We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elizabeth Marberry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elizabeth below.

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

As an experienced entrepreneur and Instagram influencer who’s navigated the ever-changing landscape of social media, I’ve honed an intuitive sense for emerging trends and industry shifts.

One of the most significant shifts we’re seeing is a move towards authenticity and realness. Gone are the days of overly polished and curated content—audiences are craving genuine connections and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of brands and small business owners. It’s all about being raw, relatable, and unapologetically yourself.

Another game-changer is the rise of DM automation. With automation tools becoming more sophisticated, businesses can now streamline their DMs to build their email lists and make sales effortlessly. Imagine having conversations with potential customers and nurturing leads while you sleep—it’s a game-changer for productivity and scalability.

And let’s not forget about the power of video content, particularly short-form videos like Reels and TikToks. These bite-sized snippets are capturing attention like never before and are essential for staying relevant and engaging on Instagram.

Overall, the key to success in the Instagram marketing industry in 2024 is staying ahead of the curve, embracing authenticity, leveraging automation tools, and harnessing the power of video content. It’s an exciting time to be in the game, and those who adapt and innovate will reap the rewards!

Elizabeth, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello there! I’m Elizabeth Marberry, and I’ve got a passion for visibility and marketing that’s all about keeping it real and having a blast along the way.

Let me take you back a bit to where it all started. In 2010, I launched my Wedding Dance Coach Business and turned it into a multi-six figure brand. Fast forward to today, and I’ve expanded my influence to over 120K followers across my social media accounts while guiding a growing list of private clients to their own social media success.

My mantra? “Let’s make Instagram work FOR your business, and let’s make it FUN!”

So, how can we team up? Well, I offer personalized 1:1 mentoring to help you grow your following, attract dreamboat clients, and skyrocket your cash flow. Tune in to my podcast, “Strut It: Bold Visibility Through Instagram Marketing,” where I dish out simple and effective social media strategies every week.

And if you’re looking to add some serious energy to your event, I’d love to join you as a keynote speaker, sharing my expertise and enthusiasm with your audience.

But here’s the real deal about me: I haven’t always been this dialed in or successful. I’m a serial Entrepreneur with a serious passion for business and personal growth. I’ve battled the hustle addiction and the allure of shiny objects, searching for fulfillment and chasing after the next big thing.

But things changed when I decided to focus my energy on one thing for an entire year: growing my Wedding Dance Coach business. Daily social media posts, lots of reels and short-form videos, and plenty of trial and error. And you know what happened? My following exploded, my email list filled up with ideal clients, and my revenue shot up by 84%!

Now, when you work with me, here’s what you can expect:

VISIBILITY: Say goodbye to hiding in the shadows. I’ll show you how to step into the spotlight on social media with confidence and authenticity.
HONESTY: I’ll give it to you straight. No sugar coating, just honest feedback on what’s working and what’s not.
AUDACITY: It’s time to take up space and own your brilliance online. I’ll help you break through those pesky imposter syndrome barriers and show the world what you’re made of.

Sound familiar? If you’re nodding along to any of these struggles, you’re not alone. But fear not, because I’ve been where you are now and I can help you discover how to get SEEN and PAID on Instagram.

So whether you’re craving more visibility, struggling to keep up with the ever-changing social media landscape, or sitting on a goldmine of content with no idea how to use it, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s kickstart your Instagram journey together — Let’s GROOOW!

How did you build your audience on social media?

Here’s how I built my audience on social media and my top 5 tips for those just starting to build their social media presence.

Three years ago, I found myself stuck with my Instagram business accounts. My dance studio’s account was stagnant at 650 followers for years, and I began questioning the value of social media in my already busy life as a CEO and entrepreneur. Fast forward to today, and the story has dramatically changed. My studio’s followers skyrocketed from 650 to over 55,000 on Instagram and nearly 40,000 on TikTok, while my personal brand boasts 33,000 followers. This exponential growth occurred primarily within a 12-month period. Now, let’s delve into the strategies that propelled this growth and can do the same for you.

First and foremost, consistency is key. Showing up regularly builds the know, like, and trust factor, positioning you as an expert in your field. Just like in any relationship, consistency fosters trust and reliability, which are essential for attracting and retaining followers.

Next up, leverage the power of reels. These short-form videos are Instagram’s golden ticket for attracting new followers. Reels are not only pushed out to your existing followers but also to potential ones who may not yet follow you. Crafting engaging reels that speak directly to your ideal client can drive significant growth and engagement.

Authenticity is another vital ingredient for success on social media. While the term might feel overused, being genuine and injecting your personality into your content is what sets you apart. People connect with people, so don’t be afraid to showcase your unique personality and quirks. It’s what makes you relatable and memorable.

Specialization is crucial. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focus on a niche and go deep. Narrowing your content’s focus helps attract a more engaged audience who resonates deeply with your message. For example, I pivoted my content to focus solely on dance videos, aligning with my role as a dance studio CEO. This targeted approach led to exponential growth in my following.

Finally, provide real value to your followers. Shift your mindset from selling to serving. Understand your audience’s pain points and struggles, and create content that addresses these directly. Whether it’s through informative posts, helpful tips, or inspiring stories, aim to genuinely enrich your followers’ lives. By giving freely and generously, you’ll not only build trust but also position yourself as an authority in your niche.

By implementing these five strategies—consistency, leveraging reels, authenticity, specialization, and providing real value—you can kickstart your journey to growing a thriving social media presence. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a robust online community. Stay committed, stay authentic, and watch your following flourish.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Absolutely! So, the real magic behind growing my clientele boils down to a mix of strategies that just click together like puzzle pieces. First up, nailing the SEO game has been a game-changer. Being right there on the first page of Google makes it super easy for folks to stumble upon my business when they’re on the hunt for what I offer.

Then there’s the good ol’ word of mouth. You know, when happy clients can’t help but shout about their awesome experience with me to everyone they know? That kind of genuine recommendation is pure gold in building trust.

Oh, and let’s not forget about social proof! Those sparkling 5-star reviews from past clients? They’re like virtual high-fives that tell the world, “Hey, this gal delivers the goods!”

But here’s where the real fun kicks in—social media, especially Instagram. It’s like having a direct line to my dream clients. I get to show off what I do in a way that’s not just visually stunning but also super engaging. And get this, a whopping 30% of my sales last year came straight from Instagram. Talk about a game-changer!

So, when you blend all these elements—rock-solid SEO, word of mouth magic, glowing reviews, and the power of social media—it’s like the perfect recipe for growing a clientele that’s as diverse as it is awesome.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elizabethmarberry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethmarberry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.marberry1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-marberry/

Image Credits
Diana Coulter Photography: https://dianacoulter.com/