✨ the SPARK 233 ~ Stop Playing a New Game With Old Rules

The rules of engagement have changed. Let’s talk about what actually works now.

Earlier this week, I caught up with someone I’ve known from the online marketing space for a long time. I try to have these conversations regularly, primarily to stay in touch and hear what’s happening in their world.

This friend shared with me that she lost her Facebook account out of the blue, for no reason (this isn’t the first time I’ve heard this in recent months).

Then yesterday, I saw a Reel of someone I had worked with for FB ads years ago (I joined his program to learn ads; he knew his stuff). In it, he was telling men not to get married because if they get divorced and cannot afford what they were ordered to pay, then it's too bad. They’d have to find the money to “pay her anyway.”

He had to cash out his 401 (k) because his business had been declining over the last year, and he didn’t have the money. The judge basically said, “Not my problem.”

This is someone who was doing 7-figures a year with an ad agency (zero judgment on his financial situation or divorce situation).

My point is that what used to work isn’t working.

Running FB ads doesn’t require ad agencies anymore because of AI. Not just when it comes to making the creative, but in deciding who to target, what your budget is, how to scale, when to scale… all of it.

The platforms may have changed, but the mindset? Not so much…

We’re in the middle of a digital migration.

More people are leaving traditional social platforms and turning to places like Substack, YouTube, and even smaller, niche communities. And honestly? I love it. There’s more than enough room for everyone, and the opportunity for real connection has never been better.

But… (you knew that was coming, right?)

You can’t treat new platforms the same way you treated the old ones.

You can't show up on Substack Notes and just post like you did on Twitter, expecting the same results. Or drop content on YouTube like it's still 2016 and think the algorithm gods will do the rest. That era is over.

The Big Shift

Social media has changed, as has the way people engage with it (not to mention the number of bots that engage 🙄).

The old model—posting constantly, chasing virality, playing the algorithm game, and maybe spending $2k on ads for a $97 product—is failing.

Even big-name creators are feeling it. I’ve seen people with massive followings show up on Substack Notes posting like they’re still on LinkedIn or X… and it just doesn’t land.

Of course, they bring their audiences, so they send an email and get those people to follow them here, but the content doesn’t land the same way.

I’d ask if this was just my perception, but I’ve talked to enough people that I don’t think so.

What Got Us Here Won’t Get Us There

Organic reach on traditional social requires much more than it used to, unless you’re glued to your phone (or have a media team). Paid ads? Risky at best—especially when ad accounts can vanish without warning. Like I said, I know creators who’ve lost Meta accounts entirely, through no fault of their own.

So, where do we go from here?

We Create Like We Mean It

That’s the invitation right now: to shift from algorithm-chasing to intentional, community-driven creation. To treat the platforms we choose (not the ones that demand our attention) with the respect they deserve.

Substack isn’t a Twitter clone. It’s not just a blogging platform. It’s a full-on ecosystem that lets you write, connect, build community, and get paid—all without the performance pressure of traditional social media.

YouTube isn’t just a search engine. It’s a place to teach, entertain, share your voice, and attract people who are actually looking for what you have to say.

This Shift is Leveling the Playing Field

If you’re tired of “being everywhere,” exhausted by trying to keep up, or worried about what you’re not doing, you’re not alone. Thankfully, this shift is making room for sustainable, joyful creation.

You don’t need to post 5x a day. You don’t need to go viral.

You just need to show up on purpose.

What This Looks Like in Practice

• Substack Notes as an extension of your voice—not a tweet replacement.

• YouTube as a place to share ideas, not just gain subscribers.

• Choosing your platform(s) based on energy, not obligation.

• Building a home base (email) that you own.

The platforms may have changed, but the opportunity is better than ever—if you’re willing to show up differently. Slow down, get intentional, and create things you’re proud of. This isn’t about playing the old game harder. It’s about playing a better game altogether—on your terms.

Your people are out there. Meet them where it feels right.

SPARK Spotlight 🔥

AI Meeting Notes in Notion

Screenshot of demo video (not a video)

OMG! I’ve used this a few times. MIND blown. 🤯 Capture every idea, decision, and next step in Notion so your team can put them to work immediately. You only need to select the element and grant permission on your computer. No need to connect Zoom, Google Meet, or any other tool (free right now!).

A Little Brainpower 🧠

Migrating from LinkedIn? “Coming To Substack From LinkedIn? Here's What You Need To Know” by

Ana Calin

.

How to find a balance between staying connected online and “Chasing that Dopamine,” by

Larry Cornett

.

I restacked this but don’t think I shared it here. “AI SEO Isn’t OPtional Anymore,” from

MaAnna Stephenson

&

Denise Wakeman

.

Tool Time 🛠️

• Notion: Turn Notion data into powerful custom apps for your business Share instantly with clients, vendors, teammates—or anyone you want Works even if they are not on Notion. Try NotionApps free here.

• Vibe Coding: I’m still working with Loveable.dev, but this takes it a step further. Everything all in one (i.e. no need to connect anything on the backend - which I’m sure Loveable will add). Try CoLaunchly free here.

• Meeting Notes: When you’re on the go and want your meeting recorded, transcribed, and a summary of your conversation - all from your phone. Check out Granola here.

• AI Animation: Create stunning animated videos with perfect character consistency across every scene. Try ShowHive.ai free here.

I concur…I’m a Cancer 😂

So here’s your reminder: you’re allowed to change how you show up.

You don’t need to hustle harder or hack your way to visibility. You need to mean what you create, stand behind it, and trust that the right people will feel it. Show up like you own the room, even if it’s still echoing.

The creators who will thrive in this next era? They’re not the loudest. They’re the ones who lead with intention, connection, and courage.

Let’s be those people. 💥

With coffee & kindness,
Kim