No BS Branding, Instagram Growth & Showing Up Authentically with Sue B. Zimmerman

Let’s be real — growing a personal brand online can feel like a wild ride. But this week’s guest is proof that boldness, authenticity, and smart strategy always win.

On this episode of The She Believed She Could Podcast, I’m joined by the one and only Sue B. Zimmerman — Instagram marketing legend, speaker, and no-BS business coach who’s been shaking up the social media world for over a decade.

From being named a Top 50 Must-Follow Woman Entrepreneur by HuffPost to leading thousands of women to success online, Sue B. brings the fire and the facts.

Sue B. didn’t start out with a viral brand — she built it. With years of experience running a brick-and-mortar business, she understood the value of visibility and community before Instagram was even a thing.

When she discovered the power of social media to connect, convert, and create community, she went all in — and became known as The Instagram Expert. In our conversation, she shares how she carved out her niche, trusted her gut, and showed up unapologetically (even when the algorithm changed a million times).

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Instagram — or like you're shouting into the void — this episode is your permission to stop chasing perfection and start building real connections.

Sue B. breaks down:

• What actually moves the needle on Instagram (hint: it’s not your follower count)

• How to stay relevant even when trends are shifting

• Why collaboration beats competition every time

• The mindset shift that helps you charge your worth — and get it

You’ll also hear how to build a power list of 50 connections, create content that communicates value (without giving it all away), and lead with confidence instead of comparison.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: Click to tune in

This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who’s been holding back, waiting for the “perfect” post or the perfect plan. Sue B. reminds us that clarity comes from action, not from waiting on the sidelines.

Some of my favorite truth bombs:

“Followers don’t pay the bills. Value and relationships do.”

“The more you compare, the more paralyzed you get. Stay in your own lane.”

“Don’t tell people what you do. Intrigue them. Make them ask how.”

✨ Follow Sue B. on Instagram: @theinstagramexpert

✨ Learn more + explore her offerings: www.suebzimmerman.com

✨ Book Recs from Sue: Conscious Leadership by Sarah Hawley + The Longevity Formula by Avanti Kumar Singh

Whether you’re starting from scratch or scaling to your next level, this is your reminder that your brand is more than a highlight reel. It’s your message, your mission, and your magic — and when you lead with authenticity, people feel it.

So, take the messy action. Stop waiting to be “ready.” Start showing up with confidence, clarity, and a whole lot of heart.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: Click to tune in

And don’t forget to follow + leave a review if this episode spoke to your soul. You never know who it might inspire next.