I know, I know — I used to believe it’s not possible. That without posting reels you can’t build a community or successful online business.

I tried the talking videos, the voiceovers, the B-roll, the trending audio. I followed all the “guru advice,” scheduled the content, tried to show up consistently. But deep down… I never loved it.

At first, it felt exciting — like maybe this would finally be the thing that worked. But eventually, I hit a wall. I got tired of feeling like I needed to be “on” all the time just to stay visible. I found myself consuming more than I was creating. Posting started to feel like a chore — something I had to do, not something I actually enjoyed.

That’s when I decided to stop chasing it. I went back to the platforms I actually enjoy — blogging and Threads — where words still matter. Where I could show up softly, without needing to film every moment of my life.

Since shifting my content strategy, everything changed, I grew my community to over 22,000 followers in just two months. And now my sales are growing steadily and I feel more aligned than ever.

I genuinely believe if video content doesn’t feel natural to you, your audience will sense it. That energy matters more than the algorithm ever will.

And right now, I’m in the middle of rebranding my Instagram — back to something softer and slower (think old IG vibes) More lifestyle photos, long captions and cozy energy.

And while I do still encourage many of my students to try Reels — especially if they love video — the truth is: you don’t need them to build a successful online business.

Reels Can Be Powerful — But They’re Not Essential

Let’s be honest: Reels can work. They’re fast, they’re visual, and they help you get in front of new people — especially on Instagram. If you genuinely enjoy video content and feel confident showing up that way, Reels might be perfect for you.

But if the thought of filming your face every day makes you cringe… you’re not broken. You’re just built differently. And there are other paths that work just as well.

What Actually Builds a Business? (Spoiler: It’s Not Going Viral)

A real business isn’t built on views. It’s built on trust, storytelling, and systems that work while you rest.

Reels might get you seen. But your blog? Your email list? Those are the places people stay.

When I shifted my focus from “visibility hacks” to long-form content — things like blog posts, weekly emails, and thoughtful Threads — I started attracting people who actually cared.

What I Focus on Instead of Reels

Here’s what I doubled down on when I let go of video content:

• Blogging — I write 3–4 posts a week filled with value, storytelling, and soft online business tips.
• Threads — I show up daily with thoughts, behind-the-scenes, and short-form connection.
• Pinterest — I repurpose my blog posts into pins that bring in evergreen traffic.
• Email — My newsletter Designed By Her Diaries is the heart of everything I do. That’s where my most aligned people live.

Thanks to this strategy, new subscribers join my list every day. I don’t have to be on camera all the time, I just have to keep showing up in a way that feels aligned.

If You Hate Video, Your Audience Will Feel That

One thing I always tell my students is this: your energy matters more than the platform. If you’re forcing yourself to create content you secretly hate, that energy leaks through. You’ll burn out faster. And your people won’t connect with it anyway.

You don’t have to go quiet. But you do have to get honest about what actually feels good to create.

You’re Allowed to Choose the Soft Path

There’s no single way to grow an online business — and definitely no rule that says you have to enjoy being on camera. If Reels feel forced, it’s okay to step back. You’re not falling behind, you’re just making space for a better fit.

What worked for me was letting go of what I thought I should be doing and leaning into what I actually enjoy — writing, storytelling, and building a real connection through words. That’s when everything started to grow.

I’ve seen creators build six-figure brands without ever going viral. Not because they found a hack — but because they stayed consistent with the platforms and formats that suited them best.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be everywhere and shout to be heard. I built my email list — and my business — by doing less of what drained me, and more of what felt like me.

If you’re craving that too, I’d love to have you inside The Diaries. It’s where I share how I’m building a soft, sustainable business — without hustle, Reels, or pretending to be someone I’m not.

Click here to subscribe to The Diaries — if you’re ready to build something real.