I’ve survived my first 90 days of this Instagram thing and wanted to share a few tidbits I’ve learned along the way.
1. Just start. You may not know everything you need to know, but you have to start somewhere. The number one factor holding me back from starting my new account was FEAR. What would people think? Would I embarrass myself? Can I really post pictures of myself (and not my kids, as I had been doing the last 6 years)? My solution to all of this is to just JUMP. I survived. It’s also been very liberating doing something in the face of fear.
2. Do your research. I met with a couple blogger friends to pick their brains about starting a new Instagram account. I googled. I paid attention. There is a methodology to this whole thing (i.e., the algorithm–HELLO!). Do what they say you should do.
3. Plan. You do not need to spend every waking minute on Instagram. Let me repeat that to myself real quick, “I do not need to spend every waking minute on Instagram.” Plan your posts. Spend some time making them meaningful, but not all day. You also need to spend the first 30-60 minutes after each post engaging with your followers. But then, go live your life. Hang with your people.
4. Have fun! At the end of the day, I started this account for ME. It’s supposed to be fun. I have to remind myself of that almost daily. If I post something, and it’s not doing well, THAT’S OKAY! It’s my vision, so who cares?! I’m making zero dollars and zero cents doing this right now, so it’s still at hobby-level. And that’s great.
5. Connect. The absolute most wonderful and meaningful thing that has occurred as a result of this whole Instagram adventure, is that I have made REAL LIFE connections. I am an extrovert. A social butterfly. Connecting with people through Instagram has been so rewarding. Instagram is a really positive, encouraging place. I am also lucky to have so my friends supporting me along this journey. Thank you so much if you are one of them! Life is too short to NOT chase a dream. Luckily I’ve had a lot of cheerleaders along the way.