What If You Actually Made Money From Social Media? A Conversation with Jade Warne

Running a small business and feeling like social media is a full-time job with part-time returns?

You’re not alone.

In fact, it’s one of the most common things I hear as a marketing coach: “I’m posting, I’m trying, but where’s the money?”

That’s why I had to bring you this brilliant chat with Jade Warne, founder of the Small Business Growth Club and one of our keynote speakers at the 2025 Social Media & Marketing Conference. We recently jumped on a live together, and let me tell you – it was packed with wisdom, truth bombs and inspiration. So whether you’re a service provider, eComm store owner or bricks-and-mortar business, this one’s for you.

The Reality Check Every Business Owner Needs

Jade knows what it’s like to lose everything overnight. As a high-level photographer and videographer travelling the world for big-name clients, her bookings disappeared in a flash when COVID hit. But instead of giving up, she rebuilt online – using social media and a smartphone.

She didn’t just bounce back, she built a 200K revenue stream from scratch. And no, she didn’t do it with fancy funnels or a 17-step system. She got clear on her audience, clear on her value and showed up with purpose.

Her key message?

“Social media is like being at a busy shopping centre. If you can step out, make eye contact, and clearly say what you do and who you help – you make sales.”

It’s Not the Algorithm, It’s the Distraction

One of my favourite parts of our conversation was Jade’s no-fluff take on distraction. As she says, the real enemy isn’t the Instagram algorithm or lack of time. It’s the endless distractions – and the belief that we need to be perfect before we show up.

Her simple mantra?

Decide. Start. Finish.

“So many business owners follow, scroll, screenshot – but don’t finish. The ones who do, they win. Not because they’re better, just because they finished.”

Oof. Right?

Your North Star is Not Your Feed

If you’ve ever sat down and asked yourself, “What should I post today?”, Jade wants you to flip the script.

Instead of asking what to post, ask:
“What does my customer need to hear today?”

Social media becomes a tool for connection when you shift the focus off yourself and onto your audience. When you’re helpful, when you’re useful, everything else falls into place – the sales, the followers, the confidence.

It’s a refreshing reminder that this whole online thing doesn’t have to feel performative or draining.

Why You Need to Be in the Room

Jade will be sharing her full keynote, How to Make Money on Social Media, live at the 2025 Social Media and Marketing Conference on Friday 29 August in Melbourne. But she’s not just popping in for a quick set-and-forget moment. She’s committed to showing up for every single person in that room.

And not just Jade. The line-up is next-level. We’ve curated a full day of marketing wisdom from leaders who are in it – the kind of people who are running businesses, testing new tools and keeping it real.

Jade said it best:

“Business isn’t built in a day. It’s built in community. It’s built in rooms like this, where people are sharing generously, learning from each other, and choosing to show up before they feel ready.”

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not quite ready for a big event or like you’re not doing enough to deserve to be in a room like this – I want you to know you are exactly who this conference is for.

It’s for the imperfect, the overwhelmed, the dreamers, the implementers and the tired-but-trying business owners who just want their efforts to work.

Final Word

Social media doesn’t need to drain you. It can serve you. It can build your business. It can put money in your bank account and time back in your week – if you approach it with clarity and confidence.

That’s what Jade is here to teach. And that’s just one of 14 incredible speakers you’ll hear from on the day.

So if you’re on the fence, let this be your nudge. Your goals deserve a seat in that room.

🎟 Grab your ticket here:
👉 www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference

I’ll be down the back with my notepad, learning too. See you there?