The Instagram Paradox: Why Being Personal is the Key to Succeeding as a Business

We’ve all experienced social media burnout, right? I know I have. It’s easy to fall into a rut with your social media and feel like you’re posting just because you have to.

Let’s take a step back for a minute and remember what social media is about. This is an important reminder, so if you only take one thing away from this post, let it be this.

Social media is supposed to be fun.

It was created to be a way for us to connect with our friends and family, and a way to meet new people all over the world. It’s evolved into a way that you can share your passions with the world! If you are really, truly passionate about what you are doing, don’t you want to share it with others? 

Even if you are using social media to market your products and services and it’s technically part of your job, you should be using it for its purpose: to connect with others.

So how can we learn to enjoy social media a bit more? What makes it more interesting and not just another thing on your never-ending to-do list?

DOS

Communicate with your audience

The key to connection is communication. You can’t connect with others if you are having a one-sided conversation. People don’t want to be preached at or sold to, they want to have a conversation. They want to be involved.

Think of your audience as possible future friends and talk to them like you would with your friends.

Tell stories! Talk about your life and your passions. You started this business because you are passionate, right? So share with your community what excites you about your business. Share with them how your business changed your life. Be authentic and vulnerable.

Do things that are fun

If you find that looking for hashtags and researching your topic is fun, do more of that. If you get excited at the thought of making videos or being on a live video and connecting with your audience in real-time, do more of that. I always say “there are no rules.” Do more of what you enjoy and what you find fun. Posting to Instagram should be fun for you.

Find a process that works for you

Just like everyone has a different process for organization and productivity, everyone has their own method of using social media. Test a few different methods. Make a schedule for posting and see if you can stick to it. With my social media coaching, I can help you come up with a schedule that works for you. Try batching your content and see if it makes things easier to create all your content at once. Or make your posts in the moment, when you feel most inspired and motivated. Find what works for you.

DON’TS

Do things just because they are trendy

Everywhere I look on Instagram now, I see posts saying the best way to grow your audience is by making reels. They say, “If you’re not using reels, you’ll never grow! If you’re not using reels, you’re not doing Instagram right!”

I would argue that it’s your account and you don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to do.

I haven’t even tried making a reel yet. I am interested in video and I might dabble with reels in the future, but I’m not going to start doing it because everyone on Instagram says I have to. 

Do things that drain you or take away all of your valuable time

Similarly, if you don’t have the energy or time to dive into a whole new field (like making and editing videos) then there’s no need. Marketing should only be one part of your business. There are many other things you have to do in a day. Your time shouldn’t be full of trying to figure out a new feature on Instagram.

If you feel like it would help, take a step back from your Instagram. Turn off notifications for a day, or a week. It won’t ruin all the work you put into this account to take a bit of time away. This can be a great way to reevaluate your priorities, make a plan, and come back with a fresh mindset! Remember to have a little fun with it. Remember why you started this business and what excites you about it and share that with your audience. 

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