3 Things For October 3rd, 2025
What happens when you leave questions unanswered?
Questions & Incomplete Information
Please tell me “What’s In It For Me.” And make it quick!
Incomplete information or questions left unanswered cause our brains to go negative, fill in the gaps with the worst-case scenario and say no to whatever is on offer. This means that the worst thing you can do with your marketing is leave people wondering.
If you don’t tell them how much it costs, they’ll assume it’s too much and if product or service information is lacking, they’ll assume the quality is lacking as well.
Anytime you don’t mention something that someone thinks should be mentioned, they’ll believe there is something that you’re hiding. This is just the nature of our evolutionary brains. What historically helped us survive throughout millennia is the reason that incomplete information could be hurting your brand and your sales.
Look at your website and marketing materials through the lens of your customer. Strip away everything you know about your offering and ask yourself what they care about, what problem you’re solving and are you answering all their questions. If it’s too difficult to not know what you know, elicit some help from customers and trusted peers.
Every time a question is left unanswered, there is a gap, and a gap doesn’t mean they will call to ask. That is the last thing anyone wants to do. It means they will leave your site and likely visit your competitor.
In a world where clarity is currency, the information you withhold can cost you more than the transparency you fear.
DIY vs. Outsourcing Your Website: 5 Common Mistakes
Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress make it easier than ever to launch a website yourself. That’s the upside. The downside? Without experience, DIYers often miss key details that impact performance, search rankings, and user trust. Here are five mistakes we see most often:
1. No Clear Goal
A common DIY trap is starting with a template and filling in content without thinking about the “why.” Every site needs clear goals—calls, form fills, or online sales—and the design should guide visitors to those actions.
2. Overdoing Features
Adding every plugin, widget, or effect makes a site slower and more confusing. Visitors want clarity, not clutter. Simpler sites almost always perform better.
3. Skipping Redirects
When moving to a new design or platform, old links often break if redirects aren’t set up. That means visitors hit “Page Not Found” errors and Google can drop hard-earned rankings. It’s one of the most overlooked DIY mistakes.
4. Poor Mobile Experience
Most traffic comes from mobile, yet DIY sites often load slowly, use oversized images, or bury navigation. If your site isn’t easy to use on a phone, you’re losing leads.
5. Ignoring SEO & Maintenance
Even drag-and-drop platforms need SEO basics—meta titles, alt text, SSL—and ongoing updates. Without them, a site can slip in search results or run into security issues.
Bottom line: DIY builders are powerful, but they don’t catch these mistakes for you.
At Strategy 3, we help small and mid-sized businesses build websites that aren’t just live, but designed to grow with your business. If you’re thinking about a redesign or unsure where your current site stands, we’d be happy to schedule a quick consultation to talk through your needs and goals.
3 Instagram Updates Every Small Business Needs to Know
Instagram just dropped game-changing updates that are reshaping how small businesses connect with customers. Smart business owners are already using these tools to get ahead. Here are the three biggest October updates that could transform your business right now.
1. DM Scheduling + Translation = Customer Service on Autopilot
Instagram rolled out DM scheduling and translation features for business profiles. You can now compose messages and schedule them up to 29 days in advance, plus automatically translate customer messages into your preferred language.
Why it matters: Provide 24/7 customer support without being online 24/7. A bakery can schedule “order ready” messages throughout the day, or a jewelry shop can communicate seamlessly with international customers.
Action step: Set up 3-5 template responses for common inquiries and schedule them for optimal times. Test translation with international followers—basic communication can turn browsers into buyers.
2. Algorithm Boost for Smaller Creators
Instagram’s 2025 algorithm now rewards content that keeps people engaged longer, not follower count. Your local shop’s Reel can now compete with major brands’ million-dollar campaigns.
Why it matters:The algorithm actively surfaces authentic, engaging content from smaller accounts to diversify what users see.
Action step: Create content that encourages “dwell time”—step-by-step tutorials, before-and-after carousels, or Reels with unexpected endings. Optimize for complete views rather than just impressions.
3. Enhanced Business Chat Features
Instagram is introducing “Business Chat” labels at the top of DM conversations, making it easier for customers to trust your business. Customers see clear labels and access to privacy information, building immediate legitimacy.
Why it matters: These professional touches help small businesses compete with larger companies through transparency and professionalism.
Action step: Update your business profile completely. Make sure your business category, contact information, and privacy policies are current to maximize trust in sales conversations.
The Bottom Line
Instagram’s October updates support real businesses, not just influencers. With algorithm changes favoring smaller accounts, professional chat features building trust, and automated customer service, small businesses have more competitive tools than ever.
Don’t wait for the perfect strategy—start using these features today. Success in October 2025 isn’t about having the biggest budget—it’s about using the right tools smartly and authentically.
Meaghan McCluskey
(253) 503-0328
meaghan@strategy3degrees.com