It’s no secret: Instagram is where it’s at right now.
With more users than ever, it’s the app for connecting with friends, potential clients, industry peers, and inspiration. And as creative business owners, it’s our job to keep up. Post consistently. Use stories. Have you shared your highlights yet? And what about a Live video?
As creative business owners, we are constantly inundated with Instagram tips: all the things we should be doing to make the most of our online presence. How many podcasts or webinar ads have you seen with a title like: “Grow Your Instagram Following with These Easy Steps!” or “How I Doubled My Followers Overnight!”
Instagram is free marketing for your business. That’s the magic of social media: with little to no monetary investment, you can place your brand in front of thousands of potential clients. You can create connections in your industry, and find inspiration at every turn. It’s easy to see why Instagram is essential for your business—especially when you’re starting out.
But how many hours are you pouring into your Instagram game?
Does it feel like you’re constantly overwhelmed by what you should be doing on Instagram? I feel ya. Everyone is always telling us to post consistently, engage often, and make use of every. single. feature.
I know, I know. It sounds crazy, right? How could you be investing too much time in the app that everyone is always raving about?!
Here’s the thing: Instagram is a valuable tool. But it’s not the only tool. And it’s definitely not the most efficient tool in terms of time investment.
You know me. I’m all about people. Connecting. Forming friendships. But sometimes you have to pause and ask yourself: is Instagram tricking you into thinking you’re more connected than you actually are?
A “double-tap” will never be as meaningful as a real-life hug. A DM will never carry the same weight as a meaningful coffee-date conversation.
In this industry, your reputation will always mean more than the number at the top of your Instagram account.
Despite all our social connections, Word of Mouth will forever be THE best way to build your business. Referrals are hands-down the best way to attract ideal clients and establish trust with potential customers. Your time is so much better invested in building real relationships than in carefully planning a grid of pretty little squares.
So, instead of scrolling for an hour:
Serve your clients and your industry peers well. An authentic heart of service will go so much farther than an Instagram post ever could.
We all know how it goes: “I just need to post this one thing real quick.” Yeah, right. When was the last time you did anything “real quick” on Instagram?! As soon as you open the app, you’ll be sucked into the same old scrolling habit. I’ll be the first to admit: I’ve definitely found myself mindlessly scrolling more than I should!
A “quick post” turns into fifteen minutes… maybe even half an hour, maybe more. Was that time really productive for your business?
Instagram is full of inspiration. But sometimes, “inspiration” mutates into its ugly counterpart: “comparison.”
It’s easy to log on with the pretense of inspiration, connection, and authentic content. But if Instagram leaves you feeling drained, overwhelmed, unconfident, or “less than” in any way… it might be time to take a step back.
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In the meantime, make the most of the time you DO spend on the app. Work smarter, not harder.
Let’s take back our valuable time, and put it to good use doing something worthwhile for ourselves and our businesses. You in?
Still seeking balance? Do you want to do more than just change your Instagram game?
If you’re seeking restoration and community on a whole new level, I’ve designed the perfect experience for YOU.
Head over to this link to learn more about The Next Level Retreat—A Laylee Emadi Workshop Experience.
I would love to connect with you over coffee, sunset yoga, and a sleepover in the Waco Barndominium. And did I mention we’ll be hearing from keynote speaker Natalie Franke?! I hope you’ll check out all the details and join us on September 10–13. Early bird rates end on May 1st!
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