Every few months, the world of social media and blogging seems to build up a bunch of momentum and pressure to the point where nothing seems quite attainable anymore. Being stuck in a place that’s part way between doing social media for business and doing it for personal reasons makes it even more challenging. It doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but that you have to remind yourself that social media doesn’t work quite like everything else in the world! So I wanted to share some very real reminders for anyone who might be discouraged or even just starting out and not so sure about your direction.
Social media is always changing
Even though the most popular platforms like Facebook have been around for what seems like forever now, and Twitter just celebrated it’s 10th anniversary (whaaat?), each is constantly evolving. There are always going to be changes like the recent Instagram update that feel like they’ll set us back or shift our strategy, and there are going to be cool things that rise too. So if something isn’t working, like a post time or campaign, be open to the idea of experimenting or shifting gears. It’s kind of freeing knowing that you won’t be stuck with any one strategy forever, actually.
Social media is used for both business and personal
At any given time you can scroll through your feed to find someone posting a cute shot of their pet and someone who is trying to sell something (in every sense of the word). For me this is a major no brainer about social media, yet at the same time it’s mind blowing. It’s like hanging out at the mall with friends—you’re getting two different experiences, the friend one and the sales one. This helps you remember who your followers are. They’re other businesses or blogs or brands, but they’re also your family and friends (a lot of the time, anyway). It’s a lot to juggle but it’s nice to know it’s not ALL serious—it’s really more about portraying a certain lifestyle or a lifestyle your brand promotes.
Social media is STILL not the only audience there is
When you blog or work in social media you tend to start thinking that this world is the whole world. I’m not trying to be dramatic and saying you never, ever look up from your phone, but that there’s actually still quite a bit of people who aren’t on social media or who don’t wake up and check updates from their favorite blogs daily! I always get this reminder when I visit my family and friends at home. In Los Angeles, everything seems to revolve around this world. But if I’m being honest, most people I talk to in real life don’t have a clue what I do for my day job. And that’s totally okay. You totally CAN connect with people offline just as much as you can online… Even if this is where your brand lives.
Not everyone in social media (or blogging) is honest
You know how food labels and TV commercials are kiiiinda true—a box may say “natural” but still those words have been tweaked for a brand’s purposes… Or a commercial might share a “true story”, but have an actor’s portrayal and a whole mess of fine print that details the context. Social media (and blogging) is not exempt from this. People buy followers (they’d be better off paying for advertising than inflating follower numbers, trust me), people exaggerate their views, and most importantly people use content and language to convey their brand in a certain light. What I’m saying isn’t that everyone is shady but that lots of people in social media and blogging are doing this as a career, so they’re thinking of it from more of a business/advertising perspective than you’d think. That doesn’t mean everyone’s lying—most people aren’t, I’d assume—but it does mean that everyone is doing what they feel is in their best interests. This is so important to keep in mind when you’re new to social media or haven’t been on the business side. Taking in things as you see them can make you feel inadequate, uncreative, and even jealous. Just like any other thing, there are people you can trust, people you can’t trust, and people who simply take a different approach.
Although a few of these aren’t the most positive truths, I hope they take off some of the pressure. It reminds me that Instagram isn’t everyone’s life, that we are competing with people who put money into advertising and who grow their brands organically, and it’s always going to have its ups and downs.
Notebook: Rifle Paper Co. / Mason Jar Vase: Dot & Bo
Cherish says
Great reminders!
Right now I’ve been doing a follow-for-follow deal on Insta but it’s exhausting! I mean, I still check out every account but now I ONLY follow if I actually want their pictures in my feed!! I guess it’s just a reminder to myself that if my content is good, they will come.
:)
Selja says
Thanks for posting! It is kind of mind-blowing that social media has taken over in such a short time, when you put it in perspective.