My last intentional Instagram post on our @mysocialboutique.co account was on December 13, 2023.
At the time, I was totally overwhelmed.
Our reach had flatlined. The algorithm felt impossible. I was running the business, growing the membership, designing new templates, planning content, and at the same time planning to start a second business.
And honestly?
Everything felt like too much.
So I told myself, “Just take a little break. Rest for December. Come back fresh in January.”
But then January became February.
Then came spring.
And now it’s May 2025 and aside from one or two random moments, I never really came back.
Why I Left Instagram (and What I Thought Would Happen)
At first, I didn’t panic.
We were still getting consistent traffic from Google and our blog. Our email list was growing. I had this incredible community of members using our templates every month.
Sales were steady. Engagement in the membership was good.
So I thought:
“Maybe we don’t need Instagram after all?”
And to be honest, that felt kind of liberating.
Like maybe I could just opt out of the constant hustle, the trends, the pressure to post daily.
But over time… I started to feel it.
What Happens When You Don’t Show Up on Social Media
Slowly, quietly, subtly… things began to shift.
- Growth slowed. New leads came in, but not at the pace I was used to.
- Connection faded. Even some long-time members felt more distant.
- New followers dropped off. We weren’t gaining visibility like before.
And one day, someone asked: “Are you still in business? I didn’t see anything on your Instagram.”
Ouch.
That hit me hard. Because even when I was still running everything behind the scenes – posting new templates every month, supporting members, writing emails – it didn’t look like I was.
The Message I Was Silently Sending
Here’s something I’ve definitely learned: Even when you don’t post on Instagram, you’re still sending a message.
You’re saying:
👉 This platform isn’t a priority for us right now.
But if your audience is hanging out on Instagram… maybe it should be.
This doesn’t mean you need to post daily or film endless Reels. I’m not here to preach some 90-day content challenge.
But I do think showing up – even just a little – helps build trust.
It keeps your brand alive in people’s minds.
It tells them:
👉 Yes, I’m still here.
👉 Yes, this business is active.
👉 Yes, you can trust me.
So… Am I Coming Back?
I want to. I really do.
But I also know myself – and pressure kills my creativity.
So I’m not making big promises or posting schedules or anything like that. I just want to start slowly, intentionally, without the algorithm looming over my shoulder.
What Did Keep Our Business Alive
The truth? Instagram didn’t make or break us.
What saved My Social Boutique was everything outside of social media:
💌 Email marketing
📝 Blog content (evergreen traffic, I love it so much!)
📌 Pinterest
💡 Our membership with recurring income, our super supportive community, aligned people
These platforms are slower. But they’re sustainable.
They don’t demand your constant presence.
And when you step away from Instagram? They keep going.
That’s the structure that held everything up while I was offline, and still does.
Okay, But… What Comes Next?
So… I think I’m coming back. Slowly.
Not for the algorithm. Not for the trends. But to reconnect with you. To share more behind the scenes. To have more touchpoints with you.
And if you’re still here, reading this, opening emails, being part of this community, just know how grateful I am.
Thank you for being here.
And thank you for reminding me that business doesn’t have to be perfect to be real, beautiful, and sustainable.
xo,
Julie
