Stop the Scroll: A social Media podcast with Heidi Schmidt - Social Media and Content Marketing Advice for small business own
Social Media Strategist, Content Marketer and Agency Owner Heidi Schmidt
72 episodes
18 hours ago
Running a local business means your marketing needs to do more than just “look good” online. It has to bring real people through the door. In this episode of Stop the Scroll, we’re sharing strategies that actually work for small, local businesses that want to stand out in their communities, connect with the right audience, and turn online followers into loyal, in-person customers. Whether you’re a boutique owner, a coffee shop, a service-based business, or a nonprofit, you’ll learn how to...
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Running a local business means your marketing needs to do more than just “look good” online. It has to bring real people through the door. In this episode of Stop the Scroll, we’re sharing strategies that actually work for small, local businesses that want to stand out in their communities, connect with the right audience, and turn online followers into loyal, in-person customers. Whether you’re a boutique owner, a coffee shop, a service-based business, or a nonprofit, you’ll learn how to...
If you’ve ever felt guilty for not posting on Instagram every single day, this episode is your permission slip to let that go. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down what actually moves the needle on Instagram in 2025—and surprise: it’s not posting daily. From building real relationships to creating a simple engagement routine that takes 15–30 minutes a day, I’m sharing the exact methods I use (and recommend to clients) to grow authentically—even during the weeks you skip posting. Whethe...
Wait, Instagram posts can show up on Google now? Yep. And if you’re not optimizing your content for search, you could be missing out on serious visibility. In this episode of Stop the Scroll, we’re unpacking a big shift that’s changing how your Instagram content gets discovered, and why a keyword strategy matters now more than ever. Whether you’ve seen that new pop-up on your app or not, this episode breaks down what it actually means, why Gen Z is using social media like a search engine,...
Feeling overwhelmed by all the advice about what to post, when to post it, or how to manage your content when life gets busy? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re keeping it real with a laid-back Q&A session, answering frequently asked questions straight from clients, DMs, and conversations with fellow business owners. From choosing the right scheduler and navigating TikTok vs. Instagram, to how much is too much content and when to give yourself permission to take a break—th...
Everyone wants to go viral, but what actually happens when you do? And more importantly, does it move the needle for your business? In this episode, we’re sharing a real client case study where a short, unplanned Reel unexpectedly racked up over 250,000 views. It was shared thousands of times, saved by hundreds, and sparked major engagement…but the results might surprise you. Spoiler: more views doesn’t always mean more clients. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing something wron...
It’s July friends! How’s business? Now that we’re either midway through 2025, we’re all either coasting, growing, or drowning in overwhelm. This week, we’re hitting pause and asking the questions every business owner needs to answer mid-year: What’s working? What’s draining you? And how do you shift now so you’re not scrambling come Q4? In this honest, behind-the-scenes episode, Heidi shares some personal updates, lessons in delegation, and what it means to reset your business str...
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 th...
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’v...
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-par...
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 a...
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 th...
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. Fr...
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 th...
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 l...
Feeling overwhelmed with content creation? You’re not alone, and that’s exactly where AI can step in (without making your brand sound like a robot). In this episode of Stop the Scroll, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I actually use AI tools like ChatGPT, CastMagic, and Descript to save hours in my weekly workflow, without losing the authentic voice that connects with my audience. From batching posts and writing emails to refreshing stale captions and repurposing podcast content, I’m sha...
Tired of pouring hours into Instagram with minimal return? Wondering why your social posts aren’t turning into paying clients? Here’s the truth most digital marketers won’t tell you: social media can’t be your only strategy. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I’ve actually grown my business. Hint: it’s through in-person connections, referrals, and showing up offline just as much as I do online. If you’re a service-based business owner looking for real, sustainable ...
What if you could skip the most common mistakes new business owners make—and fast-track your growth with real, hard-earned lessons? In this episode, I’m sharing what five years of running Heidi Schmidt Creative has taught me about pricing, systems, scaling, marketing, and mindset. Whether you're in year one or year ten, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you run your business like a confident, clear-headed CEO and not just someone stuck in survival mode. If you're tir...
One year. 53 episodes. Countless lessons. This episode is a raw and honest reflection on what I’ve learned after a full year of showing up consistently to record Stop the Scroll. It’s personal, it’s practical, and it’s exactly what I wish someone had told me before I started. If you’ve ever thought about launching a podcast (or blog, YouTube channel, newsletter…whatever your version of showing up is), this one’s for you. I’m talking through the lessons, the systems that saved me, and how ...
Think you’ve got a handle on your social media strategy? Think again. In this episode, we're breaking down the biggest social media platform shifts from Q1—and spoiler alert: things are changing faster than ever. Instagram wants you using music on everything (yes, even carousels), Threads is creeping into Twitter’s old territory, and LinkedIn? It’s quietly becoming the place for video content and thought leadership. Heidi’s sharing what these updates actually mean for your content (withou...
How is it already the end of Q1? It seems like just yesterday that we were setting our January intentions! This week, we’re chatting about assessing our Q1 marketing efforts and planning strategically for Q2. It’s time to outline plans and set goals. Remember, even when we have big goals, it’s so important to remain flexible when it comes to your strategy and aligning your marketing efforts with personal and business goals. What are your Q2 marketing goals? Episode Hi...
Are you on the brink of growing your business but unsure how to juggle all those responsibilities? Hiring a marketer can feel overwhelming—how do you know who to trust with your brand? Whether you’re outsourcing social media, email marketing, or overall strategy, choosing the right person makes all the difference. In this episode, I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned from hiring (and sometimes hiring the wrong people!) and giving you a roadmap to find a marketer who truly gets your ...
Stop the Scroll: A social Media podcast with Heidi Schmidt - Social Media and Content Marketing Advice for small business own
Running a local business means your marketing needs to do more than just “look good” online. It has to bring real people through the door. In this episode of Stop the Scroll, we’re sharing strategies that actually work for small, local businesses that want to stand out in their communities, connect with the right audience, and turn online followers into loyal, in-person customers. Whether you’re a boutique owner, a coffee shop, a service-based business, or a nonprofit, you’ll learn how to...
