Tantrums, algorithms and other things you can’t control

Picture this scene: your toddler is mid-tantrum in the supermarket. You’ve done everything right - snacks, naps, smiles - but the meltdown still happens.

Welcome to algorithm updates.

You’ve been posting consistently, crafting captions with care, and suddenly your reach drops like a toddler’s mood. It’s frustrating, exhausting and feels completely out of your control.

But here’s the truth: tantrums (and algorithms) are part of the process.

Stay calm, keep your routine, and remember: one low-performing post doesn’t undo your progress.

Stay calm and consistent

Although this is definitely easier said than done, when a toddler has a meltdown, you attempt to stay calm (at least outwardly). Applying the same attitude to your brand is key – this builds trust, and even when things are wobbly, keep your tone, visuals and values front and centre. Your audience will stick around every time there’s an ‘algorithm tantrum’.

Focus on what you can control

I feel a bit (a lot) of a fraud writing this, as I find this incredibly hard, but I will try my best. You can’t control how many people see your post, choose to comment on it or take the time to share/repost it, but you can definitely control the story you’re telling, the way you present yourself and how you engage with your community.

When you take the time to nurture your followers, keep your brand voice steady and have clear visuals, that’s when the magic happens.

Where do I go from here?

If your marketing feels like a toddler meltdown you can’t calm, I’m here with a deep breath and a plan.

Book a social media audit to uncover what’s working and what to let go of. Or explore my Canva Templates service to bring consistency and confidence back to your feed.

Because while you can’t control the algorithm, you *can* control your message, and that’s what really matters.


On Motherhood and Marketing

From your Social Media Mentor

Let me say this out loud: building a creative business while raising children can feel like two full-time jobs. That’s because it is.

One demands colour palettes, storytelling and client calls. The other demands snacks, snuggles and you to become a human climbing frame.

And if you’re like me, you often feel like you’re letting one (or both) sides down. It feels like society is telling you to work as if you’re not a parent, and parent as if you don’t go to work.

I want to challenge that belief - because motherhood and marketing don’t have to compete. In fact, they can (and often do) inform and strengthen each other in the most unexpected ways.

When creativity meets caregiving

Creative work thrives on presence, intuition, and the ability to make something out of nothing. Sound familiar?

So does motherhood.

I’ve found there to be a natural crossover between the two roles—and when you stop viewing motherhood as a disruption to your creativity, and start seeing it as an inspiration for it, everything changes.

Chasing your toddler round the living room with his trousers? This sharpen your storytelling. Those chaotic days when nothing goes as planned? They train your resilience and flexibility. That deep, guttural love you carry daily? It shows up in your brand voice—in ways your audience feels, even if they don’t know why.

What I tell my clients (and try to remember myself)

When I mentor creative business owners who are also mothers, I often remind them that their lives can be their content, not an obstacle.

That doesn’t necessarily mean making your child the face of your brand – you’ll never see the front of my son’s face online – but it does mean letting real life, your priorities, values and boundaries - shape how you show up online.

So, if your version of “showing up” this week is one honest story, a repost of something you made last month, or simply being responsive in your DMs - that counts.

One of the biggest mistakes I see creative entrepreneurs make - especially parents - is trying to implement strategies built for someone with more hours, more childcare, or fewer life interruptions.

Here’s my invitation: let’s build a sustainable strategy

Ask yourself:

Because burnout doesn’t build businesses. Sustainability does.

You’re not a business owner in spite of being a mother. You’re a business owner because you’ve learned how to nurture, listen, juggle, prioritise, and create in the face of lego, poonamis and 739479873497 rounds of wheels on the bus.

You bring a perspective the industry needs. You understand nuance. You work with heart. And when you market from that place - whether you’re selling art, design, writing, coaching, or handmade goods - your audience feels the difference.

You’re not falling behind

If no one’s told you lately, let me be the one:

You are not behind.
You are doing important, layered, soul-stretching work.
And your creativity isn’t lost: it’s evolving.

Marketing and motherhood may never be “balanced.” But they can co-exist, beautifully and imperfectly, when you let go of the pressure to do it all at once.

One post at a time.
One nap at a time.
One brave, messy, real moment at a time.

With so much respect,
Your Social Media Mentor, Steph xx

Let me help you: start the conversation here ❤️

Cradling creativity: supporting new parents and new businesses

Because every great journey, whether business or parenthood, deserves a strong start.

When I became a mother, it felt like there were a lot of similarities to when I started my business. Through both journeys, I have been overwhelmed and full of despair, yet at the same time it was exhilarating and I could see so much potential.

With both business and baby, the main question was the same – where do I start?

When I’m working with my clients, that’s often the question that is swirling around in their minds too. I’m passionate about working with creative businesses who are right at the start of their journey – they have raw, early-stage energy and I believe that’s something worth nurturing. Ideas are forming, identities are developing and every single decision you make is pivotal.

One of the earliest pivotal decisions in motherhood I made was to cross the threshold of Baby Umbrella in Tonbridge. I first visited when I was pregnant, to talk through my anxieties, ask the silly questions and just be around other mothers and mothers to be. I came away with so much more than answers to questions – I instantly felt a sense of belonging, a sense of peace and a reassuring feeling that “it will be OK”.

I first took my tiny scrap of a son to Baby Umbrella when he was nine days old – I was an absolute mess – sleep deprived, tearful because I’d put my shoes on the wrong feet and didn't know which was up. Yet again I was met with kindness, tissues to mop up the tears and the best chocolate brownie I have ever tasted. They’d created a sense of community at a time when I needed it most.

I want to be there for you in the same way.

So often, the message to early-stage creatives is “you’ll need a bigger budget to work with me” and “wait until you’re more established and then come back”. You’ll NEVER get that with me – it’s at this stage when someone taking you under their wing can make all the difference. Lay the foundations and you’ll get so more out of your business.

Whether you're an artist, baker, ceramicist, photographer, or jeweller —your creativity is your greatest asset. I’m here to help you bring it to the world in a way that feels authentic, strategic and exciting.

The Baby Umbrella parallel: early support that matters

Just like Baby Umbrella provides early, accessible, non-judgemental support to new parents - from feeding support to mental health guidance – I am your marketing partner that meets you where you are. I won’t drown you in jargon or overwhelm you with complicated strategies. Instead, I’ll help you build confidence and clarity.

New parents don’t always know what questions to ask, and neither do new business owners—and that’s okay. With me, no such thing as a silly question. I’m here to listen, guide and help you grow.

Like Baby Umbrella walk alongside new families through the early months and beyond, your social media marketing isn’t a quick fix. I want to build lasting relationships with creative businesses who care deeply about what they do.

If you're just starting out and wondering how to get your work seen, or how to make marketing feel less like a chore and more like a creative extension of your business, let’s chat.

Baby Umbrella are still an important part of my parenting journey, and I say thank you by donating 10% of every fee and sale to this lifeline of a charity.

"We are so grateful to High Weald Marketing and to Steph for her continued support of Baby Umbrella.  Meeting people where they are and really listening is something so needed in the early days". 
Baby Umbrella

left hand side is tiny baby hands and right hand side is back of toddler sitting at desk

From tiny fingers to work experience...

What a toddler, sculpture trail and your social media have in common

You know you’ve stumbled upon something magical when a toddler, grinning ear to ear, is dragging me around Tunbridge Wells shouting "next one, next one!" It’s adorable and chaotic. And – believe it or not – it’s also a brilliant metaphor for how people consume content on social media.

I’m all about connecting the dots between what delights people in real life and what engages them online. So, let’s explore what your social media can learn from one small phrase and a very clever sculpture trail.

Keep people wanting more

That "next one!" energy is what you want your content to give off. On the sculpture trail, each animal is just far enough apart to build anticipation. Kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) can't wait to see what’s coming next.

The same applies to your content. Your audience should feel gently pulled along – post by post, story by story – always ready for the next chapter.

Clover blue rabbit from Tunbridge Wells sculpture trail

Tap into emotion (even the pint-sized kind)

Let’s face it – the joy on a toddler’s face when they find the next sculpture is hard to beat. It’s pure emotion. And emotion is what makes people remember things.

Whether you’re a florist in Frant or a baker in Benenden, your brand has emotional touchpoints too: pride in your work, love for your community, care for your customers. That’s what makes your content connect. Are you showing the heart behind your business?

The best thing your audience can say after seeing one of your posts? The same thing the toddlers say on the trail: “next one, next one!”

That means you’ve got their attention. You’ve made them smile, think, or feel seen. And they’re ready for more.

Gymbo the clown sitting on a sculpture of a snail

Final Thoughts

‘The Trail with a Tale’ isn’t just a beautiful addition to Tunbridge Wells this summer – it’s a lesson in momentum, storytelling, and audience delight. Whether you’re a small business or a local organisation, your social media can follow the same model:

And if you’re not sure where to start? Well… that’s what I’m here for.

Next one? Let's make it chatting to me!

Potty training is sh*t but your social media needn’t be

If you've ever tried to potty train a toddler, you know it takes patience, consistency, and more than a few bribes (hello, chocolate buttons).

At the time of writing, I am two days into this journey, and I’ve eaten all the chocolate buttons.

Believe it or not, those same principles apply when you're mentoring someone - or being mentored - on social media marketing.

I’ve worked with creatives at various stages of their digital journey. One pattern I’ve seen time and time again? Social media is a lot like toddler toilet training. Here's why:

Everyone starts somewhere (usually in a mess)

Just like toddlers aren’t born knowing how to use the toilet, no one wakes up knowing how to create engaging reels or write viral posts. Early attempts will be clumsy—there might be some mishaps—but that’s how you learn. Progress is more important than perfection.

Routine is everything

Toddlers thrive on consistency, and so does your audience. Social media growth doesn’t come from one brilliant post—it comes from showing up regularly with relevant and relatable content.

Positive reinforcement works

When my toddler has a successful potty trip, he (and I) celebrate like we’ve won the lottery. I translate this across to social media mentoring – I’ll celebrate milestones with you, no matter how small they are. I know how exciting it is to have a comment on a post, when someone shares your post to their story or to gain your first follower.

Encouragement keeps momentum going.

There will be accidents

Even the most planned-out campaigns can flop. And that’s okay. Whether it’s a post that doesn’t land or a hashtag that backfires, these “accidents” are part of the learning curve. I’ll help you to think about what didn’t work, and what we can try next time.

Eventually, they get It

With the right mix of guidance, independence, and time, toddlers learn to navigate the world without nappies. The same is true for emerging social media marketers. With support from me and consistent effort, you'll start seeing results that feel natural, not forced.

Final thought: you don’t have to do it alone

Just as parents sometimes call in reinforcements (that reminds me – must make another trip to the “hootermarket” (supermarket) for some more chocolate buttons -  social media mentoring is smoother with expert support. I blend strategy, structure and a lot of real-world know-how to help individuals and small businesses grow confidently online.

Whether you're still “potty training” your online voice or looking to scale your strategy, I’ll help you ditch the guesswork and post with purpose.

Ready to make fewer messes and more impact?
Contact me today for mentoring that meets you where you are—and takes you where you want to go.

Social Media Marketing: Lessons from Parenting a Toddler

Does navigating social media marketing feel like a bit of a maze? Not sure which way to turn?

Hi, I’m Steph and I’m here to help you make social media less overwhelming.

At High Weald Marketing, I mix tales of motherhood and marketing – the two things I know most about! You might wonder how the two are connected, so read on to find out…

The key to both is consistency

My toddler loves his routine – bedtime starts with an episode of In The Night Garden and then involves careering up the stairs for a “choo choo” (Thomas the Tank Engine) story and several rounds of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Just like a toddler, your audience on social media craves consistency. It is vital to have a regular posting schedule to help keep your business front and centre of your audience’s mind and build a positive relationship. Regular doesn’t have to mean frequent – if posting once a week is what you can consistently keep going, that’s absolutely fine.

Being adaptable

As I’m rapidly finding out, a toddler is pretty unpredictable! Yesterday, he wanted his sandwiches cut into triangles – I did that today and it was the end of the world as he wanted square sandwiches. The answer? Stick them back together with jam!

Social media is equally unpredictable and changes its mind just as often. Different parts of a platform are favoured (for example, Instagram currently wants you to share posts), trends appear out of nowhere and what audiences are interested in changes rapidly. Just like parenting a toddler, social media marketing requires a knack for quick thinking and creativity!

Being present

My days are conducted to a soundtrack of ‘mama, mama, mama, maaammaaaa’ – my toddler wants me to watch as he builds a tower of bricks, twirls round doing the hokey cokey, climbs into the dishwasher, licks the television – you get the idea. He loves attention, and being enthusiastic and interacting with him is so important.

Engaging with your audience is at the absolute heart of social media. The keyword is social – responding to comments, answering questions and creating a community is what it’s all about (I’ve still got the hokey cokey vibe going on!) If someone said hello to you in the street, would you ignore them and carry on? I bet you wouldn’t.

Get to know your audience

Getting to know a toddler’s preferences is crucial, and it’s the same with your audience. Now, I’m not expecting my audience to have a meltdown due to a square/triangle sandwich situation, but they will have likes, dislikes, interests and pain points. Take the time to get to know what sort of content your audience enjoy and find useful, and this will reap rewards.