Social media marketing consultant Tabitha Tune offers practical strategies for rising above the digital noise and creating authentic connections.
Anyone who scrolls through Instagram reels or TikTok today is bound to come across targeted marketing posts, whether this content appears to be an advertisement or not.
Tabitha Tune, a social media marketing consultant, has harnessed the ability to plant online seeds for businesses hoping to grow an audience and build a brand name online. As founder of A la Mode Media, Tune has helped local businesses in Nashville navigate the ever-changing landscape of digital content creation since 2009.
In the latest episode of Artisanal Insights, she delves into what it takes to stay relevant in an industry driven by shifting algorithms and constant innovation.
Tune thinks when it comes to online and business success, the key is keeping it real.
“I’ve seen things that work when there’s an obvious sincerity in the post,” she says. “It’s about going back to your core mission, celebrating your staff, and highlighting your community.”
Authenticity, Tune explains, is more effective than trying to keep up with every new trend or gimmick the platforms roll out.
With a career full of clients spanning from small businesses to reality TV chefs, Tune’s experience underscores the value of harnessing the power of expanding business by gaining traffic from online content.
“The ones who understand the value of focusing on their business and letting someone else handle social media are the ones that find long-term success,” she notes. While some business owners may be hesitant to hand off their brand image to a consultant like Tune, the payoff can be explosive.
One of her most memorable “aha” moments came when a restaurant client asked her to give them a heads-up before her posts went live. “They sold out of a dish because of my post that morning. It was a big realization that, yes, social media can have a tangible impact—but you don’t always know how or when.”
For small businesses hesitant to dive into social media or unsure about where to focus their efforts, Tune has some straightforward guidance: “Do what you can. If you don’t have the time or budget for video, that’s OK. Stick to what you’re comfortable with and what works for you.”
It’s a practical approach in an industry that often feels overwhelming.
Even with all her expertise, Tune admits that predicting what will work on social media is more art than science these days. While social media content marketing could rely on consistent posts of similar style back in 2014, Tune explains how 10 years later, “one day it’s all about videos, the next it’s carousels. It’s almost impossible to pinpoint what’s going to work at any given time.”
Her advice? Spend time on the platforms and engage, but set healthy boundaries to avoid burnout.
And for those eyeing a career in social media, Tune offers a dose of realism. “It’s not just about being on Instagram all day,” she says. “It’s about understanding your audience, being creative, and sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone—like standing on a table in a crowded restaurant to get the perfect shot.”
Looking ahead, Tune remains cautious but optimistic about the role of AI in social media. “I’ve used AI tools to generate ideas when I’m stuck, but they’re not perfect,” she admits. “There’s still a need for a human touch to make the content resonate.”
For now, Tune is focused on helping her clients navigate the chaos and stay true to their brand values.
Whether you’re a business owner or a budding social media professional, the insights Tune offers are a refreshing perspective on how social media can be utilized from successfully facilitating a “tourist trap” to becoming the locals’ favorite go-to spot.
