Don’t Build Your Digital Empire on Rented Land This 2025: Lessons from Maria’s Social Media Misfortune

A few nights ago, Maria burst into my house, her face streaked with tears and anguish. “I’m finished!” she cried. Her words tumbled out like a broken faucet, “Who did I offend? My hard work has been wasted!”

Shocked, I tried to calm her and asked what happened. Silently, she handed me her phone, and there it was:

"Your account has been deactivated."

Maria, a thriving social media influencer known for promoting small businesses and running impactful ad campaigns, had just lost access to her primary platform. How could this happen to someone so accomplished?

This isn’t a dream. It’s a harsh reality many people face today.

The Risks of Building on Rented Land

Maria’s story is not unique. Many individuals and businesses rely on free platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or even free blogging sites like Blogger and WordPress to run their digital empires. While these platforms are convenient and affordable, they come with a massive caveat: you don’t own your content or presence.

"Facebook’s Updated Terms of Service (2020)"

On October 1, 2020, Facebook updated its terms with a seemingly small but impactful clause:

“We also can remove or restrict access to your content, services, or information if we determine that doing so is reasonably necessary to avoid or mitigate adverse legal or regulatory impacts to Facebook.”

What does this mean for users? Simply put, platforms can remove your content or ban your account if they see fit, often without warning or appeal.

Free Services Are a Trap

When you use free platforms, you’re essentially building your business on rented land. These companies retain ultimate control over your content and access. If they decide to shut down or change their policies, you could lose everything overnight—just like Maria.

Examples of such disruptions include:

Google+ Shutdown: In 2019, Google pulled the plug on Google+, leaving users scrambling to retrieve lost data.

Free Hosting Service Limitations: Many free web hosting platforms impose restrictions that stifle growth or suddenly shut down services.

Why You Should Invest in Premium Services

Building your digital presence on your own terms starts with ownership. Here’s why upgrading to premium services is crucial:

Control and Stability: Premium services give you complete control over your content and data. No more sudden deactivations or policy changes dictating your business.

Brand Credibility: Owning a custom domain and professional hosting enhances your brand’s credibility.

Improved Reach: Paid services often come with better SEO tools, analytics, and support, helping you expand your reach and grow your audience.

Long-Term Investment: While premium services may seem costly upfront, they save you from losing everything due to platform policies.

A Success Story: Linda Ikeji’s Leap of Faith

Take inspiration from Linda Ikeji, a renowned blogger who started on a free Blogspot platform. Despite her initial success, her reach and rankings were limited. Recognizing the need for control and growth, she switched to a premium domain and hosting service.

The results?

Her site traffic skyrocketed.

She earned more in one year than she did in her previous three years combined.

She expanded into other ventures like TV and social media platforms.

This transformation wouldn’t have been possible if she had remained on “rented land.”

Practical Steps to Secure Your Digital Future

Invest in Your Own Domain: Secure a custom domain name that aligns with your brand.

Purchase Reliable Hosting: Choose a reputable hosting service for stability and scalability.

Diversify Your Platforms: Don’t rely on a single platform. Build an email list, explore multiple social networks, and consider self-hosted websites.

Market Smartly: Invest in paid advertising and SEO to grow your audience sustainably.

Backup Your Content: Regularly back up all your digital assets to prevent data loss.

Don’t Be Like Maria

Maria’s story is a cautionary tale for anyone relying solely on free platforms. The digital world is evolving, and what’s free today may cost you dearly tomorrow.

Take control of your online presence today. Invest in premium services, secure your digital assets, and build a sustainable future for your brand.

Don’t wait for the rug to be pulled out from under you. Be proactive, and you’ll never have to face Maria’s heartbreak.