THE EMAIL GROWTH SHOW EPISODE 158

Today we’re diving into something I feel extremely passionate about: why social media is not the only way to grow your business. I know that might come as a surprise, especially since we’re constantly bombarded with messages telling us that platforms like Instagram, TikTok & Facebook are essential.

But the reality is, social media is 100% optional.

Now, I want to start with a quick story. Yesterday I attended a business conference virtually where the questions from attendees seemed to revolve entirely around social media.

People were asking things like:
– ‘What am I doing wrong on social?’
– ‘How can I make time in my already busy day to make Instagram reels without burning out?’

And the advice they were getting was good, but there was something important missing from the conversation: You don’t need it. You DO NOT have to rely on social media to build a successful business. In fact, there are other ways that might feel more aligned with your values and your goals.

I was literally yelling at my zoom screen in frustration as these 7 figure business owners that were answering their questions, hoping someone could hear me. They couldn’t. So the conversation didn’t change.

So… today I want to unpack this together. I’ll share with you why social media isn’t the only path to business growth and show you alternative strategies that can help you grow your business -without spending all day glued to your phone. If that sounds like a relief, then stick with me because we’re about to break down why social media is optional and how you can build a thriving business without it.

Click play to listen to the episode in full below:

Why Social Media Isn’t the Only Answer

Ok, let’s start by diving into why social media isn’t the secret or the only answer for growing your business. Now, don’t get me wrong – social media can definitely work. There are countless success stories of people who’ve built thriving businesses using Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms.

But here’s the thing: just because it works for some doesn’t mean it’s the only way to build a business.

The problem is that social media is exhausting for a lot of us. You’re constantly trying to stay relevant, figure out the algorithms, and come up with new content ideas. It feels like this never-ending cycle, and if you’re not seeing immediate results, it can be incredibly discouraging. I’ve been there myself, and I know the frustration of putting in all that effort and still feeling like you’re not gaining any traction.

But here’s the truth: You don’t need to rely on social media to grow your business. Think about it – social media is just one tool in your toolbox, but it’s not the only tool. In fact, there are other strategies that can be just as, if not more, effective in helping you build your audience, grow your email list, and increase your revenue.

So as we dive into this conversation, I want you to take a moment to reflect on your own relationship with social media. Are you using it because you genuinely enjoy it and it aligns with your business goals, or are you using it because you feel like you have to? This coming week, I challenge you to step back and evaluate whether social media is really serving you OR are you just going through the motions because you feel like you have to and it’s draining you of all your fucking energy – like it use to me.

What’s the Alternative? How You Can Grow Your Business Without Social Media?

So, if social media isn’t required, how do you actually grow your business without it?

The good news is, there are multiple alternative strategies that don’t involve algorithms or the constant pressure to post. These are the methods I’ve used to grow my email list from zero to nearly 10,000 subscribers, and I can’t wait to share them with you!

1. Email Marketing

Let’s start with my favourite – email marketing. Your email list is your most valuable business asset. It’s a direct line to your audience, and unlike social media, you fucking own it. There’s no algorithm to fight against, and when you send an email, it goes straight to your subscriber’s inbox. The best part? Your subscribers are already warm leads because they’ve chosen to hear from you. It’s consent based marketing – they’ve put their hand up and said – YES. PLEASE email me. I want to hear from you. This makes email marketing one of the most powerful tools for building trust, delivering value, and making sales

If you’ve been focusing all your efforts on social, it’s time to shift some of that energy toward growing your email list. Start by creating a free resource – something that your ideal clients would find valuable – and use it as a lead magnet to attract subscribers. Once they’re on your list, you can nurture that relationship over time and, eventually, sell to them directly through email. If you are in my membership, The Email Growth Club, I have a training all about how to level up your lead magnet and actually create a resource that brings LEADS into your business. If you’re not in the membership, what are you waiting for? Click here to join today: The Email Growth Club.

2. Collaborations

Next, let’s talk about collaborations. This is another method I’ve used extensively to grow my email list. Collaborations could look like participating in summits, joining digital bundles, doing freebie swaps with other aligned business owners, or podcast guesting. The key is to find partners that serve the same ideal clients in a complimentary way. You’re essentially borrowing their audience and introducing yourself in a way that feels authentic and mutually beneficial.

With collaborations, you’re not depending on a social media algorithm to be seen. Instead, you’re partnering with other business owners who have already earned the trust of their audience, and they’re essentially endorsing you in the process. Plus, as an adult with an online business, this is how I make most of my friends these days. Total perk.

3. SEO & Evergreen Content

Let’s not forget about search engine optimisation (SEO). SEO might not be the sexiest strategy, but it’s powerful, and it still works. Whether it’s blogging, YouTube, or even podcasting – creating content that’s optimised for search engines means you’ll attract people who are already looking for what you offer. Once you’ve created that content, it works for you long after it’s been published.

Again, unlike social media, where your post disappears within hours, if it gets seen at all – discoverable content optimised for SEO can bring you traffic for months, even years, down the line.

If you want to listen to more detail about How You Can Grow Your Email List with Collaborations & SEO specifically, tune into episode 149 of my podcast The Email Growth Show, where I dived into exactly that. I shared my simple V2 Visibility Framework that outlines the options you can choose from when you’re thinking of what you want to try when it comes to collaborations or search & SEO based list growth strategies. Here’s the link: My V2 Visibility Framework: How You Can Grow Your Email List with Collaborations & SEO

Now in case you’re thinking – that’s great for you Kylie but maybe you’re the exception and not the rule. Let me tell you about a few of my members, now friends, that have seen this work for them too.

• Amy went from 45 email subscribers to just under 800 in one month using aligned collaborations. She shared a screenshot in the email growth club because she couldn’t quite believe that it was real.
  
• Andria that added 300 subscribers to her list with one bundle and also sold some of her tripwire offers as well – that had never happened to her before.
  
• Destiny just shared last week that she’s grown her email list from 200 to just shy of 1800 with the things I’m talking in this episode.

All of this happened WITHOUT fucking social media.

Why Social Media Can Feel Like a Trap (And How to Escape It)

It’s not hard to understand why so many business owners feel stuck in the social media hamster wheel. We’re told over and over again that social media is essential for growth. It’s marketed as this must-have tool, and seeing others seemingly thriving on Instagram or TikTok can create a lot of pressure to stay active.

But the truth is, social media can also create a lot of stress. You feel like you constantly have to keep up with posting schedules, engaging with comments, and figuring out the ever-changing algorithms. And what happens when you don’t see results? You start to wonder, ‘What am I doing wrong?’ You compare yourself to others and feel like you’re behind.

Here’s what I want you to take away:

Social media is a tool, not a strategy. And it’s definitely not the only way to grow your business. If social media isn’t working for you, it’s okay to step back and look for other, more sustainable methods.

Personally, I’m hardly ever on social. I have a 9 grid that is permanently posted on my Instagram profile – think of it like a shopfront – so if anyone comes across my profile or searches me out to see if I’m legit – I can’t be the only one that does that – it’s there. I show up on stories when I want to. I’m in a couple Facebook groups that I like engaging in. That’s it. It’s what feels good for me – and it’s all completely 100% fucking optional.

So… if social media is causing you stress – but you’re not ready to leave or it feels scary to really pull back – I’d encourage you to take a social media break for a few days or a week. During that time, focus on another strategy – like email or collaborations – and see how it feels to pour your energy into something different. It might surprise you!

Building Your Business in a Way That Feels Good

One of the best things about running your own business is that you get to choose how to build it. You get to decide what feels good, what aligns with your values, and what brings you joy. If social media doesn’t fit into that vision for you, then guess what? You don’t have to use it.

I know many business owners who have stepped away from social media entirely, and they’re thriving. They’ve built businesses through email marketing, SEO, collaborations, and word-of-mouth referrals – and they’re happier for it.

The beauty of this approach is that it gives you more control. You’re no longer at the mercy of algorithms or the pressure to create viral content. Instead, you’re building a business that feels sustainable, intentional, and aligned with your goals. Take a moment today to think about what your dream business looks like. Your dream life as a CEO. Does it include social media? If not, what are the strategies you want to focus on instead? Write them down and start planning how you’ll implement them in your business.

So, to wrap this up: social media is optional.

You don’t need it to grow your business.

There are countless other ways to connect with your audience, grow your email list, and make sales – all without the algorithm dictating your every move or the pressure to see that social media following number increase.

Here’s my challenge for you: if you’ve been relying on social media and feeling stuck, try stepping back for a bit. Experiment with one of the alternative strategies I’ve mentioned today – whether that’s email, collaborations, or SEO.

See how it feels. See what results you get.

And if you’re ready to really dive into these strategies and grow your email list faster, grab my free Your Next 1000 Subscribers – Ultimate Collaborations Guide. It’s packed with actionable steps to get started with collaborations right away – click here to grab it today!

I can’t wait to hear about your progress and the steps you’re taking to build your business without relying on social media. Remember, you’re in control of how you want to run your business, and it can be in total alignment with your values. Until next time, keep growing, keep connecting, and keep doing business your way!

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Full Transcript:

Kylie Kelly [00:00:00]:
Here’s what I want you to take away from this. Social media is a tool. It’s not a strategy. And it’s definitely not the only way to grow your business. If social media is not working for you, it’s okay to step back and look for other more sustainable methods. Are you a female business owner frustrated with battling the algorithm and looking for growth strategies that don’t involve awkwardly pointing or dancing online or throwing cash at paid ads? Welcome to The Email Growth Show. I’m your host, Kylie Kelly, visibility and email marketing strategist. I grew my email list from 0 to almost 10,000 subscribers in less than 2 years, and the same is possible for you too.

Kylie Kelly [00:00:44]:
Are you ready to build your email list and start making more money in your online business? Let’s head into today’s episode. Hey there. Welcome back to the email growth show. I’m your host Kylie Kelly, and today we’re diving into something I feel really passionate about. Why social media is not the only way to grow your business. I know that might come as a surprise, especially since we’re constantly bombarded with messages telling us that platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are essential. But the reality is social media is a 100% optional. You heard that right.

Kylie Kelly [00:01:23]:
Optional. Now I wanna start with a quick story. Yesterday, I attended a business conference virtually where the questions from attendees seemed to revolve entirely around social media. People were asking things like what am I doing wrong on social? Or how can I make time in my already busy day to make Instagram reels without burning out? And the advice they were getting was good, but there was something important missing from the conversation. You don’t need it. You do not have to rely on social media to build a successful business. In fact, there are other ways that might feel more aligned with your values and your goals. You guys, I was literally yelling at my computer screen in frustration as these 7 figure business owners that were answering their questions hoping someone could hear me.

Kylie Kelly [00:02:10]:
They couldn’t, so the conversation didn’t change. Today though, we’re going to unpack this myth together. I’ll share with you why social media isn’t the only path to business growth and show you alternative strategies that can help you grow your business without spending all day glued to your phone. If that sounds like a relief, then stick with me. Because we’re about to break down why social media is optional and how you can build a thriving business without it. Okay. So let’s start by diving into why social media isn’t the secret or the only answer for growing your business. Now look.

Kylie Kelly [00:02:44]:
Don’t get me wrong. Social media can definitely work. There are countless success stories of people who’ve built thriving businesses using Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and other platforms. But here’s the thing. Just because it works for some doesn’t mean it’s the only way to build a business. The problem is that social media is fucking exhausting for a lot of us. You’re constantly trying to stay relevant, figure out algorithms, and come up with new content ideas. If you mix that into the other things you have going on in life, it feels like this never ending cycle.

Kylie Kelly [00:03:16]:
And if you’re not seeing immediate results, it can be incredibly frustrating. I’ve been there myself and I know the frustration of putting in all that effort and still feeling like you’re not gaining any traction. But here’s the truth. You don’t need to rely on social media to grow your business. Think about it. Social media is just one tool in your toolbox. It’s not the only tool. In fact, there are other strategies that can be just as, if not more effective, in helping you build your audience, grow your email list and increase your revenue.

Kylie Kelly [00:03:50]:
So as we dive into this conversation, I want you to take a moment to reflect on your own relationship with social. Are you using it because you genuinely enjoy it and it aligns with your business goals? Or are you using it because you feel like you have to? This coming week, I challenge you to step back and evaluate whether social media is really serving you. Or are you just going through the motions because you feel like you have to and it’s draining you all of your fucking energy, like it used to me? So what’s the alternative? Right? If social media isn’t required, how do you actually grow your business without it? The good news is there are multiple alternative strategies that don’t involve algorithms or the constant pressure to post. These are methods that I’ve used to grow my own email list from 0 to nearly 10,000 subscribers and I literally can’t wait to share them with you. I wish I could have shared them with everyone at that conference yesterday. So let’s start with number 1. My favorite, which won’t surprise you given the name of this podcast, email marketing. Your email list is your most valuable business asset.

Kylie Kelly [00:04:56]:
It’s a direct line to your audience and unlike social media, you fucking own it. There’s no algorithm to fight against. And when you send an email, it goes straight to your subscriber’s inbox. The best part? Your subscribers are already warm leads because they’ve chosen to hear from you. It’s consent based marketing. They’ve put up their hand and said, yes. Please email me. I want to hear from you.

Kylie Kelly [00:05:20]:
This makes email marketing one of the most powerful tools for building trust, delivering value and making sales. If you’ve been focusing all of your efforts on social, it’s time to shift some of that energy towards growing your email list. Start by creating a free resource, something that your ideal clients will find valuable, and use it as a lead magnet to attract subscribers. Once they’re on your list, you can nurture that relationship over time and eventually sell to them directly through email. If you’re in my membership, the Email Growth Club, I actually have a training all about how to level up your lead magnet and actually create a resource that brings the leads into your business. If you’re not in the membership, what the hell are you waiting for? The link to join is in the show notes below. Now let’s move on to number 2. Collaborations.

Kylie Kelly [00:06:08]:
This is another method I’ve used extensively to grow my email list. Collaborations could look like participating in summits, joining digital bundles, doing freebie swaps with other aligned business owners, or even podcast guesting. The key is to find partners that serve the same ideal clients in a complimentary way. You’re essentially borrowing their audience and introducing yourself in a way that feels authentic and mutually beneficial. With collaborations, you’re not depending on a social media algorithm to be seen. Instead, you’re partnering with other business owners who have already earned the trust of their audience and they’re essentially endorsing you in the process. Plus, as an adult with an online business and 2 young kids, this is how I make most of my friends these days. Total perk.

Kylie Kelly [00:06:53]:
Now 3rd, but definitely not one to be forgotten, is SEO and evergreen content. Let’s not forget about search engine optimization, SEO. SEO might not be the sexiest strategy, but it’s powerful and it still works today. Whether it’s blogging, YouTube or even podcasting, creating content that’s optimized for search engines means that you’ll attract people who are already looking for what you offer. Once you’ve created that content, it works for you long after it’s been published. Again, unlike social media where your post disappears within hours, if it gets seen at all, discoverable content optimized for SEO can bring you traffic for months or even years down the line. Now if you wanna listen to more detail about how you can grow your email list with collabs or SEO specifically, scroll back a few to episode a 149 where I dived into exactly that. I shared my simple v two visibility framework that outlines the options you can choose from when you’re thinking of what you wanna try when it comes to collaborations or search and SEO based list growth strategies.

Kylie Kelly [00:07:59]:
I’ll also link the episode in the show notes for you as well. Now in case you’re thinking, Kylie, that’s great for you. But maybe you’re the exception and not the rule. Right? Like we see on Instagram with the people telling us that Instagram is required and has a 100,000 followers, I feel like they’re the exception and not the rule. Let me tell you about a few of the members from the Email Growth Club. And please know this is not a sales episode. But I think this will really help illustrate to you what is possible when we grow our email list, our audience, our business away from social in different ways. Right? Now first, Amy went from 45 email subscribers to just under 800 in 1 month using aligned collaborations.

Kylie Kelly [00:08:43]:
She actually shared a screenshot in our Slack channel because she couldn’t quite believe that it was actually real. Right? Previous to that for years, she was really struggling to go her email list because she was just showing up on social like we think we need to and she wasn’t getting much traction. Within a month of actually finding aligned business owners, doing collaborations, doing some freebie swaps, being in a bundle, the things that I just talked about, she went from 45 to just under 800. Like, I would struggle to believe that was real as well. But it really did happen. Right? She shared the screenshot. Or Andrea, who is also a member, she added 300 subscribers to her list with one bundle and also sold some of her tripwire offers as well. That had never happened to her before.

Kylie Kelly [00:09:25]:
She had never made a tripwire sale through social. Right? So even just that, it’s proof. It’s validation that you’re on the right path. It’s validation that what you’re doing as a business owner isn’t a waste of time. It’s just about getting you in front of the right audience that’s actually paying attention. Or lastly, there’s Destiny. So she shared last week that she’s grown her email list from 200 are you ready for this? To just shy of 1,800 with the things I’m talking about in this episode without fucking social media. So just know I am not the exception.

Kylie Kelly [00:09:58]:
Right? This is happening every single day to the ladies that I’m helping inside the membership. And again, this is not a sales episode. But I want you to see what is actually possible so that if you’re ever in a room and you were thinking to yourself, what is wrong with me? I’m not seeing results on social media. It is not you. You don’t need to use it. You can do it a different way. Okay. Now I wanna talk to you about why social media can sometimes feel like a bit of a trap.

Kylie Kelly [00:10:26]:
Right? It’s not hard to understand why so many business owners feel stuck in the social media hamster wheel. We’re told over and over and over and over again that social media is essential for growth. It’s marketed as this must have tool and seeing others seemingly thriving on Instagram or TikTok can create a lot of pressure to stay active and to keep trying. But the truth is social media can also create a fuckload of stress. Right? You feel like you’re constantly having to keep up with posting schedules, engaging with comments, figuring out the algorithm, dancing, pointing, the trending audio, the trending music, the captions. Like, what the actual f? And what happens when you don’t see results? You start to wonder what the hell am I doing wrong? What is wrong with me? You start to compare yourself to others and you feel like you’re behind. Here’s what I want you to take away from this. Social media is a tool.

Kylie Kelly [00:11:21]:
It’s not a strategy. And it’s definitely not the only way to grow your business. If social media is not working for you, it’s okay to step back and look for other more sustainable methods. Personally, I’m hardly ever on social. I have a 9 grid that is permanently posted on my Instagram profile. Think of it like a shop front. So if anyone comes across my profile or searches me out to see if I’m legit, I know I’m not the only one that does that, it’s there. I’ll put the link to my Instagram in the show notes below so you can see what I mean when I’m talking about a 9 grid.

Kylie Kelly [00:11:54]:
But it is this professional looking shopfront that shows them exactly who I am, what I do, how I do it, and gives them a link to get in touch. Then I don’t have to post to my profile. That is all that is there. I don’t need to touch it. I can show up on stories when I want to. I’m in a couple of Facebook groups that I like engaging in and that is about it. It’s what feels good for me, especially in this season of life, and it’s all completely 100% fucking optional. If social media is causing you stress but you’re not ready to leave it or it feels too scary to really pull back, I’d encourage you just take a social media break for a few days or maybe push yourself to a week.

Kylie Kelly [00:12:36]:
Right? During that time, focus on another strategy like email or collaborations and see how it feels to pour your energy into something different. It might just surprise you. I remember the first time I posted a 9 grade onto my Instagram and I didn’t feel that pressure to be consistently posting and creating reels and doing all the things. Oh my god. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I am really curious to see if you feel the same way if you decide to take this step too. Now, as you can tell, I am really passionate about this subject because I want you to build your business in a way that feels good. One of the best things about running your own business is that you get to choose how to build it.

Kylie Kelly [00:13:17]:
You get to decide what feels good, what aligns with your values, and what brings you joy. If social media doesn’t fit into that vision for you, then guess what? You don’t have to use it. I know many business owners who have stepped away from social media entirely and they’re thriving. They’ve built businesses through email marketing, SEO, collaborations, and word-of-mouth referrals and they’re happier for it. The beauty of this approach is that it gives you more control. You’re no longer at the mercy of algorithms or the pressure to create viral content. Instead, you’re building a business that feels sustainable, intentional and aligned with your goals. So I want you to take a moment today.

Kylie Kelly [00:13:56]:
Just even press pause. Right? And I want you to think about what does your dream business look like? What does your dream life as a CEO look like? Does it include social media? If it doesn’t, what are the strategies that you wanna focus on instead? Write them down and start planning how you can implement them into your business. So to wrap this up, social media is optional. You don’t need it to grow your business. There are countless other ways to connect with your audience, grow your email list and make sales, all without the algorithm dictating your every move or the pressure to see that social media following number increase. So here’s my challenge for you. If you’ve been relying on social media and you feel stuck, try stepping back for a bit. Experiment with one of the alternative strategies that I’ve mentioned today.

Kylie Kelly [00:14:43]:
Whether that’s email. Whether that’s collaborations. Whether that’s SEO or evergreen content. See how it feels. See what results you get. And, of course, if you’re ready to dive into these strategies and grow your email list faster, please grab my free ultimate collaborations guide. You’ll find it linked in the show notes below and it’s packed with actionable steps to get started with collaborations right away. Thank you so much for tuning in today.

Kylie Kelly [00:15:09]:
I can’t wait to hear about your progress and the steps you’re taking to build your business without relying on social media. Remember. You’re in control of how you wanna run your business. And it can be in total alignment with your values and how you wanna show up. If you enjoyed this episode, I would love you to share this to a fellow business owner who needs to hear this message. Perhaps they’re going to a conference where this is the only thing that’s gonna get talked about. This could actually give them some relief. This could actually make them feel hopeful that they get to do it on their own terms.

Kylie Kelly [00:15:39]:
They don’t have to rely on social. Until next time. Keep growing, my loves. Keep connecting, and please keep doing business your own way. See you in the next episode. Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of The Email Growth Show. I hope you found valuable insights into the next steps you can take to grow your email list and boost your business without relying on social media or paid ads. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show and share it with others.

Kylie Kelly [00:16:08]:
Your feedback helps me reach more female entrepreneurs just like you who are ready to say goodbye to social media and leverage email marketing to grow their business and make a bigger impact. Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode.