How I Set Social Media Boundaries as a Small Business Owner

As a small business owner, social media is part of the job. It helps us connect with customers, share our work, and grow our businesses. But let’s be honest — it can also suck up our time, energy, and creativity if we don’t set boundaries.

That’s why I’ve been experimenting with ways to create better phone habits and reduce my screen time — not to be “perfect,” but to protect my focus, my creativity, and my family time.

And the biggest game-changer? Getting a separate business phone.

In this post, I’ll share how I use my business phone (and why it’s been so helpful), plus other practical tips and tools you can try if you’re ready to spend less time scrolling and more time creating.

Why Social Media Boundaries Matter for Small Business Owners

Here’s the thing: we’re not just scrolling for fun — we’re scrolling for work. Social media is part of running a business, which means it’s very easy to justify endless hours online. But the reality is:

• Constant scrolling drains creativity.
• It blurs the line between work and personal life.
• It sets habits (that our kids notice too).
• And honestly? It doesn’t actually make our content better.

Creating strong boundaries isn’t about guilt. It’s about protecting your energy so the time you do spend on social media is intentional and effective.

The Business Phone Hack That Changed Everything

A while back, my husband upgraded his phone, and instead of selling his old one, I claimed it. I loaded all my social media accounts onto that phone and started using it exclusively for business.

Here’s why it works so well:

• My personal phone stays social media free.
• If I want to scroll, I actually have to go grab my business phone.
• Work and life feel more separate — I’m not tempted to “just check Instagram” while I’m winding down for the night.

It’s such a simple shift, but it’s made a massive difference in how I feel about social media.

👉 Pro tip: If you’re upgrading your phone soon, hold onto your old one and try this for a week. You might be surprised at how freeing it feels.

The Best Apps (and Hacks) for Social Media Boundaries for Small Business Owners

If a second phone isn’t an option for you, here are some other small tweaks that can make a big difference:

1. Turn Off Notifications

Let’s be real — those notifications are designed to pull you back into the apps. Turning them off means you decide when to check social, not your phone.

2. Use Screen Time Limits (with a Twist)

App limits can be hit or miss, but one fun accountability trick is to have your partner or a friend set the passcode. That way you have to “plead your case” if you really need more time.

3. Move Your Phone Out of Sight

This one’s easy but powerful. If your phone isn’t on your desk while you’re working, you’re far less likely to pick it up and scroll without thinking.

4. Try Focus Apps

There are some great apps that add a pause before you open social media. For example:

• Breathing apps that prompt you to take a breath before opening Instagram.
• Forest App, where you “grow a tree” by staying off your phone.
• The Brick, a small device that turns your phone into just a phone until you physically connect it again.

5. Create a “Phone Home” in Your House

Whether it’s a charging station, a basket, or a cute gadget like The Phone Box, having a designated spot for your phones makes it easier to put them away and be present.

Modelling Better Habits for My Kids

One of the biggest motivators for me is knowing my kids are watching. I want to model healthy tech habits so that when they eventually get phones, they’ve seen what balance can look like.

That’s why I love the idea of a “kitchen phone” — a shared family phone that stays in one spot and is available for calls and texts, but not endless scrolling. It’s something I plan to implement in the next few years.

This Isn’t About Shame

If you’ve ever felt guilty about your screen time, please hear me: it’s not your fault. These apps are literally designed to keep us hooked. The point of setting boundaries isn’t to be perfect — it’s to create more space for the things that actually matter.

And when you have stronger boundaries with your phone, you’ll:

• Feel less drained.
• Be more creative when you sit down to create content.
• Enjoy social media more (instead of resenting it).

Final Thoughts: The One Where We Set Boundaries (Finally)

As business owners, we don’t need to quit social media — but we do need to be intentional about how we use it. For me, the business phone hack has been the single best way to create space between work and life.

Try one of these ideas this week — whether it’s turning off notifications, moving your phone out of sight, or setting up your own “phone home.” Small changes really do add up.