The Brandakin Blog

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

laughing face on purple background with text "What Hurts More Than a Breakup? Watching Your Post Get 50 Views😂"

What Hurts More Than a Breakup? Watching Your Post Get 50 Views😂 entrepenuers small business mindset small business owners

Forget a breakup.

Have you ever spent hours creating the perfect post, finally hit publish, checked back a few hours later... and it had 50 views, two likes, and one of them was your own?

Yeah.

Th...

Don’t Forget to Celebrate How Far You’ve Already Come entrepenuers small business mindset small business owners

As business owners, we're always looking ahead.

The next goal. The next client. The next launch. The next milestone.

And while ambition is a beautiful thing, it can also make us forget to appreciat...

When Growth Feels Quiet: Why 2025 Was a Clearing, Not a Collapse entrepenuers small business mindset small business owners

2025 Didn’t Make Sense While I Was In It

There were so many moments in 2025 where I found myself asking:

What is this all for?

Plans shifted.
Opportunities fizzled.
Some things grew but quietly.

F...

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...

Things I'm Letting Go in 2025 to Grow My Business in 2026 entrepenuers small business mindset small business owners

Kinda feels like my heart is right on my sleeve with this one 🥹

There are a few things that were hard to admit… but I truly believe awareness is the first step to growth. And I’m so ready for that...

Doing Business Differently Might Be Your Biggest Strength entrepenuers small business mindset small business owners

I’ve had to remind myself of this more times than I can count…

For years, I wrestled with the fact that I didn’t run my business the way everyone else seemed to. I don’t work traditional 9–5 hours....

A woman with blonde hair smiles while working at her home office desk, wearing a lavender sweater, seated at an iMac with colorful sticky notes and a coffee cup nearby. Text overlay reads: "Ask Emily: Home Office Productivity."

Ask Emily: Home Office Productivity entrepenuers small business small business owners

Working from home can feel like the dream, until distractions sneak in and productivity slips away. If you’ve ever sat down to work and thought, “Where do I even start?” you’re not alone!

After sever...

Illustration of a head with a chain and lock around it, surrounded by pastel flowers and the words “Is your mindset holding you back?”

Is Your Mindset Holding You Back? entrepenuers small business mindset small business owners

Mindset Check-In 🧠

Mindset is everything when it comes to growth, both in business and in life. And the truth is… we don’t always realize when our own thoughts are what’s holding us back.

So today...

A blonde woman wearing a soft pink sweater reads a book while sitting on the floor next to a bookcase filled with colorful books. A white shelf with more books is in the background. Overlaid text reads: “DAILY REMINDER: take breaks.

Daily Reminder: Take Breaks burnout tips entrepenuers small business mindset small business owners

Here’s your gentle reminder to take a break today.

This has honestly been one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since starting my own business. And to be totally transparent, I’m still working on i...

Track Your Progress entrepenuers small business mindset small business owners social media growth

An important reminder for you and your business: track your progress.

It’s so easy to feel like things aren’t moving fast enough, especially with social media. Maybe you’re thinking, “Is this even...

Illustration of a small shop with a pink and blue awning and hearts around it, on a maroon background with the words “show businesses some love.

Show Businesses Some Love small business small business marketing small business owners

How to Support Your Favorite Small Businesses on Social Media

Wondering how to support the small businesses you love without spending a dime? It’s easier than you think and those small actions on...

Free Social Media Content Ideas for May content creation may content calendar small business owners social media social media calendar

Looking for social media content ideas for May? You’re in the right place!

Here’s a little inspiration to help get your creative juices flowing, stay consistent, and post with purpose all month ...

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