If Instagram has started feeling like a stressful full-time job instead of a creative way to make more money as an online coach or practitioner, this episode is your permission slip to have fun again.

I sit down with Instagram strategist Jenna Harding, who helps coaches and service-based business owners have more fun on Instagram while growing more effectively at the same time, so they can get more clients without burning out or losing their authenticity.

We dig into the mindset shifts and practical strategies that make Instagram enjoyable and effective as a coach or service provider.

From breaking free of perfectionism to creating content that feels natural, Jenna shares how to stop overthinking, start showing up as yourself, and still grow your business.

If you’ve ever caught yourself obsessing over reach, algorithms, or even your camera angle, you’re going to love this conversation.

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How to Make Instagram Fun (and Still Attract Clients)

If you’re an online coach or practitioner, you’ve probably felt the pressure to show up on Instagram in a way that feels anything but fun.

What started out as a platform to connect and share has, for many, turned into a stressful cycle of worrying about algorithms, obsessing over reach, and polishing content until it doesn’t even feel like you anymore.

I’ll be honest: I’ve been there too. When I first started my business 12 years ago, Instagram wasn’t even part of the equation.

But over the years it became “the thing” everyone said you had to master if you wanted to be taken seriously as a coach. And somewhere along the way, the fun got lost.

That’s why I was so excited to bring Instagram expert Jenna Harding onto The Nourished CEO podcast.

Jenna is known for helping service-based business owners get more clients from Instagram without making it a full-time job — and her big mission is to help us make Instagram fun again.

In this post, I’m sharing the biggest insights from my conversation with Jenna.

If you’ve been struggling to enjoy content creation (while still wanting Instagram to bring you clients), keep reading, this is going to shift how you think about it.

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Why Instagram Stopped Feeling Fun

Let’s be real: Instagram stopped feeling fun for a lot of coaches when the pressure to be perfect took over.

Jenna shared her own story of stumbling into social media management. She wasn’t the polished, curated “Instagram aesthetic” type.

She was an actor, a bartender, and someone who started running a yoga studio’s Instagram basically by accident.

And yet, she thrived — not by being flawless, but by leaning into creativity and fun.

That’s when it hit me: somewhere along the way, many of us bought into the idea that credibility = polish.

That, unless we had studio lighting, a full face of makeup, and the perfect brand color palette, our content wouldn’t be “professional enough.”

But here’s the truth Jenna reminded me of:

• Nobody actually likes perfect and polished content.

• Even the people who look polished don’t think they’re perfect enough.

• Clients resonate with authenticity, not filters.

Action step: Give yourself permission to stop striving for polish. Show up as you are, messy bun, tired eyes, toddler toys in the background, because that’s what makes you relatable.

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Redefining What Credibility Looks Like

One of the biggest reasons coaches resist showing up authentically on Instagram is fear of not looking credible.

Jenna explained how many of us carry old mental models of what “credible professionals” look like — think men in suits walking out of a boardroom.

We unconsciously copy that vibe on Instagram with sterile colors, stiff headshots, and overly formal language.

But credibility doesn’t come from blazers or boardrooms. It comes from:

• Speaking clearly and confidently.

• Breaking down complex concepts into simple, bite-sized ideas.

• Making your audience feel seen.

You don’t need to “look” credible. You need to communicate in a way that shows authority and compassion.

Action step: Take one concept you teach regularly and practice explaining it in one or two sentences — the way you’d say it to a client or friend.

Then post that instead of a jargon-filled essay.

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Speak Like You Do With Your Clients

Here’s a common trap: coaches go from being warm, conversational, and supportive in sessions to stiff and robotic when writing Instagram captions.

Why? Because school and training conditioned us to use formal, academic language.

Jenna’s tip was so simple but powerful: write like you talk to your clients.

She even challenged me to role-play. Imagine a client is panicking in front of you saying, “I can’t do this Instagram thing, Laura, I feel like a fool.” What would you say?

You wouldn’t whip out jargon. You’d reassure them. You’d encourage them to take a breath. You’d remind them it’s not that serious.

That’s the voice your Instagram audience needs, too.

Action step: Keep a notepad handy during coaching calls. Write down the exact words you use when clients express fear, doubt, or confusion.

Those words are gold for your content.

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The Three Types of Instagram Content Every Coach Needs

One of my favorite takeaways from Jenna was her Growth → Nurture → Sales content framework.

Most coaches default to one of these three buckets:

• Growth: bite-sized, attention-grabbing content designed to reach new people.

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• Nurture: longer, deeper posts that build trust with your current followers.

• Sales: direct invitations to work with you.

The problem? If you only ever post in one category, you won’t see results.

➡️ Only growth = more followers, but no clients.
➡️ Only nurture = great trust, but stagnant reach.
➡️ Only sales = followers tune out.

You need all three working together.

Action step: Each week, create at least one growth post, one nurture post, and one sales post.

That way, you’re attracting new people, building trust, and reminding them you can help — all at the same time.

(Related Post: A Complete Guide to Engaging Instagram Reels for Your Health Business)

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Avoiding the “Sneaky Sales” Trap

This one hit home. Jenna talked about how many coaches disguise sales pitches as “educational” posts.

For example: “3 Ways to Heal Your Shoulder” … except every step points back to hiring you or buying your program.

That’s not value — that’s a bait-and-switch.

Instead, she encourages giving something genuinely useful. Show the stretch. Share the mindset shift. Offer the first step they can try today.

Then, if you want, add: “If you’d like my help with the full process, here’s where to start.”

Action step: Audit your last 5–10 posts. Were you really giving value, or were you disguising a sales pitch? Rewrite at least one of them to be more generous.

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Making Growth Content Ethical (and Fun)

Here’s a big mindset block for many coaches:

“I can’t just share one quick tip… It’s not the whole solution!”

Jenna calls this out directly. Sharing one step in a 10-step process isn’t misleading. It’s helpful.

Think about it: if you’d rather reach no one than share a small win, that’s not serving anyone.

This is where problem-aware vs. solution-aware clients come in. Many people don’t even know a solution exists for their problem.

Sharing a micro-tip is what opens their eyes and gets them curious.

Action step: Brainstorm 3 quick, actionable tips you could share this week that don’t solve everything but give someone a meaningful first step.

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Practical Tips to Bring the Fun Back

Now for the part we’ve all been waiting for: how to actually make Instagram fun again.

Here are some of Jenna’s best tips:

• Care less about numbers. Most people don’t even know how to check views. If 100 people saw your post, that’s 100 humans you impacted.

• Add personality “Easter eggs.” Show your nerdy wall art, wear the funny t-shirt, drop a niche reference. These are conversation starters.

• Look at the camera, not yourself. Put a sticky note over your reflection if you have to. You’ll be kinder to yourself.

• Talk to one person. Don’t think about 100 followers. Think about one client who needs to hear this today.

Action step: This week, create one “fun-first” post with zero expectation. Dance in your kitchen, share a personal story, or post a silly meme. See how it feels.

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Should You Batch or Go Spontaneous?

Another common question: Should you plan everything in advance or post in the moment?

Jenna’s answer: Do both.

Batch your core content so you’re consistent even when life gets busy. Then, if inspiration strikes, post something spontaneous.

Batching also helps reduce perfectionism. When you’re creating 5–10 posts in one sitting, you can’t agonize over each one.

You just get it done — and that lightness carries into your content.

Action step: Set aside 2 hours this week to batch at least 3 posts. Then allow space for 1–2 spontaneous posts when the mood strikes.

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Bringing It All Together

Instagram doesn’t have to feel like a grind. With Jenna Harding’s strategies, you can:

• Let go of the pressure to be perfect.

• Redefine credibility as clarity and conviction.

• Write like you talk to your clients.

• Use the Growth → Nurture → Sales framework to balance your content.

• Give generously instead of hiding behind “sneaky sales.”

• Share quick tips without guilt.

• Add your personality and quirks back into your posts.

And most importantly, you can make Instagram fun again.

Because when you’re enjoying yourself, your audience feels it. And that’s what makes them want to work with you.

If you want to go deeper into Jenna’s approach, check out her free training: How to Get Clients from Instagram Without Wasting Hours Glued to Your Phone.

Let’s stop making Instagram stressful and start making it fun again.

Share this with someone who needs it!