question marks.

The 3 Questions That Make Every Piece of Content More Intentional

When most people think about creating content, they think about batching captions, choosing photos, or following trends. But the truth is, content isn’t powerful because it’s pretty. It’s powerful because it’s intentional.

Inside Like It Marketing, I’ve learned that the most impactful content isn’t created from pressure or panic. It’s created from a place of clarity, purpose, and peace. And that clarity starts long before I ever open Canva or write a single word.

Before I design a graphic or write a caption for a client, I pause and ask three questions.
These questions shape everything: the strategy, the tone, and ultimately, the results.

They’re simple. They’re practical. And they change the entire experience of content creation.

Today, I’m sharing them with you.

1. What’s the Goal? (Clarity Creates Confidence)

Every single piece of content should have a clear, defined purpose. If you don’t know why you’re creating something, your audience won’t know what to do with it.

Here are the most common goals I help my clients choose from:

  • Build brand awareness

  • Grow trust and connection

  • Invite engagement

  • Drive discovery calls

  • Send traffic to a website, service page, or email list

  • Share a story or value-aligned moment

Notice what’s missing?
“Post because I have to.”

That’s where burnout, confusion, and inconsistency start.

When you anchor every piece of content to a clear goal, you shift from “posting to post” to “posting with purpose.”
The tone becomes more precise.
The call-to-action becomes clearer.
And your audience knows exactly what they’re being invited into.

Clarity is the foundation of premium marketing.
Without it, even the prettiest graphics fall flat.

If you want help defining the goals behind your marketing, explore my social media management services.

2. How Does This Add Value? (Serve Before You Sell)

If I could teach every business owner one thing, it would be this:
Content that doesn’t add value doesn’t create impact.

Value doesn’t have to be complicated.
It doesn’t have to be a novel or a 10-slide carousel. It just needs to serve your audience in one of three ways:

✨ Value Type 1: Inspire

Your story.
Your faith.
Your resilience.
Your perspective.
People are inspired by where you’ve been and who you’re becoming.

✨ Value Type 2: Inform

Teach them something.
Guide them through a decision.
Give them clarity they didn’t have before.

✨ Value Type 3: Entertain

Joy.
Storytelling.
Personality.
Content that makes your audience smile or breathe deeper builds real connection.

Before I create anything, I ask myself:
Is this actually serving my audience, or is it just filling the feed?

Because your audience doesn’t need more noise.
They need nourishment.

And when value leads the way, your content becomes a ministry (not just a marketing tool).

Here’s how value-focused strategy has transformed my clients’ content.

3. What’s the Best Format for This Message? (Form Follows Function)

This is where so many businesses unintentionally sabotage their own strategy.

Even the best idea can fall flat if it’s delivered in the wrong format.

Some messages need to be Reels because they require emotion, movement, tone, or voice. Others need the space of a carousel to break down a concept. And some of the most impactful posts are simple, heartfelt photos with long, honest captions.

Before I choose a format, I ask:
How will this be most clearly received?

Because the goal is never just to get attention.
The goal is to help your audience absorb the message.

Here’s how I typically choose formats:

Reels

  • Personal stories

  • Encouragement

  • Mini-teachings or voiceovers

  • Behind-the-scenes

Carousels

  • Frameworks

  • Step-by-step guidance

  • Strategy breakdowns

  • Before-and-after work

Static Photos

  • Faith reflections

  • Emotional storytelling

  • Lifestyle visuals that make people feel something

When the format supports the message, content resonates deeper and more naturally.

Why These Three Questions Change Everything

When you start with intention, your content stops feeling rushed and starts feeling rooted.
You show up with more peace.
Your audience feels more connected.
Your message lands with more impact.

You stop creating from anxiety.
You start creating from alignment.

And most importantly: your content begins to reflect who you are, not who the algorithm is shouting at you to be.

Inside Like It Marketing, this is exactly what I help my clients do:
Create content that doesn’t just look beautiful…
it works beautifully.

Because when you lead with clarity, value, and purpose — your marketing becomes more than posts.
It becomes a reflection of your mission, your faith, and the people you’re called to serve.

A Final Word (From One Heart-Led Founder to Another)

If you’ve been feeling pressure to “keep up,” slow down for a moment.
Pause.
Breathe.
And ask yourself these three questions before your next post.

Let your content come from peace, not panic.
From purpose, not performance.

Marketing gets lighter when you let intention lead the way.

And if you’re ready for content that feels aligned, strategic, faith-led, and effective —
that’s exactly what I help my clients build.

Learn more about how we can work together.

Full-Service Marketing: The Key to Growing Your Business in 2025

Introduction

We’re thrilled to announce that Like It Marketing has evolved from a social media agency into a full-service marketing agency! What does this mean for you? It means we now offer a wider range of services to help your business grow strategically and efficiently.

In addition to social media management, you can now take advantage of email marketing, Meta ads management, LinkedIn outreach, and a variety of project-based services like graphic design support and one-off strategy sessions.

To make this even more seamless, I partner with trusted experts, like John, who brings additional expertise in website design, branding, SEO, and Google Ads. Together, we create cohesive, strategic campaigns that save you time and keep your marketing consistent. I can even be your single point of contact, so you don’t have to juggle multiple vendors—everything stays simple and stress-free.

Here’s why full-service marketing is the key to growing your business in 2025 and beyond.

1. Everything Works Together

Managing multiple contractors for different marketing services can be overwhelming. Separate meetings, multiple points of contact, and inconsistent strategies add stress to your already busy schedule.

Working with a full-service agency—and trusted partners like John—means fewer meetings, one cohesive strategy, and a team that truly knows your business. Over time, this familiarity builds trust and peace of mind, so you can focus on running your business while we handle the marketing details.

Check out HubSpot on integrated marketing strategies

2. Save Time & Headspace

Managing multiple contractors can feel overwhelming—different points of contact, separate meetings, and inconsistent results.

By working with a single full-service agency, you reduce the number of touchpoints and meetings, develop stronger working relationships, and gain peace of mind knowing all aspects of your marketing are handled by a team that understands your brand and goals.

Learn more about our new packages here

3. Long-Term Growth Mindset

Relying on only one marketing service can limit your business’s potential. While a single platform may offer some results, integrating multiple marketing streams is what truly scales your business and builds your legacy.

You can start small—perhaps with social media or email marketing—and gradually add services like paid ads and LinkedIn outreach. This strategy ensures your business is set up for long-term success while allowing you to grow at your own pace.

4. Expertise That Complements Your Business

One of the biggest benefits of full-service marketing is access to expertise that complements your business goals. For example, while I focus on social media, email, and outreach, John specializes in web design, branding, SEO, and paid search campaigns.

Together, we ensure your marketing strategy is well-rounded, effective, and aligned across all platforms, giving you the confidence that every campaign is working toward the same goal.

Conclusion

You’ve worked hard to build your business, and now it’s time to make your marketing work just as hard for you. By partnering with a full-service agency like Like It Marketing—and leveraging trusted experts—you get strategic, cohesive, and powerful marketing that saves time, reduces stress, and drives growth.

We’d love to help you share your story, reach your audience, and take your business to the next level. Contact us today to see how full-service marketing can transform your strategy.

group of people's hands holding their cell phones.

How to Grow Your Audience Organically in 2025

group of people's hands holding their cell phones.

As a service-based business owner in Polk County, you’ve probably wondered how to grow your audience organically without paying for ads. The good news? It’s absolutely possible—and it’s often more sustainable in the long run. In this blog, I’ll share actionable tips that have helped my clients increase engagement, reach, and meaningful connections with their ideal audience.

1. Know Your Audience Deeply

Before you post anything, it’s crucial to understand who you’re trying to reach. What are their pain points, goals, and interests? When you create content that speaks directly to them, your engagement naturally increases.

Action Step: Make a simple list of your audience’s top 3 challenges and brainstorm 3 ways your business can provide solutions.

2. Focus on Relationship-Building Content

Growing your audience organically is about more than likes and shares—it’s about building trust. Share stories, behind-the-scenes content, and insights that make your brand feel human and relatable.

Example: I recently shared the journey of one of my clients who launched a new social media campaign. By focusing on storytelling, we exceeded the industry standard for engagement in just one month.

3. Engage Consistently

Posting consistently matters—but engagement is key. Respond to comments, interact with other accounts in your industry, and make your followers feel seen.

Action Step: Dedicate 15–20 minutes daily to reply to comments and like or comment on related accounts’ posts.

4. Leverage Educational Content

Teach your audience something valuable. This positions your brand as an authority and encourages followers to share your content, expanding your reach.

Example: A mini-tutorial on social media marketing tips, landscaping care, or countertop selection can bring huge organic growth when done thoughtfully.

5. Track, Test, and Adjust

Organic growth isn’t static. Pay attention to what content performs best and adjust your strategy accordingly. Tools like Instagram Insights, Facebook Analytics, and even simple spreadsheets can help track growth trends.

Tip: Celebrate small wins! Every comment, share, and message is a step toward building a loyal audience.

Conclusion

When you commit to understanding your audience, posting consistently, and focusing on meaningful engagement, you’ll see organic growth in 2025—and beyond. Growing your audience organically isn’t always the fastest path, but it’s the most sustainable, faith-centered approach to building a business that lasts. 💛

Learn more about Like It Marketing here!

Owner of Like It Marketing - Tonya - playing DISC golf, showing how taking time off from work is important for business owners.

The Power of Taking Time Off as a Business Owner

Owner of Like It Marketing - Tonya - playing DISC golf, showing how taking time off from work is important for business owners.

Hey there,

As business owners, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have to be “on” all the time. The emails, the meetings, the constant hustle—it’s easy to get caught up in the grind. But here’s the truth: taking time off isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity.

I recently returned from a staycation, and it was the best decision I made. While I took time to recharge, I also found myself in the zone with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and even landed a new client. Yes, it’s possible to relax and still make things happen!

Why Taking Time Off Is Important for Business Owners

1. Rest Recharges Your Creative Energy

When you take a step back, you create space for creativity. Often, we get stuck in the day-to-day grind and forget to give our brains the room they need to come up with fresh ideas. During my staycation, I was able to reflect on my business and get creative. Taking time away allowed me to come up with new strategies and solidify my goals for the future.

2. Systems Make It Possible to Step Away

Business systems are your best friend when it comes to taking time off. Whether it’s scheduling tools like Publer or project management tools like Asana, these tools help you stay organized and ensure that important tasks don’t fall through the cracks while you’re taking time for yourself. The key is setting up systems that allow your business to run without you micromanaging every detail.

For example, during my staycation, I had my project management system ready to go, and I was able to continue working on proposals and scheduling meetings even while enjoying some time off. This gave me the peace of mind to disconnect fully when I needed to recharge.

3. Taking a Break Helps You Focus on Your Why

Being away from the hustle for a bit allows you to reconnect with your purpose. Why did you start your business in the first place? What are you truly passionate about? This time away from the grind reminds you of what truly matters and helps you refocus on your goals.

When I came back from my staycation, I felt energized and aligned with the mission of Like It Marketing, ready to take on new challenges and opportunities.

4. Your Business Can Thrive Even When You’re Resting

Here’s the exciting part: Taking time off doesn’t mean your business will fall apart. In fact, it can thrive. As long as you’ve put the right systems in place, your business can run smoothly even when you step back. In fact, stepping back might just be the key to moving forward.

When you give yourself space, you give your business room to breathe, grow, and evolve. It’s like pruning a tree to help it grow stronger. So, don’t feel guilty about taking that much-needed rest. Your business will thank you for it.

A Little Tip:

One tool that really helps me keep everything organized while I’m away is Asana. It lets me keep track of client needs, deadlines, and tasks without having to constantly check in. Setting up systems like this has been a game-changer for balancing work and life.

Taking time off doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. It means you’re preparing for a stronger, more creative comeback. So, the next time you feel like you need to take a break, do it. Your business will be better for it.

Until next time, remember: balance is everything.

Love and hugs,
Tonya

Learn more about Like It Marketing here!

vector image of like it marketing's founder, tonya, at the beach...peaceful image..reflective...

The Slow Season Might Be a Gift (If You Let It)

vector image of like it marketing's founder, tonya, at the beach...peaceful image..reflective...

The slow season in business doesn’t have to feel like a setback. It might just be the pause you didn’t know you needed.

You don’t have to be going a thousand miles an hour to be making progress.

What Slowing Down Taught Me

This month, I started craving slow. I found myself reading books again, watching the rain, and getting inspired by creators who romanticize everyday life. 💫 (One of my faves? Darling Desi on YouTube.)

At first, I thought I was just tired. But then I realized: I wasn’t burnt out. I was misaligned.

As business owners, we often tie our worth to output. To numbers. To back-to-back tasks and accomplishments. But what if the breakthrough comes in the breathing room?

Joy is Productive

The slow season in business has reminded me that joy is fuel. That peace is productive. That clarity comes when you stop chasing and start listening.

Lately, I’ve been getting back to the things that light me up—like Zumba. After years away, it feels awkward and silly and so good for my mental and physical health. I laugh, I sweat, and I leave feeling more like myself. Turns out, joy doesn’t just make you feel better—it makes you work better.

Final Thoughts

This is a lesson I wish more entrepreneurs would embrace: not every month needs to break records. Some months are for regrouping, revisiting your goals, and finding your next best step.

So if you’re in a slower season right now—don’t panic. Take the walk. Make the lemon cake. Read the book.

You are still moving forward.

And when you’re ready to pick up speed again, do it with vision and intention.

Like It Marketing is currently booking for August and beyond. If you need help bringing peace, clarity, and purpose to your social media presence—I’m your girl.

Explore my services here.

founder in front of desktop computer.

Is Your Social Media Sending the Right Message?

If someone landed on your social media profile today, would they know what you do—and who you do it for?

Most business owners are too close to their own brand to answer this clearly. That’s where a good audit comes in. → Check out how we help business owners elevate their online presence.

founder in front of desktop computer.

As a social media marketer, I audit client profiles regularly. And I notice the same patterns: rushed bios, mismatched branding, lack of consistency, and unused features like story highlights and cover photos.

The good news? These are all fixable.

Here’s a mini audit you can do in under 10 minutes:

  • Bio/About Section: Is it clear, keyword-rich, and client-focused? (Or just cute and vague?)
  • Profile Picture & Cover Photo: Are they clean, branded, and high quality?
  • Content Frequency: Are you showing up regularly or ghosting your audience
  • Content Variety: Are you educating, inspiring, selling, AND connecting?
  • Visual Cohesion: Are your colors, fonts, and vibe consistent across posts?

If you’re cringing reading this list—you’re not alone. We all start somewhere.

That’s why I’m offering a free Social Media Tune-Up for business owners through the end of July. I’ll personally take a look at your page and send back a few action-packed recommendations to help you improve.

DM me “TUNE-UP” on Instagram to claim yours!

Because your social media should tell your story—clearly, beautifully, and with confidence.

founder of like it marketing holding cell phone with laptop in front of her.

5 Signs Your Social Media Needs a Tune-Up (and What to Do About It)

founder of like it marketing holding cell phone with laptop in front of her.

If you’ve been posting consistently but not seeing results, it might be time for a social media tune-up.

Here are five signs your content strategy could use some love:

  1. You’re not getting engagement
    If your likes, comments, and shares are dropping, your audience might be disengaged. It could be your messaging, visuals, or timing—and a tune-up can help pinpoint the issue.
  2. You’re not getting leads or inquiries
    Content should convert. If your posts aren’t bringing in new business, something needs to shift in your call-to-actions, targeting, or offer clarity. (And while paid ads can help, you should still be seeing organic momentum, too.)
  3. Your brand feels inconsistent
    A clear brand voice, color palette, and vibe make your business recognizable. If your content feels all over the place, a cohesive refresh can work wonders.
  4. You’re stuck in a posting rut
    Reels, carousels, behind-the-scenes content—there are so many creative ways to connect with your audience. If you’re posting the same thing over and over, it’s time to explore new content pillars.
  5. You’re spending too much time with too little return
    If social media is draining your time and not delivering results, let’s fix that. A strategy should save you time and bring in leads.

That’s why I’m offering a FREE Social Media Tune-Up for small business owners this month. You’ll get an expert review of your current content and a few personalized recommendations to improve.

Interested? Let’s chat! Just fill out the contact form on my site or DM me @likeitmarketingllc.

Like this blog? Read next: Unleash the Power of Visuals: Elevate Your Brand on Social Media!

visuals are key in social media

Unleash the Power of Visuals: Elevate Your Brand on Social Media!

In the dynamic world of social media, where first impressions matter, a visually appealing brand presence is your ticket to success. Elevating your brand on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook requires more than just a basic understanding of design; it demands a strategic approach to create a lasting impact. Let’s delve into key elements that can transform your brand into a visual masterpiece and optimize your online presence.

1. Consistent Branding: Unify Colors, Fonts, and Logos

The foundation of a strong brand presence on social media lies in consistency. Unify your brand’s visual elements, including colors, fonts, and logos. This cohesiveness not only fosters brand recognition but also establishes a sense of professionalism. Consistent branding across platforms ensures that your audience easily identifies and connects with your brand, building trust and loyalty.

2. High-Quality Visuals: Opt for Clear and Vibrant Images

In a sea of content, high-quality visuals act as beacons, drawing attention and leaving a lasting impression. Invest time and resources in creating clear, vibrant images that reflect the essence of your brand. Whether you’re showcasing products, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, or crafting visually stunning content, prioritize quality. Sharp, eye-catching visuals not only capture attention but also convey a commitment to excellence.

3. Engaging Profile: Choose a Striking Cover Photo and Recognizable Profile Pic

Your social media profile is essentially the digital storefront of your brand. Make it inviting! Select a striking cover photo that encapsulates your brand’s personality and resonates with your target audience. Additionally, choose a recognizable profile picture that aligns with your brand identity. Humanizing your brand through a well-curated profile enhances relatability, making it easier for followers to connect with your story.

4. Strategic Elements: Mix it Up with Infographics and Behind-the-Scenes Shots

Diversify your content to keep your audience engaged. Beyond product photos, consider incorporating infographics to share valuable information in a visually appealing format. Showcasing behind-the-scenes shots provides a glimpse into your brand’s personality, fostering a sense of authenticity. By strategically blending various visual elements, you create a well-rounded and interesting feed that captures the attention of your audience.

Optimize Your Visuals for a Stunning Online Presence! 💫

As you embark on the journey to elevate your brand on social media, remember that visual appeal is a powerful tool. Optimize your visuals to tell a compelling story, build brand recognition, and foster a community of engaged followers. Consistency, quality, and strategic diversity are the keys to unlocking the full potential of your brand’s online presence.

Embrace the visual revolution, and watch your brand soar to new heights! ✨

Like this blog? Read next: Elevate your business with professional photography

tools and tech

5 favorite tools & tech to run my business

Recently I was asked about some of the tools and technology I use for my business, so I figured I’d share my top 5 favorites with you here. 🥰

#1: Task Management – Asana

As someone who lives off of checklists, I start each day using this task management tool. It allows me to organize my projects and check off each task (which brings me so much joy). The best part about it is it’s free!

#2: Google

Gosh, what don’t I use Google for? I love the calendar, the storage space, the option to create documents and spreadsheets… the list goes on. If you don’t use Google, how are you running your business? 

#3: Graphic design – Canva

As business owners, we have to be content creation machines – which is exactly why I recommend Canva to EVERYONE. It’s user-friendly with thousands of templates to create visuals for your business. Love, love, love Canva!

#4: Scheduling posts – Publer

Scheduling my posts for social media saves me SO much time + allows me to be present with my family during holidays, vacations, etc. Plus, Publer gives you content ideas and tells you all of the federal + special holidays. 

#5: Email marketing – MailChimp

Okay, I have to give a shoutout to MailChimp because I’ve been using it since the beginning and have had zero issues. I use the free version right now and it gets the job done. 

Final thoughts

What are your favorite tools/tech for your business? Send me an email and let me know what I’m missing out on: Tonya@LikeItMarketing.com

As always, thanks for reading my blog, y’all! 💙

Instagram Reels

The deal with Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels

So, you’re here because you want to know what’s the dealio with Instagram Reel-ios, am I right? 😜

For my friends less familiar with Reels, let me give you a quick description: Instagram has a feature on its app called Reels, similar to TikTok & Youtube Shorts, that allows you to create short videos with text, sound effects, trending audio, etc. 

Reels have quickly gained popularity points and we’re seeing many content creators create more and more over this past year. 

Stick with me and I’ll answer some questions you probably have about this booming trend! 

Do you think Reels are here to stay? 

Absolutely. All predictions point to video content being king over these next few years. With Reels, you can get golden information in seconds – feeding our need for instant gratification. 

Reels are fun, informative, and entertaining, which plays into some of the main reasons we use social media on a regular basis. 

So I wouldn’t hesitate to use Instagram Reels just because you fear it might go away in a few years. Even if the Reels feature goes away, video content will still be dominating the market, and creating these short videos will be great practice for what’s to come. 

What success have you had with Reels? 

To be honest, I was hesitant to take on Reels, but I have to admit it has been worth all of the hours it has taken to learn how they work.

The first Reel I ever posted reached over 3,000 people! That’s 3,000 pairs of eyes on my company; and that’s with very little effort involved. I have reached way more people using Reels compared to still image posts. 

I will continue using Reels as a tactic to boost my brand’s awareness.  

What tips would you give someone who is just getting started with Reels? 

Don’t let Reels overwhelm you! Start with the basics. Learn how to use video effects, record in the app, add text and music. Once you’ve got those basics down, move on to figuring out the timing of texts, fun transitions, adding your brand colors, logo, etc. 

Some helpful tools I use when creating Reels are my tripod and my hands-free remote for my phone that allows me to capture video by pressing a button.  

Before creating your video, write down your topic and main talking points, so you know what to discuss before hopping on camera. You can use an app like Teleprompter to help you remember your lines, if scripts are your thing. 

My last piece of advice is to go look at your competition’s Reels to get ideas of what they’re doing to reach their audience. Good luck! 

How can I best use Reels for my business?  

As I mentioned before, people watch Reels to be entertained and informed, so when you’re creating your Reels you want to keep this in mind.

Here’s some ideas to get you started:

  • Answer frequently asked questions
  • Tell your business journey (how it started, your struggles, your wins, your vision for its future, etc.)
  • Share case studies of how you helped your clients

Reels are another great way for you to build that know/like/trust factor that gets people to invest in your product or service, so make sure you’re creating them regularly.  

Final thoughts

Just have fun with it! When you’re having fun creating Reels, it shows. This is your opportunity to get creative and share what you have to offer to the world. 

Stop putting it off and instead, live by Nike’s motto: Just do it! 

As always, thanks for reading my blog, y’all! 💙

Like this blog? Read next: Elevate your business with professional photography

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