Feel like you’re throwing content at the wall and hoping something sticks?

You’re not alone. This quarter’s social media updates might explain why.

In this episode, we’re discussing what actually changed across Meta, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok in Q2 and how those shifts affect your strategy, your reach, and your sanity.

From Meta’s all-video strategy to Instagram’s new “Trial Reels,” improved analytics on LinkedIn, and the looming TikTok ban—this is the episode that will help you cut through the noise and stay strategic online.

Whether you’re DIY-ing your marketing or managing a team, this is your shortcut to staying smart and strategic online.

Episode Highlights:

• Why all videos are now considered Reels on Instagram and Facebook (and what that means for your reach)

• The hidden truth about link performance on Meta—and where you should be placing your URLs

• Everything you need to know about Instagram’s Trial Reels, the Edits app, teleprompters, and new image formatting

• The big metric to track on LinkedIn that signals if your content is actually converting

• A clear-eyed take on the TikTok ban situation and what business owners should be paying attention to

• How AI is quietly changing ad performance (and what to keep an eye on)

• The latest additions to LinkedIn, including Adobe Express integration and Canva templates

Love the podcast?

If this episode gave you clarity or a new perspective, share the love! Leave a review, follow the show, and DM Heidi on Instagram to let her know what topic you want her to tackle next.

Resources

• Masterclass Details + Enrollment

• AI Content Strategy Episode

• Follow Heidi on Instagram

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

Let’s be real, if you’ve ever opened Instagram, stared at the caption box, and closed the app without posting, OR if you have half a dozen unposted drafts of reels that you’re not sure you love enough to post. You, my friend, are not alone. And you’re definitely not lazy.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s really going on when we feel stuck or inconsistent with our content. From decision fatigue to burnout and comparison traps, I’m sharing the honest truth about how I’ve been navigating my own marketing rut and what I’m doing to move through it.

If you’re a business owner feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to show up everywhere, this episode is your permission slip to simplify, reset, and redefine what consistency looks like on your own terms.

Episode Highlights:

• What causes content burnout (and why it’s not laziness)

• The decision fatigue that’s stealing your creativity

• The harmful “shoulds” we put on ourselves as business owners

• How I’m reworking my own content strategy to protect my energy

• A simple batching structure to try when you’re short on time

• The difference between showing up intentionally vs. constantly

• How to use AI (like ChatGPT) to help, not replace, your voice

Love the podcast?

Make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs to hear that they’re not doing it wrong—they’re just doing a lot.

Resources

• Join the waitlist for my Social Media & Marketing Masterclass
• Come hang out with me on Instagram: @heidischmidtcreative
  

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

Ever feel like your Instagram Stories are just... there? No engagement, no leads, and definitely no conversions? It’s time to change that.

In this episode of Stop the Scroll, Heidi breaks down a simple, actionable Instagram Stories strategy that goes beyond mindless posting and into true connection-building. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually use Stories to generate leads or promote your services (without being a pushy salesperson), this one’s for you.

Episode Highlights:

• The 3-part Instagram Stories strategy to build know-like-trust

• Why repurposing content (even from 2 years ago!) still works

• How to stop lurking and start turning silent followers into warm leads

• What to share in your Stories each week to nurture and convert your audience

• The difference between entertaining and marketing, and how to add a clear next step

Enjoying the Podcast?

If you loved this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or sharing it with a business bestie who’s ready to get strategic on Instagram. Every review helps us grow and reach more listeners like you!

Resources

• Listen to the Authentic Lead Generation Episode

• Brandwatch’s Complete Guide to Instagram Stories

• Book a Strategy Session

• Learn more about VIP Days

Subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date!

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

Think LinkedIn is just for job seekers? Think again.

In this episode, I’m chatting with digital marketing leader and corporate storyteller Lara Ziobro to talk about why LinkedIn is the platform for employee-driven brand awareness, B2B storytelling, and executive visibility.

Lara brings over two decades of marketing and communications experience at major companies like Citigroup and Weber Shandwick. She shares how she transitioned from HR to digital strategy, what’s working now for large agencies on LinkedIn, and how YOU can tap into what’s working, whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or leading a large team.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your team active on LinkedIn or how to get results without paying for ads, this conversation is your blueprint.

Episode Highlights:

• Why LinkedIn has become the platform of choice for B2B and internal storytelling

• How to activate executives and employees as authentic brand advocates

• The content formats that are actually working on LinkedIn right now

• Why document uploads (PDF carousels) are outperforming animated content

• How to measure success on LinkedIn beyond just impressions and followers

• The future of LinkedIn and trends to watch for in 2025 and beyond

• How to start building your personal or business brand on LinkedIn—without feeling cringey
  
  
  

Loved this episode?
If Stop the Scroll has helped you rethink your marketing strategy or inspired your next LinkedIn post, we’d love for you to spread the word. Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode, and leave a rating or review to help other entrepreneurs and marketers find the show. Your support means the world—and helps keep these conversations going! 💬🎧

Resources

• Get on the waitlist (or join!) the Social Media & Marketing Masterclass!
• Ready to map out your own big goals? Book a 90-minute strategy session to get unstuck and clear on your marketing
• Subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date!
  
  
  

Connect with Lara Ziobro

Website: https://www.lararuth.com
Instagram + TikTok: @LaraZiobro
🔗 LinkedIn: Lara Ziobro on LinkedIn

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

Feel like you're playing small, even when you know you’re capable of more?

This episode is your reminder (and your permission slip) to stop second-guessing your big ideas and start showing up with the boldness your business deserves.

Whether you’re afraid to raise your prices, hesitant to launch that new offer, or stuck in the weeds of client work, wondering, “Is this all there is?” I’ve been there. And I’m walking you through the mindset shifts and marketing moves that helped me break through that negative Nancy noise.

Inspired by a powerful retreat I attended in May, a big leap I’m taking in 2026, and a conversation that made me say “Watch me,” this episode will challenge you to ditch the doubts and reclaim your confidence.

Episode Highlights:

• The question every entrepreneur should be asking to avoid staying stuck

• Why some of your self-doubt isn’t even yours to carry, and how to let it go

• What to do when a client outgrows you (and why that’s a win)

• The truth about launching new offers and pricing your worth

Resources

• Get on the waitlist (or join!) the Social Media & Marketing Masterclass!

• Ready to map out your own big goals? Book a 90-minute strategy session to get unstuck and clear on your marketing

• Subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date!
  
  
  

Love this episode?
Make sure you’re subscribed to Stop the Scroll so you never miss a mindset or marketing breakthrough. And if today’s episode spoke to you, take a minute to leave a 5-star rating or review—it helps more entrepreneurs find the clarity and confidence they need to grow.

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

What do you do when you’re fully booked and burned out, but still want to grow your business?

In this episode of Stop the Scroll, I’m joined by strategist and Kajabi expert Jen Howat to talk about what it really looks like to scale your business with purpose. Whether you’re building a course, considering a membership, or testing out a group program, Jen breaks down the real strategy behind turning your 1:1 expertise into a scalable, sustainable offer that fits your life and your goals.

From her background in ministry to building thriving digital programs for service-based entrepreneurs, Jen shares practical guidance on how to expand your income and impact, without losing yourself in the process.

Episode Highlights

• The signs it’s time to create a digital offer (and what type might be best)

• The difference between a course, a membership, and group consulting offer

• Why “launching and crickets” is normal, and what to do next

• The #1 cause of overwhelm in online programs (and how to avoid it)

• Why defining your ideal customer and the transformation is key to success

• How to repurpose your framework into scalable content

• Why done is better than perfect

Loved this episode? Subscribe to Stop the Scroll and leave a review! Your support helps more entrepreneurs simplify their marketing and show up with purpose.

Resources Mentioned

• Jen’s website

• Jen’s podcast: My Entrepreneurial Life

• Follow Jen on Instagram

• Free resource: [Top Mistakes Course Creators Make]

• Get on the waitlist for Heidi’s upcoming Masterclass

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

If Instagram disappeared tomorrow, how would you connect with your audience? 😬

It’s a question more business owners need to ask themselves — because relying solely on rented platforms like social media is risky. In this episode of Stop the Scroll, I’m diving into the one platform you actually own — and the one that consistently delivers the highest ROI in marketing: your email list.

I’m breaking down why email is not dead (spoiler: it’s thriving), how to create personalized newsletters that get results, and how to start building or rebooting your email strategy today — without burning out your list or yourself.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been ghosting your email list (no judgment here), this episode will give you actionable steps to create emails your audience wants to open.

Episode Highlights

• Why email marketing still delivers the best ROI

• What rented platforms (like Instagram) can’t offer you—and what email can

• How to write a newsletter that builds real relationships

• The simple structure I use for writing emails that get replies and conversions

• Why consistency beats frequency (and what Jay Schwedelson says about it)

• Tips for writing skimmable, actionable content your audience will actually read
  
  
  

If this episode helped shift your thinking about email marketing, share it with a friend and leave a review! It helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you — and keeps this show growing.

Resources Mentioned

• Join the Waitlist for the Social Media & Marketing Masterclass

• Watch the Free Social Media Strategy Simplified Workshop

• Get on My Email List (And See the Strategy in Action!)

• Let’s Plan Your Newsletter Strategy in a 1:1 Session

• ConvertKit (my preferred email platform)

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

Let’s be real: for many small business owners, bookkeeping feels like a necessary evil - a box to check for taxes, a task to avoid until it's urgent. But what if your financials could actually become your secret weapon to business growth?

This week, I’m joined by Gala McCray, founder of Two Arrows, a boutique financial services firm that supports creative and service-based entrepreneurs. We’re diving deep into why financial clarity isn’t just about taxes or compliance, and how it’s a core leadership tool that helps you make bold, strategic decisions with confidence.

From recognizing the true cost of servicing a client to knowing when (and how much) to invest in marketing, Gala shares actionable tips to help you shift from “doing” to leading. Whether you're just getting a handle on your numbers or ready to scale, this episode will empower you to own your role as CEO.

Episode Highlights:

• Why shifting from “doer” to decision-maker changes everything

• The core financial reports every entrepreneur should review monthly

• How to stop being “gun-shy” with money and start making empowered decisions

• What marketing KPIs you should track and how to actually evaluate ROI

• How a CEO mindset and diversified income transform your ability to grow

• The truth about how much you should be spending on marketing

If you loved this episode, I’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review. It helps Stop the Scroll reach more entrepreneurs like you — and keeps the insights coming your way each week.

About Gala

Gala McCray is the founder of Two Arrows, a boutique financial services firm helping service-based entrepreneurs elevate their financial operations with strategic bookkeeping, cashflow clarity, and executive-level advisory. With nearly two decades of experience in operations and financial management across corporate, nonprofit, and creative sectors, Gala blends precision with care to deliver peace of mind—because luxury, to her, means knowing your numbers are working as hard as you are.

As a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor and financial thought partner to agencies, consultants, and creatives, Gala empowers business owners to make bold, confident decisions rooted in clarity and control. Her signature framework—Consistency, Comfort, and Confidence—has become a trusted roadmap for clients ready to scale sustainably and lead like CEOs.

When she’s not transforming spreadsheets into strategy, Gala can be found championing financial empowerment through masterclasses, podcast appearances, and her blog series The Art of Bookkeeping.

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Connect With Gala

• Gala's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/galamccray/
• Follow Gala on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/twoar

Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!

Connect with me:

Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/

Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com