If you run a small town or local business and feel like “big city Instagram advice” doesn’t quite fit, this episode is your permission slip to do social differently. Laura sits down with Kat Tepylo Murphy , founder of Social Kat Media , to talk about community-driven content, setting healthy social media boundaries as a mom in business, collaborating locally, and why connection beats aesthetics every time. You’ll learn practical ways to attract nearby customers, use Instagram and Threads together, and create simple, real content that actually converts. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Name giggles & real-life vibes 00:29 – Why this topic matters now 00:58 – Meet Kat 02:37 – Entrepreneurship at 21 04:41 – Life comes fast 06:23 – The two-week “leave” 07:45 – What Kat does best 08:04 – From sports to small towns 08:39 – What counts as “small town”? 09:59 – Why local lights Kat up 11:08 – Small town ≠ “online coach” tactics 13:17 – Followers vs. Foot traffic 14:50 – Your socials are a “vibe check” 15:51 – If you’re online-only 17:39 – Be where your locals are 18:18 – Collaboration courage 19:15 – Two big marketing regrets (and what to do instead) 21:22 – Boundaries for social pros 22:58 – The smartest boundary: a business phone 24:44 – “But what about DMs?” 26:08 – Know your intent 27:11 – What to post right now 28:37 – Real > perfect 30:30 – Polished or just post? 30:43 – Do aesthetics matter? 31:49 – Favorite platforms 32:21 – Use Threads as a testing ground 33:52 – Community from unexpected posts 34:27 – You’re not doing it wrong Kat's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialkatmedia/ Website: https://socialkatmedia.com/ Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok
