How to Decide If Instagram Still Worth Your Time

It’s 9:00 AM. You’re sitting at your desk, phone in hand, scrolling Instagram—not because you’re feeling inspired, but because you’re trying to keep up. Engaging, liking, commenting, posting… wondering if this is what it really takes to build a business these days. Is Instagram still worth your time?

You’re tired. Your sales aren’t where you want them to be. And that nagging question keeps creeping in:
Is Instagram even worth my time anymore? Or is it just draining me?

If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. In fact, I recently made the decision to step back from Instagram in my own business. Not forever, not dramatically. Just… stepping back, intentionally, for this season. And it’s got me thinking about how we, as business owners, evaluate whether Instagram is still serving us—or simply taking from us.

So today, I want to help you walk through that same evaluation for your own business.

Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Stop into my YouTube channel for weekly videos about all things content marketing.
• Check out the Playbook for a Complete Marketing Game Plan
• Read my book Chasing Simple Marketing for a crash course in content marketing.
• Action Step: Evaluate How Instagram Is Working For Your Business in This Moment
• Book Rec: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
• Want your own live coaching session? Apply here
• Find me on Instagram and tell me what you thought of this episode: @mrsamandawarfield

The Truth About Instagram Right Now

Let’s just say it plainly: Instagram is noisy. It’s constantly shifting, evolving, and honestly? A lot harder to see results from these days. Organic reach is down. Engagement is harder to earn. And without a clear, intentional strategy, it often feels like shouting into the void.

If you’re feeling like you’re pouring effort into Instagram and getting very little back, that frustration is valid. But does that mean it’s time to quit?

Not necessarily.

Instead, it’s time to get super clear on what role you want Instagram to play in your marketing strategy—and how much energy it’s truly worth for you right now.

3 Questions to Ask Before You Leave (Or Stay on) Instagram

When I was evaluating this for my own business, these were the exact questions I asked myself:

1. Is Instagram Bringing In Leads, Traffic, Or Revenue?

If Instagram is actively helping you grow your email list, bring in traffic, or make sales—there’s your answer. It’s still working for you.
But if you’re spending hours creating content, engaging, and showing up… and you’re not seeing any tangible results? That’s worth questioning.

2. Do You Have Another Platform That’s More Sustainable?

I firmly believe that most businesses benefit from having some social platform in their strategy—but it doesn’t have to be Instagram.
What’s more important is finding a platform that feels sustainable for you. Something that energizes you, not drains you. If another platform is working better, it might be time to shift your focus.

3. Can You Create Instagram Content You Actually Enjoy?

If creating for Instagram sparks creativity and feels aligned with how you want to show up? Keep going.
But if every post feels like pulling teeth, if you dread logging in, if the thought of another reel makes you want to scream… it might not be worth your energ