Ep 104: The 4 Types of instagram posts your business should never share
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Okay, today’s blog is a little different… because I’m feeling ranty. 🙃
There are some posts on Instagram that make me want to throw my phone across the room. You know the ones — they rack up likes, views, maybe even a few “omg so true” comments… but they’re flat-out hurting your business.
They don’t build trust.
They don’t bring in clients.
And honestly? They just leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.
And since I’ve been talking a lot lately about how buyer behavior has changed and how Instagram strategy needs to shift with it, I figured it’s time to call these posts out for what they are: vanity metrics traps.
Let’s dig in 👇
1. Outrageous income claims 💸
The post: “I made $20k in a month using this exact blueprint. You can too!”
My reaction: Please. Make. It. Stop.
Here’s the truth: most online business owners in the U.S. make under $60k a year. (Don’t take my word for it — I chatted with Maggie Patterson about this, and she cites all the research in her book Staying Solo. It’s right there in black and white.)
So when someone says they pulled off six figures overnight with a magic funnel? One of two things is happening:
They’re straight-up lying.
They’re leaving out a lot of context (like their ad spend, their giant team, or the fact that they’ve been nurturing an audience for years).
Either way — it’s manipulative. These posts might get clicks, but they destroy trust.
👉 If you want clients, skip the income flexes.
2. Recycled hooks & trends 🔁
We’ve all seen the “use this hook to go disrespectfully viral” or “hop on this trend before it blows up” advice.
And here’s the thing: I’m not against trends. If you genuinely enjoy them, have fun with it! I love a good meme as much as the next mom scrolling at 11pm while hiding from the laundry pile.
But if your whole content strategy = copying whatever’s trending? Your feed might look busy, but it’s not saying anything.
Trends can give you visibility. But visibility without messaging is like throwing glitter in the air and hoping it lands in the shape of a paying client. Spoiler: it won’t.
👉 Views are not the same as sales. Your messaging is what makes the difference.
3. The “my way is the only way” post 🚩
This one… whew.
It’s the content that screams:
“The only reason you’re not hitting 10k months is because you haven’t tried MY system.”
No. Absolutely not.
There are so many ways to get from point A to point B in business. I teach my 5 Steps to Sales inside Content That Converts, but it’s not the only way. It’s just one proven framework to make sure you’re building the trust and connection people actually need before they buy.
The minute someone claims their framework is the only way? 🚩 Red flag. Different businesses, audiences, and circumstances always bring nuance.
👉 If someone tells you there’s only one path — run the other direction.
4. Mean-girl marketing 🙅♀️
This one is my absolute least favorite (and unfortunately, it’s everywhere).
Mean-girl marketing = shame-based marketing.
The “If you’re still struggling, it’s because you’re lazy” kind of vibe.
And the wildest part? Eight times out of ten, these accounts have “empowering women to XYZ” in their bio. 🙃 Like… what about shaming your audience is empowering? I’ll wait.
Using pain points in marketing can be powerful — when it’s validating. As in: “I see you, I get you, and I can help.”
But if your content makes people feel worse about themselves? You’re not building connection. You’re burning bridges.
👉 Hot take: comments aren’t clients. Engagement isn’t trust.
So… What Should You Post Instead?
If you’ve been nodding along, you already know: content that actually connects. Content that builds trust, nurtures relationships, and guides your audience through the buyer journey.
That’s exactly why I created my free Buyer Journey Content Map. It shows you how to stop posting random stuff just to fill your feed, and start creating content that moves people from scrolling to sold.
Because Instagram doesn’t need more recycled hooks or shame-based hot takes. It needs more connection. And so does your business.
