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Feeling burnt out by the social media hamster wheel? You’re not alone. Today’s guest, Kate Kordsmeier, is here to show us there’s another way to build your business… and it doesn’t have anything to do with the Instagram algorithm.

Kate is a certified life and business coach, and the founder of Success with Soul, where she helps entrepreneurs grow soul-led, sustainable businesses using SEO, funnels, automation, and feminist business systems… all without social media.

In this episode, we’re unpacking why creators are stepping back from social and betting big on SEO. We’ll dig into what’s really happening with AI and organic traffic, how to future-proof your visibility, and what steps you can take today to start showing up sustainably without burning out.

So if you’ve ever wondered, “Is SEO dead” or “Can I really grow my business without social?”, this conversation is for you. 

If you want to learn even MORE about breaking free from the social media hamster wheel and attract your dream clients with SEO, click here take Kate’s incredible course, Anti-Social SEO!

The Big Lie: You Have to Be on Social

“The biggest lie is that you have to be on social media in order to have a successful business. It is so not true. I’m definitely living proof,” Kate told me during our conversation .

What began as a temporary 30-day social detox turned into four years offline. To her surprise, nothing changed. Clients still found her, revenue stayed steady, and her mental health improved. 

That’s when she realized that social media had been draining her energy without offering a meaningful return.

Kate’s advice is simple: ask yourself three questions before pouring more time into social:

1. Do I enjoy this?
2. Is it working?
3. Is it aligned with my values?

If the answer isn’t a strong yes to all three, it might be time to rethink your approach.

The Rise of SEO and GEO

If not social, then what? For Kate, the answer is SEO. Search engine optimization has been her north star for creating content that lasts. But in today’s AI-powered world, she’s also teaching about GEO: Generative Engine Optimization.

“I don’t think SEO is dead. I think SEO is changing, and it just grew up and got a new bestie. And that bestie is GEO, which is how to be found through ChatGPT, Google’s AI summaries, and other tools people use to ask questions,” Kate explained .

Instead of chasing trends or trying to “hack the algorithm,” Kate emphasizes a return to the basics: creating helpful content that answers real questions your audience is asking. 

Whether those questions are typed into Google or spoken to an AI chatbot, the principle is the same: help people solve problems.

Systems, Funnels, and Email First

While many entrepreneurs are glued to their phones, Kate built evergreen systems that do the heavy lifting. Her email funnels, automated sequences, and Friday “flash sale” emails keep generating sales even when she’s offline.

She told me about taking a six-month sabbatical, working less than five hours a month, and still earning nearly six figures during that time. That’s the power of systems designed for longevity instead of short-term vanity metrics.

“I rarely do anything live anymore. I only work about 20 hours a week, and it’s because I’ve set up evergreen funnels that run in the background,” she said.

For Kate, email isn’t just a list… it’s the backbone of her business. Every blog post, every partnership, every piece of content is designed to funnel people toward joining her email community, where she builds lasting trust and delivers value that leads to sales.

Want to learn how to do this, too? Check out Kate’s course, Anti-Social SEO!

Redefining Marketing Metrics

We’ve all seen those viral reels with millions of views, but do they actually convert? Kate argues that likes, comments, and followers are vanity metrics that rarely translate into revenue.

She contrasted the impact of a viral Instagram post with a single blog article or Pinterest pin. While the reel might spike in visibility for a week, that search-friendly content keeps sending leads and sales for months, even years, to come.

“It might boost your ego to say, oh, I have XYZ followers, or this post got so many likes, but who cares? If you’re in business, the only thing that really matters is: are people buying what you’re selling?”

Practical First Steps to Go “Anti-Social”

If you’re curious about stepping off social media but aren’t sure where to begin, Kate offered some practical starting points:

1. Answer Questions: Brainstorm 25 problems or questions your ideal client has. Write blog posts or create podcast episodes addressing them.
2. Repurpose Content: Take old blog posts, transcripts, or coaching sessions and refresh them with updated insights.
3. Lead With Experience: Share your personal stories and case studies, because AI can’t replicate lived experience.

And don’t forget: you don’t have to go “all in” right away. Even publishing one or two helpful, evergreen posts each month can compound into a steady stream of leads that outlasts any viral moment on Instagram.

Loving this? Click here to join the movement and become an Anti-Social SEO, with Kate’s help!

The metrics that matter most are the ones behind the scenes: subscribers, leads, and sales, not just likes and follows. 

Kate’s story is proof that businesses can thrive without the hamster wheel of daily posting, and sometimes, stepping back can help you leap forward.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really grow my business without social?”, let this episode be your invitation to explore a new path: one rooted in sustainability, longevity, and freedom.

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