If social media vanished tomorrow, would your brand survive?

If social media feels like it’s in its “everything, everywhere, all at once” era—you’re not wrong. While the TikTok ban only lasted about as long as your average binge watch, it cracked open the same conversation we’ve been having for years: what happens when the platforms you’ve built your brand on decide to change the rules?

Lately, everyone is talking about the concept of living on “rented land” and why owned platforms (newsletters, blogs, communities) are the safer bet. While that’s true, it’s not that simple. Social media isn’t just a tool for reach, it’s where brands become brands. It’s where Ryanair built an entire personality, where Duolingo turned a language-learning app into an entertainment channel, where Nutterbutter popularized chaos, and where Nike made inspiration feel personal. These brands aren’t packing up and leaving anytime soon.

But what about the brands and creators who don’t have millions of followers? The ones who rely on social media to stay connected, relevant, and seen? The answer isn’t to flee—it’s to pivot.

Read the full piece on Substack here