Untamed Social

Untamed Social

By Rachel StrellaBusinessMarketing
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Untamed Social episodes

  • 5 Social Media Lessons From 2025 That Will Shape Your 2026 Strategy

    In the season three finale of Untamed Social, host Laney Goff pulls together the five most important lessons from a year of conversations with brand strategists, creators, and social media experts.

    From why “good content” is no longer enough, to how your brand voice might be holding you back, this episode unpacks the shifts every marketer needs to understand before heading into 2026. You’ll hear why sameness is the real enemy of growth, how to build systems that fuel idea generation, and why audience signals—not gut feelings—should guide your strategy.

    Laney also breaks down the critical difference between brand strategy and social media strategy, with real-world examples from brands like Nike, Duolingo, Scrub Daddy, and The Washington Post.

    If you’re ready to stop blending in and start creating content that resonates, this episode is your roadmap. Let’s make 2026 the year your content finally hits.


    Sometimes all it takes is ONE focused day. Our consulting bootcamps target the exact area slowing your growth—planning, content, or clarity—so you can finally move forward with confidence.
     

    Details: https://strellasocialmedia.com/social-media-bootcamp/


    29 min
  • Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms For Your Brand

    Not all social media platforms are created equal—and treating them like they are is one of the biggest mistakes brands make. In this episode of Untamed Social, host Laney Goff sits down with Ella Gunnell, Creative Manager at Strella Social Media, to unpack how to choose the right platforms for your brand and how to adapt your content so it actually resonates.

    Laney and Ella dive into:

    • How to evaluate where your audience really is (and how they consume content)
    • Why sustainability and enjoyment matter in content creation
    • The key differences between Instagram Reels and TikTok videos
    • How Facebook still drives results through ads, groups, and communities
    • What works best on LinkedIn for thought leadership and personal branding
    • When X (Twitter) makes sense—and when it doesn’t
    • What to do when a platform you’ve invested in starts to shift or fade

    If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to “be everywhere,” this conversation will help you focus on showing up with intention, not exhaustion.

    👉 Want to take your strategy further? Learn more about our consulting bootcamps here: https://strellasocialmedia.com/social-media-bootcamp/

    30 min
  • Why Brands Fail at Consistency (and How to Get It Right)

    Let's be honest: if your social media strategy involves posting whenever you remember or panic-scrolling at 4 PM on a Tuesday, wondering what to share, you're not alone. But you're also not getting the results you want.

    In this episode, host Laney Goff sits down with Rachel Strella, founder of the 15-year-old agency Strella Social Media, to break down exactly why consistency matters more than algorithms, shadow bans, or trending audio—and more importantly, how to actually achieve it.

    Rachel reveals the complete content planning system her agency uses with clients, from the initial brainstorming session to publication. You'll learn how to shift from reactive posting to strategic planning, which tools make the biggest difference (including free options), and why having processes in place isn't boring—it's the secret to sustainable growth.

    Key takeaways include:

    • The exact workflow for planning content from ideation to publication
    • How to break down content creation so it doesn't feel overwhelming
    • Why strategy and planning are both necessary (and what the difference actually is)
    • Tools for small teams vs. larger organizations
    • How to balance pre-planned content with trending opportunities
    • The one thing you can do today if you're currently inconsistent

    Whether you're a solo entrepreneur managing your own social media or leading a marketing team, this episode gives you the blueprint for building a content system that works. Because, as Rachel says, consistency isn't about perfection—it's about preparation.

    Ready to stop winging it and start working it? This episode is your roadmap.

    Learn more about our consulting bootcamps: https://strellasocialmedia.com/social-media-bootcamp/

    26 min
  • Scroll-Stopping Content: Inside the Creative Process of Stand-Out Brands

    Struggling to create fresh social media content that helps your brand stand out? If you're feeling the burnout from posting just to post, this episode is your guide to sparking new creativity.

    Join host Laney Goff as she sits down with Ella Gunnell, Creative Manager at Strella Social Media, to pull back the curtain on the creative process. Ella shares her expertise in turning concepts into scroll-stopping content and connecting with audiences in meaningful ways.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why brands, even in "boring" industries, struggle with content creation and how to overcome it.
    • Practical ways to generate endless content ideas, from looking at competitors to using AI as an effective brainstorming tool.
    • Simple methods to transform one good idea into multiple posts, or even weeks' worth of content, by repurposing correctly.
    • How to balance creating on-brand content with the unexpected, attention-grabbing posts that are essential for growth.

    Tune in to learn the strategies that will give your social media the creativity boost it needs.


    You don’t need a full reset. You need one clear breakthrough.
    Our consulting bootcamps are built to find the friction point—whether it’s strategy, content, or clarity—and unlock the shift that changes everything. In just one day.

    Ready to move from second-guessing to forward motion? Request your free social media audit and claim your bootcamp spot here: https://strellasocialmedia.com/social-media-bootcamp/

    28 min
  • Dropping the Corporate Act: Your Audience Wants the Real You

    What does it really mean for a brand to be authentic online? In this episode of Untamed Social, host Laney Goff sits down with Tiecen Payne, a marketing strategist at Strella Social Media, to unpack one of the most overused and misunderstood words in marketing: authenticity.

    Laney and Tiecen explore why authenticity is more than just vulnerability, how consistency shapes a brand’s voice, and the fine line between sharing openly and oversharing. They discuss how brands can show up with personality without sacrificing professionalism, why relatability matters, and how visuals—whether organic, AI, or imperfect snapshots—play a key role in building trust with an audience.

    If your brand feels too polished, too corporate, or just stuck in “press release” mode, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how to strike the right balance and connect with your audience in a way that drives real results.


    Feeling stuck with your social media strategy? You don’t need a full reset—you need precision. Our one-day consulting bootcamps are built to identify the one thing holding your brand back—whether it’s your content, your clarity, or your overall strategy—and help you unlock real momentum fast. 

    Ready to turn friction into flow? Sign up now: https://strellasocialmedia.com/social-media-bootcamp/

    24 min
  • Scrolls to Sales: Why Your Social Strategy Isn’t Making You Money (with Sidney Hardin)

    If your social media content is getting plenty of reach and engagement but not translating into sales, you’re not alone. In this episode of Untamed Social, host Laney Goff is joined by Sidney Hardin, a seasoned growth marketer and product strategist, to dig into one of the most common frustrations brands face: why high reach doesn’t always equal conversions.

    Laney and Sidney break down the difference between content that engages and content that converts, how to identify if your offer is the real bottleneck, and why calls to action often fall flat. You’ll also learn practical strategies to improve attribution, map your content to each stage of the funnel, and find quick wins that move your audience from scrolling to buying.

    If you’re ready to bridge the gap between engagement and revenue, this conversation will give you the tools to get started today.


    Ready to break through the bottlenecks holding you back? Our bootcamps are built for momentum—laser-focused on the one area that’s causing friction, whether it’s planning, content, or clarity. In just one day, you’ll gain serious traction and walk away with renewed direction. Curious how it works? Tap in to learn more:  https://strellasocialmedia.com/social-media-bootcamp/ 

    24 min
  • Let the Data Talk: Using Analytics to Guide Your Social Strategy (with John Webster)

    In this episode of Untamed Social, Laney Goff sits down with John Webster, Marketing Strategist at Strella Social Media, to unpack the real power of analytics in shaping a content strategy that works.

    Forget chasing vanity metrics—Laney and John dive into how to connect social media insights with website data, understand what engagement and conversion truly mean, and know when it’s time to pivot your strategy. John shares practical examples, including a landing page case study that highlights why testing one change at a time can make all the difference.

    You’ll also learn how to identify the “peaks and valleys” in your data, set a smart cadence for reviewing analytics, and even leverage AI tools to simplify complex reports. Whether you’re running a small business, leading a nonprofit, or managing marketing for a larger organization, this conversation will help you stop guessing and start making informed, data-driven decisions.

    🎧 Press play and discover how to let your analytics lead the way.


    You don’t need a full-scale reset. You need precision. Our consulting bootcamps are designed to pinpoint the one area holding you back—whether it’s strategy, content, or clarity—and deliver breakthrough momentum in just one day.

    Ready to turn friction into forward motion? Click here to request a free social media audit of your channels and sign up for our bootcamp: https://strellasocialmedia.com/social-media-bootcamp/


    #untamedsocial #socialmediaanalytics #contentstrategy

    26 min
  • The Trend Filter: What Makes a Trend Work (or Flop) for Your Brand (with Jess Boozel)

    Trying to keep up with all the social media trends can feel like a lot, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. On this episode of Untamed Social, your host Laney Goff and social media manager Jess Boozel are here to show you how to stay trendy without losing sight of what makes your brand unique. 

    Jess, with her unique Gen Z perspective, offers insights into how her generation interacts with trends and why being "chronically online" can be a major advantage in spotting what's about to take off. Learn the crucial difference between being trendy and being timely, and how to decide which trends are truly worth your brand's attention.

    They also discuss common mistakes brands make when chasing what's hot and share examples of brands that have successfully leveraged trends, even in seemingly "boring" industries. Discover how to identify trends that resonate with your niche, how to put in the effort to truly understand them, and why authenticity and relevance are key to making a trend work for you.

    Don't miss out on valuable advice that will help you consume content like your audience and approach trends with more strategy and less stress.


    Learn more about our consulting bootcamps and how we help brands stay on trend without losing their voice! Visit https://strellasocialmedia.com/social-media-bootcamp/ to get started and sign up today.

    23 min
  • The Danger of Playing It Safe: Why Brands Lose Relevance On Social Media (with Alex Smith)

    Your marketing strategy isn’t broken—your foundation is.

    Laney Goff interviews Alex M H Smith, founder of Basic Arts, to uncover why so many brands fail to gain traction despite following all the “right” tactics. Alex explains why strategy isn’t just another department—it’s the missing piece that ties everything together.

    If your content feels flat or your audience isn’t engaging, this episode will give you a new lens to see what’s really holding you back and how to fix it.


    Want to take your strategy even further? Learn more about our Social Media Consulting Bootcamps here: https://strellasocialmedia.com/social-media-bootcamp

    33 min
  • Posting Isn’t Enough: Fixing Low Engagement with Strategy (with Lauren Mikov)

    Welcome back to Untamed Social! In this premiere of season 3, Laney Goff dives headfirst into one of the most misunderstood metrics in the world of social media: engagement.

    Joining her is Lauren Mikov, a seasoned consultant who’s helped countless brands build communities that truly connect. Together, they unpack why so many brands post daily yet hear nothing but crickets—and more importantly, how to turn those silent feeds into lively conversations. From breaking down algorithm myths to revealing the hidden power of community management, Lauren offers real, actionable advice for social media that actually performs.

    Discover the secrets to avoiding "algorithm death," crafting authentic content, and making engagement more than just a vanity metric. Whether you’re running a small nonprofit or managing a national brand, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

    🎧 Tune in for honest talk, bold strategies, and the real reason storytelling can transform your feed.

    Want to take your strategy even further? Learn more about our Social Media Consulting Bootcamps here: https://strellasocialmedia.com/social-media-bootcamp

    24 min

About Untamed Social

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Untamed Social — the podcast that cuts through the chaos of digital marketing with sharp takes, real talk, and zero fluff.


Seasons 1 and 2 explored the wild world…