don’t copy this trend

Hey ,

I’ve been watching something happen lately and I know you’ve seen it too.

Someone’s post goes viral.
A launch format takes off.
Suddenly, everyone’s copying it.

But here’s the thing most people don’t realize:
Just because it looks good, doesn’t mean it sells.

In fact, some of the most shared, saved, and “successful-looking” strategies in the online space right now aren’t building trust, aren’t driving conversions and definitely aren’t making money.

What we also see, is something working for someone once, and it’s getting taught as the essential tactic. I personally don’t believe in tactics, I believe in sticking to principles and using that to guide your strategy.

Today, I’m breaking down 5 trends you should not be copying in 2025 and what to do instead if you actually want clients, not just likes.

Let’s get into it.

1. The “Soft Life Aesthetic” as a Business Strategy

What it looks like:

• Reels of matcha, journaling, sunsets

• Vague captions like “You get to choose ease✨”

• No clear CTA or value

Why it’s not working: This gets saves and shares but no clicks, opt-ins, or sales. There’s no concrete path from the lifestyle you're showing to the transformation your offer provides.

Do this instead: Pair softness with structure.

Example: “This funnel earns me $30K/month working 20 hours a week - here’s the breakdown.”

2. Trend-Only Reels With No Strategy

What it looks like:

• Lip-sync audios or trending sounds

• Viral hooks like “things I’d never do as a...”

• Posts that blow up, but lead nowhere

Why it’s not working: These build visibility, not trust. They drive empty follows, not warm leads. The algorithm might love them, but your sales engine doesn’t.

Do this instead: Use trends sparingly and only when they ladder back to your funnel. Add text overlays that drive opt-ins or DM replies.

Example: “Want the 3-part funnel I used to retire from 1:1 coaching? Comment FUNNEL.”

3. Oversimplified Value Posts

What it looks like:

• Carousels like: “Your reminder: You don’t have to hustle.”

• Single-slide affirmations with no context

• Generic “empowerment” content

Why it’s not working: It feels good, but doesn’t build authority. There’s no specificity, no teaching moment, and no sense of what your actual expertise is.

Do this instead: Turn it into a micro-teaching moment.

Example: “Yes, you don’t have to hustle. Here’s the revenue engine I built to step off the launch treadmill and how you can do it too.”

4. Webinars That Bury the Pitch

What it looks like:

• 45–60 min of “free value”

• Pitch starts at minute 49

• Audience drops off before you ever make the ask

Why it’s not working: 2025 attention spans are shorter than ever. People want to know upfront what you’re offering, and why it’s relevant to them now.

Do this instead: Position the offer early (by minute 10).
Keep viewers hooked and excited throughout the webinar to hear the offer at the end.

5. Overcomplicated Offer Stacks

What it looks like:

• “You’ll get access to my program + 17 bonuses + 9 templates + a Slack group + 3 months of coaching…”

• Scroll-fatigue landing pages

• Confused customers who bounce instead of buying

Why it’s not working: More isn’t better, it’s overwhelming. Especially when you haven’t clearly communicated the core promise of the offer.

Do this instead: Simplify the message.

Example: “This offer helps you create one funnel, one offer, and one scalable revenue stream. That’s it.”

Then, let bonuses enhance (not compete with) the promise.

The truth is, anyone can go viral. 

But building a business that grows quietly, steadily, and profitably? That’s a different skill entirely.

Stick to the timeless, strategic and authentic moves that have gotten you here, and don’t get so distracted by the shiny objects.

XO,
Natalie

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If you’re ready to move beyond trends and start turning your content into a true sales engine, Reels to Revenue gives you the exact playbook.
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If your content isn’t converting, run it through these 3 frames before posting:

1. Clarity:

Can a cold lead understand what I do and how I help in under 5 seconds?

Test: Ask someone unfamiliar with your brand what they think your offer is based solely on this post.

2. Contrast:

Does this highlight the gap between where my ideal client is now and where they want to be? 

Tip: Use “before/after” storytelling even in one line. Buyers need to feel the shift.

3. Conversion Path:

Is there a clear next step that moves someone toward the sale?

Not always a CTA to “buy” but a DM invite, quiz, value drop, or “save this for later” that leads to your funnel.

Why it works:
Content that performs and converts isn’t always louder, it’s just better aligned.

Run your next 3 posts through this audit and watch engagement turn into action.

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