Instagram Marketing for Small Businesses
Review

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Confidently Market Your Business on Instagram

Easy
  • Last updated 09/12/2025
by Sue B Zimmerman

What you'll learn ? Overview

We discovered Ready Set Gram is Sue B Zimmerman's signature Instagram marketing course, and let's address something right away: the course title confusion. While often referred to as "Instagram Marketing for Small Businesses," the actual program is called Ready Set Gram (we verified this through multiple sources).

Sue B Zimmerman, known as "The Instagram Expert," brings over 30 years of business experience to this program. After diving into the curriculum, we found it's specifically designed for small business owners who feel overwhelmed by Instagram's constant changes. The course promises to transform confused beginners into confident Instagram marketers, and we wanted to see if it delivers on that promise.

The program covers eight core modules, starting with foundational elements like optimizing your business profile and identifying your ideal client. What caught our attention is how the course progresses logically from basic setup to advanced strategies like mastering Instagram Reels and Stories. Students get lifetime access to all materials, plus bonus resources including 100+ Canva templates and a content calendar (we appreciated these practical add-ons).

One interesting finding: the course content totals under three hours, which initially seemed light for a $497 investment. However, Sue B includes twice-monthly live Q&A coaching calls, which significantly boosts the value proposition. These aren't pre-recorded sessions, they're actual live interactions where students can get personalized feedback directly from Sue.

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Is this course for you?

👉

Prior experience needed

Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)

👉

Time commitment

light Light (1–5 Hours/Week)

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Learning style

Hybrid (Mix Of Pre-Recorded Lessons & Live Workshops)

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Goal

Make Money

Best suited for:

Small business owners, solopreneurs, and service providers who struggle with Instagram or haven't started using it strategically. Perfect for those who value direct instructor access and prefer structured learning over piecing together free resources.

Instructor

Sue B Zimmerman

The Instagram Expert Legitimacy Score: 9/10
Sue B. Zimmerman is a renowned social media strategist and entrepreneur, specializing in Instagram marketing. With over three decades of business experience, she has founded multiple successful ventures and now focuses on empowering entrepreneurs and businesses to leverage Instagram for growth. Her expertise in Instagram strategy, content creation, and community building has earned her recognition as a leading authority in the field.
Zimmerman's entrepreneurial journey spans more than 30 years. She launched her first business at age 13, selling hand-painted barrettes. By 22, she had built a seven-figure company. Throughout her career, she has founded over 18 businesses, including SueB Do, Boxer Rebellion, and Sue B. Zimmerman Enterprise. Her transition to social media expertise began in 2012 when she recognized Instagram's potential for business growth. Since then, she has developed comprehensive online courses, coaching programs, and speaking engagements focused on Instagram marketing.
• Named one of the Top 50 Must-Follow Women Entrepreneurs by Huffington Post in 2017
• Featured as one of the Top 10 Social Media Blogs by Social Media Examiner in 2017
• Creator of the online course 'Ready Set Grow', teaching comprehensive Instagram strategies
• Author of the #1 eBook 'Instagram Basics for your Business'
• Frequent presenter at major industry conferences like Social Media Marketing World
• Speaker at Social Media Marketing World
• Presenter at Traffic & Conversion Summit
• Featured speaker at Ontrapalooza
• Regular presenter for CreativeLive
• Speaker at Social Media Day events
• Keynote at Social Media Camp
• Guest on numerous marketing and entrepreneurship podcasts
Sue B. Zimmerman is highly active across social media platforms, particularly on Instagram where she posts daily. Her content focuses on Instagram marketing tips, business growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her entrepreneurial life. She regularly hosts live sessions, creates educational reels, and engages with her community through comments and direct messages.

Course Details

  • ⏱ Duration3
  • 📶 DifficultyEasy
  • ⌛ Access Lifetime
  • ⏰ Time investmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)

🧠 Prerequisites

None stated. The course explicitly targets Instagram beginners and those feeling overwhelmed by the platform.


💻 Requirements

Smartphone or computer with internet access, active Instagram business account


💸 Hidden Costs

While the course teaches native Instagram features, optimal results might require Canva Pro (approximately $120/year) or scheduling tools like Later or Planoly ($15-40/month).


🙋‍♂️ Support Options

Private Facebook community, twice-monthly live Q&A coaching calls with Sue B Zimmerman, email support

Course content

  • Module 1: The Foundation For Success - Mindset shifts, goal setting, understanding Instagram's algorithm, establishing an efficient workflow
  • Module 2: Nail Your Niche & The Ideal Client - Target audience identification, problem-solving frameworks, competitor analysis strategies
  • Module 3: Optimize Your Profile For Growth - Bio optimization, profile picture selection, username strategies, compelling call-to-action creation
  • Module 4: Content Strategy & Planning - Content pillar development, creating diverse content mix, calendar planning systems
  • Module 5: Create Compelling Content - Canva design basics, carousel creation, brand aesthetic development
  • Module 6: Write Captivating Captions That Convert - Storytelling techniques, engagement writing, effective calls-to-action
  • Module 7: Hashtag & Keyword Strategy For Visibility - Research methods, hashtag selection, keyword optimization for discovery
  • Module 8: Grow With Video & Instagram Stories - Reels creation, Stories features mastery, live streaming strategies
  • Bonus Materials: Content Calendar Template, 100+ Canva Templates, "7 Ways to Get Your Next 1,000 Followers" guide

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Feedbacks

Overall sentiment

After analyzing feedback across multiple platforms, we found students generally praise the course for its clarity and practical approach, though some question whether the content justifies the price tag. The sentiment splits between beginners who find it transformative and intermediate users who expected more advanced strategies.

Praised points

  • Clear, actionable instructions: Students consistently mention Sue's ability to break down Instagram's complexities into manageable steps
  • Live coaching access: The twice-monthly Q&A calls with Sue herself receive particular praise for providing personalized guidance
  • Supportive community: The private Facebook group creates accountability and networking opportunities among small business owners

Criticisms

  • Content depth vs. price: Several reviewers felt the under-3-hour course content doesn't match the $497 price point
  • Too basic for experienced users: Intermediate marketers report limited value, saying much content is available free on YouTube
  • Limited refund flexibility: The action-based refund policy requiring completed coursework creates hesitation for some buyers

Testimonials

"Great for getting started, Sue breaks down Instagram in simple terms." – YouTube User

"Helped me land my first few sales via Instagram!" – Course Graduate

"A bit basic if you've already been using Instagram for a while." – Reddit User

"The live Q&A calls make all the difference, worth the investment for that alone." – Facebook Community Member

"Clear, easy to follow, and full of real-life examples." – Instagram Student

Social insights

We noticed minimal organic discussion on Reddit and Quora about this specific course. Most conversations happen within Sue's own community, suggesting her audience operates primarily within her ecosystem rather than broader social platforms. When mentioned, users describe Sue as "genuine" and recommend the course specifically for "absolute beginners."

Video review

Marketing Analysis

Claim Verification

The main promise of providing a "step-by-step guide to confidently market your business on Instagram" aligns with the curriculum. We found no exaggerated income claims or unrealistic promises.

Price History

While specific historical pricing wasn't available, the $497 price point appears stable based on archived mentions.

Upsell Practices

After purchase, students receive offers for "The Social Sip" membership. The upsell appears non-aggressive and provides genuine additional value.

Student Success

The website features testimonials from real businesses like Nurture & Grow and Allison H. Personal Styling, reporting increased engagement and client acquisition. We couldn't independently verify specific results but found no evidence of fabrication.

Platform & Delivery

Learning Platform

Hosted on Learn with SBZ portal (likely using Kajabi), providing a clean, professional interface

Content Accessibility

Lifetime access to all materials including future updates. Live Q&A replays available. Download permissions not specified.

Mobile Compatibility

Fully mobile-responsive platform allows learning on smartphones and tablets

Technical Requirements

Standard internet connection for video streaming

Red flags check

😬

Complaints

No major red flags emerged during our investigation. The primary complaint centers on value-for-money, particularly from users with some Instagram experience who expected more advanced content.

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Refund policy issues

Here's where things get interesting. The course offers a 14-day conditional guarantee, but you must complete and submit coursework from the first two modules to qualify. While not inherently problematic, this action-based approach differs from standard no-questions-asked policies.

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Marketing practices

Sue's marketing remains transparent and professional. She avoids making unrealistic income claims, focusing instead on skill development and confidence building. The sales page uses standard direct-response techniques without crossing into hype territory.

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Community feedback

The private Facebook community receives consistent praise with no reported issues or concerns. Members describe it as supportive and engaging.

Is this course legit?

Value For Money

At $497, Ready Set Gram sits in the mid-ticket range. The under-three-hour core content initially seems light, but the twice-monthly live coaching calls significantly boost the value. For complete beginners who need hand-holding and accountability, the ROI could be substantial. However, those with basic Instagram knowledge might find better value elsewhere.

Conclusion

After thorough investigation, we can confirm Ready Set Gram is a legitimate course from a respected industry expert. Sue B Zimmerman has built a solid reputation over 30+ years in business, and this shows in her teaching approach.

Here's what we think: the course excels at taking overwhelmed beginners and giving them a clear, actionable roadmap. The combination of concise video lessons, practical templates, and most importantly, direct access to Sue through live Q&A calls, creates a support system rarely seen at this price point.

However, we must address the elephant in the room, the core content is under three hours. For $497, some might expect more comprehensive material. The value really comes from the live coaching and community access, not the pre-recorded content alone.

Is it worth it? For complete beginners serious about Instagram marketing who value personal guidance, yes. For those comfortable with self-directed learning or with intermediate skills, probably not. The conditional refund policy also means you'll need to commit upfront and complete coursework to qualify for a refund.

Bottom line: Ready Set Gram delivers on its promises but know what you're buying, it's as much about the ongoing support as the course content itself.

FAQs about this course

Yes, the strategies apply to both. Product-based businesses learn visual storytelling and showcase techniques, while service providers master trust-building and expertise demonstration through content.

The core video content is under three hours total. However, this doesn't include the twice-monthly live Q&A calls, community interaction time, or implementation work.

No, this course focuses on organic growth strategies only. If you're looking for paid advertising training, you'll need a different course.

Yes, you must complete and submit coursework from the first two modules within 14 days. This isn't a browse-and-return situation, you need to prove you've given it an honest try.

This ongoing membership provides continued Instagram marketing updates and support. Pricing isn't publicly listed, so expect to learn about it after joining the main course.

The course teaches using free Instagram features, but many students find value in Canva Pro ($120/year) for design work or scheduling tools like Later ($15+/month).

Sue provides lifetime access including updates, and the live Q&A calls address current Instagram features and algorithm changes.

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Instagram Marketing for Small Businesses screenshot
Instagram Marketing for Small Businesses Review
$ 497
Total score: 8,0/10 ⭐
  • Duration3
  • DifficultyEasy
  • Release Date07/2025
  • Format Self-Paced
  • AccessLifetime
  • Time InvestmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)
  • Payment Options One-Time
  • LanguageEnglish
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Our Methodology

At IsThisCourseLegit, we're committed to providing objective and transparent evaluations. Our rating system is based on rigorous criteria evaluated by experienced entrepreneurs who have built and sold successful online businesses.

Our Rating System

Each course is rated on a scale of 1-10 across key categories including content quality, value for money, community support, results potential, and update maintenance. The overall score reflects our comprehensive assessment of the course's value and effectiveness.

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Instagram Marketing for Small Businesses Review