Social Media Marketing for Small Businesses - Small business marketing, Social media marketing, Social media strategy

Cheyanne Cleyman
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you posting every day but hearing crickets? Wondering how your competitors are booking clients while you’re stuck refreshing your likes? Feeling like social media is a giant, time-sucking black hole? Hi, I’m Cheyanne Cleyman, and NO! You’re not crazy—social media can feel like a full-time job. But what if you could actually get clients without being glued to your phone 24/7? Welcome to Social Media Marketing for Small Businesses! The podcast for entrepreneurs, service providers, and small business owners who want real results from social media—without wasting time on strategies that don’t work. As co-founder of Cleyman Social Media, trust me—I get it. Once upon a time, I thought social media success meant posting daily, throwing out hashtags like confetti, and waiting for magic to happen. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. Instead, I discovered that engagement—not just content—is what actually moves the needle. Now, my agency helps business owners like you turn their social media into a lead-generating, client-attracting, money-making machine—without you having to lift a finger. In each bite-sized episode (under 10 minutes!), you’ll get no-fluff, straight-to-the-point strategies to actually grow your business online, the secret to turning followers into paying clients (hint: it’s NOT just posting) simple, repeatable engagement tactics that take minutes, not hours and the latest social media trends, decoded for small businesses. I won’t promise you viral posts or overnight success (because ew—we don’t do gimmicks here). But if you want to finally see real ROI from social media, this podcast is for you. More engagement. More clients. More sales. Less stress. So grab your coffee (or wine—no judgment), hit subscribe, and let’s turn your social media into a client-magnet—without the stress, the guesswork, or the burnout. Let’s do this! Xo, Cheyanne IG: @CleymanSocial.Media @CheyanneCleyman

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Episode 71 — What to Say in the DMs

    If you’ve ever opened your DMs, started typing… and then deleted everything because it sounded too salesy, too formal, or just plain weird—this episode is for you. Maybe you’ve been there… You know someone is watching your content. They’re liking your posts. They’re showing interest in small ways. But when it’s time to actually reach out, you freeze. You don’t want to sound pushy. You don’t want to say the wrong thing. So you either overthink it… or don’t send anything at all. And just like that—the opportunity passes. Today’s episode is here to make that easier. We’re breaking down exactly what to say when you want to start a conversation in your DMs—without it feeling forced, scripted, or like a pitch. Because the truth is… Your first message doesn’t need to do nearly as much as you think it does. It’s not about impressing them. It’s not about selling. It’s simply about starting. Inside this episode, we talk about the real job of your opening message—and why keeping it simple is what actually gets replies. Then we walk through three types of conversation starters you can use right away: Starting with curiosity—asking something you genuinely want to know Using context—mentioning something they posted or shared Reflecting—inviting them to share their thoughts or experience These aren’t scripts to memorize. They’re simple ways to connect in a way that feels natural and human. We also talk about how to shift your mindset… From “I don’t want to bother them” to “I’m here to understand them.” Because you’re not interrupting—you’re responding to a signal they already gave when they chose to follow you or engage with your content. And that changes everything. ✨ Key Takeaway: Your first message doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be sent. 🎯 This Week’s Action Step: Start one conversation today. Keep it simple. Keep it real. 🔗 Ready to Go Deeper? If you want help keeping those conversations going and turning them into clients, here are a couple of resources for you: Free Lead Gen Tracker — Stay organized with your leads and follow-ups https://systeme.io/dashboard/share?hash=684371643b0ba7e703d4fe95d2a93e69d9301a4&type=funnel Conversations That Convert — https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @thehomeschoolingmompreneur If this episode helped you, share it with someone who’s been overthinking their DMs—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. You don’t need perfect words. You just need to start the conversation. -Cheyanne Build Real Relationships. Have Better Conversations. Turn Social Media Into Clients — Without Burnout, Cold Pitching, or Feeling Salesy. Check out “Conversations that Convert” here: https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker 5 Quiet Reasons Your Content Isn’t Converting Discover why your content isn’t leading to clients—and what to do instead to build trust, start real conversations, and generate qualified leads. https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com

    15 min

  2. 22 APR

    70 \\ How to Start Conversations Without Feeling Salesy

    It can feel surprisingly hard to start a conversation in the DMs… especially when you know someone is interested. They’ve watched your stories. They’ve liked your posts. Maybe they even replied once. And now you’re sitting there staring at your phone, wondering what to say next. So you hesitate. Or you overthink it. Or you send something that doesn’t quite feel like you. And just like that… the moment passes. Today’s episode is here to change that. We’re breaking down how to start conversations in a way that feels natural, human, and actually leads somewhere—without scripts, pressure, or that “salesy” feeling most people want to avoid. Because the truth is, the problem isn’t that you don’t know what to say. It’s that you think you need to say something impressive. You don’t. You need to say something real. Inside this episode, I walk you through three simple ways to open a conversation: Starting with curiosity Using context from what they engaged with Reflecting back what resonated with them These aren’t scripts to memorize—they’re entry points to connection. From there, we talk about how to keep the conversation going in a way that builds trust instead of pressure. Because your role in the DMs isn’t to jump into selling. It’s to: Understand where they’re at Listen to what they’re actually saying Guide the conversation naturally And when you do that well, something shifts. Instead of forcing an offer… you begin to recognize when someone is ready for one. You’ll learn how to listen for the signals—like frustration, desire, or readiness—and how to transition in a way that feels simple and aligned. Not pushy. Not awkward. Just clear. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or hesitant to start conversations in your DMs, this episode will give you a new way to approach it—one that actually works and feels good to do. 🎯 This Week’s Action Step: Start one conversation using a simple, real question. No script. No pressure. Just connection. 🔗 Ready to Go Deeper? If you want the full framework for turning conversations into clients—without guessing what to say next—my course Conversations That Convert walks you through the exact flow: How to start conversations How to keep them going How to transition naturally And how to confidently close You can find the link in the show notes. 📌 Free Resources to Support You: FREE Lead Gen Tracker: https://systeme.io/dashboard/share?hash=684371643b0ba7e703d4fe95d2a93e69d9301a4&type=funnel Conversations That Convert Course: https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehomeschoolingmompreneur You don’t need better scripts. You need better conversations. And this is where that starts. -Cheyanne Build Real Relationships. Have Better Conversations. Turn Social Media Into Clients — Without Burnout, Cold Pitching, or Feeling Salesy. Check out “Conversations that Convert” here: https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker 5 Quiet Reasons Your Content Isn’t Converting Discover why your content isn’t leading to clients—and what to do instead to build trust, start real conversations, and generate qualified leads. https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com

    10 min

  3. 15 APR

    69 \\ Why Your Content Isn’t Converting (And the Follow-Up Mistake You’re Making)

    There’s a moment most small business owners know all too well: someone likes your post, watches your stories, maybe even replies once… and then disappears. No message. No inquiry. No sale. And you’re left wondering: were they actually interested… or not? In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really happening in that moment—and why your content isn’t the problem. Your follow-up is. We’ll talk about the “conversation gap” that exists in most businesses right now—the space between attention and action—and how that’s where your sales are quietly getting lost. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why “silent leads” are more common than you think (and how to recognize them) The real reason people don’t take the next step—even when they’re interested Why waiting for people to reach out is costing you clients What follow-up actually is (and why it’s not pushy or salesy) Simple, natural ways to re-enter a conversation without pressure How to shift from passive posting to intentional connection A simple system to track engagement and move conversations forward How to turn attention into action without feeling awkward or forced If you’ve been posting consistently but still wondering why people aren’t converting, this episode will help you see what’s missing—and how to fix it in a way that feels natural and aligned. Because it’s not about getting more people to see your content. It’s about not losing the people who already are. Let’s close the gap between interest and action—and start turning attention into real conversations that lead to clients. With all my support, Cheyanne FREE Lead Gen Tracker https://systeme.io/dashboard/share?hash=684371643b0ba7e703d4fe95d2a93e69d9301a4&type=funnel Conversations That Convert Course https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert Have a question or want to connect? Send me a message here: https://www.instagram.com/thehomeschoolingmompreneur/ Build Real Relationships. Have Better Conversations. Turn Social Media Into Clients — Without Burnout, Cold Pitching, or Feeling Salesy. Check out “Conversations that Convert” here: https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker 5 Quiet Reasons Your Content Isn’t Converting Discover why your content isn’t leading to clients—and what to do instead to build trust, start real conversations, and generate qualified leads. https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com

    9 min

  4. 3 APR

    68 \\ Why “More Content” Is the Wrong Growth Strategy in 2026 What Actually Turns Visibility Into Clients

    There’s a moment most small business owners know all too well: you open Instagram, feel the pressure to post, spend 30–40 minutes trying to come up with something… and still end up feeling behind. If that sounds familiar, this episode is going to shift how you think about social media entirely. Because the truth is—posting more content is no longer the growth strategy it once was. And in 2026, it’s becoming even less effective. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s actually happening in the online space right now, why content alone isn’t converting anymore, and what truly turns visibility into clients. We’ll talk about how social media marketing for small businesses is evolving, where AI fits into your strategy, and why connection—not content—is the real driver of growth. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why posting more content is no longer a competitive advantage What’s changed in the social media landscape (and why it matters) The three growth levers every business needs to understand: visibility, conversation, and conversion Why most business owners are stuck focusing only on visibility How to identify if your content is creating engagement but not sales Where AI supports your marketing—and where it cannot replace you The simple mindset shift that will instantly improve your results How to turn your content into a doorway for real conversations If you’ve been putting in the time, posting consistently, and still not seeing clients come through, this episode will help you understand exactly why—and what to do differently. Because growth doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing what actually moves people forward. Let’s shift from chasing content… to creating conversations that convert. With all my support, Cheyanne FREE Lead Gen Tracker https://systeme.io/dashboard/share?hash=684371643b0ba7e703d4fe95d2a93e69d9301a4&type=funnel Conversations That Convert Course https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert Have a question or want to connect? Send me a message here: https://www.instagram.com/thehomeschoolingmompreneur/ Build Real Relationships. Have Better Conversations. Turn Social Media Into Clients — Without Burnout, Cold Pitching, or Feeling Salesy. Check out “Conversations that Convert” here: https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker 5 Quiet Reasons Your Content Isn’t Converting Discover why your content isn’t leading to clients—and what to do instead to build trust, start real conversations, and generate qualified leads. https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com

    12 min

  5. 24 MAR

    67 \\ AI Is Making This Sales Mistake Worse: Why More Tools Won’t Fix a Broken Message

    There’s something happening right now that most people aren’t talking about: AI isn’t ruining your sales… but it is making your biggest business weaknesses more visible than ever. If your message is unclear, AI will scale confusion. If your positioning feels scattered, AI will amplify noise. And if your authority isn’t solid, AI will only make that more obvious. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real reason your content might look polished but still isn’t converting—and why more tools, more content, or more automation won’t fix it. We’ll talk about how AI for small business can support your content and marketing strategy, while also unpacking what it cannot do, like creating clarity, building trust, or guiding real buying decisions. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why unclear messaging is the real reason your content isn’t converting How AI can amplify confusion instead of fixing it The difference between sounding impressive and being clear in your content What buyers are actually looking for before they decide to work with you Why clarity, safety, and specificity are key to building trust online How to identify if your positioning is too broad to convert What role AI should (and should not) play in your business How to create content that naturally leads into real conversations and sales If your content sounds good but isn’t leading to clients, this episode will help you understand what’s missing—and how to fix it without adding more noise. Because the goal isn’t more content. It’s clearer direction, stronger messaging, and conversations that actually move people forward. Let’s build content that doesn’t just look good—but actually leads somewhere. With all my support, Chey FREE Lead Gen Tracker https://systeme.io/dashboard/share?hash=684371643b0ba7e703d4fe95d2a93e69d9301a4&type=funnel Conversations That Convert Course https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert Have a question or want to connect? https://www.instagram.com/thehomeschoolingmompreneur/ Build Real Relationships. Have Better Conversations. Turn Social Media Into Clients — Without Burnout, Cold Pitching, or Feeling Salesy. Check out “Conversations that Convert” here: https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker 5 Quiet Reasons Your Content Isn’t Converting Discover why your content isn’t leading to clients—and what to do instead to build trust, start real conversations, and generate qualified leads. https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com

    13 min

  6. 24 MAR

    66 \\ Stop Automating the Wrong Things: Why Most Small Businesses Use AI in the Least Profitable Places

    There’s a quiet shift happening in the online space right now: automate more, streamline everything, let AI handle it. And on the surface, it sounds smart. But what if automation isn’t the solution… it’s actually where things are going wrong? In this episode, I’m breaking down why most small business owners are automating the least profitable parts of their business, and how that might be the very reason your content isn’t converting. We’ll talk about what AI for small business is actually useful for, where automation supports your growth, and where it starts to quietly disconnect you from the very people you’re trying to serve. Here’s what you’ll learn: What automation should be used for in your small business (and what it should never replace) Why content automation without conversation leads to low engagement and fewer sales How to identify where your business is missing real connection The difference between visibility and relationship-building in your content strategy Why human-first marketing is becoming more valuable in an AI-driven world What real client conversations should look like today How to use AI to support your workflow without removing your presence Simple ways to build a conversation system that leads to consistent clients If you’ve been doing all the “right” things—posting, scheduling, automating—but still not seeing results, this episode will help you understand why. And more importantly, it will show you where to shift so your business starts feeling more aligned, more human, and more effective again. Let’s stop automating the parts that actually matter—and start building real connection that converts. With all my support, Chey FREE Lead Gen Tracker https://systeme.io/dashboard/share?hash=684371643b0ba7e703d4fe95d2a93e69d9301a4&type=funnel  Conversations That Convert Course https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert  Have a question or want to connect? Send me a message here: https://www.instagram.com/thehomeschoolingmompreneur/ Build Real Relationships. Have Better Conversations. Turn Social Media Into Clients — Without Burnout, Cold Pitching, or Feeling Salesy. Check out “Conversations that Convert” here: https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker 5 Quiet Reasons Your Content Isn’t Converting Discover why your content isn’t leading to clients—and what to do instead to build trust, start real conversations, and generate qualified leads. https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com

    12 min

  7. 18 FEB

    65 \\ 3 Surprising Sales Strategies Every Online Business Owner Needs for Client Acquisition and Higher Conversion Rates

    Your brand is becoming just another face in the digital crowd while you starve for a connection that feels substantial. You lean into your sales funnel only to find that closing deals feels more difficult.  You do not have to sacrifice your soul for efficiency. It is entirely possible to use tools as a support system while keeping human connection at the very heart of your brand. Your online business should feel like a mission, not a cold machine. In this episode, we are shifting the way you look at your sales strategies so you can stop feeling drowned by the noise and start seeing steady, grounded business growth. We look at how relationship marketing builds a bridge between your content and community that algorithms cannot replicate.  Here is what we will cover: How to boost your conversion rates by prioritizing safety and trust in your brand presence. The reason conversations that convert are more valuable than any viral post or automated script. Practical ways to refine your sales process so it feels like a natural extension of your values. How to master client acquisition by focusing on the person behind the screen instead of the data. The shift in marketing trends that is making human-first marketing the most profitable way to grow a digital brand. When lead generation feels slow, it can shake your confidence, but the real opportunity lies in choosing authentic connection over noise. When you focus on building trust and connection, it will improve your conversion rates in a way that feels natural. With all my support, Chey Build Real Relationships. Have Better Conversations. Turn Social Media Into Clients — Without Burnout, Cold Pitching, or Feeling Salesy. Check out “Conversations that Convert” here: https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker 5 Quiet Reasons Your Content Isn’t Converting Discover why your content isn’t leading to clients—and what to do instead to build trust, start real conversations, and generate qualified leads. https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com Build Real Relationships. Have Better Conversations. Turn Social Media Into Clients — Without Burnout, Cold Pitching, or Feeling Salesy. Check out “Conversations that Convert” here: https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker 5 Quiet Reasons Your Content Isn’t Converting Discover why your content isn’t leading to clients—and what to do instead to build trust, start real conversations, and generate qualified leads. https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com

    15 min

  8. 11 FEB

    64 \\ Why Your Small Business Marketing Fails Without a Lead Generation Tracker and Follow-Up Strategy

    Have you ever scrolled through your DMs and felt that sting of realizing you forgot to reply to a warm lead?  This heavy mental load happens when your small business marketing lacks a reliable system, causing your social media sales to stall while potential clients feel forgotten. It looks like a lack of discipline is stopping your progress, but underneath, it is actually the absence of a reliable sales system that supports your memory. This is why your sales mindset needs to move toward serving people through steady lead nurturing that keeps you top of mind without being pushy. Here is what you will learn in this episode: How to use AI for business to stay organized when keeping track of leads takes up too much brain space. Why business consistency is the secret link between building trust and showing up for your community. The best way to build a human client connection by unlearning the idea that authentic marketing is pushy. Effective ways to organize your work using a follow-up strategy, a lead generation tracker, and relationship marketing to help your daily life feel more grounded. This conversation will help you turn messy DMs into a professional workflow. By using a clear conversion strategy alongside business automation, you create the space for real organic growth. These specific productivity for entrepreneurs allow you to show up with a unique voice that truly connects with your community. With all my support, Chey   Build Real Relationships. Have Better Conversations. Turn Social Media Into Clients — Without Burnout, Cold Pitching, or Feeling Salesy. Check out “Conversations that Convert” here: https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker 5 Quiet Reasons Your Content Isn’t Converting Discover why your content isn’t leading to clients—and what to do instead to build trust, start real conversations, and generate qualified leads. https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com

    16 min
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About

Are you posting every day but hearing crickets? Wondering how your competitors are booking clients while you’re stuck refreshing your likes? Feeling like social media is a giant, time-sucking black hole? Hi, I’m Cheyanne Cleyman, and NO! You’re not crazy—social media can feel like a full-time job. But what if you could actually get clients without being glued to your phone 24/7? Welcome to Social Media Marketing for Small Businesses! The podcast for entrepreneurs, service providers, and small business owners who want real results from social media—without wasting time on strategies that don’t work. As co-founder of Cleyman Social Media, trust me—I get it. Once upon a time, I thought social media success meant posting daily, throwing out hashtags like confetti, and waiting for magic to happen. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. Instead, I discovered that engagement—not just content—is what actually moves the needle. Now, my agency helps business owners like you turn their social media into a lead-generating, client-attracting, money-making machine—without you having to lift a finger. In each bite-sized episode (under 10 minutes!), you’ll get no-fluff, straight-to-the-point strategies to actually grow your business online, the secret to turning followers into paying clients (hint: it’s NOT just posting) simple, repeatable engagement tactics that take minutes, not hours and the latest social media trends, decoded for small businesses. I won’t promise you viral posts or overnight success (because ew—we don’t do gimmicks here). But if you want to finally see real ROI from social media, this podcast is for you. More engagement. More clients. More sales. Less stress. So grab your coffee (or wine—no judgment), hit subscribe, and let’s turn your social media into a client-magnet—without the stress, the guesswork, or the burnout. Let’s do this! Xo, Cheyanne IG: @CleymanSocial.Media @CheyanneCleyman

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