Stop the Scroll: A social Media podcast with Heidi Schmidt - Social Media and Content Marketing Advice for small business owners and solopreneurs looking to win online

Hosted by Social Media Strategist, Content Marketer and Agency Owner Heidi Schmidt

Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Education

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Apr 2026

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About the show

How do I grow my business on social media? What’s the best type of content to post on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn? How frequently do I post on social media and how do I even know if what I’m doing is working? Welcome to "Stop The Scroll” a podcast dedicated to helping business owners, entrepreneurs and creatives thrive online. Hosted by Heidi Schmidt, a social media strategist and owner of Heidi Schmidt Creative, a social media and content marketing agency. Heidi shares all the best tips to help you show up online confidently with tips such as what really goes into a content strategy and how to stop overthinking your content. Heidi’s strategies have helped her and her clients build six-figure businesses over her 15-plus years in the marketing industry, working with brands of all sizes to accomplish their business goals online. Ready to thrive? Tune in! This podcast will answer questions like What are the pros and cons of social media in business? How do I start social media marketing? What are essential strategies for Effective Social Media Marketing What are some Top Social Media Trends to Shape Your Strategy What are social listening tools and how do I use them to understand my audience? Exploring the Advantages of Social Media for Businesses How can you Leverage the Many Benefits of Social Media for Business Growth Storytelling Techniques That Captivate Social Media Users The Art of Storytelling in Marketing Creative Social Media Content Ideas to Refresh Your Feed

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April 24, 2026Episode 9025 min

Lessons in Entrepreneurship – What 6 years in business has taught me

This week we’re celebrating six years in business – and two years of podcasting! But we’re also marking a milestone in that we’re putting a pause on season one of the podcast. In this reflective episode, I’m sharing the biggest lessons entrepreneurship has taught me about marketing, leadership, authenticity, and growth. We’re having an honest conversation about what it really looks like to grow a business through changing seasons. Because entrepreneurship is not just about strategy. It is also about protecting your bandwidth, knowing your priorities, and giving yourself permission to evolve.In this episode, I’m walking through six of the biggest lessons I’ve learned, including why engagement still matters more than being everywhere, why authentic marketing matters more than ever in a world full of AI-generated content, and why having the right people in your corner can change everything.If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur who has been feeling stretched thin, questioning your next move, or trying to grow your business without losing yourself in the process, this episode is for you. It is a personal and practical conversation about social media strategy, business growth, knowing your capacity, raising your rates, and building a business that supports the life you actually want.Episode Highlights:Why engagement still drives growth, both online and offlineThe reminder that you do not have to be everywhere, but you do have to show upWhy authenticity matters even more in the age of AI-generated contentThe difference between bandwidth and capacity in businessWhy some seasons are for growth and others are simply for survivalThe importance of surrounding yourself with honest, supportive peopleWhy business owners need to stop underselling themselves and raise their ratesHow social media has changed and why owned marketing matters more than everResources & Mentions:Connect on InstagramStrategy SessionsConsulting or VIP DayPackagesSocial Media Masterclass coming this summerFollow the Campaign on InstagramSubscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you!Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!Connect with me:Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreativeFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

March 9, 2026Episode 8920 min

Followers Aren’t Clients: Why Vanity Metrics Don’t Pay the Bills

What if the numbers you’ve been obsessing over are the ones that matter the least?In this episode of Stop the Scroll, I’m breaking down the truth about vanity metrics and why more followers, more likes, and more comments do not automatically mean more leads or more revenue. We’re taking a candid look at the comparison trap that so many business owners fall into and explains why follower count is often a misleading measure of success, especially for service-based businesses. This conversation is a solid reminder that social media should be a supporting factor in your business goals, and not distract you from them. If you’ve ever looked at someone else’s engagement and wondered if you’re behind, this episode will help you refocus on what really moves the needle and how to create content that leads to connection, trust, and ultimately, clients. Episode Highlights:Why followers, likes, and comments are considered vanity metricsWhy going viral does not always mean reaching the right audienceThe importance of creating content with purposeHow to use calls to action that match your audience’s stage of awarenessHow to stop chasing validation and start posting for outcomesResources & Mentions:Follow Heidi on InstagramJoin the waitlist for Heidi’s upcoming masterclassSubscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you!Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!Connect with me:Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreativeFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

February 23, 2026Episode 8823 min

Why Going Viral isn’t a Social Media Strategy (Fan Favorite!)

Everyone wants more views, and more followers in the social media space. So many business owners have said to me, “I want to go viral.”Hard stop y’all. Going viral is nice, sure, but it’s not a part of a well-rounded social media strategy. In this episode, we’re talking about the obsession with going viral on social media and why it shouldn’t be a primary goal in your social media strategy. Simply put, virality does not equal success. Instead, we’re sharing about the importance of sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic content creation tailored to your specific audience, and the pitfalls of relying on viral content and why a strategy based on virality is not only unpredictable but also unsustainable. Episode Highlights:Why virality shouldn’t be your primary goal.The importance of meaningful engagement and building real connections with your audience.Understanding why likes and followers don’t tell the full story.Tips and strategies how to create content that resonates with your specific audience.Thank you for tuning in to "Stop the Scroll." Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Happy listening!Resources MentionedBook a strategy session - https://heidischmidtcreative.hbportal.co/public/664fa7b4b1ee43002b756f3eDrop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!Connect with me:Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreativeFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

February 9, 2026Episode 8721 min

How to Keep Marketing When the World Feels Heavy (A Low-Energy Plan to Stay Consistent)

If you’ve been staring at your content calendar like… “I literally cannot today,” this episode is for you.Because sometimes the world feels heavy, routines fall apart, motivation disappears, and marketing starts to feel pointless…or impossible. In this honest, real-time conversation, I’m sharing what I’m navigating too: the pressure to keep showing up, the exhaustion of trying to separate “Business Heidi” from the rest of me, and the reminder that you don’t have to be perfectly consistent to be effective.We’re talking about what it looks like to show up as a whole human, how to create content that builds trust (especially when you’re not at 100%), and a “low-energy marketing plan” you can lean on when your bandwidth is limited—but your business still matters.Episode Highlights:Why it’s okay to give yourself grace when your routines (and your motivation) fall apartHow to show up authentically without turning your platform into a soapboxWhy “behind-the-scenes” and honest content builds connection faster than polished perfectionThe mindset shift: every small action counts (even one Story, even one repurposed Reel)My “low-energy marketing plan” for staying visible without burning outWhy having a strategy + calendar makes consistency feel simpler (and less emotional)When it’s time to get help… and yes you can get help without outsourcing everythingResources & Mentions:Connect on InstagramFollow the campaign Follow the SubstackContact us to discuss our consulting services or a strategy callSubscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you!Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!Connect with me:Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreativeFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

January 19, 2026Episode 8624 min

The 2026 Reset: Building Consistency Without Burnout

Happy 2026! Heidi’s kicking off the year a little later than planned (because the end of 2025 was, in her words, a “complete and utter Schmidt show”)—but with a message every overwhelmed business owner needs to hear:You don’t need to do more this year. You need to do what you can repeat.In this episode, we’re breaking down the three anchors guiding our year: consistency, courage, and balance and we’re sharing how we’re simplifying our marketing (and life) while shifting her business more toward consulting/coaching and stepping into a major season of leadership. If you’ve been stuck in the “I should be doing more” spiral, this one is your permission slip to build a strategy that actually fits your bandwidth. Episode Highlights:How to pick anchors for your year (not a mile-long goal list).What consistency is and is not. How to simplify marketing with your minimum viable. Why repetition is a brand-building superpower. Most of your audience didn’t even see your last post—so you’re allowed to say the same thing again (and again).Why you need to do one visibility move a day (or a few per week). Follow up with leads, send the DM, make the ask, nurture relationships…visibility compounds. Understand that burnout is expensive. It doesn’t make you successful, it makes you harder to find and can dry up your pipeline. Capacity isn’t a flaw; it’s data.Resources & Mentions:Campaign SubstackLeading Lady Business Hub (ask me how to get a free month!) Schedule a call to work with usSchedule a 90 minute strategy session with us. Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you!Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!Connect with me:Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreativeFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

December 22, 2025Episode 8525 min

CEO Debrief: 2025 Wins, Lessons and Reflections

This year stretched me—in the best and hardest ways. And, if you know what’s to come, this is only the beginning, right?In this unfiltered end of year recap, I’m pulling back the curtain on the wins I didn’t expect, the misses I’d repeat differently, and the pivots that changed our momentum in Q4.You’ll hear why “diversify” became my lifeline, how I navigated client churn and capacity without burning out my team (or myself), and the surprising offers that worked when the “sure things” didn’t. If you’ve been building mid-flight and wondering what to double down on next, don’t miss out on these lessons. We’ll finish with what’s staying, what’s getting cut, and the 3 focus moves I’m taking into 2026 for the best year ever. Episode Highlights:The theme of 2025: diversification…of offers, revenue, and relationship.How I protected capacity and let the team lead more.What I learned about new services – with simpler, clearer offers versus offers that drained energy. Why community beats the algorithm every time and how pruning misaligned work opened doors for referrals.Campaign lessons carried over: clear messaging and consistency drive real conversions.For 2026, how I’m simplifying ops and doubling down on what’s already proven.Resources & Mentions:Join the Leading Lady Business HubBook a Strategy SessionBook a marketing auditGet on the masterclass wait listSubscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you!Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!Connect with me:Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreativeFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

December 8, 2025Episode 8426 min

2026 Social Media Trends You Can’t Ignore

Can you believe we’re less than a month away from 2026? We’ve talked a lot about marketing strategy going into the new year – but today, we’re talking about what to expect in the year ahead from social media marketing.We’ve all felt a bit like we’re screaming into the void on social media and well, it’s not just you. You’re not imagining it. But what do we do about it? We’re breaking down the big shifts that are going to shape the social media landscape in 2026 so you as a small business owner can adapt with confidence.From AI becoming a back office assistant to social platforms doubling as search engines – we’re sharing what matters, what to skip and how to turn this all into a plan you can follow. Episode Highlights:How AI can truly save timeSocial as a search engine and what to know so you can be found for the right termsShort form video is growing up - less dancing more speaking and authenticity.Communities and owned channels and how to use public feeds for discovery and brand awareness, and closed spaces like Discord, WhatsApp, and online communities for depth and connectionThe challenge with online ads in 2026 - it’s all about the creative baby!Mindset chat – keep it all simple and track what actually moves the needle! Resources & Mentions:Book a strategy sessionWorkshop Replay Connect on InstagramSubscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you!Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!Connect with me:Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreativeFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

November 17, 2025Episode 8320 min

How to Plan Your End-of-Year Marketing (Without Burning Out)

Feeling stretched thin as the year wraps up? You are NOT alone. In this life-and-business update, we’re talking about why Stop the Scroll is moving to a biweekly cadence and how I’m simplifying my own marketing to finish the year strong. You’ll hear real talk about bandwidth, capacity, and what to do when your pipeline needs love because you’ve been head-down serving clients.Then we get practical. I walk through a simple end-of-year planning process you can use right now. You’ll learn how to repurpose past wins, package timely offers, and schedule just enough content to stay visible through the holidays without living on your phone.Episode Highlights:Why I’m shifting the podcast to biweekly and how to decide when something has to giveBandwidth vs. capacity: a sanity check for service providers before taking on more workWhat to do when you haven’t marketed yourself in a while and the pipeline feels lightOffer ideas that convert now: bundles, strategy sessions with short-term support, and workshop promos.How to reuse what you already have: emails, landing pages, and high-performing posts.Pink Friday, Black Friday, and Small Business Saturday: easy ways to tie in your messagingResources & Mentions:Planning Workshop on 12/5[Book a Strategy Session]– includes 30 days of Slack support for extra 1:1 supportBrowse all episodes & show notes Subscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you!Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!Connect with me:Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreativeFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

November 3, 2025Episode 8227 min

You Don’t Need Social Media to Win. What to do instead…

Feeling chained to the algorithm? You’re not alone, and it’s not just in your head. This is a challenge I face every day and every week with my clients. Algorithms are increasingly challenging, and the competition to stay ahead and keep up with app features can be exhausting. In this episode, Heidi makes a bold case: your business can grow without social media, and sometimes, it’ll grow faster when you stop forcing it.Instead of chasing trends, we’re discussing some smarter, saner alternatives: owned channels, search-friendly content, and partnerships that actually drive results. You’ll also get a quick audit to decide if social belongs on your roadmap right now, or if it should take a back seat.If you do choose to show up on social, Heidi shares how to make it count with story-led content and genuine engagement (not just more posts).Episode Highlights:Why strategy matters to growth on social mediaWhy you should priortize owned channels first: website content, email, SEO, Google Business Profile.Why social media isn’t a “set it and forget it” marketing tactic, and the importance of engagement. The importance of the shift towards storytelling versus constant selling—show people, process, personality.How to use a 4-question audit (traffic, capacity, consistency, revenue tracking) before committing.How to let AI assist ideation, but why you need to keep your authentic voice front and center.Resources & MentionsBook a strategy session Schedule a discovery call to learn about our consulting or DFY services. My Favorite Marketing Campaign from DunkinsSprout Social: Pros & Cons of Social MediaSubscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Your reviews help us reach more creators like you!Drop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!Connect with me:Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreativeFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com

October 27, 2025Episode 8126 min

Instagram Reels Made Easy: Easy Video Ideas You Can Batch Today

If you’ve got 10 seconds, you’ve got a clip: the door opening, a notebook flip, keys on the desk, a client thank-you email.String a few together, add a “how I” voiceover or a strong on-screen hook, and you’ve got a reel…without blocking your calendar or your creativity.In this podcast episode, If you’ve been overthinking reels, try this: film life as it’s happening—eight 3–5 second clips—and tell one specific story. That’s it. In this episode, I break down five easy reels you can batch in about half an hour, why your audience wants authenticity over perfection, and how to track success beyond views (hint: watch time, saves, shares). We’ll ditch the “faceless” trend, lean into you on camera, and make consistency feel doable today.Episode Highlights:Why consistency beats virality: aim for steady, repeatable reels rather than chasing a one-off 10K view spike.Why we need to ditch “faceless marketing”: connection happens when your audience sees and hears you—use B-roll with your voice/story.How to lead with “how I,” not “how to” to position yourself as the expert by telling short, specific mini-stories.Make a shot list: 3–5 second clips from your day (desk setup, coffee pour, walking into a meeting, closing the laptop) are more than enough to tell a story.Batch in micro-bursts: keep an idea bank, capture 8–10 quick moments tomorrow, assemble the edits the next day.Always add captions: accessibility matters, and most people watch with sound off—especially on LinkedIn.Track what matters: watch time (aim 50–70%), saves, shares, profile views, DMs, and site clicks > raw viewsSubscribe, leave a review, and share Stop the Scroll with a friend or fellow business owner who needs a little more confidence and a lot less overwhelm in their marketing. Resources & Mentions:The Leading Lady Business HubGuide to IG Hooks Freebie Get your social media auditedDrop a question or a review! We love getting feedback from our listeners!Connect with me:Website - https://www.heidijschmidt.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HeidiSchmidtCreativeFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiSchmidtCreative/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/legallyheidi/Email - Heidi@heidijschmidt.com