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It’s 9:00 AM. You’re sitting at your desk, phone in hand, scrolling Instagram—not because you’re feeling inspired, but because you’re trying to keep up. Engaging, liking, commenting, posting… wondering if this is what it really takes to build a business these days. Is Instagram still worth your time?

You’re tired. Your sales aren’t where you want them to be. And that nagging question keeps creeping in:
Is Instagram even worth my time anymore? Or is it just draining me?

If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. In fact, I recently made the decision to step back from Instagram in my own business. Not forever, not dramatically. Just… stepping back, intentionally, for this season. And it’s got me thinking about how we, as business owners, evaluate whether Instagram is still serving us—or simply taking from us.

So today, I want to help you walk through that same evaluation for your own business.

Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Stop into my YouTube channel for weekly videos about all things content marketing.
• Check out the Playbook for a Complete Marketing Game Plan
• Read my book Chasing Simple Marketing for a crash course in content marketing.
• Action Step: Evaluate How Instagram Is Working For Your Business in This Moment
• Book Rec: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
• Want your own live coaching session? Apply here
• Find me on Instagram and tell me what you thought of this episode: @mrsamandawarfield

The Truth About Instagram Right Now

Let’s just say it plainly: Instagram is noisy. It’s constantly shifting, evolving, and honestly? A lot harder to see results from these days. Organic reach is down. Engagement is harder to earn. And without a clear, intentional strategy, it often feels like shouting into the void.

If you’re feeling like you’re pouring effort into Instagram and getting very little back, that frustration is valid. But does that mean it’s time to quit?

Not necessarily.

Instead, it’s time to get super clear on what role you want Instagram to play in your marketing strategy—and how much energy it’s truly worth for you right now.

3 Questions to Ask Before You Leave (Or Stay on) Instagram

When I was evaluating this for my own business, these were the exact questions I asked myself:

1. Is Instagram Bringing In Leads, Traffic, Or Revenue?

If Instagram is actively helping you grow your email list, bring in traffic, or make sales—there’s your answer. It’s still working for you.
But if you’re spending hours creating content, engaging, and showing up… and you’re not seeing any tangible results? That’s worth questioning.

2. Do You Have Another Platform That’s More Sustainable?

I firmly believe that most businesses benefit from having some social platform in their strategy—but it doesn’t have to be Instagram.
What’s more important is finding a platform that feels sustainable for you. Something that energizes you, not drains you. If another platform is working better, it might be time to shift your focus.

3. Can You Create Instagram Content You Actually Enjoy?

If creating for Instagram sparks creativity and feels aligned with how you want to show up? Keep going.
But if every post feels like pulling teeth, if you dread logging in, if the thought of another reel makes you want to scream… it might not be worth your energy right now.

What If You Want to Stay, But Simplify?

If you’ve answered those questions and decided Instagram still has a place in your strategy, great. But that doesn’t mean you need to go all in. In fact, simplifying might be the best next step.

Here’s how I recommend doing that:

Choose One Format

Stories, reels, carousels—pick just one. You don’t need to use every feature Instagram offers. Choose the one that feels the most sustainable and enjoyable for you, and let go of the rest.

Batch & Repurpose

Leverage your long-form content (like your blog, podcast, or YouTube) and repurpose it for Instagram. Batch-create content in advance so you’re not constantly reinventing the wheel.

Use Instagram as a Support Tool, Not Your Main Stage

Think of Instagram as a visibility tool—a place to remind people you exist, share your message, and build connection. But let your email list or another platform carry the weight of your conversions.

What If You Want to Step Back Entirely?

Maybe you’re leaning towards stepping back altogether. That’s okay too. I don’t recommend deleting your account entirely unless you’re 100% certain it’s the right call (and truly, most of us don’t need to go that far).

Here’s how to step back with intention:

Pin Key Posts

Pin 1-3 posts to the top of your feed that explain you’re less active and share the best ways to stay connected with you.

Consider a 9-Grid

If you want to make your absence super clear and still helpful, you can create a curated 9-grid that acts almost like a mini website for anyone who stumbles upon your profile.

Update Your Bio Link

Ensure your bio leads to either your best lead magnet or a current offer—something that’s still active and beneficial for your business.

Show Up Only When It Feels Good

There’s no rule that says you have to post consistently forever. If you want to pop in occasionally, that’s perfectly fine. Your business, your rules.

The Heart Behind It All

At the end of the day, this isn’t really about Instagram.
It’s about stewardship. About being wise with the resources—your time, your energy, your creativity—that God has given you.

Instagram can be a helpful tool. But it shouldn’t be the thing running you ragged, stealing your joy, or pulling you away from the work that matters most.

If this is the season where you need to simplify? Honor that. If this is the season where you want to show up more intentionally? Honor that too.

Either way—give yourself permission to evaluate and adjust. Marketing isn’t meant to be one-size-fits-all, and it certainly isn’t meant to be a burden.

Your Next Step

If you’re feeling unsure about where Instagram fits into your marketing right now, take a quiet moment this week to ask yourself:

• Is Instagram bringing in leads, traffic, or revenue—or just eating time?
• Do I have another platform that feels more sustainable?
• Can I create Instagram content I actually enjoy?

Let your answers guide your next steps.

And if you’re looking for a simpler, more sustainable way to plan your content strategy overall?
Join me inside the Content Planning Challenge where I’ll help you map out a content plan that supports your business without requiring you to be everywhere, all the time.