Listen on Apple. Listen on Spotify. Listen on YouTube.

“If you feel like you have to post, don’t log in. Because you’re not putting out energy anyone wants to engage with.”

Let’s get real: running social media as a business owner or ambitious woman feels a lot like trying to work out while someone throws Goldfish crackers at you and yells “engagement matters!” from across the room. Add motherhood, a marriage, or literally any attempt at self-care into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for burnout with a side of ‘why am I even doing this?’

But here’s the truth bomb that Rachel Adams Lee dropped on the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast: You can grow a real, loyal audience on Instagram without selling your soul, faking perfection, or posting 17 reels a week. You just need the right system—and a lot less noise.

Here’s how this powerhouse mama of (soon-to-be) four built an audience of thousands while building a seven-figure business and a healthy marriage. Grab a snack, sis—we’re doing this together.

1. Ditch the Polished Posts (They’re Killing Your Reach)

Those perfectly branded podcast graphics? The ones with your headshot, cute fonts, and beige-pink color scheme? Instagram sees those and screams “AD!” Then it shoves them straight into algorithm purgatory.

Instead, Rachel’s advice? Get real. Post your face. Your messy bun. Your kid’s toy in the corner of the frame. Show up like you would on a Zoom call with your best friend—vulnerable, a little unfiltered, and 100% you.

“People don’t connect with perfection. They connect with personality.” – Rachel Adams Lee

2. Create Bingeable Content with a Hook That Slaps

Let’s talk about the thing your social media team probably missed: THE HOOK. That first 2 seconds that either stops the scroll—or sends people back to watching dog videos.

No more “Start saying no to the noise.” What does that even mean? Instead, try:

• “3 Boundaries That Saved My Marriage”
• “Here’s Why No One Is Seeing Your Posts (And How to Fix It)”
• “The #1 Thing Killing Your Confidence Online (Hint: It’s Not the Algorithm)”

The formula? Clarity + Curiosity + Value = Click-worthy. This is non-negotiable.

3. Rachel’s Rule of 555: Your New Growth Strategy

If you’re posting and ghosting, don’t expect a flood of likes. Instagram is a two-way street, not a stage where you drop a mic and walk off. Rachel’s go-to tactic?

The 555 Rule:

• 5 minutes before you post: Comment on 5 people’s posts with 5+ words
• Post your content
• One hour later: Like, reply, engage
• One hour before bed: Repeat

Boom. More eyes on your content. More real engagement. More people actually seeing your brilliance.

4. Use Five Pillars, Not Just One Job Title

Here’s the mistake we all make: We only talk about our work. But your audience? They’re following you for who you are, not just what you sell.

Rachel’s framework: pick five content pillars. Hers are:

1. Real estate & entrepreneurship
2. Wife & mom life
3. Personal growth
4. Postpartum health & fitness
5. Multiple streams of income

Only ONE pillar is your job. The rest is your life—your real life. That’s the magic.

“People might find you because of what you do—but they stay because of who you are and how you make them feel.” – Rachel Adams Lee

5. Schedule Your Social Life Like a Grown-Up

Post first thing in the morning (yes, before the chaos of cereal and carpool begins). No, not through Hootsuite or Planoly. The algorithm hates third-party apps. Post manually.

Then, walk away. Your contribution is out there. Now go live your actual life, sis. You’re not a content robot—you’re a badass building a business and raising tiny humans.

6. Streamline with a Single Link (StanStore Is the Secret Weapon)

If your bio looks like a Choose Your Own Adventure novel with 8 different links—no one’s clicking anything. Use StanStore, the $29/month miracle that hosts your freebies, podcast links, and lead magnets all in one place. Bonus: it automates your replies when people comment keywords like “top10” or “freebie.”

Efficiency? Check. Lead generation? Double check.

7. Want to Build Fast? Don’t Do It Alone

Rachel’s final mic drop? If you want to build your business (or audience) fast, you have to show up. Not your assistant. Not AI. YOU.

So yes, you can get 1,000 real followers in a month—if you’re willing to be authentic, strategic, and just a little more visible than you are comfortable with. It’s not about chasing clout. It’s about creating connection.

You are not too late. You are not too small. You do not need to go viral to be valuable.

If you’re still trying to figure out how to show up online without burning out or disappearing into Canva-induced rage, take Rachel’s advice: Educate. Entertain. Add Value. And maybe stop trying to look perfect while doing it.

You’re not here to impress—you’re here to impact.

Ready for the real glow-up?
Follow Rachel Adams Lee on Instagram @racheladamslee and grab your spot in her free masterclass: How to Add a $40K Income Stream Without Working More Hours.

And if you loved this post, don’t forget to share it with your business bestie. We’re in this together. 

Useful links:

• Join our FaceBook Page – Empowered and Unapologetic
• Follow me on Instagram
• Check out the new website! https://veronicacisneros.org/
• Outside The Norm Counseling – 951 395 3288 call to schedule an appointment today!
• 5 Things that are Killing your Marriage Free Guide available at www.veronicacisneros.org

Meet Rachel Adams Lee

Meet Rachel Adams Lee! She is a small town girl making moves! Top 1000 Realtor in the US, multi-passionate entrepreneur & a boy Mama of 3. She runs multiple 6&7 figure companies with her hubby and lives life on their terms! She loves helping others tap into their true potential and build the business of their dreams. Facts: Positivity is her jam. You can find her snuggled on the couch in yoga pants, hair in a messy bun with her laptop! She is 5ft tall, love all things social media, obsessed with having a healthy marriage, and thinks Nutella should be its own food group!

Digital Coordinates:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racheladamslee/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RACHELADAMSLEE

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/racheladamslee

Real Estate Website: http://www.RachelAdamsLeeGroup.com

Coaching Website: http://www.LevelUpCoachingco.com

Meet Veronica Cisneros

As a leading authority in women’s empowerment and a fierce advocate for building strong networks, Veronica is your go-to guru for turning fears into victories, struggles into strengths, and doubts into boundless opportunities.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 plus years; empowering high-achieving women in business to conquer both professional heights and personal fulfillment. She doesn’t do bandaids!
Veronica has a unique approach to overcoming obstacles and smashing through the glass ceilings that loom over ambitious women. With her arsenal of practical tools, actionable strategies, and unwavering support, Veronica doesn’t just help women succeed in their careers – she helps them thrive in every facet of their lives.

But Veronica’s expertise isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. With over 24 years of marriage, three daughters, and a soaring career, Veronica embodies the resilience and determination needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Private Practice Owner, of Outside The Norm Counseling, Marriage Coach, and the voice behind the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, Veronica effortlessly guides women to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.

Veronica is more than an expert – she’s a partner in transformation, turning mundane relationships into true connections. With her relatable charm and infectious humor, Veronica illuminates the path for women who refuse to settle for anything less than success in both business and relationships. Through practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and her trademark wit, Veronica empowers every woman to cultivate unbreakable bonds without sacrificing their ambitions.

Whether you listen to the podcast, join the free Facebook community, or do the Workshop,  you’re in the right place. Let’s do this together!

Thanks for listening!

Did you enjoy this podcast? Feel free to share this podcast on social media! You can also leave a review of the Empowered and Unapologetic Podcast on Apple Podcast {previously iTunes) and subscribe!