Likes to Leads? How to Turn Social Media Engagement into Real Business

I say it all the time, likes don’t pay the bills.

But before you think I’m about to tell you to ignore social media, think again. I’m here to say the exact opposite. In fact, I built my business because of social media and referrals. But I didn’t do it by chasing followers or trying to go viral. I did it by being consistent, showing up as then “real” me and creating smart content that helped turn casual connections into real relationships.

And that’s the magic. That’s where the likes become leads and those leads become business and/or referral partners.

Let me explain.

My Business Runs on Referrals But Not by Accident

If you look at my pipeline, 100% of my clients come from referrals. That’s not a fluke or a happy accident. It’s the result of years of building a network and treating every single post like it has a purpose. And my referral partners? They’re other insurance agents, real estate professionals, mortgage brokers, all of the people I’ve cultivated strong connections with over time.

Social media is where those connections start, grow, and get nurtured. I use it to share my values, showcase my work, and most importantly, to stay visible in people’s minds.

People refer people they remember.

Social Media Isn’t “Extra.” It’s Essential.

I talk to so many professionals who treat social media like this optional side hustle, something they’ll “get to when things slow down.” If you’re working smart, things never slow down.

What I teach in my Digital Bootcamp is how to stop thinking of content as this big scary monster, and instead start using it as a tool. One that works for you while you’re out doing your real job. One that doesn’t require hours of your time or a creative writing degree. One that reminds your network that you are the go-to person in your space.

You don’t have to be a content machine. You just need to be consistent and strategic.

Engagement is the Start but Not the End

Let me give you a quick example. I posted a story on Instagram about helping a client save money by reworking their policy. It was very short, got a handful of likes, some comments. Nothing that screamed “viral moment.” But two days later, I got a DM from someone who saw it, remembered they needed help, and passed my name to their sister.

Boom. New business.

That’s how this works. That’s how it should work. And that’s what I teach in the Bootcamp.

What Happens in the Digital Bootcamp?

I created this program because I was tired of watching great professionals sit on the sidelines of social media. I’ve met too many people who are so good at what they do, but they’re invisible online.

The Digital Bootcamp is a no-fluff, roll-up-your-sleeves kind of program.

It’s not about being an influencer. It’s about being top of mind with the people who can send you business.

Referrals Are Human. Social Media Should Be Too.

At the end of the day, this is a relationship business. Insurance, real estate, mortgages, it all comes down to trust. And people build trust when they feel like they know you. Social media gives them that window.

But if your last post was from your cousin’s wedding in 2022 and your profile photo looks like it was taken during the Obama administration, we’ve got a problem.

That’s why showing up online, even in small ways, matters. You don’t have to share your breakfast or dance on TikTok. You just need to show up as you, offer value, and stay consistent.

Let’s Get You From “I Should Post More” to “My Business is Growing”

If you’ve been telling yourself for months (or years) that you should do more on social, I want you to stop should-ing all over yourself and just get started and yes, with a little help.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.