Clients Ask: Why is Buying Followers a Bad Idea (and What to Do Instead)?

Clients ask us all the time: "How can I get more followers—fast?"

Small businesses and any one new to social media want those vanity numbers and believe a high follower count equals credibility and success. We get it. The pressure to grow quickly is real, and it can be frustrating when organic growth feels slow. That’s why many small business owners are tempted to take a shortcut and buy followers.

If you’ve ever considered purchasing followers, you’re not alone. But before you click “buy,” let’s set the record straight. Purchasing followers might boost your numbers, but it won’t grow your business. In fact, it can actually hurt your brand. Here’s why it’s a mistake—and what you should do instead to attract a real, engaged audience that actually converts…

The Problem with Buying Followers

At first glance, buying followers might seem like a quick way to boost your business’s presence. After all, a higher follower count must mean more credibility, right? Not exactly. Here’s why:  

1. Fake or Inactive Accounts

Most purchased followers are bots or inactive accounts. They won’t engage with your content, meaning your likes, comments, and shares won’t increase—just your number of followers.   

2. Lower Engagement Rates

Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes engagement. If you have thousands of followers but very few interactions, your content is less likely to be shown to real people.  

3. Potential Penalties

Instagram actively removes fake accounts and can penalize accounts that engage in inauthentic growth, meaning you could lose those followers just as quickly as you gained them.  

4. No Real Business Value

If your goal is to attract small business owners or entrepreneurs who might actually work with you, buying followers won’t help. A fake audience won’t book your services or recommend you to others.  

What to Do Instead: Authentic Strategies for Growth 

If you want real small business owners and entrepreneurs to follow you, the best approach is organic growth. Here’s how:  

1. Engage with Your Ideal Audience

Find and interact with small business owners by commenting on their posts, replying to their stories, and sending meaningful DMs. Authentic engagement fosters real connections and increases the chances of them following you back.  

2. Use Strategic Hashtags and Instagram SEO

Hashtags like #SmallBusinessMarketing, #EntrepreneurLife, and #SocialMediaTips can help business owners discover your content. Also, optimize your bio with keywords related to social media consulting so your profile appears in search results.  

3. Collaborate and Network

Partner with business coaches, industry leaders, or fellow entrepreneurs for live sessions, shoutouts, or collaborations. Cross-promotions introduce you to new, relevant audiences.  

4. Run Targeted Instagram Ads

Instead of buying followers, invest in Instagram ads that target business owners based on their interests and behaviors. This way, you attract the right audience—people who might actually become clients.  

5. Share Value-Driven Content

Consistently post high-quality content that provides real value. Share social media tips, success stories, and actionable advice that helps small business owners grow. The more valuable your content, the more likely people will follow and engage.  

The Bottom Line

A large follower count might look impressive, but if those followers aren’t real or engaged, it won’t benefit your business. Instead of wasting money on fake numbers, focus on building a community of real entrepreneurs who are genuinely interested in what you offer. Authenticity always wins in the long run.  

Are you looking for a strategy to grow your Instagram the right way? Let’s talk! Take Flight specializes in helping small businesses build a loyal, engaged audience—no shortcuts needed.  

Spring Clean Your Social Media: 4 Things You Can Do Right Now

Spring is finally here! Just like opening the windows and adding fresh flowers can brighten up your space, a little digital decluttering can breathe new life into your social media presence. A refreshed, well-maintained social media strategy helps your brand stay relevant, engaging, and effective.

Here are four quick things small business owners can do today to spring clean your social media presence:

1. Refresh Your Profile & Bio

Your social media profiles are often the first impression potential customers get—are yours up to date? Take a few minutes to:
✔️ Update your profile picture and cover photo if they’re outdated.
✔️ Ensure your bio reflects your current business offerings and brand voice.
✔️ Double-check contact information, website links, and business hours.

A fresh, polished profile is like adding a vase of bright flowers to your home—it instantly feels more inviting!

2. Audit Your Content & Remove Clutter

Over time, social media accounts can accumulate outdated posts, irrelevant content, or things that no longer align with your brand. Scroll through your past posts and:
✔️ Archive or delete old promotions, expired offers, or posts that didn’t perform well.
✔️ Identify what types of content your audience engages with most and adjust your strategy accordingly.
✔️ Ensure your messaging, visuals, and tone stay consistent across all platforms.

Think of this as trimming away wilted petals so only your best, most engaging content remains!

3. Reevaluate Your Hashtags & Keywords

Social media trends and search algorithms evolve constantly, so the hashtags and keywords that worked last year may not be as effective now.
✔️ Research current industry hashtags and swap out ones that aren’t generating engagement.
✔️ Optimize captions with updated keywords to improve searchability.
✔️ Test new hashtags and track which ones drive the most visibility.

This simple update ensures your content is reaching the right audience, just like placing fresh flowers in the perfect sunny spot helps them flourish!

4. Reignite Engagement & Community Growth

A clean and refreshed profile is great, but social media is about connection. Take time to:
✔️ Respond to unanswered comments and DMs.
✔️ Follow and engage with new accounts relevant to your business.
✔️ Encourage interaction with fresh polls, questions, or giveaways.

Building relationships online is like nurturing a garden—consistent care leads to long-term growth!

Need Help Getting Started?

Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin? That’s where we come in! Take Flight can help you refine your strategy, refresh your content, and create a stronger online presence. Reach out today, and let’s get your social media in full bloom!

Valentine’s Day & Social Media: A Love Story You Can’t Ignore

Hello, small business owners—let’s talk about a love affair that’s blossomed over the years: your relationship with social media.

Now, before you roll your eyes and cringe… it might be time to examine this important connection.

Sure, it’s been a rollercoaster ride of likes, shares, and maybe the occasional algorithm heartbreak. But today, let’s celebrate the good side of this digital romance!

Here’s the truth: social media is that partner who shows up for you, 24/7. It’s the cupid of your business world, connecting you with clients, spreading the love of your brand, and helping you build a loyal community—all while wearing a hoodie and listening to your favorite Spotify playlist. Now that’s true commitment.

You’ve heard it before, but let’s say it again: social media isn’t just for influencers or major corporations. Nope. It’s your stage. Whether you’re running a cozy coffee shop, an Etsy shop, or a local fitness studio, social media is the matchmaker that helps potential clients fall head over heels for what you do.

Think of it this way: Every post you create is a love letter to your audience. And it’s not just about saying, “Hey, I exist!” It’s about showcasing what makes you and your small business special, whether it’s the quirky details of your brand, the personal touch you offer, or the way you make people feel seen and heard.

Of course, like any relationship, social media isn’t all sunshine and roses. There are moments of frustration—when the algorithm feels more foe than friend—or times when you find yourself in a back-and-forth of trial and error, trying to find what resonates with your audience. It’s a dance of compromise and adaptation, but those tough moments often lead to breakthroughs that strengthen the connection.

Social media can be overwhelming. But guess what? Like any great relationship, a little patience and consistency can go a long way. The more you nurture your online presence, the more your community will grow—and your heart will grow fonder.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s give social media a little shout-out. It's been loyal, supportive, and oh-so-passionate about helping your business thrive. Ready to take your relationship with social media to the next level? Take Flight is here with all the tips, tricks, and strategies to keep the love alive.

Let’s make this the best Valentine’s Day for your business!

Adapting to the Meta Exodus: What Small Business Owners Need to Know

The political landscape often impacts our daily lives, and social media is no exception. With the recent election of a new president, a growing trend has emerged: many users are nervous about potential policy changes or data privacy concerns and are deleting their Meta profiles, including Facebook and Instagram. As a small business owner, this shift may feel like a threat to your marketing strategy. But fear not—there are steps you can take to adapt.  

Why Are Users Leaving?  

Changes in leadership can create uncertainty about how tech platforms might be regulated or how personal data could be used. Some individuals are choosing to leave Meta-owned platforms altogether, either to protect their privacy or as a form of protest. Regardless of the reason, this shift could result in a smaller pool of potential customers on these platforms.  

What Does This Mean for Your Business?  

If Meta platforms are a significant part of your social media strategy, fewer active users may mean lower reach and engagement. However, this doesn’t mean abandoning social media altogether—it’s about diversifying your presence and engaging where your audience feels most comfortable.  

Alternatives and Advice for Small Business Owners  

1. Expand to Other Platforms

Explore platforms like LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok (for now), or X, formerly known as Twitter. Each offers unique opportunities to connect with your audience. For example, LinkedIn is ideal for B2B connections, while TikTok appeals to younger audiences.  

Beyond the more well known social media platforms (LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, and Twitter), consider exploring emerging platforms with untapped potential. Mastodon, for instance, is ideal for niche communities, while BeReal focuses on real-time, authentic engagement. Nextdoor connects you directly with local audiences, and Reddit’s subreddits are perfect for targeted outreach. Hive Social and similar platforms combine popular features from major networks but appeal to fresh audiences.

Diversifying to these smaller platforms allows you to build meaningful connections with engaged audiences before they become mainstream.

2. Leverage Email Marketing

Social media is valuable, but it’s no substitute for owning your audience. Build and nurture an email list to maintain direct communication, even if users leave social platforms.  

3. Focus on Community Engagement

Use your website or blog to create engaging content that drives traffic. Consider starting a newsletter or private forum to foster a loyal customer base outside of social media.

4. Double Down on SEO

If social platforms become less predictable, strong SEO ensures your business is discoverable on search engines. Update your website regularly with fresh, optimized content.  

5. Communicate Transparently

Reassure your audience that their privacy and trust matter. If your business relies on Meta advertising, explain how you protect their data. Transparency builds loyalty.  

While political shifts can create uncertainty, they also present an opportunity to revisit your strategy. By diversifying your marketing efforts, you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure your business continues to thrive in any environment.

Don’t let shifting social media landscapes derail your business strategy. At Take Flight, we specialize in helping small businesses adapt and thrive, no matter the platform changes. From diversifying your presence to creating a robust content strategy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to future-proof your social media efforts? Let’s chat! Contact us today and take the first step toward a stronger, more resilient online presence.