Should Instagram Be Your Business? Our Honest Thoughts as Creative Entrepreneurs
If you’ve ever had a love-hate relationship with Instagram…
You’re not alone.
As creative entrepreneurs, it’s easy to feel like we should be posting more, growing faster, and chasing the latest algorithm changes.
But is that really the best use of our time?
In this episode of Mugs & Marketing, Ashley and Alisha share their honest experiences with Instagram – from growing an audience to finding customers, networking with other creatives, and learning where Instagram actually fits into a business.
Instagram Isn’t Your Business
One of the biggest ideas from this conversation is simple:
Instagram is a marketing tool… not your business.
Whether you’re a yoga teacher, artist, maker, or coach, your business exists beyond any one social media platform.
Instagram can introduce people to your work.
But your website, email list, products, and services are what truly build a sustainable business.
Two Different Businesses, Two Different Strategies
Ashley and Alisha use Instagram in very different ways.
Ashley has grown a large audience through reels and educational content, but today she focuses more on using Instagram to connect with people and point them toward her website, YouTube, podcast, and online programs.
Alisha uses Instagram more like a portfolio.
She shares finished pottery, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates about upcoming markets while also discovering local opportunities through the platform.
Neither approach is “right.”
The best strategy is the one that supports your business, not the algorithm.
Instagram Can Open Unexpected Doors
One of Alisha’s favorite uses for Instagram isn’t selling pottery directly.
It’s networking.
Through Instagram she has:
- Found local art market applications
- Connected with consignment shops
- Built relationships with other makers
- Received custom orders through direct messages
- Learned about events she wouldn’t have found otherwise
Sometimes the biggest opportunities come from simply paying attention to what’s happening in your local creative community.
Make It Easy to Work With You
One of the simplest tips we shared in this episode is also one of the most important:
Tell people how to work with you.
Don’t assume they’ll figure it out.
Make sure your Instagram includes:
- A clear bio
- Your location
- A link to your website
- What you offer
- A simple next step
If someone discovers you today, could they immediately tell how to buy from you or book your services?
You Don’t Need to Go Viral
Going viral sounds exciting…
Until you’re suddenly overwhelmed with orders you can’t fulfill.
Instead of chasing massive numbers, focus on building systems that support steady growth.
A smaller audience of engaged customers is often far more valuable than thousands of followers who never buy.
Protect Your Mental Energy
Ashley shares openly about how Instagram can sometimes create anxiety.
Scrolling endlessly, comparing yourself to others, and feeling pressure to keep up with trends can quickly drain your creativity.
Remember:
- You can mute accounts.
- You can unfollow people.
- You can take breaks.
- Your mental health is always more important than an algorithm.
Resources Mentioned
📌 ManyChat (DM Automation)
📌 Instagram Membership InstaClubHub
📌 Ashes Academy
📌 Alisha Hagen Art
📌 Mugs & Marketing Podcast
CONNECT WITH US
Ashley Hagen
ashleyrosehagen.com
@AshesYoga
Alisha Hagen
alishahagen.com
@AlishaHagenArt
In This Episode
- Ashley and Alisha’s honest experiences with Instagram
- Using Instagram as a portfolio
- Why followers don’t automatically equal sales
- Finding networking opportunities through Instagram
- Creating a clear Instagram profile
- Why websites still matter
- Going viral isn’t always the goal
- Protecting your mental health online
- Using direct messages to build relationships
- Helpful automations like ManyChat
Instagram doesn’t have to run your business.
It simply needs to support it.
Affiliate disclaimer: Some links shared in this post may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase – at no extra cost to you. We only share products and resources we genuinely use, trust, or think may be helpful.