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Stop the Scroll: A social Media podcast with Heidi Schmidt - Social Media and Content Marketing Advice for small business own

Advertise on podcast: Stop the Scroll: A social Media podcast with Heidi Schmidt - Social Media and Content Marketing Advice for small business own

Rating
★★★★★
5
from
11 reviews
This podcast has
91 episodes
Language
English
Date created
2024/04/16
Latest episode
2026/04/24
Average duration
23 min.
Release period
16 days

Description

How do I grow my business on social media? What’s the best type of content to post on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn? How frequently do I post on social media and how do I even know if what I’m doing is working? Welcome to "Stop The Scroll” a podcast dedicated to helping business owners, entrepreneurs and creatives thrive online. Hosted by Heidi Schmidt, a social media strategist and owner of Heidi Schmidt Creative, a social media and content marketing agency. Heidi shares all the best tips to help you show up online confidently with tips such as what really goes into a content strategy and how to stop overthinking your content. Heidi’s strategies have helped her and her clients build six-figure businesses over her 15-plus years in the marketing industry, working with brands of all sizes to accomplish their business goals online. Ready to thrive? Tune in!  This podcast will answer questions like  What are the pros and cons of social media in business?How do I start social media marketing?What are essential strategies for Effective Social Media MarketingWhat are some Top Social Media Trends to Shape Your StrategyWhat are social listening tools and how do I use them to understand my audience?Exploring the Advantages of Social Media for BusinessesHow can you Leverage the Many Benefits of Social Media for Business GrowthStorytelling Techniques That Captivate Social Media UsersThe Art of Storytelling in MarketingCreative Social Media Content Ideas to Refresh Your Feed

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Check latest episodes from Stop the Scroll: A social Media podcast with Heidi Schmidt - Social Media and Content Marketing Advice for small business own podcast


Lessons in Entrepreneurship – What 6 years in business has taught me
2026/04/24
This week we’re celebrating six years in business – and two years of podcasting!  But we’re also marking a milestone in that we’re putting a pause on season one of the podcast. In this reflective episode, I’m sharing the biggest lessons entrepreneurship has taught me about marketing, leadership, authenticity, and growth. We’re having an honest conversation about what it really looks like to grow a business through changing seasons. Because entrepreneurship is not just about strategy. It is also about protecting your bandwidth, knowing your priorities, and giving yourself permission to evolve. In this episode, I’m walking through six of the biggest lessons I’ve learned, including why engagement still matters more than being everywhere, why authentic marketing matters more than ever in a world full of AI-generated content, and why having the right people in your corner can change everything. If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur who has been feeling stretched thin, questioning your next move, or trying to grow your business without losing yourself in the process, this episode is for you. It is a personal and practical conversation about social media strategy, business growth, knowing your capacity, raising your rates, and building a business that supports the life you actually want. Episode Highlights: Why engagement still drives growth, both online and offlineThe reminder that you do not have to be everywhere, but you do have to show upWhy authenticity matters even more in the age of AI-generated contentThe difference between bandwidth and capacity in businessWhy some seasons are for growth and others are simply for survivalThe importance of surrounding yourself with honest, supportive peopleWhy business owners need to stop underselling themselves and raise their ratesHow social media has changed and why owned marketing matters more than ever Resources & Mentions: Connect on InstagramStrategy SessionsConsulting or VIP DayPackagesSocial Media Masterclass coming this summerFollow the Campaign on Instagram Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you! Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
Followers Aren’t Clients: Why Vanity Metrics Don’t Pay the Bills
2026/03/09
What if the numbers you’ve been obsessing over are the ones that matter the least? In this episode of Stop the Scroll, I’m breaking down the truth about vanity metrics and why more followers, more likes, and more comments do not automatically mean more leads or more revenue.  We’re taking a candid look at the comparison trap that so many business owners fall into and explains why follower count is often a misleading measure of success, especially for service-based businesses. This conversation is a solid reminder that social media should be a supporting factor in your business goals, and not distract you from them.  If you’ve ever looked at someone else’s engagement and wondered if you’re behind, this episode will help you refocus on what really moves the needle and how to create content that leads to connection, trust, and ultimately, clients.  Episode Highlights: Why followers, likes, and comments are considered vanity metricsWhy going viral does not always mean reaching the right audienceThe importance of creating content with purposeHow to use calls to action that match your audience’s stage of awarenessHow to stop chasing validation and start posting for outcomes Resources & Mentions: Follow Heidi on InstagramJoin the waitlist for Heidi’s upcoming masterclass Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you! Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
Why Going Viral isn’t a Social Media Strategy (Fan Favorite!)
2026/02/23
Everyone wants more views, and more followers in the social media space.  So many business owners have said to me, “I want to go viral.” Hard stop y’all. Going viral is nice, sure, but it’s not a part of a well-rounded social media strategy.  In this episode, we’re talking about the obsession with going viral on social media and why it shouldn’t be a primary goal in your social media strategy. Simply put, virality does not equal success. Instead, we’re sharing about the importance of sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic content creation tailored to your specific audience, and the pitfalls of relying on viral content and why a strategy based on virality is not only unpredictable but also unsustainable.  Episode Highlights: Why virality shouldn’t be your primary goal.The importance of meaningful engagement and building real connections with your audience.Understanding why likes and followers don’t tell the full story.Tips and strategies how to create content that resonates with your specific audience. Thank you for tuning in to "Stop the Scroll." Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Happy listening! Resources Mentioned Book a strategy session - https://heidischmidtcreative.hbportal.co/public/664fa7b4b1ee43002b756f3e Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
How to Keep Marketing When the World Feels Heavy (A Low-Energy Plan to Stay Consistent)
2026/02/09
If you’ve been staring at your content calendar like… “I literally cannot today,” this episode is for you. Because sometimes the world feels heavy, routines fall apart, motivation disappears, and marketing starts to feel pointless…or impossible. In this honest, real-time conversation, I’m sharing what I’m navigating too: the pressure to keep showing up, the exhaustion of trying to separate “Business Heidi” from the rest of me, and the reminder that you don’t have to be perfectly consistent to be effective. We’re talking about what it looks like to show up as a whole human, how to create content that builds trust (especially when you’re not at 100%), and a “low-energy marketing plan” you can lean on when your bandwidth is limited—but your business still matters. Episode Highlights: Why it’s okay to give yourself grace when your routines (and your motivation) fall apartHow to show up authentically without turning your platform into a soapboxWhy “behind-the-scenes” and honest content builds connection faster than polished perfectionThe mindset shift: every small action counts (even one Story, even one repurposed Reel)My “low-energy marketing plan” for staying visible without burning outWhy having a strategy + calendar makes consistency feel simpler (and less emotional)When it’s time to get help… and yes you can get help without outsourcing everything Resources & Mentions: Connect on InstagramFollow the campaign Follow the SubstackContact us to discuss our consulting services or a strategy call Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you! Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
The 2026 Reset: Building Consistency Without Burnout
2026/01/19
Happy 2026! Heidi’s kicking off the year a little later than planned (because the end of 2025 was, in her words, a “complete and utter Schmidt show”)—but with a message every overwhelmed business owner needs to hear: You don’t need to do more this year. You need to do what you can repeat. In this episode, we’re breaking down the three anchors guiding our year: consistency, courage, and balance and we’re sharing how we’re simplifying our marketing (and life) while shifting her business more toward consulting/coaching and stepping into a major season of leadership.  If you’ve been stuck in the “I should be doing more” spiral, this one is your permission slip to build a strategy that actually fits your bandwidth.  Episode Highlights: How to pick anchors for your year (not a mile-long goal list).What consistency is and is not. How to simplify marketing with your minimum viable. Why repetition is a brand-building superpower. Most of your audience didn’t even see your last post—so you’re allowed to say the same thing again (and again).Why you need to do one visibility move a day (or a few per week). Follow up with leads, send the DM, make the ask, nurture relationships…visibility compounds. Understand that burnout is expensive. It doesn’t make you successful, it makes you harder to find and can dry up your pipeline. Capacity isn’t a flaw; it’s data. Resources & Mentions: Campaign SubstackLeading Lady Business Hub (ask me how to get a free month!) Schedule a call to work with usSchedule a 90 minute strategy session with us.  Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you! Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
CEO Debrief: 2025 Wins, Lessons and Reflections
2025/12/22
This year stretched me—in the best and hardest ways. And, if you know what’s to come, this is only the beginning, right? In this unfiltered end of year recap, I’m pulling back the curtain on the wins I didn’t expect, the misses I’d repeat differently, and the pivots that changed our momentum in Q4. You’ll hear why “diversify” became my lifeline, how I navigated client churn and capacity without burning out my team (or myself), and the surprising offers that worked when the “sure things” didn’t. If you’ve been building mid-flight and wondering what to double down on next, don’t miss out on these lessons.  We’ll finish with what’s staying, what’s getting cut, and the 3 focus moves I’m taking into 2026 for the best year ever.  Episode Highlights: The theme of 2025: diversification…of offers, revenue, and relationship. How I protected capacity and let the team lead more. What I learned about new services – with simpler, clearer offers versus offers that drained energy.  Why community beats the algorithm every time and how pruning misaligned work opened doors for referrals. Campaign lessons carried over: clear messaging and consistency drive real conversions. For 2026, how I’m simplifying ops and doubling down on what’s already proven. Resources & Mentions: Join the Leading Lady Business HubBook a Strategy SessionBook a marketing auditGet on the masterclass wait list Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you! Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
2026 Social Media Trends You Can’t Ignore
2025/12/08
Can you believe we’re less than a month away from 2026? We’ve talked a lot about marketing strategy going into the new year – but today, we’re talking about what to expect in the year ahead from social media marketing. We’ve all felt a bit like we’re screaming into the void on social media and well, it’s not just you. You’re not imagining it. But what do we do about it? We’re breaking down the big shifts that are going to shape the social media landscape in 2026 so you as a small business owner can adapt with confidence. From AI becoming a back office assistant to social platforms doubling as search engines – we’re sharing what matters, what to skip and how to turn this all into a plan you can follow.  Episode Highlights: How AI can truly save timeSocial as a search engine and what to know so you can be found for the right termsShort form video is growing up - less dancing more speaking and authenticity.Communities and owned channels and how to use public feeds for discovery and brand awareness, and closed spaces like Discord, WhatsApp, and online communities for depth and connectionThe challenge with online ads in 2026 - it’s all about the creative baby!Mindset chat – keep it all simple and track what actually moves the needle!  Resources & Mentions: Book a strategy sessionWorkshop Replay Connect on Instagram Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you! Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
How to Plan Your End-of-Year Marketing (Without Burning Out)
2025/11/17
Feeling stretched thin as the year wraps up? You are NOT alone.  In this life-and-business update, we’re talking about why Stop the Scroll is moving to a biweekly cadence and how I’m simplifying my own marketing to finish the year strong. You’ll hear real talk about bandwidth, capacity, and what to do when your pipeline needs love because you’ve been head-down serving clients. Then we get practical. I walk through a simple end-of-year planning process you can use right now. You’ll learn how to repurpose past wins, package timely offers, and schedule just enough content to stay visible through the holidays without living on your phone. Episode Highlights: Why I’m shifting the podcast to biweekly and how to decide when something has to giveBandwidth vs. capacity: a sanity check for service providers before taking on more workWhat to do when you haven’t marketed yourself in a while and the pipeline feels lightOffer ideas that convert now: bundles, strategy sessions with short-term support, and workshop promos.How to reuse what you already have: emails, landing pages, and high-performing posts.Pink Friday, Black Friday, and Small Business Saturday: easy ways to tie in your messaging Resources & Mentions: Planning Workshop on 12/5[Book a Strategy Session]– includes 30 days of Slack support for extra 1:1 supportBrowse all episodes & show notes  Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you! Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
You Don’t Need Social Media to Win. What to do instead…
2025/11/03
Feeling chained to the algorithm? You’re not alone, and it’s not just in your head. This is a challenge I face every day and every week with my clients. Algorithms are increasingly challenging, and the competition to stay ahead and keep up with app features can be exhausting.   In this episode, Heidi makes a bold case: your business can grow without social media, and sometimes, it’ll grow faster when you stop forcing it. Instead of chasing trends, we’re discussing some smarter, saner alternatives: owned channels, search-friendly content, and partnerships that actually drive results. You’ll also get a quick audit to decide if social belongs on your roadmap right now, or if it should take a back seat. If you do choose to show up on social, Heidi shares how to make it count with story-led content and genuine engagement (not just more posts). Episode Highlights: Why strategy matters to growth on social mediaWhy you should priortize owned channels first: website content, email, SEO, Google Business Profile.Why social media isn’t a “set it and forget it” marketing tactic, and the importance of engagement. The importance of the shift towards storytelling versus constant selling—show people, process, personality.How to use a 4-question audit (traffic, capacity, consistency, revenue tracking) before committing.How to let AI assist ideation, but why you need to keep your authentic voice front and center. Resources & Mentions Book a strategy session Schedule a discovery call to learn about our consulting or DFY services. My Favorite Marketing Campaign from DunkinsSprout Social: Pros & Cons of Social Media Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you! Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
Instagram Reels Made Easy: Easy Video Ideas You Can Batch Today
2025/10/27
If you’ve got 10 seconds, you’ve got a clip: the door opening, a notebook flip, keys on the desk, a client thank-you email. String a few together, add a “how I” voiceover or a strong on-screen hook, and you’ve got a reel…without blocking your calendar or your creativity. In this podcast episode, If you’ve been overthinking reels, try this: film life as it’s happening—eight 3–5 second clips—and tell one specific story. That’s it. In this episode, I break down five easy reels you can batch in about half an hour, why your audience wants authenticity over perfection, and how to track success beyond views (hint: watch time, saves, shares). We’ll ditch the “faceless” trend, lean into you on camera, and make consistency feel doable today. Episode Highlights: Why consistency beats virality: aim for steady, repeatable reels rather than chasing a one-off 10K view spike.Why we need to ditch “faceless marketing”: connection happens when your audience sees and hears you—use B-roll with your voice/story.How to lead with “how I,” not “how to” to position yourself as the expert by telling short, specific mini-stories.Make a shot list: 3–5 second clips from your day (desk setup, coffee pour, walking into a meeting, closing the laptop) are more than enough to tell a story.Batch in micro-bursts: keep an idea bank, capture 8–10 quick moments tomorrow, assemble the edits the next day.Always add captions: accessibility matters, and most people watch with sound off—especially on LinkedIn.Track what matters: watch time (aim 50–70%), saves, shares, profile views, DMs, and site clicks > raw views Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing.  Resources & Mentions: The Leading Lady Business HubGuide to IG Hooks Freebie Get your social media audited Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
The Toxic Social Media Habit Crushing Your Confidence (& Your Strategy) (Fan Favorite!)
2025/10/20
If checking your follower count is the first thing you do when you open Instagram… we need to talk. Obsessing over followers and unfollows isn’t “staying on top of your metrics”, it’s a toxic habit that triggers anxiety, imposter syndrome, emotional exhaustion, and desperate content. Even worse? It pulls your focus away from the metrics that actually grow your business. In this episode, I’m sharing why your follower count is not a true indicator of success, how this habit quietly sabotages your strategy, and what you should track instead to build real momentum online. Because when you focus on nurturing your current audience and creating valuable content, everything changes. Episode Highlights: Why tracking unfollows destroys your confidence and creativityThe psychological toll of “vanity metrics” (and why they keep you stuck)Real client examples that prove follower count does not equal successThe metrics that actually show if your content is workingHow to create engagement-driven content your audience actually wantsSimple mindset shifts to protect your energy and stay consistent Resources & Mentions: Free Hook GuideStrategy Session Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you! Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
Q3 Social Media Updates That You Need to Know
2025/10/13
If it feels like the rules of social media change the moment you find your groove, you’re not wrong. Social media is ALWAYS changing.  In this Quarterly Updates episode, I’m pulling together what actually shifted on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn, what it means for small businesses, and translating those changes into simple actions you can try this week.  No panic, just perspective and a reminder to keep your strategy diversified so your content keeps connecting wherever your audience chooses to hang out. Episode Highlights: What changes are happening in Meta (especially important if you utilize shops or ecommerce!) Why we need to optimize for watch-through, and lean into credible, conversational content on Instagram. Changes in Short-Form Video on LinkedIn. Why every brand should diversify platforms and measure what works. Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing.  Resources & Mentions: Social Media TodayGet your social media audited Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
Why Business Owners Need a Creator Mindset When Showing Up on Social Media
2025/10/06
Are you treating social media like another task on your to-do list? Do you treat it as a tool to genuinely connect with your audience? For many small business owners, the difference between feeling overwhelmed and seizing an opportunity comes down to one thing: mindset. This week, I’m exploring what it means to adopt a creator mindset in your marketing. This shift isn’t about becoming an influencer or oversharing. It’s about weaving in stories, values, and moments of connection so your audience feels seen and understood. When you bring the personal into the professional, you create content that resonates….and ultimately, converts which is what we all want, right? If you’ve ever struggled with making your content feel authentic (without oversharing), this conversation will give you the perspective and practical tips you need to humanize your brand and show up online with confidence. Episode Highlights: Why the traditional “check the box” approach to social media doesn’t workWhat it means to adopt a creator mindset (and why it’s not about being an influencer)How storytelling builds stronger audience connections than endless “how-to” contentWhy authenticity and relatability matter more than perfection in your contentWhy treating social media as a creative sandbox helps you experiment, play, and grow Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing.  Resources & Mentions: Download our Free Guide to Hooks (updated for 2025!)Book an Instagram Audit Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
How to Write Instagram Hooks That Stop The Scroll
2025/09/29
Ever feel like your Instagram content deserves way more views than it gets? The truth is, it might not be your content at all…it’s your hook(s). Without a scroll-stopping first impression, even your most valuable posts will get ignored. In this episode of Stop the Scroll, we’re breaking down the three types of hooks —visual, verbal, and caption —and why they’re key to grabbing attention and keeping your audience engaged. We’ll talk about why vague hooks fall flat, how storytelling creates stronger connections, and what you can do to make your content irresistible in those first three seconds. If you’ve been frustrated by Reels that flop or captions that no one clicks “…more” to read, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with practical strategies (and plenty of examples) to turn your hooks into powerful tools for growth and connection. Episode Highlights: What a hook is and why it’s the most important part of your contentThe three types of hooks: visual, verbal, and caption—and how to use them effectivelyWhy generic, vague hooks don’t stop the scroll (and what to do instead)How storytelling hooks build connection and keep people watchingReal examples of strong vs. weak hooks you can apply todayWhy captions matter for engagement signals (like “…more” clicks) Resources & Mentions: Download our Free Hook GuideShannon McKinstrie on IGEmily Schwalbach on IG Book an Instagram Audit Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you! Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman
Q4 Marketing Strategy: Small Business Holiday Marketing Planning Tips
2025/09/22
Scrambling to pull together holiday promotions at the last minute? Let’s fix that. Marketing during this time of year can feel incredibly overwhelming, but with the right plan in place, it can also be your most profitable season.  In this episode of Stop the Scroll, we’re walking you through a practical approach to small business marketing strategy for the final 90 days of the year. From tying your revenue goals directly to your marketing goals to breaking down a tactical plan that balances visibility, conversions, and client nurturing, you’ll learn how to simplify your efforts while still hitting big results. We’re also discussing how service providers can capitalize on this season to attract clients looking ahead to 2026. With insights on holiday promotions, email marketing, social media content pillars, and key metrics to track, you’ll walk away with the tools to finish the year strong and enter the new year with clarity and momentum. Episode Highlights: Why Q4 planning looks different from other quarters—and how holiday noise impacts your strategyHow to tie your marketing goals directly to your business revenue goalsThe most important metrics to track (open rates, click-throughs, conversions) and how to pivot when something isn’t workingHow to leverage Q4 as a service provider (not just retail!) to attract clients looking ahead to 2026Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more business owners like you! Resources & Mentions: Q4 Marketing Workshop (Tuesday, 9/23 in Annapolis, MD!)Book a 1:1 Strategy SessionSchedule a discovery call Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you! Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners! Connect with me: Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/ Email - [email protected]  Podcast audio editing by Liz Chapman

Podcast reviews

Read Stop the Scroll: A social Media podcast with Heidi Schmidt - Social Media and Content Marketing Advice for small business own podcast reviews


5 out of 5
11 reviews
★★★★★
Ethanjschmidt 2025/10/08
Love this
That is my mother love this she is great
★★★★★
jenhowat 2025/05/01
Always something good!
This is one of my go-to podcasts every week. Heidi always delivers something good! Whether it’s insights from her own experience or practical strategi...
★★★★★
BTA_MD 2025/04/08
Glad I found this!
Great, relatable advice. So glad I found this podcast!
★★★★★
Tara De Leon 2025/01/18
A must listen for small business owners
I recently discovered this pod and I am so glad I did! I already feel like I have a better handle on my own marketing after just five episodes! Highly...
★★★★★
B🙌🏼 2024/07/31
Real Advice
I love listening to Heidi on the show! She provides real, actionable tips and advice that a small business owner can actually implement on their own!
★★★★★
Liz R Cruz 2024/05/27
The best insights!
Heidi talks about what’s important in marketing. I appreciate listening to her insights. I also think her voice is pleasant & I’m able to pay attentio...
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