Episode 252: Ruthie Sterrett — Content, Consistency, and Where to Start
Want to join the conversation about this episode? Head over to my free Facebook community.
Want more accountability, support, and trainings? Join us inside the Social Sales Studio Membership!
If content feels overwhelming… you’re not alone
If you’ve ever stared at your phone thinking:
- “What do I even post?”
- “Why does it feel like everyone else knows what they’re doing?”
- “How are people posting every day and still living their lives?”
…today’s episode is for you.
I’m sitting down with Ruthie Sterrett, founder of The Consistency Corner, and we’re talking about content, consistency, and exactly where to start when you’re trying to market your business without burning out.
Meet Ruthie Sterrett (and what she actually does)
Ruthie is the founder of The Consistency Corner, a marketing agency that supports small business owners who are scaling and ready for the next level—but don’t have the capacity for an in-house marketing department.
Her company helps in two big ways:
- Done-for-you content support (when you’re ready to outsource)
- Content coaching + quarterly roadmaps (when you need a plan before you need a team)
And I loved hearing her story because she didn’t start in a traditional marketing track—she started in network marketing, then moved into retail marketing and management, and eventually found her lane in branding + strategy.
Which is such a good reminder: sometimes your “past chapter” is exactly what prepares you for your next one.
The biggest content mistake Ruthie sees
One of the first things Ruthie pointed out is something I see allllll the time:
We scroll, we listen to “Instagram experts,” and we try to apply advanced strategies… before we have our basics in place.
Ruthie explained it like this:
You might be hearing advice that’s perfect for your Chapter 5, but you’re still building Chapter 1.
And if you skip the foundation work, you’ll end up circling back later to rebuild it anyway.
The foundation every business owner needs
When I asked Ruthie what someone should focus on first, she went right to:
✅ Mission + values (especially your mission)
Not because it’s trendy. But because it’s what helps you:
- get clear on who you serve
- create content that actually connects
- attract the right people (not just “more people”)
- stay consistent as your business grows
She also reminded us that you can’t just keep this in your head. Getting it on paper makes it easier to communicate it to your audience and to future team members.
Mission vs. Vision (quick clarity)
Ruthie shared a helpful distinction:
- Mission: who you serve + what you do + why it matters
- Vision: where you’re going long-term (often more internal-facing)
And yes—your mission can evolve as you evolve. (Thank goodness.)
Picking your platform: start with ONE
If you’ve been trying to do Instagram + Facebook + TikTok + Pinterest + LinkedIn + email + a podcast… and you’re exhausted…
Ruthie’s advice is simple:
Pick one channel. Get consistent. Then layer.
Because when you try 10 things at once:
- you can’t stay consistent with any of them
- you don’t know what’s actually working
- and you burn out fast
Choose the platform that fits both:
- where your customer is and
- what you can realistically show up for
“Stop the scroll” (without losing your marketing strategy)
This part was SO good.
Ruthie shared how she created her Stop the Scroll Challenge because she realized scrolling was draining her energy—and not giving anything back.
Here are two of her top tips:
1) Set boundaries with social (for real)
Not just “I should scroll less,” but actual limits:
- app timers
- app limits
- removing the app during busy seasons
- using desktop only
2) Create before you consume
When you have a plan, you don’t need to scroll for inspiration.
Because scrolling for “ideas” can quickly turn into:
- comparison
- overwhelm
- copy/paste content that doesn’t sound like you
A content plan keeps you rooted in your voice.
Quarterly planning + monthly batching (the system that saves you)
Ruthie loves quarterly planning because 90 days gives you enough time to:
- test what works
- build momentum
- stay consistent long enough to see results
Then, she uses that quarterly plan as the “recipe” for her monthly batching.
Instead of walking into your content creation like:
“Let me throw random ingredients together and hope it works…”
You’re following a recipe you already planned.
And honestly? That’s the kind of energy I want for all of us.
The “selling vs. value” balance (content that converts without being annoying)
Ruthie reminded us: different posts have different jobs.
Some posts are meant to:
- attract
- nurture
- convert
Your “sell” posts might not get the most likes—but they’re still necessary, because people won’t buy what they don’t know exists.
Also, social media isn’t your full marketing strategy—it’s a container for it.
That’s why looking at your content from a higher level (like a quarter) helps you see:
- are you educating enough?
- are you selling enough?
- are you building connection?
- are you getting discovered?
Want to start long-form content but feel like you’re not ready?
Ruthie had SUCH a smart tip:
If you’re not ready for a blog or podcast, start with:
- a monthly email newsletter
- one “meaty” value post per month
…and save it in a Google Doc, because it can become a future blog post later.
(And yes. PLEASE learn from us: back up your content. Save your work.)
How to connect with Ruthie
Ruthie is a content strategist and founder of a content management agency that helps small business owners create consistent content that drives revenue through quarterly planning, simple marketing best practices, positive reinforcement, and accountability.
📍 Find her on Instagram: @theconsistencycorner
Website link: theconsistencycorner.com/stopthescroll
Final takeaway
If you’ve been feeling stuck, behind, or like you’re “bad at marketing,” here’s your reminder:
You don’t need to do everything.
You need a foundation, a plan, and consistency that actually fits your life.
And that’s exactly what Ruthie delivered in this episode.
Now go create some magic. ✨
