Strut It: Bold Visibility through Instagram Marketing

Elizabeth Marberry
  • 5.0 (97)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Instagram is one of the biggest social platforms with over 1.3 billion users worldwide… So how do you, as an entrepreneur, grow your following, get more clients, and actually get SEEN in the crowded social media space?You need to learn how to leverage Instagram to grow your business—without spending ONE DIME on paid ads— by creating content that resonates with your ideal clients. And I’m here to show you how. Welcome to Strut It, a podcast about creating bold and unapologetic visibility on social media!  I’m Elizabeth Marberry, your host and Instagram Marketing Coach. I help small business owners get SEEN on Instagram and monetize their offers so they can make more money doing their soul-led work.Instagram can be a game changer for small business owners, but you have to have a strategy and show up with confidence to create content that gets you SEEN. Join me each week to learn how to Strut It on Instagram, grow your following, and get more clients. Head to elizabethmarberry.com/freebies to grab your free Monetize Your IG guide where you’ll learn 7 Simple and Proven Ways to *Finally* Make Money On Instagram.

  1. How Heart Leadership Fuels Business and Brand Growth with Anthony Lambatos

    6D AGO

    How Heart Leadership Fuels Business and Brand Growth with Anthony Lambatos

    Send us a text This week, I’m talking with Anthony Lambatos, owner of Footers Catering and founder of MIBE (Make It Better Every Day), a leadership and culture organization helping people build heart-led, people-first businesses. Anthony and his wife April have quadrupled their company’s revenue, achieved 50% higher employee retention than the industry average, and earned Best Places to Work honors eight years in a row. But the real story is how they did it, through heart leadership. We unpack what heart-led leadership really looks like, why vulnerability and communication are the most powerful leadership tools, and how this philosophy applies whether you’re a CEO, a small business owner, or a team of one. What You’ll Learn [03:57] How Anthony went from family business to people-first CEO  [05:45] The secret behind Footers Catering’s long-term success and retention  [07:10] What heart leadership really means and why it matters now  [10:00] Why everyone is a leader, no matter your title or team size [13:44] How emotional intelligence builds stronger businesses and cultures [16:29] The link between leadership, authenticity, and social media presence [20:45] The four convictions of heart leadership: Lead, Love, Mibe, and Vibe [24:35] How communication can transform culture and client relationships [27:58] Why small, 1% improvements lead to exponential growth [30:23] How to protect your culture and surround yourself with the right people [35:00] What to expect from the 2025 MIBE Summit for hospitality leaders This Week’s Challenge This week, I challenge you to reflect on how you’re showing up as a leader in your business. Ask yourself: Am I leading with heart? Am I communicating clearly? Am I making small, consistent improvements every day? Then share one way you’re committing to lead with more authenticity this week and tag me @elizabethmarberry, I’d love to celebrate it with you. Links + Resources Mentioned Join the MIBE Summit: themibe.com/summitFollow MIBE on InstagramConnect with Anthony on LinkedIn: Anthony Lambatos CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY: WORK WITH ELIZABETH Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

    41 min
  2. The Instagram Growth Shift: Why Personal Content Wins in 2025 and Beyond

    NOV 3

    The Instagram Growth Shift: Why Personal Content Wins in 2025 and Beyond

    Send us a text If your content isn’t converting, it’s not your strategy, it’s your messaging. In this Strut It episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest shifts we’re seeing on Instagram right now: moving from generic to personal and specific content. The truth is, broad, how-to posts like “5 Ways to Grow Your Instagram” no longer perform. What’s working now are personalized, story-driven posts that speak directly to your ideal clients. What You’ll Learn [01:06] The biggest content shift happening on Instagram right now  [03:56] Why specific, story-driven hooks outperform generic how-tos  [05:44] The end of the “five tips” era and what to do instead  [08:08] A real example from my business: how I grew 20,000 followers in 30 days  [09:34] What Adam Mosseri says about shareable content and DMs  [11:53] How to write posts that get shared—and why people share them  [13:44] Coaching example: rewriting a burnout coach’s hook for clarity and impact  [15:40] How to transform a generic idea into a personal, scroll-stopping hook  [18:59] The difference between “I/me” hooks and “you” hooks (and how to use both)  [20:53] A simple storytelling prompt to create relatable, magnetic content  [22:20] How to get feedback and mentorship inside my Hot Reels content lab This Week’s Challenge Create one piece of content that feels personal and specific. It could be a Reel, carousel, or post that shares a true story or insight from your journey. Use the prompt: “What I wish I knew before…” and fill in the blank with a meaningful moment or decision from your business or life. Then tag me @elizabethmarberry on Instagram—I’d love to see it and cheer you on. Links + Resources Mentioned Join the Hot Reels Waitlist: elizabethmarberry.com/hot — Get early access and bonuses when doors open in December. CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY: WORK WITH ELIZABETH Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

    26 min
  3. The Hidden Gap in Your Marketing That’s Costing You Sales with Heidi Thompson

    OCT 27

    The Hidden Gap in Your Marketing That’s Costing You Sales with Heidi Thompson

    Send us a text If your content isn’t converting, it’s probably not because you need a new strategy, it’s because your messaging isn’t connecting. In this episode of Strut It, I’m joined by marketing expert and wedding business strategist Heidi Thompson, the founder of Evolve Your Wedding Business and author of Clone Your Best Clients. Heidi breaks down exactly how to uncover what your audience really wants, thinks, and feels so you can write content that actually converts. Whether you’re a wedding professional, creative, or service provider, you’ll walk away with practical tools to strengthen your message, attract the right people, and boost your ROI without reinventing your entire marketing strategy. What You’ll Learn [02:17] Why truly knowing your audience is the foundation of every great marketing strategy  [03:45] The psychology behind effective marketing and what most business owners get wrong  [05:35] The biggest mistake creators make when identifying their ideal client  [08:27] Why old-school demographic worksheets don’t actually help you sell more  [10:51] The “Clone Your Best Clients” method and how to identify your dream customers  [14:36] The most effective way to get real audience insights (and it’s not guessing)  [17:27] How to ask for and conduct client interviews that reveal the gold in your messaging  [20:19] The key questions that uncover what truly drives people to buy  [27:17] Why refining your messaging by just 5% can completely change your results  [31:58] How to apply what you learn across your website, Instagram bio, and all content This Week’s Challenge I want you to identify one or two of your favorite clients. The people you wish you could clone, and reach out to them. Ask if you can hop on a short call to learn what really motivated them to work with you. Use their exact words in your next piece of content or Instagram post. You’ll be amazed at how it changes your results. Then DM me @elizabethmarberry and tell me what you discovered. Links + Resources Mentioned Heidi’s Free Resource: Clone Your Best Clients WorkbookJoin Heidi’s Free Training: Build a Six-Figure Wedding BusinessConnect with Heidi: Evolve Your Wedding BusinessFollow Heidi on Instagram: @evolveyourweddingbusiness CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY: WORK WITH ELIZABETH Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

    38 min
  4. Trial Reels: The Secret Instagram Growth Hack You’re Not Using Yet

    OCT 20

    Trial Reels: The Secret Instagram Growth Hack You’re Not Using Yet

    Send us a text If you’ve ever spent hours creating a reel you thought would crush it, only for it to flop, this episode is for you. I’m pulling back the curtain on one of my favorite Instagram growth hacks: trial reels. This is the exact method I use (and teach my clients) to A/B test hooks and uncover what kind of messaging actually stops the scroll, grabs attention, and converts. I’ll also share how one of my clients tested three versions of the same reel and tripled her views just by tweaking the first line. You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to implement this in your own business this week. What You’ll Learn [01:15] Why trial reels are one of the most powerful (and underused) features on Instagram  [02:11] What trial reels actually are and how to know if you have access to them  [03:01] How I’m using trial reels to test hooks and grow faster  [05:21] The story of how one client tripled her reach by changing three words  [07:44] How trial reels help you A/B test your messaging—just like email subject lines  [09:13] Real examples of viral hook testing you can try this week  [10:12] When to use trial reels (and when not to) depending on your goals  [12:07] The difference between attraction and promotional content  [13:29] How to use trial reels differently for nurturing vs. growth seasons  [14:54] Why perfectionists need trial reels the most  [16:20] Your weekly action step: how to test your first trial reel and measure results This Week’s Challenge Post your first trial reel. If you’ve already been using them, A/B test your hooks this week. Try posting the same video with different on-screen text and see which version performs best. When you get your results, DM me on Instagram @elizabethmarberry and tell me about your win. I’d love to celebrate with you. Links + Resources Mentioned Join the Waitlist: Hot Reels – My 12-month Instagram content lab for small business owners and creatives ready to grow visibility and sales.Free Resource: Monetize Your IG Guide. Learn seven simple, proven ways to finally make money on Instagram.CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY: WORK WITH ELIZABETH Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

    19 min

  5. OCT 13

    People Buy People: Why Storytelling Belongs in Your Instagram Strategy

    Send us a text People buy people, not products. That’s why your story isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s the heartbeat of your visibility strategy. Today you’ll learn the art and strategy of storytelling, how to share your truth in a way that connects, inspires, and builds trust on Instagram. I even take you behind the scenes of my own story—my life as an actual showgirl (yes, with feathers and rhinestones!) — and what it taught me about visibility, perfectionism, and finding confidence in authenticity. If you’ve ever wondered how to share stories that truly connect with your audience, not just sell to them, this episode is your guide. What You’ll Learn [01:21] Why your story, not your content calendar, makes your brand magnetic  [03:13] My past life as a professional showgirl and how it shaped my visibility journey  [05:06] The hidden struggles behind “living the dream” and how perfectionism shows up in business  [07:28] Why storytelling is the heartbeat of an effective Instagram strategy  [08:54] The real currency of social media (and it’s not likes or followers)  [10:22] My simple three-part storytelling framework: setup, shift, and takeaway  [12:46] How to turn your vulnerability into connection without oversharing  [14:39] How to use AI and the CRIT Framework to craft emotional, relatable stories  [16:05] This week’s Emotional Storytelling Challenge—share one story that connects  [17:33] How to tag me in your storytelling post so I can cheer you on This Week’s Challenge I’m calling this the Emotional Storytelling Challenge. Create one piece of content. A Reel, carousel, or post, where your only goal is connection. Don’t try to sell or promote. Just share a real piece of who you are or why you do this work. Then tag me @elizabethmarberry. I’d love to see it and cheer you on. Links + Resources Mentioned Free Resource: Monetize Your IG Guide. Learn seven simple, proven ways to finally make money on Instagram. CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY: WORK WITH ELIZABETH Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

    18 min

  6. OCT 6

    Think Bigger: Using AI to Expand What’s Possible in Your Business with Geoff Woods

    Send us a text AI is here to stay, and it’s already reshaping the way we work and lead. But here’s the truth: most people are only scratching the surface, treating AI like a glorified Google search or copy assistant. That’s why I invited Geoff Woods, author of The AI Driven Leader and former VP of The One Thing to join me on the podcast. Geoff shares how small business owners, marketers, and leaders can use AI to think more strategically, accelerate growth, and step outside the box. You’ll learn the CRIT framework (Context, Role, Interview, Task) that takes you into the top 1% of AI users, hear real case studies of AI solving million-dollar business problems, and discover how to transform AI into a true thought partner. What You’ll Learn in This Episode [00:00] Why 96% of marketers are already using AI, but most are missing the mark[05:17] The biggest fears and resistance leaders still have about AI[07:41] Eric Schmidt’s warning: everything you know about business will change in five years[10:33] Why chasing every new AI tool is a distraction, and what to do instead[14:21] The CRIT framework: Context, Role, Interview, Task[16:18] A CEO case study: how AI saved a manufacturing company from bankruptcy[19:06] Why leaders need AI as a thought partner, not just an assistant[20:32] Using AI to 100x business growth by reframing strategic questions[23:21] Building an AI board to test business models and challenge assumptions[29:55] Why “copy-paste AI outputs” = mediocrity (and how to go deeper)[33:41] How to use AI to write scroll-stopping Instagram Reels scripts[37:30] Advanced “voice of customer” workflows powered by AI[43:40] The 3 things that matter more than the tool you choose Guest Bio Geoff Woods is the author of The AI Driven Leader and CEO of AI Leadership. Formerly the VP of The One Thing, Geoff transformed the bestselling book into a global training company. Today, he helps businesses harness AI to accelerate growth, strengthen competitive advantage, and think bigger than ever before. He also leads The Collective, an executive network for leaders ready to integrate AI at scale. Links + Resources Mentioned The AI Driven Leader (Amazon)AI Leadership – official site, newsletter, and resourcesCONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY: WORK WITH ELIZABETH Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

    50 min

  7. SEP 29

    The AI Sales Funnel That Turns Instagram Followers Into Paying Clients - Part 4

    Send us a text You’ve got followers, you’re posting consistently, and people are engaging with your content. But here’s the million-dollar question: are those followers actually becoming paying clients? I’m teaching you how to build an Instagram sales funnel that turns engagement into revenue. You’ll learn how to design a clear customer journey, use lead magnets to grow your email list, and set up automations that nurture your audience while you sleep. Plus, I’m sharing my exact CRIT framework prompt that lets AI map out your funnel, from follower to paying client, so you never have to wonder what your next step should be. What You’ll Learn in This Episode [01:22] Why followers don’t equal revenue, and what to focus on instead[02:19] The biggest missing piece for most entrepreneurs on Instagram[04:15] The difference between influencers and business owners (and why it matters for your content)[07:27] How mentorship shortcuts growth and helps you avoid trial-and-error marketing[10:49] Understanding your Instagram funnel: awareness, nurture, and conversion[13:36] Why you need a lead magnet and how it captures your dream clients[14:54] How I grew my email list by 5,000+ subscribers with no paid ads[15:24] Using DM automation to capture leads and generate sales while you’re offline[16:48] How AI can help you map your funnel, create lead magnets, and write email sequences[17:16] The CRIT framework prompt you to build your Instagram sales funnel with AI[19:23] What to expect in next week’s finale with Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven LeaderKey Takeaways Followers don’t pay your bills, clients do. Your funnel must move people beyond likes and follows.Instagram is the entry point, but your funnel (lead magnets, email, DMs) is what drives conversions.Lead magnets are essential for moving followers off Instagram and into your ecosystem.DM automation tools like ManyChat can grow your list and generate leads 24/7.AI is your strategic partner. Use the CRIT framework to design your sales funnel step by step.Mentioned Resources Try Poppy AI  → Think of it as your AI content strategist: helping you discover what’s working for others, spot the gaps in your own messaging, and design a content strategy where every post, email, and page works together to drive sales, not just likes.Join Hot Reels, my 12-month Instagram content lab → elizabethmarberry.com/hotApply for Private Coaching with Elizabeth →CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY: WORK WITH ELIZABETH Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

    22 min

  8. SEP 22

    Instagram Reels Growth Hacks Using AI (That Actually Work in 2025) - Part 3

    Send us a text You could have the perfect Instagram bio and a solid content plan, but if you’re not creating the right type of content, you’re basically invisible. That’s why in part three of my five-part AI Instagram series, I’m showing you the ONE format that’s still getting the most reach and engagement on Instagram right now: Reels. You’ll learn why Reels remain the fastest way to grow your audience, how to structure them for maximum impact, and how to use AI tools like ChatGPT (or my new favorite, Poppy AI) to generate scroll-stopping hooks tailored to your ideal clients. This episode is packed with my “Three B’s of Reels,” a simple hook-value-CTA formula you can swipe today, and my exact AI prompt that saves me 10+ hours a week on content creation. If you’ve been throwing spaghetti at the wall with your content and hoping something sticks, this conversation will give you the clarity and tools to create Reels that grow your business, finally. What You’ll Learn in This Episode [05:32] Why Reels are still the highest-performing content on Instagram in 2025[06:29] The “Three B’s of Reels” (be consistent, bring value, be yourself)[08:51] The simple Reel formula: hook, value, and call to action[10:41] How to use AI to generate hooks, scripts, and CTAs that convert[12:02] The CRIT framework for creating scroll-stopping hooks with AI[14:29] Why you must still edit and refine AI outputs to match your brand voice[14:59] What’s coming in part four: turning followers into paying clientsKey Takeaways Reels remain the fastest way to reach new audiences and grow on Instagram.Consistency, value, and authenticity are non-negotiables for achieving success on Reel.A strong hook + clear value + specific CTA is the winning formula.AI can be your secret weapon for creating tailored hooks and scripts if you train it well.You save time with AI, but you are still the thought leader; always edit for your voice.Links Mentioned: Try Poppy AI  → Think of it as your AI content strategist: helping you discover what’s working for others, spot the gaps in your own messaging, and design a content strategy where every post, email, and page works together to drive sales, not just likes.Join Hot Reels, my 12-month Instagram content lab → elizabethmarberry.com/hotApply for Private Coaching with Elizabeth → elizabethmarberry.com/applicationCONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY: WORK WITH ELIZABETH Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

    18 min
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Instagram is one of the biggest social platforms with over 1.3 billion users worldwide… So how do you, as an entrepreneur, grow your following, get more clients, and actually get SEEN in the crowded social media space?You need to learn how to leverage Instagram to grow your business—without spending ONE DIME on paid ads— by creating content that resonates with your ideal clients. And I’m here to show you how. Welcome to Strut It, a podcast about creating bold and unapologetic visibility on social media!  I’m Elizabeth Marberry, your host and Instagram Marketing Coach. I help small business owners get SEEN on Instagram and monetize their offers so they can make more money doing their soul-led work.Instagram can be a game changer for small business owners, but you have to have a strategy and show up with confidence to create content that gets you SEEN. Join me each week to learn how to Strut It on Instagram, grow your following, and get more clients. Head to elizabethmarberry.com/freebies to grab your free Monetize Your IG guide where you’ll learn 7 Simple and Proven Ways to *Finally* Make Money On Instagram.

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