30 Days of Posting
Pretty much everyone desires to grow on social media. Whether it be Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat (if that is still around) and there are countless articles, blog posts, podcast episodes and YouTube videos to help us do just that. Well-meaning creators share their tips regarding what to post, when to post, what hashtags to use for optimal engagement, etc, etc. What some of them fail to mention, however, is that when you have an unpredictable full time job setting an alarm to remind you when to post won’t help. Hashtag trends and popularity change every day. And, when a global pandemic strikes, do you only post about said pandemic, pretend that it doesn’t exist or somehow incorporate talking about it in the caption of a throwback post of you in the third grade?
The truth is, unless you are trying to build a business, life will get in the way of scheduled posts. Slapping on filters won’t change the way you see yourself, and trying to appease the Instagram algorithm will drive you insane.
Going into this 30 day habit forming challenge all I wanted to do was grow my following. Instead, some serious questions came up that started changing my perspective on social media and the way I steward my presence.
First: Who am I posting this for?
I definitely feel the pressure to make out every post to someone who might discover me and put me in their next musical or some guy who might see it, find me hilarious and fall head over heels in love with me. But the truth is: at this point in time, the people who will definitely see my posts are my friends and family. People who know me and support me. Before catering to the unknown masses who might find some sort in delight in the content you share, you need to focus on the ones who already enjoy seeing your face pop up on the screen. With whom a comment doesn’t stay a comment but turns into a coffee date and ultimately a real, genuine connection.
Second: Whose story am I telling?
Sometimes I try to be funny, sometimes I share my heart. Either way, it’s all real. In an effort to connect to everyone, we share generic quotes that we, ourselves do not relate to. We share about products and brands with the hope of influencing others and getting paid to do so. Don’t get me wrong, that is all well and good. We live in a time where it is a highly desired privilege to be able to work from home and earn a proper salary by posting on social media. So if you are able to, go for it sister. But please, as you are sharing other companies’ stories and sharing about what you like, be sure to share who you are. That is when real human connection happens.
Let me be frank: Over the last few months there have been some toxic thoughts that kept me from posting on social media. Thoughts like, “Who even cares if I post?” or “I have nothing worth sharing.” And it may seem like I’m taking this thing way too seriously, but let’s be honest, social media has become a major part of our lives and the way we steward it, and how we allow it to influence us, is crucial to our mental and emotional health. Because ultimately the growth of our souls is more important that the growth our profiles.
So, to sum this experience up: my following has increased by 2% and my anxiety has decreased by 100%. Well 95% if I’m being honest, because I’m human.
