Meet Claire, Instagram coach and specialist based in Guildford, Surrey
Studio 5 Social runs Instagram workshops for small business owners in Surrey, Hampshire and online across the UK. I'm Claire Smith, the person behind it all.
Why I started Studio 5 Social
I'll be honest with you. I wasn't always the Instagram evangelist I am today.
I came to social media relatively late, but the moment I properly understood the power it could have for a business when used well and with intention, I was completely sold. I also understood immediately how overwhelming it could feel to figure it all out alone.
Which platform? What strategy? How often? What on earth do I actually post?
I'd felt all of it. And that's exactly why I became so passionate about helping other business owners cut through the noise and find an approach to Instagram that genuinely works for them.
Studio 5 Social launched six years ago with a simple mission
To help brilliant businesses get seen, recognised and valued for what they offer, without the overwhelm.
Since then I've had the privilege of working with hundreds of business owners across Surrey, Hampshire and beyond, through 1:1 sessions, group workshops, mentoring, and content days. Watching someone go from Instagram paralysis to posting with confidence and seeing real results never gets old. It genuinely makes my day, every single time.
"Claire is just the best to work with. In addition to always being sunny, can do, fun and vibrant, she is hugely talented. She sure knows her way around social media, that's for sure. A sincere thanks from myself and the team for everything you do for us."
Emily Richards
My approach
Practical, not preachy
I'm not here to tell you to post three times a day, chase every trend, or turn Instagram into a full-time job. My approach is built around working smarter, not harder. Every session, every strategy, every piece of advice is focused on what will actually make a difference for your specific business, not a generic checklist.
Tailored to you, always
No two businesses are the same, and no two sessions with me are the same either. Whether you're a complete beginner who needs the basics explained clearly, or an experienced business owner who wants to sharpen up a strategy that's stopped delivering, I'll meet you exactly where you are.
Results that actually matter
Follower counts are nice. But what I really care about is whether your Instagram is generating enquiries, conversations and opportunities for your business. That's the measure I work towards with every single client.
βI was in freeze mode doing nothing. Until I met Claire who talked me through getting some basics in place and just starting. Cannot rate more highly. If there were 6 stars I'd use them.β
Firgrove Forbes
A bit about my experience and credentials
Before launching Studio 5 Social, I spent 15 years in sales and marketing.
Including roles at Coca-Cola and a fast-growing recruitment start-up. That commercial background shapes everything I do. I understand how businesses actually work, what it means to have targets to hit, and why every piece of marketing needs to earn its place.
I've been working with small businesses and Instagram since 2019.
In that time a lot has changed on the platform. The one constant is that the businesses who get the best results are the ones with a clear strategy, a consistent voice, and someone in their corner helping them navigate the changes with confidence.
15 years in sales and marketing including Coca-Cola and a recruitment start-up, before founding Studio 5 Social
Six years running Instagram training and coaching for small businesses across the UK
Trained and certified in Facebook and Instagram Ads
Proud member of The Trade Mark Surrey Hills business community
Regular workshop host across Surrey and Hampshire, with sold-out sessions throughout the year
Featured speaker and workshop host for Genova Europe and The Shire Collective
Returning speaker at Farnham Creative Networks Day for the fourth consecutive year in May 2026
Co-host of the Studio Content Workshop alongside award-winning brand photographer Hester Barnes
I work with service-based businesses, product businesses, sole traders, small teams and everyone in between. If you run a business and Instagram feels harder than it should, I'm probably the right person to talk to.
"Claire is a powerhouse of knowledge and expertise on Instagram and adapts to different user levels, either novices or those with some knowledge. Session over Zoom was conducted in a very friendly manner and Claire took time to answer each and every question. Highly recommended."
JΔnis RaubiΕ‘ka
"Her knowledge is second to none and she delivers content in a way which is both engaging and entertaining, a combination of skills which is hard to come by. Go Claire, you rock!"
Victoria Harris
What my clients say about Studio 5
Ready to work together?
Whether you know exactly what you need or you're not sure where to start, the best first step is always a conversation. Book a free 30-minute discovery call and let's figure out the right way to work together.
No pressure, no hard sell. Just a relaxed chat about where you are, where you want to be, and how I can help you get there.
