As a marketer and entrepreneur, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of building a business that not only succeeds but makes a difference. In today’s hyper-connected and tech-driven world, we’re constantly bombarded with notifications, emails and endless doom-scrolling–leaving us anxious and overwhelmed.
Through my digital wellbeing business Ditox, I believe in combatting these issues by making a difference in people’s mental health, especially in relation to online bullying and negativity. My lived experience propelled me to develop Ditox because I wanted to create a world where positive digital citizenship is addressed and transformed. I wasn’t just making Ditox to heal from my own negative digital experiences. I created a positive, meaningful business and continue to develop purposeful marketing content that informs, inspires and makes an impact.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing likes, clicks, and views—but meaningful marketing requires a shift in how we define success. Instead of focusing on sheer numbers, start to prioritize engagement, genuine connections, and customer feedback.Thao Vanessa Tran
Meaningful marketing isn’t just about selling—it’s about fostering trust, well-being and long-term engagement. By integrating digital wellbeing into your strategy, you create a brand that prioritizes mental health and authentic connections.
Integrating digital wellbeing into your marketing isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessary shift for creating meaningful connections with your audience. Let’s dive into why and how to bring this meaningful marketing approach into your business marketing strategy.
Why digital wellbeing matters in your marketing
Digital wellbeing is about finding a healthy balance between our online and offline lives. As technology evolves, so does the need to address the mental, emotional and physical toll that constant connectivity can take. This matters for entrepreneurs because your audience’s trust and loyalty depend on how you and your brand make them feel.
Research shows increasing awareness of digital well-being. A 2024 survey by Pew Research found that 72% of U.S. teens say they feel more peaceful when they don’t have their smartphone.
Businesses and entrepreneurs who align their marketing with digital wellbeing are poised to create happier work environments. For example, Richard Branson of Virgin requires employees to turn off email for two hours a week in a bid to improve their wellbeing and creativity. Digital wellness apps like Calm or Headspace lead the revolution by positioning themselves as brands that collaborate with renowned therapists, sleep scientists and wellness professionals to have credibility and authenticity.
Even major retail brands like Lush have an anti-social media policy to digital detox from Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat, until the platforms can provide a safer environment for their users.
At Ditox, I encourage workshop attendees to apply our Digital Wellness Wheel into their work and personal lives, using strategies to reduce doom-scrolling and online addiction with the 5-Post Rule and engage with just five social media posts at a time.
Beyond structured digital wellbeing strategies, mindset shifts like Mel Robbins’ Let Them theory can help both entrepreneurs and audiences manage online interactions more mindfully. This Let Them approach can also apply to brands. For example, to apply this theory to your branding and online presence, consider these approaches:
- Not everyone is your audience - It’s okay if some people don’t resonate with your brand. You don’t need to appeal to everyone, just those who align with your brand’s values and mission.
- Let competitors do their thing - Other brands might copy, criticize, or take a different approach. Let them. Instead of wasting energy on competition, double down on what makes your brand unique.
- Not everyone will support you - Some people will doubt your brand, dismiss your ideas, or not engage with your content. Let them. Your job is to keep showing up and providing value to the right audience.
- Let customers make their own choices - Instead of convincing people to buy or follow, focus on creating content and experiences that naturally attract them. Let them choose to engage with your brand instead of forcing it.
Digital wellbeing in marketing isn’t a luxury—it’s becoming a necessity. Brands that prioritize this approach demonstrate empathy and build meaningful connections, setting the stage for long-term loyalty.
Create mindful and sustainable content that inspires, not overwhelms
Let’s face it—content and digital overload is real. Your audience doesn’t need more noise; they need value. By creating mindful and sustainable content, you reduce digital fatigue and leave a lasting impact. This usually starts with the intention, followed by the tone, frequency and visual layout of your content.
As a digital marketer working for over 15 years in local and global organizations, I’ve learned that simplicity is key, especially when it comes to creating marketing content with hooks to entice and engage customers.
I’ll say it again: Simplicity. Is. Key. Smaller businesses can really exemplify this approach. Rubiix Business Accountants, a boutique accounting firm in Australia, positions themselves as “not your traditional accounting practice”. They offer consistent, informative and engaging that appeals to smaller businesses.
For marketing purposes, a few thoughtful posts that resonate with your audience can have more impact than ten rushed ones. Avoid clickbait and focus on quality over quantity. Rather than posting daily, create a content plan, develop a content plan. I created a simple content plan and tracker that you can use to align your content with your audience’s needs and deliver something genuinely useful.
Take action now:
- Simplify your content calendar by focusing on quality over quantity
- Use clean, crisp visuals to avoid overstimulating your audience
- Craft meaningful posts with actionable insights, heartfelt storytelling or inspiring calls to action
Use a values-driven approach to marketing
One of the most transformative changes in my marketing career was incorporating my core values into my work. While leading global Creative Services at Qatar Airways, I was responsible for maintaining brand integrity across countless projects. I had an incredible team and gained invaluable experience in leadership, creativity and navigating high-pressure environments.
However, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, I felt increasingly disconnected from my work. Despite the prestige of my role, I realized that alignment with my deeper values—authenticity, creativity and purpose—was missing. This period of reflection led me to pursue my true passions. I eventually flew back to Australia to rebuild my life as an entrepreneur with Ditox. I also unleashed my heart’s desire, developing my identity as a singer-songwriter and rapper under the name tha0ie. This dream has always been in the back of my mind—I just never had a creative outlet or picked up any of the signs.
This experience reinforced my belief that marketing should reflect core values, not just sell products. When your brand is rooted in authenticity, empathy and community, you’re not just attracting customers—you’re building trust.
A values-driven approach also supports digital well-being. It reminds your audience that your brand cares about their experience, not just their wallet. By showcasing empathy, kindness and mindful consumption, you create a foundation for brand loyalty that extends beyond a single transaction.
Take action now:
- Identify two to three core values that define your brand (as a person and as a business)
- Build marketing campaigns around these values to foster authenticity
- Demonstrate empathy by offering resources, tips, or support for your audience’s digital wellbeing
Focus on engagement over exposure
It’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing likes, clicks and views.
But meaningful marketing requires a shift in how we define success. Instead of focusing on sheer numbers, start to prioritize engagement, genuine connections and customer feedback. These things are meaningful because they enable you to strengthen connection and trust with your existing audience and prospects.
Start thinking critically about–and analyzing—comment engagement.
Ask yourself:
- How many of my total comments are positive?
- What is the overall sentiment and audience feedback?
- How am I communicating with my audience—whether it be in person, online, or through post-event wrap-ups?
Success isn’t just about exposure; it’s about creating moments that matter. A heartfelt comment, a meaningful conversation, or a shared story—these are the real wins that build brand loyalty.
Take action now:
- Redefine your KPIs to emphasize engagement over reach
- Regularly seek feedback from your audience to ensure your content aligns with their needs
- Celebrate quality interactions more than just quantitative metrics
Digital wellbeing isn’t just for your audience—it’s for you and your team
Overworking yourself or your staff to churn out constant content can lead to burnout. Luckily, tools are available to streamline your marketing efforts without sacrificing quality.
Early in my business and corporate career, I was constantly on all the web platforms, social media channels and multiple screens, working countless hours at times without lunch or toilet breaks because I was too focused on responding to social media comments, building instant landing pages and refreshing live website analytics. I was obsessed with constant messaging, digital performance and analytics. By the end of each month (especially when doing detailed monthly reports) I was exhausted. My marketing practices and engagement barely improved. I felt burnt out and uninspired.
Now I use tools like Trello, Google Sheets and automation hacks in Canva—all of which have been invaluable for planning my business priorities in advance. I also use communication platforms like WhatsApp and Slack to stay connected without overwhelming team members.
Since using planners and automation tools, my productivity and digital wellbeing has improved. With so many planners and tools out there, I’ve created my own Trello board for both business and life priorities. In this template, I’ve categorized multiple lists for different tasks each day of the week, as well as created lists for longer-term projects and health priorities, all contributing to digital wellbeing for entrepreneurship.
You can view and download the Ditoxer Planner Template here.
Meaningful marketing helps grow healthier, more resilient brands
Digital wellbeing isn’t just a marketing strategy—it’s a mindset. By integrating these principles, you can create a brand that stands out in today’s noisy digital world.
Take the first step toward meaningful marketing today. Identify your values, simplify your content and start creating with intention. Small changes can lead to big impacts, both for your audience and for the growth of your brand.
By adopting a digital wellness mindset, we can build more sustainable businesses that support a healthier, more connected future for us all.