The Brandakin Blog

Social media tips, insights and how-tos from Emily Avdem Nelson.

Why Strategic Social Media Content Converts Better Than Posting More Often content social media growth social media marketing social media tips

Not all content is created equal and the results prove it.

In just 60 days, one Brandakin client generated seven qualified leads through Facebook Messenger and phone calls. No viral moments. No guess...

A motivational graphic that highlights the shift away from vanity metrics on social media. The message emphasizes focusing on real strategy, behind-the-scenes conversations, and content clarity instead of chasing likes or follower counts. Branded in Brandakin style with warm tones and thoughtful design.

Why Likes Do Not Equal Sales and What Actually Moves Your Business Forward social media social media strategy social media tips

You will not find me obsessing over likes.
Not for myself.
Not for my clients.

Because at the end of the day, a like does not automatically mean buyer.

It is easy to get caught up in surface level met...

A smiling woman with blonde hair and a rust-colored sweater sits on a gray couch, smiling at her golden retriever. The graphic reads “Rules for 2026” with a list: rest without guilt, trust my instincts, get out of my comfort zone, take some leaps. Text and visual branding match Brandakin Social Media.

My Rules for 2026 and Why I’m Letting Go of Overworking to Succeed entrepenuers small business small business mindset

If you have ever felt like you had to overwork, overthink, or over explain just to succeed, this one is for you.

For a long time, I believed success had to feel exhausting. Like if I was not constant...

Neutral graphic with pink text that says: “I picked a word for 2026 that demands more from me. (To be honest, it scares me a little.)” Represents a personal reflection and blog post about choosing a powerful word of the year.

My Word for 2026 Is Sovereign and Here’s Why It Matters for Growth and Confidence entrepenuers small business small business mindset small business owners

Every year, I choose a word to guide how I show up in my life and business.

Not because it sounds nice.
Not because I need motivation.
But because it reflects what I need to step into.

My word for 2...

Woman in soft pink blazer sits at a desk smiling confidently with a pen in hand and laptop open. Text overlay reads: “What Most Social Media Gurus Won’t Tell You About Visibility (But I Will)” — Brandakin Social Media blog banner.

Why Visibility Alone Is Not Growing Your Business on Social Media business growth tips social media tips social media troubleshooting

Everyone is obsessed with getting seen right now.

More eyeballs.
More reach.
More exposure.

But here’s what most people will not tell you. Visibility alone does not grow your business. It simply fi...

Pink and purple graphic with bold text that says “Don’t start 2026 without these 10 scroll stopping hooks,” styled in playful fonts and Brandakin’s signature retro branding.

10 Instagram Hook Formulas to Boost Engagement, Reach, and Conversions in 2026 engagement hooks instagram

Most content falls flat for one simple reason.

It opens too soft.
It speaks too broadly.
It does not give people a reason to keep reading.

Your hook is the front door to your business. If the door i...

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Why Content Structure (Not Just Strategy) Will Make or Break Your Growth in 2026 content content creation content ideas

Why Content Structure (Not Just Strategy) Will Make or Break Your Growth in 2026

Most people think success is just about finding the right formula.

Post this. Say that. Hop on a trend. Repeat.

Bu...

3D bar graph and emoji graphics representing social media growth with text that reads: "The Ugly Truth About Chasing Social Media Virality and What To Do Instead" — blog post by Brandakin Social Media about sustainable content strategy.

The Ugly Truth About Chasing Social Media Virality and What to Do Instead social media strategy social media tips social media troubleshooting

Constantly chasing that viral moment? It’s exhausting, isn’t it? 😅
And to be honest… it usually doesn’t feel that great.

You know what does feel great?

✨ Creating a genuinely connected and engaged...

How to Use Instagram’s Text Carousel Feature to Boost Engagement (Without Doing More) instagram instagramforbusiness instagramgrowth instagramtips

Let’s talk about one of Instagram’s easiest (and most effective) features right now, text carousels.

I’ve tried them out multiple times, and the results speak for themselves: better views than som...

How to Make Your Social Media Caption an Engagement Magnet captions content creation engagement social media engagement

Captions are often the most underused part of social media. 👀
And I get it, with reels taking center stage lately, it’s easy to forget the power of a strong caption.

But here’s the truth:
Your capti...

Text-based blog banner for Brandakin Social Media with pastel argyle and floral background that reads: “The #1 Thing You’re Forgetting on Social Media (That’s Costing You Clients)”

The #1 Thing You’re Forgetting on Social Media (That’s Costing You Clients) social media social media tips social media troubleshooting

There’s one thing I see way too many business owners skip on Instagram… and it could be costing you more than you think.

👉🏼 Not replying to comments.

Yep. That one simple habit could be the rea...

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5 Things I'd Do Immediately to Sign Clients Through Social Media social media social media strategy social media tips

Let’s be honest, when your business needs sales now, there’s a totally different kind of urgency.

And trust me, I’ve been there.

Over the past three months, I’ve been in hustle mode and the resu...

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