Let's Talk about Instagram, Baby
I posted before about blogging and Instagram. It can be a tricky, frustrating beast. I didn't like how I ended it - I felt rushed at the time. As I delve more into blogging I see Instagram as a tool, a face for my blog.
I'm offering up a pink Hollywood glam curated feed - and that's okay! I'm doing it through my eyes, my perspective, my voice. My life isn't all heart shaped clutches and vintage perfume bottles but they do add decor and sparkle to my life - my real life - and to share them is still sharing an authentic part of my life.
I see Instagram as a business tool if you are blogger and it's fun. I see it as a creative, glossy platform for my blog where I don't mind opening my heart. It's fun doing flat lays and working on shots I find beautiful and glamorous. I only showcase clothing, items I have or share beautiful places I spend time in.
The tricky, frustrating parts for me are Instagram's algorithm, letting the number of followers get to me and keeping a balance.
Instagram's algorithm is extremely frustrating for bloggers, I much preferred seeing posts come in chronologically instead of all shuffled. This article by later put things in perspective for me, and I'm trying my best to work WITH the algorithm instead of against it.
Number of Followers. I've seen plenty of times accounts with low quality pictures, selfies, and no real theme have a high number of followers. I've seen gorgeous, curated feeds with low numbers. Sometimes the followers match the quality - but other times it does not. If you don't feel like your numbers are where you want to be - remember your worth, your blog's worth and quality does not depend on this. It does take a lot of time and work to get followers (unless you use bots) and you may get to a point of stagnancy and it's hard to muster up motivation - I say keep going. Remember the passion and love you have and let it see you through. But don't lose yourself in the Instagram chasing followers rabbit hole. People will friend you to unfriend you to grow their account. Your numbers may feel like they have stayed the same for 6 months. If you need a break, take one. If the stress is building - remember self care is so important. Turn off and tune out for a bit. Live life without the stress of numbers and getting just the right shot. Come back when you feel rejuvenated and motivated and feel the fun of it again.
The balance for me is making sure I'm posting glossy, beautiful pictures but also staying authentic to myself. If I'm posting a picture more for the audience and less for me, that's a problem. I went back and forth with uncertainty about this selfie. Should I post it? Does it fit? I liked the vintage vibe and the pink accents so I went with it.
That's a lot about how I feel about instagram and blogging - just go with it and have fun with creating something beautiful from your heart, through your eyes, from your voice, from your own unique perspective.
