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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.

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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 Workbook
• Join Heidi’s Free Training: Build a Six-Figure Wedding Business
• Connect with Heidi: Evolve Your Wedding Business
• Follow 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.

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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.

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.

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 resources
• The Collective – executive network for AI-driven leaders

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.

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 Leader

Key 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/hot
• Apply for Private Coaching with Elizabeth → elizabethmarberry.com/application

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.

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 clients

Key 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/hot
• Apply for Private Coaching with Elizabeth → elizabethmarberry.com/application

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.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re throwing spaghetti at the wall with your Instagram content, this episode is for you. In part two of my five-part AI series, I’m breaking down how to create a client-centered content strategy that sells, without overcomplicating it.

You’ll learn the one thing that separates content that converts from content that gets ignored, why messaging is everything, and how to use the CRIT framework to generate client-focused ideas. Plus, I’m introducing you to Poppy AI, the new tool I’m obsessed with that lets you analyze competitor sales pages, compare them to your own, and build a cohesive strategy across all platforms.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

[00:00] The difference between content that converts and content that gets ignored
[01:28] Why a client-centered content strategy changes everything
[04:12] How Hot Reels and private mentorship can support you in implementation
[06:09] Why content strategy is actually simpler than it sounds
[07:34] The secret sauce: messaging that speaks your client’s exact words
[08:34] Why ChatGPT is powerful—but not the only AI tool you should be using
[09:30] Introducing Poppy AI: the new game-changing content strategy tool
[10:26] How Poppy AI reads links and pulls content (no more copy/paste)
[11:48] Real-time comparative analysis of high-converting sales pages
[14:36] Actionable feedback examples: urgency, hooks, and social proof
[15:35] Why Poppy AI helps unify your email, social, and website content

Key Takeaways

• Content strategy is simple: create content that makes your audience feel seen, heard, and helped.
• Messaging is the difference between content that lands and content that flops.
• Poppy AI connects competitor insights, your own content, and real-time analysis in one visual workspace.
• Use the CRIT framework (context, role, interview, task) to train AI for better content outputs.
• Your content strategy should serve a clear goal—visibility, leads, or conversions

Resources & Links

• 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/hot
• Apply for Private Coaching with Elizabeth → elizabethmarberry.com/application

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.