Quit Social Media, Grow Sustainably: SEO, GEO + the Systems That Changed Everything

Last Updated on November 16, 2025

What if I told you that deciding to quit social media could actually grow your business? I know, it sounds radical in a world where every online expert preaches “consistency,” “visibility,” and “just post more Reels.”

But when I finally hit pause on social media in 2021, something completely unexpected happened: my business didn’t crumble… it flourished.

In fact, it grew by 165%.

No more hustling for likes, no more algorithm anxiety, no more performing for an audience that rarely even saw my content. Instead, I built a business that runs on calm, clarity, and consistency. All powered by systems that don’t disappear when the algorithm shifts.

I recently had the honor of sharing this journey on Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger Podcast in an episode called “I Quit Social Media and My Business Grew 165%.” 

In that conversation, Jenna and I unpacked everything; from why I left Instagram behind to how I replaced the dopamine drip of social media with sustainable, long-term growth strategies like SEO, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and feminist business systems that give you your time and your sanity back.

This blog post expands on that conversation. I’ll walk you through:

✨ The truth about the “you must be on social” myth
✨ What my business actually looks like four years post-social
✨ How SEO and GEO can become your biggest visibility allies
✨ Why your email list—not your follower count—is your most valuable asset
✨ And how you can start building a business that thrives beyond the scroll.

If you’re craving a business that grows while you rest (one that isn’t tethered to your phone or to trends), you’re in the right place.

👉 Start by joining my free challenge, Beyond the Scroll that will help you step off the content treadmill and build visibility that actually converts.

And if you’re ready to skip the fluff and go straight to the strategy that helped my business skyrocket without social media, check out my signature program, Anti-Social SEO.

My Social Media Detox: Why I Quit & What Changed

I didn’t set out to quit social media forever. Honestly, I just wanted a break.

Back in 2021, I found myself in a cycle that so many entrepreneurs know all too well — constantly thinking about what to post, checking analytics that didn’t really matter, and chasing that next dopamine hit of validation.

It was like being stuck on a hamster wheel that spun faster the harder I tried to slow it down.

Every morning, before I’d even had coffee, I’d open Instagram “just to check messages”… and before I knew it, 45 minutes had evaporated. My energy was fragmented before the day had even started.

And the thing was — it wasn’t even working.

I’d spend hours creating content, writing captions, engaging with comments, following the latest “engagement hacks,” and yet, my email list barely grew. My sales didn’t change. And my joy? That was the first thing to go.

One day, I asked myself three really simple but powerful questions. These are the questions I now invite all my clients to sit with:

1️⃣ Do I actually enjoy this?
2️⃣ Is it working?
3️⃣ Is it aligned with my values and the kind of business I want to build?

My answers? A hard no on all three.

That’s when I decided to do a 30-day social media detox — no posting, no scrolling, no stories, no reels. Just silence. I told myself it was temporary. I’d take a month off, regroup, and come back refreshed.

What Happened After Quitting Social Media?

👉 Nothing “bad” happened.

My income didn’t drop. My traffic didn’t tank. My clients didn’t disappear.

👉 Everything “good” happened.

I was calmer. I slept better. I felt present with my family. My creativity came flooding back.

And the shocking part? New clients were still finding me — through Google searches, through podcast interviews, through blog posts I had written months (sometimes years) before.

That’s when it clicked.

I realized I had built a system, unintentionally at first, that worked without social media. My content was discoverable because I had optimized it for search. My funnels were nurturing people automatically through email. And my business was growing on autopilot, quietly and steadily, without my constant input.

Thirty days turned into sixty. Sixty turned into six hundred. And now, over four years later, I can say with full confidence: I’m never going back.

Do I believe social media can be part of a healthy marketing strategy? Sure — if it energizes you, aligns with your values, and actually drives results. But for me (and for many of the women I coach), it was noise disguised as strategy.

Walking away wasn’t just an act of rebellion — it was an act of reclamation.

When I quit social media, I didn’t just reclaim my time. I reclaimed my creativity, my mental space, my confidence, and my joy.

If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to unplug without your business unraveling, I promise you: there’s another way.

You can start small, just like I did. Take a social media detox week or even a day. See what happens when you focus on creating real assets instead of fleeting posts.

Inside my free challenge, Beyond the Scroll, I guide you through this exact process step-by-step so you can start replacing the endless posting cycle with strategies that create sustainable, long-term growth (and peace).

Because the truth is, your business doesn’t need your constant presence online. It needs your presence — in your purpose, your systems, and your strategy.

The Lie We’ve Been Sold: You Have to Be on Social

If you’re a business owner in 2025, you’ve probably been told, loudly and repeatedly, that social media is non-negotiable.

“You have to show up daily.”
“You need to post more Reels.”
“You can’t grow without going viral.”

Sound familiar?

I bought into that lie for years. I truly believed that if I wasn’t visible on social, I’d be invisible everywhere. I thought social media was the only way to build community, find clients, and stay relevant.

But here’s the truth most online business owners eventually discover: social media isn’t a business model, it’s a marketing tactic. And not even a very reliable one.

When I joined Jenna Kutcher on the Goal Digger Podcast, we had such a real, honest conversation about this exact lie — how entrepreneurs (especially women) are being conditioned to believe that their worth and their success are tied to their online presence.

But the data tells another story.

Only a tiny percentage of your followers actually see your content organically. (We’re talking 2–4% on average.) And even fewer take action from it.

So while you’re pouring hours into creating content that disappears in 24 hours, you could be building evergreen assets (like blog posts, email sequences, and search-optimized funnels) that bring you leads every single day for years to come.

Let’s pause and reflect on that.

Imagine if the time you spent planning, posting, and stressing about social media instead went into creating content that continues to serve you long after you publish it. Content that ranks on Google. Content that shows up when someone searches for the exact solution you provide. Content that keeps working while you sleep.

That’s the magic of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and its next evolution, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). These strategies don’t just get you found — they build authority, credibility, and longevity.

Social media might give you short-term visibility, but SEO and GEO give you sustainable growth.

And this isn’t about demonizing social media. If you love showing up on stories, connecting with your community, and it’s working — amazing! Keep going. But if it feels like a constant uphill battle, like your creativity is being squeezed dry by the algorithm, then it’s time to consider a better way.

Because the biggest lie we’ve been sold isn’t that social media works, it’s that it’s the only thing that works.

You deserve a business that supports your life, not one that demands your constant attention.

That’s why I built Anti-Social SEO — to help entrepreneurs like you grow without sacrificing your energy, your weekends, or your boundaries. Inside the program, I teach the exact frameworks that allowed me to scale my business to six figures after quitting social media — all using timeless, values-aligned strategies that work for you, not against you.

If you’re not quite ready for a full step away but you are curious about what this could look like, start with my free challenge, Beyond the Scroll. You’ll learn how to shift your focus from “posting to stay relevant” to creating intentional visibility that compounds over time.

Because your business doesn’t need another viral post.

It needs a plan that honors your peace and your profit.

What My Business Looks Like Without Social

When I tell people I haven’t posted on social media since 2021, the reaction is almost always the same:

“Wait… so how does your business still work?”

And I get it. We’ve been conditioned to believe that if we’re not posting, we must be invisible. That our business will crumble the second we stop showing up online.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Here’s what my business actually looks like without social media and how it runs like a well-oiled, soul-led machine.

1. I Build My Visibility Through Search, Not Scrolls

Instead of chasing followers, I focus on being found by the right people at the right time.

Every piece of content I create is optimized for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). That means when someone types their problem into Google (or even asks ChatGPT or Perplexity for a solution) my content is there, waiting to help them.

I call this search-first content. It’s intentional, strategic, and evergreen.

Unlike a post that disappears 24 hours after you share it, a well-optimized blog post or podcast episode can continue to attract traffic for years. I have posts I wrote in 2017 that still bring me consistent leads today — no hashtags required.

2. Email Is My Main Stage

My email list is where my community lives. It’s not a rented audience owned by a platform, it’s mine.

Instead of broadcasting content to strangers, I nurture real relationships with the people who’ve already raised their hands and said, “I want to learn from you.”

Every week, I send value-packed emails (insights, stories, strategies, and sometimes behind-the-scenes peeks into my business) that build trust and connection.

It’s what I like to call “email-first marketing.”

Because when you stop shouting into the void of social media and start writing to real humans who care, everything shifts.

My list is where I launch new offers, share blog posts, and celebrate client wins. It’s my home base and the heartbeat of my business.

3. Automation and Funnels Do the Heavy Lifting

One of the most freeing parts of stepping away from social media was realizing how much of my marketing could be automated — without feeling robotic.

I’ve built out a system of evergreen funnels that run quietly in the background, connecting the dots between new visitors and paying clients.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• A new reader finds one of my SEO-optimized blog posts through Google.
• They download a free resource (like my Beyond the Scroll Challenge or a checklist).
• They’re automatically added to a personalized nurture sequence that introduces them to my story, my methods, and eventually, my signature course — Anti-Social SEO.
• Once inside my world, they continue to receive helpful tips, inspiring stories, and real transformation.

All of this happens automatically — powered by systems, not social media.

I like to say my business is 80% automated and 20% heart and that’s exactly how I want it.

4. I Partner, Don’t Post

Collaboration has become one of my favorite visibility strategies.

I’d much rather show up as a guest expert on an aligned podcast, do a joint training with another creator, or swap email lists than spend hours trying to beat an algorithm.

For example, being featured on Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger Podcast introduced me to thousands of new people, all while staying 100% true to who I am and how I want to show up.

Partnerships create trust by association and put your work in front of audiences who are already warmed up and interested — no cold DMs, no forced visibility, no reels required.

5. I Work Less and Earn More

Here’s the most radical truth of all: I now work about 20 hours a week and my income has never been higher.

Because I’ve built sustainable systems that don’t depend on my constant presence, I have more space for what really matters: coaching my clients, creating new programs, being with my kids, and taking actual rest.

When I took a six-month sabbatical, my business didn’t just survive, it thrived. I made nearly six figures without doing any marketing at all. Everything was running on autopilot, fueled by evergreen content and automated funnels.

And the best part? The peace that comes from knowing that my business doesn’t disappear when I put my phone down.

This isn’t magic, it’s just a different way of doing business. One that honors your values, your energy, and your humanity.

Start small. Start today. Start by joining my free Beyond the Scroll Challenge and I’ll show you exactly how to start building a business that grows quietly, powerfully, and sustainably… no social media required.

SEO + GEO: The Visibility Engine That Never Sleeps

Once I quit social media, I had to ask myself the million-dollar question every entrepreneur secretly fears:

“If I’m not showing up every day… how will people find me?”

It turns out, the answer wasn’t more visibility, it was better visibility.

That’s where SEO and its newer sister, GEO, come in. These are the quiet powerhouses that now run my entire business.

What SEO Really Is (And What It’s Not)

Let’s clear this up right now: SEO isn’t some mysterious tech sorcery reserved for big companies and data nerds.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is simply the practice of helping people find your content when they’re already looking for what you offer.

It’s about creating content that answers real questions — the ones your dream clients are already typing into Google or AI tools like ChatGPT.

SEO isn’t about gaming the system or stuffing your posts with awkward keywords. It’s about being helpful. Human. Honest.

Think of it this way:

Social media interrupts people. SEO serves people.

Instead of shouting into the noise of the feed, SEO quietly attracts people who are actively searching for your expertise. They’re already warm, curious, and ready to take action.

That’s the kind of marketing that feels aligned because it’s built on service, not stress.

Enter GEO: The Future of Organic Visibility

Now, let’s talk about the evolution that’s changing everything: GEO (Generative Engine Optimization).

In simple terms, GEO is how your content gets discovered inside AI tools (like ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity) when users ask questions instead of “searching” in the traditional sense.

Here’s what’s wild: these tools still rely on the same content foundations that SEO does. That means your blog posts, podcast show notes, and even YouTube descriptions can now show up inside AI-generated answers.

So instead of worrying that “AI is killing SEO,” I want you to see the opportunity: AI is expanding SEO.

And here’s the good news: you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. The same timeless principles apply:

• Create helpful content. Answer questions your ideal client is already asking.
• Lead with clarity. Put the key takeaway or answer in your first 1–2 sentences.
• Use a Q&A structure. Break your post into clear, skimmable sections that mimic how people search or ask AI questions.
• Be a human. Share your experience, your story, your results — that’s what no machine can replicate.

When you combine SEO + GEO, you create what I call a visibility ecosystem. A living, breathing library of your work that keeps attracting, educating, and converting your ideal clients long after you hit publish.

Where to Begin (If SEO Feels Overwhelming)

Let’s take a deep breath together, okay? 🌬️

Because if your first reaction to hearing “SEO” is panic or a quick Google search for “What even is SEO?” — you’re not alone.

Most of the women I work with start there, too.

They’ve been told SEO is “too techy,” “too complicated,” or “too slow to work.”

But here’s the truth: SEO isn’t about spreadsheets or keyword formulas. It’s about helping people find you more easily.

That’s it.

And once you start seeing it that way, as simply being of service, it becomes way less intimidating and way more exciting.

So, if SEO feels like an uphill climb right now, here are three simple, soul-aligned steps to start creating visibility that actually lasts.

Step 1: Start by Answering One Real Question

Instead of trying to “go viral,” try this instead:

👉 Think of one question your ideal client asks you all the time.

Something like:

• “How do I get more clients without social media?”
• “What’s the difference between SEO and GEO?”
• “How do I create content that actually converts?”

Now, write a blog post that answers that question — as if you were writing an email to your favorite client or your best friend.

You don’t need fancy keywords or tech tools. Just clarity and empathy.

Because SEO isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. If your post truly helps someone, it will naturally perform well and you can always optimize it more later.

This is what I call search-first content. And trust me, one helpful post can do more for your business than a month of social posts ever will.

Step 2: Repurpose What You Already Have

You don’t need to start from scratch. You already have gold sitting in your archives, you just need to repurpose it.

Here’s what that can look like:

• Turn a podcast episode, workshop, or coaching call transcript into a blog post (hint: AI tools like my custom GPT inside Anti-Social SEO can help you do this in minutes).
• Take your most saved or commented social posts and expand them into long-form evergreen content.
• Go through your email archives and pull out your most engaging emails, those can easily become blog content, too.

The magic of repurposing is that you’re not reinventing the wheel. You’re maximizing what you’ve already created.

Because the goal isn’t to create more content. It’s to create meaningful content that keeps working for you long after you hit publish.

Step 3: Refresh, Don’t Reinvent

This one’s my favorite secret.

When I started focusing on SEO, I realized that some of my best-performing blog posts were years old but still totally relevant. They just needed a little love.

So instead of churning out new posts every week, I started refreshing the old ones.

Here’s how:

• Update stats, links, or examples to keep them current.
• Add personal stories or new insights.
• Re-optimize your title and headings with natural keywords.
• Re-share them to your email list or on Pinterest as “new.”

It’s low-effort, high-return marketing at its finest.

You’ll be shocked by how a few small tweaks can breathe new life into your old content and send it soaring in search rankings.

Bonus Step: Keep It Simple, Keep It Soulful

SEO doesn’t have to be a hustle. It’s a slow-burn strategy — the kind that keeps your business steady, visible, and aligned for the long haul.

When you shift from chasing the algorithm to serving your audience, everything changes. You stop worrying about what’s trending and start creating what’s timeless.

And the results?

• Traffic that grows quietly in the background.
• Email subscribers who find you naturally.
• Sales that feel easy, not forced.

If you’re ready to start small and see real traction, join me inside my free Beyond the Scroll Challenge.

Inside, I’ll walk you through how to:

🌿 Detox from the social media hamster wheel
💫 Build visibility that doesn’t require constant posting
🌻 Create content that keeps growing your audience while you rest

And when you’re ready to go deeper and master the systems that make SEO and GEO effortless, you’ll love my Anti-Social SEO course.

It’s the exact strategy I used to grow my business 165% after quitting social media and it works even if you’re just getting started.

Because you don’t need to do more to grow your business.

You just need to do what works — and do it with soul. 🌙

Mistakes I See People Making with SEO & GEO (and What to Do Instead)

Let’s be honest: most entrepreneurs don’t avoid SEO because they’re lazy or uninterested. They avoid it because they’ve been taught it’s complicated, confusing, or something only “tech people” can do.

But what if that story wasn’t true?

After coaching hundreds of business owners inside my Anti-Social SEO program, I’ve noticed some really common patterns and innocent mistakes that keep amazing, purpose-driven entrepreneurs from seeing results.

So let’s clear those up right now, shall we?

❌ Mistake #1: Treating SEO Like a Game to Beat

A lot of people approach SEO like a puzzle to solve or a system to hack: constantly chasing trends, obsessing over algorithms, and stuffing keywords into their posts like confetti.

But here’s the truth: SEO isn’t a game you play. It’s a relationship you build.

Google (and now AI search tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity) are designed to do one thing: help people find the most helpful, trustworthy, human answers possible.

That means if your content genuinely helps people, you’re already winning.

✅ What to do instead:

Stop trying to “beat” the algorithm and start trying to serve your audience. Write like a human. Answer real questions. Be generous. When your content is created with clarity and care, the tech side takes care of itself.

❌ Mistake #2: Creating for Yourself Instead of Your Ideal Client

This one’s sneaky. You sit down to write a post and think, “What do I want to talk about today?”

But the real magic happens when you ask instead: “What is my audience searching for today?”

If your content is centered around your own perspective (instead of your ideal client’s problems, desires, and language) it won’t get found, no matter how beautiful it is.

✅ What to do instead:

Shift your focus. Use empathy as your SEO strategy.

Ask your audience what they’re struggling with. Look at your most common DMs or client questions. Use AI tools (like ChatGPT) to brainstorm 25 questions your dream client might be asking.

Then? Create content that answers those questions.

It’s that simple.

❌ Mistake #3: Ignoring Evergreen Potential

Social media teaches us that content has an expiration date. That it’s disposable. But SEO flips that entire mindset on its head.

I still get traffic (and revenue) from blog posts I wrote in 2017.

When you build search-first content, you’re creating long-term assets, not short-term bursts of visibility.

✅ What to do instead:

Start viewing every blog post as an investment. Something that compounds in value over time.

You don’t need to publish five times a week. You just need to publish intentionally and consistently. Even one post a month can move mountains when done strategically.

Remember: social media is a sprint. SEO is a marathon. The real magic happens in the long game.

❌ Mistake #4: Forgetting to Capture and Nurture Leads

SEO and GEO get people to your site. But if you don’t have a way to capture their attention (and their email) you’re leaving money on the table.

Traffic without conversion is just noise.

✅ What to do instead:

Pair your SEO with a simple, aligned funnel. Offer a free lead magnet — something valuable that solves a small piece of your audience’s bigger problem (like my free Beyond the Scroll Challenge).

Once they opt in, nurture them with intentional emails that continue to educate, encourage, and invite them deeper into your world.

That’s how you turn traffic into trust… and trust into transformation.

❌ Mistake #5: Expecting Instant Results

This one’s big.

Social media has trained us for instant gratification — likes, comments, followers, all at lightning speed. But SEO and GEO are slower, deeper, and infinitely more sustainable.

It’s like planting seeds in a garden. You won’t see sprouts overnight, but when you tend the soil with consistency and care, you’ll eventually have a harvest that keeps replenishing itself — season after season. 🌸

✅ What to do instead:

Detach from the outcome. Focus on consistency, not perfection. Measure success not just by clicks, but by clarity, connection, and alignment.

When you commit to SEO + GEO as a long-term strategy, you build something that lasts.

The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Here’s what I tell every client:

“You don’t need to become an SEO expert. You just need to become a student of your audience.”

When you understand who you serve, how they think, and what they need… everything else falls into place.

The strategy, the systems, the automation — they’re all just tools to help you connect more deeply and serve more powerfully.

And the best part? Once it’s set up, it keeps working (quietly, consistently, beautifully) in the background.

If you’re ready to build a business that grows with ease (not exhaustion), start with my free Beyond the Scroll Challenge.

Inside, I’ll help you:

✨ Detox from social media overwhelm
✨ Create your first piece of search-first content
✨ Set up a simple, sustainable visibility plan

Then, when you’re ready to master the full system (from SEO to funnels to feminine automation) you’ll absolutely love Anti-Social SEO.

Because visibility should feel calm. Profitable. Aligned. Not performative.

The Offer I Shared with Jenna — and Why It Works

When I sat down with Jenna Kutcher on her Goal Digger Podcast, she asked me a question that so many entrepreneurs quietly wrestle with:

“If someone wants to step away from social media but still grow — where do they even start?”

I smiled because that’s the exact question that inspired me to create my signature program, Anti-Social SEO.

It’s the roadmap I wish I had when I was drowning in the social media hamster wheel. It’s the way to grow your traffic, visibility, and revenue without sacrificing your time, your energy, or your peace.

Why I Created Anti-Social SEO

After I quit social media, I started noticing a pattern.

Entrepreneurs were spending hours trying to “keep up” online — but their efforts weren’t translating into consistent clients or income. They were exhausted, overwhelmed, and questioning whether it was even worth it.

So, I built a different path.

One that combined the timeless power of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) with the emerging opportunities of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) — all wrapped in a framework of feminine business systems that honor rest, intuition, and sustainability.

Because visibility shouldn’t come at the expense of your wellbeing.

It should amplify your impact and allow your business to keep thriving even when you’re offline.

That’s exactly what Anti-Social SEO helps you do.

What’s Inside the Program

Anti-Social SEO isn’t a stuffy tech course. It’s a soulful strategy system that helps you create content that attracts, converts, and compounds over time — no algorithms required.

Inside, you’ll learn:

✨ The Search-First Content Framework: how to write blog posts that rank in Google and resonate with your audience.
✨ GEO for Beginners: how to make your content show up inside AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity — the next frontier of organic traffic.
✨ Soulful Funnels: step-by-step guidance to turn new readers into raving fans and paying clients through aligned, automated systems.
✨ My Custom SEO + GEO GPT: a done-for-you AI writing assistant (built on my frameworks!) that helps you draft optimized blog posts in minutes — in your voice, not a robot’s.
✨ The Feminine Systems Method: my signature approach to building automation that supports your life, not suffocates it.

And here’s my favorite part: once you implement these systems, your content continues to bring in traffic, leads, and sales on autopilot — for years.

You write once, serve forever.

Why It Works

This approach works because it’s rooted in alignment and attraction, not performance and pressure.

Instead of constantly chasing engagement, you’re building a visibility ecosystem that grows with time.

Instead of relying on the latest platform trends, you’re investing in strategies that never go out of style.

Instead of burning out, you’re building a business that feels calm, consistent, and deeply aligned with your values.

When Jenna shared my story on her show, she said something that stuck with me:

“It’s like you added oxygen back into the conversation about marketing.”

That’s exactly what this program does — it gives you breathing room.

Your Next Step: Beyond the Scroll

If you’re curious about what this could look like for your business, start small. Take the first step with my free Beyond the Scroll Challenge.

It’s a 4-day experience designed to help you:

 🌿 Step off the social media treadmill
💫 Discover sustainable visibility strategies
🌻 Create your first piece of search-first content

Then, when you’re ready to scale… you’ll be ready for Anti-Social SEO.

Because your business deserves to grow in a way that feels grounded, gentle, and deeply good for your soul.

Conclusion: Freedom Beyond the Scroll

Stepping away from social media wasn’t the end of my business. It was the beginning of a more peaceful, profitable, and purposeful one. I learned that you don’t need to chase the algorithm to attract dream clients. You just need the right systems, a clear message, and the courage to do business differently.

If you’re ready to build a business that grows while you rest, start with my free Beyond the Scroll Challenge. It’s your first step toward creating visibility that lasts. And when you’re ready to master the full strategy that helped me grow 165% after quitting social, you’ll love Anti-Social SEO. Because success doesn’t come from being everywhere — it comes from being in alignment. 🌿

FAQs About Building a Business Without Social Media