [06:21] Hashtags Done Right: Why hashtags still matter and how to use them to attract your dream clients.
• [08:47] Leveraging Instagram Stories: Why ignoring Stories is a missed opportunity and how to make them work for you.
• [10:13] Repurposing Content: How to save time and boost visibility by reusing top-performing posts.
• [11:36] Post-and-Ghost? Never: The importance of engaging with your audience after posting to boost connection and visibility.
• [13:20] Balance is Key: How to mix promotional and value-driven content for maximum impact.
• [17:07] Quality Matters: Tips for ensuring your images and videos are high-quality and eye-catching.
• [18:34] Clear Goals, Clear Results: Why every post needs a clear purpose to drive engagement or sales.
• [19:31] Seamless Sales: How to make it ridiculously easy for people to buy from you using DM automation.
• [20:58] Done, Not Perfect: Why overthinking kills creativity and how to embrace authenticity.
• [21:47] The Hook is Everything: How to craft attention-grabbing hooks that stop the scroll in three seconds.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace your mistakes—they’re a chance to learn and grow.
2. Focus on hooks that grab attention fast—spend 80% of your time perfecting them.
3. Don’t overthink—authentic content wins in today’s Instagram game.
4. Consistency and quality are non-negotiable for long-term success.

Quick Tip:
DM me the word "chat" on Instagram to see DM automation in action and grab a free trial of MiniChat, the tool I rely on for automated responses that convert!

Links mentioned in this episode:

Try ManyChat for FREE with my LINK

Apply for a complimentary IG breakthrough call! - or DM me the word APPLY on Instagram and you’ll get the link.

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.

Are Instagram mistakes silently sabotaging your growth? If you're struggling to drive leads and sales on Instagram, this episode is your wake-up call. I’m breaking down the 10 most common Instagram mistakes I see business owners make (yes, I’ve made them too). From hashtag blunders to engagement fails, I’m giving you actionable tips to fix these errors fast and start growing your audience with ease. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• [06:21] Hashtags Done Right: Why hashtags still matter and how to use them to attract your dream clients.
• [08:47] Leveraging Instagram Stories: Why ignoring Stories is a missed opportunity and how to make them work for you.
• [10:13] Repurposing Content: How to save time and boost visibility by reusing top-performing posts.
• [11:36] Post-and-Ghost? Never: The importance of engaging with your audience after posting to boost connection and visibility.
• [13:20] Balance is Key: How to mix promotional and value-driven content for maximum impact.
• [17:07] Quality Matters: Tips for ensuring your images and videos are high-quality and eye-catching.
• [18:34] Clear Goals, Clear Results: Why every post needs a clear purpose to drive engagement or sales.
• [19:31] Seamless Sales: How to make it ridiculously easy for people to buy from you using DM automation.
• [20:58] Done, Not Perfect: Why overthinking kills creativity and how to embrace authenticity.
• [21:47] The Hook is Everything: How to craft attention-grabbing hooks that stop the scroll in just three seconds.

EPISODE LINKS:

Try ManyChat for FREE with my LINK

Feeling stuck? I have two spots left in my private mentorship program this quarter. If you’re ready to refine your Instagram strategy, boost your content, and start converting followers into customers, apply for a complimentary Instagram breakthrough call here.

JOIN HOT REELS: The 12 Month Instagram Content Lab
An intimate, strategy-packed mentorship for established business owners ready to create killer content that stops the scroll, grows your following and attracts your dreamboat clients (even if you have no idea what to post and feel like you’re always throwing spaghetti at the wall!)

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:

WORK WITH ELIZABETH

• Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram
• Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Call with Elizabeth
• Insta-Growth: The 30-Day Private Instagram Mentorship: https://www.elizabethmarberry.com/insta-growth 💸 SAVE $200 WITH CODE "PODCAST"

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.

Are you frustrated by low Instagram story views? Wondering how to make the most of your stories to boost engagement and drive results? You’re in the right place. I’m sharing a game-changing strategy that can multiply your Instagram story views by 10x—yes, really! Whether you’re gearing up for holiday promotions or simply want to build deeper connections with your audience, this tip will transform how you use stories.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• [00:00] The Power of Instagram Stories: Why stories are your secret weapon for building relationships with your most loyal followers.
• [04:15] Why Letting Your Stories Go Blank Works: A simple trick to reset Instagram’s algorithm and get more people viewing your content.
• [07:22] Step-by-Step Strategy to 10x Story Views: Practical steps for implementing this strategy, including tips on timing and using DM automation.
• [11:38] Stories vs. Reels: How stories nurture your audience while reels bring in new followers.
• [14:20] Algorithm Insights: What Instagram looks for when prioritizing whose stories to show and how you can leverage this for growth.
• [17:35] Real-Life Results: Examples of how this strategy brought new leads to my email list and skyrocketed engagement.

Key Takeaways:

1. Pause to Reset: Let your stories go blank for 24-48 hours. This resets Instagram’s algorithm and ensures your next story gets more visibility.
2. Start Strong: Post one engaging story after the pause with a clear hook and a keyword-based call-to-action (CTA).
3. DM Automation for Engagement: Use tools like ManyChat to boost interaction and drive traffic to your lead magnets or offers.
4. Build Connections: Stories are about nurturing your audience—share behind-the-scenes content and let your followers feel like they’re part of your inner circle.

EPISODE LINKS:

Try ManyChat for FREE with my LINK

Feeling stuck? I have two spots left in my private mentorship program this quarter. If you’re ready to refine your Instagram strategy, boost your content, and start converting followers into customers, apply for a complimentary Instagram breakthrough call here.

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.

Struggling to turn your holiday promotions into actual sales on Instagram? If Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Small Business Saturday feels like a scramble every year, this episode will help you set up an effective, stress-free strategy that drives real results. I’ll show you how to engage your audience, leverage Instagram’s latest tools, and automate for sales success—all without overwhelming yourself. Ready to make this holiday season your best one yet? Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Power of DM Automation (05:04): Why “link in bio” prompts aren’t enough in 2024 and how to set up keyword-triggered messages to direct followers instantly to your offers, like a little sales assistant on autopilot.
• Setting Up Your Black Friday Strategy (08:49): From using countdowns in Stories to building urgency and driving engagement with carousels and Reels, I’ll share a strategy to make your offers pop in a crowded holiday feed.
• Crafting Irresistible CTAs (14:02): I’ll guide you on creating memorable and clear calls-to-action that your followers can easily act on without hunting through your profile.
• Using Lead Magnets as Holiday Gifts (18:35): Not offering a sale? Discover how to use Black Friday to build your email list with irresistible freebies that position you as an expert, nurture your audience, and set the stage for future conversions.

Key Takeaways:

• Simplify the Buying Process: With DM automation, make it as easy as possible for followers to engage and convert with your promo offers.
• Lean into Carousels & Stories for Engagement: Use carousel posts, music, and countdowns to create anticipation and urgency.
• Elevate Your CTA Game: Bold, specific, and easy-to-use CTAs make all the difference in capturing attention and encouraging action.
• Think Long-Term with Lead Magnets: Even if you’re not selling this holiday season, freebies can be a powerful way to build your list and grow engagement.

EPISODE LINKS:

Try ManyChat for FREE with my LINK

Feeling stuck? I have two spots left in my private mentorship program this quarter. If you’re ready to refine your Instagram strategy, boost your content, and start converting followers into customers, apply for a complimentary Instagram breakthrough call here.

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.

Have you ever felt like your brand’s missing something—but you can’t put your finger on what it is? Maybe you’ve got the logo, the colors, the website, but you’re still not standing out the way you’d hoped. Today, I’m excited to welcome Belle Rape, a branding expert with over two decades of experience, who helps entrepreneurs go beyond the surface of branding to create a truly magnetic identity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• [00:00] The Power of Personal Branding:
  Belle shares insights into branding as the foundation of a business, from understanding your mission to defining your audience, rather than just focusing on visuals like logos or fonts.
• [02:17] Avoiding the Common Branding Trap:
  Why so many entrepreneurs get stuck on trendy visuals and overlook the importance of building a solid brand identity first.
• [04:00] Making Your Product or Service Stand Out:
  Belle reminds us that it’s your personality and unique perspective that attract people to your brand, not necessarily the product or service alone.
• [08:25] Key to Authenticity on Instagram:
  We discuss why it’s essential to show up as your true self on social media, and how it helps attract your ideal audience.
• [10:05] Leveraging AI in Marketing:
  Belle shares her experience using AI for efficiency and why keeping up with AI trends is essential for staying competitive.
• [17:32] Building Confidence in Your Appearance (The ABCs of Branding):
  Belle’s simple but powerful approach to branding—appearance, behavior, and communication—and how each plays a crucial role in showing up confidently in your business.
• [24:00] Entrepreneurial Style Tips:
  Practical advice for entrepreneurs who may be hesitant to invest in a stylist, and the power of creating a wardrobe that reflects your brand.
• [29:10] Staying True to Yourself in a Trend-Obsessed World:
  Belle shares her tips on how to avoid the pressure of trends and stay grounded in your personal brand vision.

EPISODE LINKS:

Find links to Belle’s work below.

Website: https://www.blueprintbybelle.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belle.darden/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellerape/
FREEBIE: 3 Wardrobe Essentials 

Signature Service: Brand Social Session

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.

Carousels have always been a valuable way to engage followers, but with Instagram’s latest update, they’re an even bigger opportunity to reach new audiences. Plus, this format gives you the chance to be more creative and tell a story in a single post, making it a powerful tool in your Instagram strategy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• [01:29] New Instagram Update: Carousels can now appear in the Reels tab when you add music, meaning more opportunities to get discovered by new audiences. I’ll explain why this matters and how to make the most of it. 
• [04:33] Why Carousels Work: Carousels give you multiple chances to engage your audience because they allow for multiple slides in a single post, which can be shown repeatedly in a user's feed if they don’t swipe through all slides the first time. 
• [05:54] Pro Tips for Carousel Content: How to create attention-grabbing slides, including the importance of using a strong hook on the first slide and adding text within the Instagram app to keep your content relevant and engaging. 
• [07:15] How to Use Instagram’s New Features: From adding trending audio to carousels for better reach to leveraging Instagram’s new in-app tools for creating carousels quickly.

Key Takeaways:

1. Hook Them in 3 Seconds: Just like reels, the first slide of your carousel needs to grab attention fast! 
2. Leverage Trending Audio: Adding music to your carousel posts makes them more engaging and increases the chances of getting featured on the Reels tab, expanding your reach. 
3. Experiment with In-App Carousel Tools: Take advantage of Instagram's new in-app tools to create text-heavy carousels directly within the app.

Feeling stuck? I have two spots left in my private mentorship program this quarter. If you’re ready to refine your Instagram strategy, boost your content, and start converting followers into customers, apply for a complimentary Instagram breakthrough call here.

EPISODE LINKS:

• The carousel post I mention in this episode
• JOIN HOT REELS: The 12 Month Instagram Content Lab - An intimate, strategy-packed mentorship for established business owners ready to create killer content that stops the scroll, grows your following and attracts your dreamboat clients (even if you have no idea what to post and feel like you’re always throwing spaghetti at the wall!) 

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.