✨ Why Losing Followers Was The Best Thing For My Brand
If you caught this week's podcast episode, you know I got real about something that happened recently...
My Instagram views dropped from hundreds to 13 last week. I got shadowbanned for speaking up about diversity and inclusion on MLK Day
You know what? It was exactly the wake-up call I needed.
Here's what losing 100+ followers and fighting the algorithm taught me about showing up authentically:
🔥 1. Your values are your superpower
I used to think I was marketing a PR program for small businesses. But this community has grown into something so much more meaningful – a space where deaf entrepreneurs, non-native English speakers, and business owners from all walks of life come together. When the algorithm tried to silence me, it only made me more certain: our diversity is our strength.
💫 2. Perfect is the enemy of impact
You don't need polished, complete thoughts to make a difference. That pressure to be perfect, to have everything figured out before you speak? That's how voices get silenced. Every time I've shared something raw and unfiltered – like my journey with generational trauma or growing up without my parents – it's resonated more deeply than any carefully crafted marketing message. And it's given others permission to speak their truth too. Because when we stop self-censoring and over-curating, we break down the very systems that keep brilliant voices in the shadows.
✨ 3. Being "unmarketable" can be a good thing
Sure, I lost some followers and collab opportunities. But the people who stayed? They're not just staying – they're all in. No more lukewarm yeses or polite nods. The more I lean into what makes me different – the swearing, the strong opinions, the unpolished thoughts – the more my true audience leans ALL THE WAY IN. When you show up fully yourself, you don't get modest engagement – you get hell YES enthusiasm. I'm not McDonald's, and I'm not for everyone.
🌟 4. Success looks different in 2025
I used to measure everything in revenue and KPIs. Now? Success is extending a coaching call because someone needs extra support. It's creating space for voices that often go unheard. It's building a community where everyone can show up as their full, messy, beautiful selves.
🗣️ 5. Neutrality is no longer an option
Other coaches probably think I'm taking too strong of a stance. That it's "better for business" to stay neutral, to not ruffle any feathers. That I'm being "too political" and it'll hurt my bottom line.
But here's the thing – in this climate, when my community is mainly diverse, marginalized voices?
Staying neutral isn't actually neutral at all.
It's harmful. It's a privilege to stay silent when people's fundamental rights are being stripped away. It's prioritizing profit over people.
Recently, I was at an event where coaches with massive followings asked me how they could attract more diversity to their programs.
My response?
You don't attract diversity – you BECOME diversity.
It's in:
the content you consume
the voices you amplify
the rooms you step into
the stories you platform
Every single choice we make either maintains the status quo or challenges it.
🎧 Haven't listened to the episode yet?
Here's what people are saying:
"Finally someone speaking truth about this!"
"This episode hit different. Thank you for your courage."
"I needed to hear this today 😭"
👉 [Listen to Episode 173: Why Losing Followers is the Best Thing for Your Brand]
This experience has completely shifted how I'll show up this year.
No more watering down my message. No more playing it safe.
Just real, raw, meaningful connection with the people who get it.
Ready to rewrite the narrative together? To show up fully in spaces where we were once told to stay small and quiet? Our PR Program isn't just about getting press coverage – it's about amplifying voices that deserve to be heard, especially when it feels scary. We're for the small business underdogs, and we're doing things differently and rejecting the status quo:
🎯 No cookie-cutter templates or bro marketing tactics
💫 Direct support from me - I'm the one who'll DM you to check in, extend our calls when you need extra time, and celebrate every win with you (big or small)
✨ A community of diverse business owners who get it and show up for each other
🔥 Daily PR opportunities delivered straight to you (before I share them anywhere else!)
💌 Real access to top 1% journalists - because every underdog deserves their shot at being seen and heard (not just those who can afford $10k/month PR agencies)
Our doors are always open with arms wide: Join The Program Because your voice deserves to be heard whenever you're ready to step into your power.
With so much love and realness,
Gloria 🤍