Day 7: Navigating Roadblocks+ Choosing the Right Platforms for My Brand

There’s a moment in every journey where you stand at a crossroads, confronted by a glittering array of options. Each path offers something shiny—promises of exponential growth, virality, or ease. Yet, behind every choice is a deeper question: Does this feel right for me?

Pinterest: A Roadblock in the Garden of Inspiration

Pinterest is often portrayed as the ultimate haven for creative entrepreneurs—a place where ideas bloom like wildflowers, and businesses find themselves inundated with eager customers. So, naturally, I thought it would be a wonderful addition to my strategy.

But here’s where the fantasy and reality clashed: Pinterest has a policy that requires your website to be at least nine months old to qualify for a merchant account. Now, I understand the logic behind it. They want to make sure merchants are established and, theoretically, trustworthy. But nine months? That’s an eternity in startup time.

And here’s the thing: rejection never feels good. When a platform tells you that your brand isn’t quite ready, it stings, even if the rule is arbitrary. But business, much like life, is about adaptation. Pinterest might be missing out on opportunities with emerging brands like mine—brands that are hungry, innovative, and eager to grow. And let’s be honest, if I find success on other platforms over the next nine months, will I really be back to knock on Pinterest’s door again? Probably not. Their loss.

TikTok: The Trend I’m Willing to Miss

Then there’s TikTok—home to viral dances, 10-second life hacks, and an endless loop of content designed to pull you in. I won’t lie, the allure was strong. I thought perhaps my brand could benefit from the waves of attention TikTok has been known to generate. So, I dipped a toe in the water.

It turns out that TikTok was less like a refreshing dive and more like getting swept into a riptide. Anxiety-inducing, addictive, and not exactly a place where I could nurture the kind of meaningful connection I want with my audience. The truth is, TikTok didn’t feel like love—it felt like noise. And since my brand is all about sharing the things I love, it didn’t take long for me to decide that this particular trend just isn’t for me.

Here’s the beauty of decision-making in business: it’s okay to say no. Especially when the platforms you choose shape not only your brand but your mental space. Sometimes, turning away from the glittering promise of virality is the healthiest decision you can make.

Where I’m Choosing to Build

Of course, I’m not giving up on social media entirely. Facebook and Instagram remain powerful tools for community-building, and both platforms feel like home in a way that TikTok never could. They’re where my audience comes to connect, to engage, and where I can share my passion in a way that feels real.

YouTube is another vital piece of the puzzle. It offers space for deeper dives, for storytelling that goes beyond the surface. And storytelling, after all, is where the magic happens.

And then there’s LinkedIn, which might not have the glamor of Instagram or the addictive scroll of TikTok, but it’s a powerhouse for networking and professional growth. It’s where real connections are made, and those are the connections I value most.

Finally, Google Ads and Medium provide essential tools for reaching new audiences. The former is all about precision—getting my message in front of the people actively searching for it. The latter gives me space to write, reflect, and connect with a thoughtful, engaged readership.

Beware the Siren Song of Easy Solutions

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one more thing that’s been popping up in my feed lately: the flood of "easy growth" advice. As I dive deeper into crafting a social media strategy that feels true to my brand, Instagram has decided to inundate me with people offering exponential growth if I just follow their magic formula.

“Just do these three things,” they say, and suddenly your followers will multiply. It's tempting, I'll admit. But here's the thing: shortcuts don’t always lead to the kind of success that lasts. Growth built on gimmicks isn’t the kind of foundation I want for my brand. Authenticity, connection, and creativity—that’s the slow, steady burn that will keep my business thriving in the long run.

Making Decisions with Intention

This journey isn’t without its challenges—roadblocks pop up, platforms don’t always play nice, and not everything will feel like the right fit. But every decision I make brings me closer to the brand I’m building—one that reflects not only my business goals but my personal values. Pinterest’s rules, TikTok’s frenzy, and Instagram’s quick fixes all serve as reminders that not every platform is the right stage for my story.

For now, I’ll keep leaning into the platforms that align with what I love. I’ll keep exploring, adapting, and evolving. And I’ll keep sharing what I learn with all of you along the way.

After all, that’s where the real magic lies—in the choices we make, the roadblocks we navigate, and the way we tell our stories.

 

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