Small Businesses, Focus Less on Social Media, and More on This
How to get noticed online as a small business
Let's be honest: social media is exhausting.
You pour hours into creating trendy reels, figuring out the perfect caption, chasing algorithms, and trying to go viral - all to maybe get a few likes, a handful of new followers, and… barely any sales.
And even when your content does land, you're only as good as your last post.
That's not a sustainable way to build a business.
So here's the hard truth I had to learn (and what I want you to know, too):
If you're a small business owner trying to grow online - you don't need more social media.
You need better strategy.
And that strategy starts with writing.
Long-form. Evergreen. Value-driven.
Let me explain.
The Real Secret to Getting Noticed Online (Without Going Viral)
We've been sold the idea that short-form video is king - but here's what no one tells you: attention from social media is fleeting.
Sure, a reel might blow up. But that traffic disappears as quickly as it came.
It's the digital equivalent of shouting in a noisy marketplace and hoping someone remembers you the next day.
Contrast that with long-form written content - think Medium articles, blog posts, or Vocal Media pieces - that can show up in search results for years. That's called evergreen content, and it doesn't rely on trends, dances, or the next TikTok audio.
It's stable. Searchable. Scalable.
And best of all? It doesn't burn you out.
The 33-Immersion Method: Build Authority Without Burnout
Here's a method that changed the game for me - and it's perfect for small business owners who want visibility without stress.
I call it the 33 Immersion Method.
The idea is simple: pick one core topic that your ideal client deeply cares about. Then, write 33 high-quality, in-depth pieces around that single topic. These could be how-to guides, case studies, lessons learned, FAQs, myth-busting posts - anything that solves a problem or adds value.
Let's say you sell natural skincare. Your 33 pieces could include:
"The Top 5 Ingredients to Avoid in Store-Bought Creams"
"How to Build a Skincare Routine Using Only 3 Products"
"What No One Tells You About Shea Butter"
"The Science Behind Why Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged"
Each article builds your topical authority - meaning Google and platforms like Medium start seeing you as a credible expert in that niche.
It also builds trust with your audience. When someone lands on one article and finds a goldmine of 32 others, they don't just read - they binge. That's how you turn readers into buyers, without ever dancing for the algorithm.
Why Medium & Vocal Media Beat Instagram for Long-Term Growth
Platforms like Medium and Vocal Media are underrated gems for small business owners.
They're built for readers, not scrollers.
The audience is already primed for long-form content.
The algorithms favor depth, not just dopamine.
And unlike Instagram, your content doesn't disappear in 24 hours.
You don't need a massive following to get traction. You just need value-packed content that solves real problems.
Start with one article a week. That's four articles a month. In less than nine months, you've got your 33.
That's your digital legacy.
Start Your Newsletter - Like, Yesterday
The final piece of the puzzle?
Own your audience.
That means stop relying solely on platforms you don't control.
You need a newsletter.
Your blog and long-form content bring people in, but your newsletter keeps them close.
Send weekly insights, stories, behind-the-scenes, product launches, or just useful advice.
Use it to build intimacy and trust - not just pitch.
Because one day, Instagram might glitch. Medium might change. But your email list? That's yours. Forever.
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Final Word: Less Noise, More Depth
As small business owners, we're not just fighting for attention - we're fighting to sustain our energy.
And burnout is not the badge of honor we've been taught to wear.
So here's your permission slip:
Post less.
Write more.
Pick one thing and go deep.
Use the 33 Immersion Method. Build your digital home on Medium or Vocal. Nurture your people with a newsletter.
And watch how quiet consistency turns into unstoppable momentum.
Want help building a digital business without burning out?
About the Creator
Edina Jackson-Yussif
I write about lifestyle, entrepreneurship and other things.
Writer for hire [email protected]
Entrepreneur
Software Developer + Machine Learning Specialist
Founder:
➡️Creator Vibes Club
➡️Article Flow Club


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