Are you questioning social media marketing?
Can people still be found without social media? Can you actually grow a business without social media?
Recently, I’ve been so interested in the concept of social media and how it impacts the mental health of business owners. I am a business owner, and I do not want to be on social media (I’m not). However, I can’t help but feel like we’ve all secretly agreed on this form of marketing as the only way to get our message, products, or services to the people. While yes, social media can be a tool, and if you’re one of the lucky ones, it works, but what about the rest of us who can’t seem to get the algorithm to reward our profiles in the same way? What about the rest of us who are tired? Overstimulated? Distracted and discouraged?
I’m calling bullshit on the belief that businesses must be on social media to be found. To be relevant. To grow. I believe there are other ways, we just have to gather the courage to find them.
Why I quit social media as a business owner
In November of 2025, I started my business back up again. Like any entrepreneur, I had to think through how I was going to tell people about my business. Social media was one of the first things that came to mind even though I had been off of the platforms for a year. Like most people, I decided to say “peace out!!” because it wasn’t good for my mental health. That is really brave of me (and really brave of you, too, if you’re on that journey).
I was constantly getting stuck in the comparison trap. Seeing what other people were doing. How successful other entrepreneurs were. How much money other people were making. I felt inferior, like I was doing something wrong. Not to mention the complete and utter time suck. I wasn’t creating, I was only consuming. Making sure that whatever I posted pleased the algorithm and looked like everyone else. Ew!
So I had to get real with myself. Do I want to go back to the world of social media, or, could I get creative and do things differently?
Let’s do things differently.
Marketing strategies that don’t require social media
I became a mini detective. On a mission to find other people and brands who did not have a massive social media presence (or any at all) but instead, were using other forms of marketing to promote themselves. Through my research and ability to find people without social media, I realized there are so many ways to get your message out that don’t involve creating clickbait content that dies within 24 hours. It’s refreshing. It’s authentic. It’s possible!!
Now onto the good stuff. Below, I’ve documented many different ways in which I’ve found people or businesses without using social media. These 100% can and should be replicated for your business. They’re not anomalies. They’re sustainable, more values aligned, and will help you be found by people who don’t turn to traditional platforms to get their information.
What counts as social media?
Just so we’re on the same page: When I say social media, I mean platforms like Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Youtube Shorts, Substack, or even Pinterest (some may not agree with this one). Anything that promotes long hours of scrolling and content that can be consumed quickly, within seconds. Anything that makes you feel shitty after going on it. Maybe your list looks different.
How to get clients without social media
Here are real ways to get clients without social media and market your business in a more sustainable way.
Using podcasts to grow your business
Podcasts.
The amount of new businesses and connections I’ve found through podcasts is actually insane. This is one of the most powerful ways to grow a business without social media.
I love this form of marketing for a few reasons:
- Podcasts are longer forms of content, so people spend more time listening to you.
- People hear your voice, and this builds trust.
- Listeners can really get to know you, your story, what you stand for and what you do!
- You’re tapping into someone else’s audience and directly reaching people who most likely already trust the host of the show. This builds even more trust.
An example of someone I’ve found through a podcast is Erin Loechner, New York Times bestselling author and editor. Her blog is called Design for Mankind, and she’s written two books, The Opt-Out Family and Chasing Slow. I listened to her on Jenna Kutcher’s podcast (find the episode here). I enjoyed her story so much that I found her website, bought and read both of her books, and am now on her email list. I am a lifelong fan. P.S. – she’s not on social media, and actually left her massive following to live a more peaceful, screen-free life. I guarantee you that I wouldn’t have found her on Instagram.
Direct mail marketing to literally reach people at their doorstep
Mail.
I love magazines. Post-cards. Anything paper that I can touch, feel, browse through without needing to look at a screen. It’s refreshing, especially since I grew up on the old Toys R Us catalogs and BOP Teen Magazines (iykyk). Mail can be a great form of marketing.
- You know you’re reaching people directly (literally showing up on their doorstep).
- You’re catching people when they’re not on their phones, so there’s room for less distraction.
- You can show off so many different aspects of your brand. For example, products, stories, QR codes to discounts and your email list. You can’t do all of these things at once in a LinkedIn post.
- In today’s digital world, paper mail stands out. Period.
For example, I found Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Cincinnati, Ohio through a post card. They were promoting their opening and had a QR code attached to join their mailing list. I’d been looking for a church, but felt so overwhelmed by the options. I joined their email list and went to a service a few weeks later.
Another example. I received a Free People winter catalog in the mail. It sat on my coffee table throughout November and early December. My boyfriend decided to browse through it one day and bought me adorable fuzzy slippers for Christmas.
Selling products through local stores (support other small businesses!!)
Get your products in local stores!
This is for you if you sell a physical product. Going out and shopping, looking, feeling, tasting- are all amazing ways to find new things. Probably one of the best ways.
- When we’re out and about shopping, we’re most likely off our phones, undistracted.
- We can ask store owners and workers for their favorite items based on what we’re looking for, and this goes a long way!
- We can look through products, touch them, test them out, and sometimes even taste them. Think about the samples at Costco.
I was shopping at one of my favorite stores in Cincinnati, Hoste, when I came across a cookbook that caught my eye. Cook this Book by Molly Baz. I’d never heard of her, but I ended up buying the book anyways (there were a few recipes that intrigued me). I now own two of her cookbooks, I’m on her email list, and will be buying her Dill Pickle Mayo soon. The chances of me finding her on the Instagram algorithm are slim to none.
Utilizing other people’s websites!
Utilizing other people’s websites.
I’m going to lump in blog posts, resource pages, and referral pages all in one. For example, you’re reading a blog post from someone you trust, and they reference and link someone or something new. Sometimes websites even have referral or resource pages where you can see a list of trusted partners or content to browse. This is a great form of marketing for several reasons and one of the most effective alternatives to social media marketing:
- If you already know, like and trust someone, you’re going to be much more inclined to trust a business they’ve referred to on their partner page.
- Blog posts are long form content, so if someone references you in a blog post, they can go much more in depth.
- Utilizing other people’s websites is a great way to get backlinks and build your online authority for a topic.
For example, I found bestselling author Cal Newport on The Opt-Out Family’s Resource Page. Erin Loechner linked his TedTalk, Quit Social Media, which in turn caused me to binge his blog, Youtube, and podcast. I just read his book Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World, and will soon read SlowProductivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout.
Finding clients through networking!
Reach out to people. Go directly to the source!
We need connection, and you’d be surprised how willing people are to meet when you take the time to write a genuine, thoughtful message (I’m not talking the canned salesly messages people send on LinkedIn🤮). Do your research. What’s their story? How’d they get to where they are today? Why are you reaching out? Be specific, authentic, and a little creative!
In business school, we were taught to be buttoned up, professional, follow this networking email template, but as someone who’s networked her way into every career opportunity and client I’ve signed on in my business, I know that’s not necessarily true. In fact, the more vulnerable, personable, and creative I am, the higher the response rate. This is my number one form of marketing without social media for a few reasons (even if you don’t own a business, you’re still selling yourself for future career opportunities so this definitely applies):
- In a world full of filters, ChatGPT buzzword stuffed bios, and perfectly curated feeds, people want real. Real connection. Real stories. Real community. Unfortunately, these things feel harder and harder to find. So when you do something novel (like reaching out with a thoughtful message), then you do something different than your peers, colleagues, or competition, and you ultimately stand out.
- You’re going directly to the source. There’s no questioning if they “saw your post.”
- You have the opportunity to get in front of them, meet in real life, and show off your personality. You are no longer a resume or profile on their screen.
- One connection could lead to a lifelong relationship where you both prosper.
- You never know who they know. The world really is a small place. Even if they’re not the right person to help, they might know someone who is.
- By going directly to the source, you waste less time and energy.
As you can see, I’m very passionate about this one. It’s how I began my professional career, and it’s how I currently grow my business. I’ve seen firsthand the power of networking and what building a strong web of people truly means. People who can guide you, connect you, hire you, help you, the list goes on and on.
For example, I landed my first professional job in college by reaching out to a business owner, grabbing coffee with her, and asking if she was hiring. She technically wasn’t, but enjoyed talking to me so she made a position. This one connection led me to starting my business.
Local marketing strategies, aka: events, flyers, and community presence
Get out and about in the community!
I don’t sell physical goods or products, so I always forget that I can still be out in the community promoting my work. Some examples include: setting up a booth at your local farmer’s market (even if you’re a professional organization or someone who provides a service, you can still do this to spread the word and meet people!), create posters and hang them up around town (with permission, of course), rent a billboard, sponsor an event, create t-shirts or hats and wear them everywhere, pitch yourself to the local news station, purchase a city magazine ad spot, the ideas are endless.
- Getting in front of people in these ways (billboards, magazines, local events), means they’re most likely not looking down at their phones… The less distraction they have, the better.
- When you meet someone at an event, you have more time to explain what you do (+ you could give physical handouts, business cards, or samples for them to take home).
- You’re potentially reaching a whole new audience who isn’t on social media.
- You become a person, brand, or business people recognize, know personally, and think of when they need the service you provide.
This is how I found out that that little matcha existed, along with many other farmer’s market and art gallery vendors. While you won’t see me drinking matcha over coffee on a Sunday morning, I do have some friends who’d kill for a cup. I made sure to spread the word. 😉
Final thoughts on growing a business without social media ❤️
So yes, people, places, organizations, businesses, etc., can still be found without social media. In fact, you might have a higher chance of reaching your ideal client, landing that dream job, or connecting with someone who knows the perfect person for you to meet if you only dare to try new (well, technically old), things.
Think about how we functioned before iPhones consumed so much of our time. How we received information. How we communicated. These things aren’t dead. They still exist. And how freeing is that!
You get to decide. Continue down the addictive, time-consuming, slot machine path, or forge a new one centered around connection, authenticity, and sustainability. One leads to burnout. The other leads to a meaningful life.
Wishing you less time on your screen,
-Emily