Posting pretty pictures on Instagram isn’t a marketing strategy.

I’m going to pop your content bubble: posting on Instagram isn’t a marketing strategy. And if you’ve been told that showing up every day, using hashtags, and jumping on trending audio is the key to success, I don’t blame you for feeling exhausted and still not seeing the sales you want.

You’re not doing it wrong. You’ve just been taught a fast fashion strategy—but you're running a slow fashion business.

This is why random pretty posts don't work.

So many slow fashion founders come to me saying the same thing, 'I’ve been posting and posting and posting, but I'm still not making sales.'

And I get it. You’re putting in the work. You’re crafting beautiful captions. You’re trying your best to keep up with the algorithm.

But if there’s no strategy behind the content? It simply won’t convert.

Because Instagram isn’t just a place to 'show up daily'. It’s a tool to grow your business with intention and purpose.

And to do that, you need more than random content—you need a story-led, values-aligned, intentional sales system.

So what actually works to drive sales on Instagram in 2025?

The strategies that I teach inside my Instagram Growth Lab. That's what works.

1. Stop posting for the algorithm and start posting for your ideal customer.

The algorithm isn’t your audience. Real humans are. And they don’t want recycled trends or clickbait captions. They want to feel seen. Heard. Understood.

Instead of trying to game the system and use all the 'hacks', start asking:

  • What does my customer care about?
  • What do they need?
  • Why would they choose me?

When your content speaks to real people with real values, it stops feeling like a chore—and starts feeling like a conversation.

2. Focus on storytelling that builds trust.

Here’s the secret no one’s telling you... People don’t buy from brands. They buy from humans.

You can have the most beautiful products in the world, but if your audience doesn’t feel something when they land on your posts or your page, they’re not going to buy.

What builds connection (and conversions) is your story:

  • Why you started.
  • What you stand for.
  • How your pieces are made.
  • What kind of impact you’re creating.

When you shift your focus from just 'posting' to actually storytelling, your brand becomes more human.

3. Have a sales system—not just a social presence.

Most slow fashion brands have a presence on Instagram. But very few have a plan.

You don’t just need content—you need:

  • A clear path to purchase.
  • Strategic launches.
  • An aligned call-to-action.
  • A system to guide someone from 'I love your brand' to 'I just placed an order'.

Sales become so much easier when your content leads somewhere. Because visibility without a journey is wasted effort, wasted energy and wasted time.

And your effort and your time and your energy? It’s too valuable to waste.

And it's exactly why I built my Instagram Growth Lab. It's a culmination of my 10+ years of experience building ethical, sustainable, handmade, circular and slow brands on Instagram and paired with the strategies that are working right now, in 2025. 

I created this program because I saw too many beautiful, ethical, purpose-led brands doing everything right—except the part that actually leads to sustainable sales.

So my Instagram Growth Lab isn’t just a content course. It’s not about chasing followers, hacking reels, or selling your soul.

It’s a strategic, story-led, purpose-driven framework designed specifically for slow fashion founders who want to grow their business in a way that feels good and actually works.

Inside the Lab, you’ll learn how to:

  • Build trust through powerful storytelling.
  • Create intentional content that supports your mission.
  • Map out a sales strategy that aligns with your values.
  • Show up with confidence and clarity—consistently.

And yes, you’ll learn how to make more sales. But you’ll also fall back in love with your business again.

Ready to stop winging it—and start growing with purpose?

If you’re tired of throwing content into the void and hoping for results, if you want to feel aligned, confident, and connected again, if you’re ready to make Instagram work for your business, not against it, this is your sign. 

Join my Instagram Growth Lab, we kick off March 31st. There are only 10 spots available—so I can support every founder deeply.

Let’s make marketing feel human again.

Claire x

Posting pretty pictures on Instagram isn’t a marketing strategy - The Fashion Advocate - strategy growth sustainable fashion business scale followers engagement how to TFA
The Fashion Advocate ethical sustainable circular slow fashion business strategy mentor online course marketing how to

I spent my first five years in business stressed and in debt.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or if you're not making enough sales to survive, you're not alone. I've been there.

I was exhausted and I wanted to quit.

Then I worked out a strategy that dramatically changed my business, increased my sales, and saved me time. I want to share it with you!

READ MY STORY

Want to know the top three ways to grow a successful and sustainable fashion brand?

  • ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS

    Every week on Instagram, you can ask me anything about fashion, business, ethical manufacturing, sustainability, and growth to get the answers you need to overcome challenges. Marketing, PR, your strategy, sales, how to wholesale, Instagram engagement, customers, sourcing... Whatever it is, ask me your questions and I'll go LIVE on Instagram with the answers you need to move forward.

    FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM HERE

  • KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

    To build a successful, sustainable and profitable fashion business, you have to empower yourself with knowledge and learn from others in the industry. I ran one of the largest online stores for ethical and sustainable fashion for over a decade, and I learned the ins and outs and the rights and wrongs of building a business. Now I'm sharing my strategies on my blog so you can take what you need to grow!

    READ THE BLOG HERE

  • BUILD YOUR SKILLSET AND LEVEL UP

    The only difference between a big fashion business and a small fashion business is a different skillset. Everything your competitors know - you can learn. My online courses and masterclasses are specifically designed for ethical and sustainable fashion brands, labels and businesses, so you can build your skillset, level up, fast-track your success and increase your impact.

    BUILD YOUR SKILLSET NOW