Can you have a profitable business if you quit social media? My guest today, Astrid Bracke, explains why it's possible and reflects on more than a year of marketing without any social media. We also discuss why she moved her email list to Substack and what she enjoys about creating community through her marketing. Make sure to follow Astrid's Substack and learn more at Astrid's Website ✏️ Get a short and simple copywriting tip in your inbox every Thursday when you join Notes from the Margin. Plus, you'll get chatty story-led emails sharing lessons from behind the scenes of marketing a small business. Sign up here. In this episode, we're talking about: How Astrid transitioned from a career in academia to building her businessThe way marketing has changed as Astrid's business has pivotedReflecting on more than a year of marketing without social mediaWhy building a community is a key pillar of Astrid's marketing strategyMoving to Substack: why Astrid moved to this blog/email hybrid platform and what she enjoys about itAstrid's top tips for reducing your time and reliance of social media (if it's not making you happy) Links to things mentioned in this episode: Why I left social media to build community around my business - Astrid Bracke Lessons from 6 months on Substack - Astrid Bracke One year later: reflections on 16 months without social media - Astrid BrackeBetter Words Substack - This is the Substack I write with my co-host, perfect if you want regular book recommendations! Astrid's hobby Substack: House Plant JournalAstrid's Substack: Female OwnedSubstack for small business owners - Astrid Bracke | small business mentoring Want to get me on your marketing team? There are a few ways we can work together to round out 2023. Power Hours: for tailored marketing advice and supportThe Copy Edit: for a thorough audit of your DIY copy, with re-writes you can add to your website straight away. Take a look inside an edit to see what's included.Custom copywriting: for fresh website wordsMonthly content: for consistent, story-led blogs and emails