You know those big, gut-feeling decisions that sometimes just… happen? I recently made one for Knap Creative: I quit Instagram for my business. And honestly? I didn’t even plan it.

For years, Instagram was a consistent part of my marketing rhythm. And honestly, it was okay! Actually, I really liked it. I liked my community, the creative outlet, and the conversations that happened when I posted stories. Yes, it took time (probably more than I realized until I stopped) but — I heart Instagram.

Just a Gentle (Homer Simpson) Fade

You might be wondering if there was a dramatic breaking point, some big, scary “I’m quitting!” moment. The truth? Nope. Wayyyyy less exciting. 

Christmas is always a natural time for me to step back and recharge, and as we entered 2025, that break just… kept going.

Between some team changes, working solo for a few months, and just having plenty on my plate, diving back into the daily grind of Instagram just wasn’t a priority. 

A quick note if you’re agonizing over your online presence: nobody is watching as closely as you think they are. I didn’t make a big announcement. And I feel TOTALLY FINE about that.

If you do disappear and come back, the actual GOOD part of those fickle algorithms means your audience might not even realize that you’re gone, till you get back and get a bunch of “oh! Hey! I missed you!” messages.

What Happened to My Business After I Quit Instagram

My business didn’t just survive this unexpected Instagram hiatus — it actually got better.

I feel lighter, more focused, and genuinely more present. This means I have time for things like drawing fluffy dogs, cooking delicious, slow-simmered meals, cultivating my garden, and yes, even more naps. (Seriously, it’s pretty great. Though, full transparency: many weeks are still.. um… chaotic. Work in progress!)

So, how did stepping back from a platform that once felt like a “must-do” actually lead to growth and more breathing room?

My old content? It’s still there. I didn’t delete or archive anything. All those years of content are still live on the platform. Hilariously enough, I’m still gaining a few followers every week. They must be reading what’s there, liking it, and perhaps assuming there’s more coming, even without active stories for months. It just goes to show the lasting power of good content!

While I haven’t actively redirected my Instagram audience to other platforms, I’ve got a lot of juicy content in the works that will be shared directly to our email list, and that’s where I’ll be inviting people for deeper engagement. This year, I’ll be scheduling NINE posts on Instagram, and my e-mail list is where I’ll be sending you.

Oh, and of course, my website is truly doing its job for me! People are still finding Knap Creative, exploring our services, and arriving at discovery calls basically ready to buy. It’s wonderful. (And yes, I’m guilty of refreshing my site at least once a year, sometimes more… it truly is a living, breathing thing that grows alongside me. That’s the beauty of building on Showit – when we build your site, it comes with a customized user manual that lets you make changes on the fly too!)

What I Did With the Time I Gained (Beyond the Naps)

The question everyone asks: “What did you replace Instagram with?” I didn’t replace it with ANY direct marketing activities, to be honest.

Instead, the time I gained went into:

More focus on our existing clients, ensuring every single project gets the attention it deserves. We typically have about a dozen projects on the go at once, and our goal is to make every client feel like they’re the only one. This increased focus naturally amplified referrals and word-of-mouth.

Growing a garden, cooking delicious food, stirring soup slowly, not driving like a maniac all the time, going to the gym… these aren’t just “personal” activities — rest (or doing things with your hands) fuels your creativity and capacity for truly strategic work.

The Surprising Lack of FOMO & Negative Impact

You might expect a massive wave of FOMO (fear of missing out) or a drop in leads. But frankly? We’re busy.

Surprisingly, there has been no negative impact on our business. I did notice less of the “I saw your stories and had to reach out!” on discovery calls, but it’s okay. We’re still getting inquiries, and we’re still converting leads just like we used to. Most of our business comes from our website, and I’m incredibly grateful that it seems to be working!

How My Business Got Better

The improvements have been tangible:

• The clients who are finding us now through our website and referrals are genuinely a better fit for Knap Creative. They understand our value, and they’re ready for the strategic partnership we offer.
• Not having to worry about what I’m going to post on stories today, or endlessly refreshing the app after posting, has freed up so much mental energy! Now, I might check Instagram once a day, if that. I’m just not tempted because I don’t need validation on whatever it is I just posted. So much less time lost in scrolling and mental gymnastics.
• While I do miss the community aspect, I’m connecting more deeply with actual clients, which is where the real impact happens. I haven’t had the bandwidth for personal networking yet, but I might get back to that eventually.

The Biggest Surprise? 

I always ask people this question (and I love when they answer it!), and my biggest surprise is just how much time and mental energy Instagram actually consumed. It wasn’t just the minutes spent creating content; it was the constant background hum of thinking about what to post, what stories to share, how to engage, what others were doing.

The Downside?

To be fully transparent, there are two things I genuinely miss: the sense of community and the pure creative outlet that Instagram offered. It was a space to share snippets of life and work in a visually engaging way. I loved romanticizing little snippets of my day, and it’s just not the same to film a video that nobody will ever see except for me! (Worth it. But not the same. I have big plans to channel that creative energy in another, non business-related direction later this year!)

Is Stepping Away Right for Your Business? (And How to Even Start)

My journey isn’t a prescription for everyone.

Instagram can be a powerful tool, and I still stand by that.

But it can also become a terrible master, subtly draining your energy and time.

If you’re a discerning, ambitious service-based female entrepreneur like me – perhaps you’re already generating consistent revenue, value your family and personal time above endless toil, and have a profound heart of service – you might be wondering if this “un-Instagrammed” approach could work for your business.

How do you know if it’s right for you?

Honestly, it starts with a gut check. Here are some clear indicators that stepping away (or at least scaling back significantly) from Instagram might be a good move:

• You feel a constant pressure to perform or “show up.” If posting feels like a chore, not a joy, that’s a sign.
• You’re spending more time consuming than creating. Endless scrolling without clear business outcomes is a huge time suck.
• Your leads or clients aren’t primarily coming from Instagram anymore. Are your website, referrals, or other channels actually doing the heavy lifting?
• The thought of not posting fills you with relief, not dread. That’s a strong intuition speaking.
• You’re craving more time for deep work, client focus, or simply life. If your business is already humming, what could you do with more mental space?

Considering the Leap? Here’s what to do:

You might be thinking you need a massive, perfectly calibrated strategy before taking a break. My experience? Honestly, I winged it (like with everything haha), and it’s been just fine. 

So, my biggest piece of advice is: don’t overthink it!! 

1. First, give yourself permission to experiment. Nothing has to be permanent!
2. Instead of deleting everything, just stop posting for a defined period – say, a month. See how you feel. Watch your business.
3. Pay attention to how your energy levels change, what activities you gravitate towards with your newfound time, and if your business continues to thrive. KNOW THAT IT’S OKAY TO NOT FILL UP EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF EVERY SINGLE DAY.
4. At the end of your trial period, decide if you want to extend it, make it permanent, or gradually reintroduce elements in a way that feels healthier for you!

Is This Approach Suitable for All Businesses?

There are a million ways to market your business, and what works best is always unique to you and your stage. My journey is just one example of many successful paths! We’re actually sharing some of these diverse marketing strategies in an upcoming post (so make sure you’re subscribed to our email list!). You can also dive deeper into other effective marketing channels in this blog post right here.

This approach might work for you if you:

• Have a solid client base and strong referral network.
• Attract clients through their website or direct inquiries.
• Prioritize deep client relationships over broad brand awareness.
• Are looking for sustainable growth that enhances their life, not drains it.

If you’re just starting out or heavily reliant on Instagram for leads, a full break might feel too risky. But even then, there are ways to create more balance. (We can help! Reach out right here.)

Can’t Quit Instagram Completely?

If a complete Instagram exodus isn’t feasible for your business right now, you can still reclaim your time and energy. Here’s what I’d advise to make Instagram more of a tool and less of a master:

Focus on building a really solid, evergreen “9-grid” on your main feed. This means intentionally crafting nine beautiful, value-packed posts that represent your brand and services, acting like a mini-website. This is literally what I’m doing now! It allows new visitors to quickly understand what you do without requiring constant new feed content.

Shift your active engagement to Stories. They’re more ephemeral, less polished, and offer a great way to connect without the pressure of a perfectly curated feed. For ideas on how to approach engaging Stories without burnout, check out this blog post!

Boundaries! Designate specific times for checking Instagram and stick to them. Turn off notifications.

My Current Marketing Focus

Since stepping away from daily Instagram, my primary marketing channels have naturally become:

• Email: This is where I’m pouring my energy. It allows for deep, authentic connection, provides valuable content, and converts with an ease that a fleeting social media post simply can’t match. It’s direct, personal, and respectful of my audience’s time.
• As I mentioned, my website has truly become a 24/7 client attraction engine. People are finding us, understanding our value, and arriving ready to invest.

So, what does this new, un-Instagrammed marketing landscape look like for Knap Creative? Well, here’s my current marketing plan. We’ll see if I actually implement it like a CEO, or more like a feral raccoon. (Likely the latter, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.)

1. A Strategic, Evergreen 9-Grid on Instagram: While I’m not posting daily, Instagram isn’t completely abandoned. My plan is a very strategic and aligned 9-grid. This means:
   • Sharing our core values: What we stand for, why we do what we do, and most importantly, making you feel really feel seen, heard, and connected to me even when I’m not actively posting stories. 
   • Clearly articulating how we help: Multiple posts dedicated to outlining our services and the specific problems we solve. (And yes, I’m not worried about being “too salesy” – I’m here to make sales, and you are too!)
   • Showcasing recent work: Beautiful visuals of projects that speak for themselves.

Quick note: If the idea of creating this kind of strategic Instagram foundation appeals to you but you’re scratching your head about how to make it happen, reach out. One Studio Day is often plenty for a project like this to get you set up for impact without the daily grind!

2. Consistent Email: This is where the magic truly happens for building deep connections. We’re starting with biweekly emails, and we’ll adjust the frequency as it feels right. This is my direct line to you, offering value, insights, and a space for genuine connection that doesn’t get lost in an algorithm.
3. Continued Focus on Retainers & Referrals: This is and always will be the holy grail. Our clients always come first. By consistently delivering exceptional work and making every client feel like our only client, referrals and repeat business continue to be our strongest growth engine. Happy clients are our best marketing!

Maybe the most important takeaway from this whole experience is about mindset.

I often hear people say they need to feel ready for a big change or mentally prepare for a shift. For me, honestly, the mindset shift happened while I was in it, not before. This whole sabbatical (or, you know, retirement 🤣) truly was a happy accident, and the feeling of lightness and clarity has been present throughout.

It’s proof that sometimes, the best moves are the ones you didn’t meticulously plan, but simply allowed to unfold!

Summary: What I Learned & What This Means for You

Stepping away from Instagram was an unplanned journey that led to unexpected freedom and growth for Knap Creative. I learned that:

• Your business can thrive without constant social media presence, especially with a strong website and referral network.
• Reclaiming mental energy and time leads to better focus, deeper client work, and a more fulfilling life.
• Authenticity and providing exceptional client experiences are your most powerful marketing tools.
• You don’t need a perfect plan to make a big change; sometimes, leaning into the unexpected yields the best results.

Life first! Step away every once in a while!

Curious to explore how strategic marketing, beyond the social media noise, can help your business flourish? If you’re ready for marketing that works as hard as you do, without the stress of constant online performance, let’s chat. Reach out here to schedule a discovery call.