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

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 [https://www.instagram.com/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 [https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert] If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ [https://julianabarbati.com/] and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker [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 [https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons] Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur [https://www.instagram.com/theenergizedmompreneur] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ [https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/] Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com [cheyannecleyman@gmail.com]

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 [https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert] If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ [https://julianabarbati.com/] and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker [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 [https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons] Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur [https://www.instagram.com/theenergizedmompreneur] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ [https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/] Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com [cheyannecleyman@gmail.com]

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 [https://systeme.io/dashboard/share?hash=684371643b0ba7e703d4fe95d2a93e69d9301a4&type=funnel] Conversations That Convert Course https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert [https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert] Have a question or want to connect? Send me a message here: https://www.instagram.com/thehomeschoolingmompreneur/ [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 [https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert] If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ [https://julianabarbati.com/] and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker [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 [https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons] Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur [https://www.instagram.com/theenergizedmompreneur] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ [https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/] Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com [cheyannecleyman@gmail.com]

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 [https://systeme.io/dashboard/share?hash=684371643b0ba7e703d4fe95d2a93e69d9301a4&type=funnel] Conversations That Convert Course https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert [https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert] Have a question or want to connect? Send me a message here: https://www.instagram.com/thehomeschoolingmompreneur/ [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 [https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert] If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ [https://julianabarbati.com/] and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker [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 [https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons] Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur [https://www.instagram.com/theenergizedmompreneur] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ [https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/] Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com [cheyannecleyman@gmail.com]

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 [https://systeme.io/dashboard/share?hash=684371643b0ba7e703d4fe95d2a93e69d9301a4&type=funnel] Conversations That Convert Course https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert [https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert] Have a question or want to connect? https://www.instagram.com/thehomeschoolingmompreneur/ [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 [https://thecleymans.thrivecart.com/conversations-that-convert] If you want to start a podcast or grow your existing one, visit https://julianabarbati.com/ [https://julianabarbati.com/] and let them know I sent you! FREE LEAD TRACKER https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/leadgentracker [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 [https://kuleanaconnect.myflodesk.com/5reasons] Follow me for more social media tips: Instagram: @theenergizedmompreneur [https://www.instagram.com/theenergizedmompreneur] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/ [https://www.facebook.com/cheyannecleyman/] Have a question or want to chat? Contact me here: cheyannecleyman@gmail.com [cheyannecleyman@gmail.com]