In late 2023, I started an Instagram account to boost my professional image as I started a couple of marketing, communications, and web design projects. But after posting regularly for two months, I got frustrated, a bit depressed and stopped. The small increase in engagement didn't seem worth it. Plus, I felt like the social media content I was creating didn't really match who I am.
As I took a break and thought things over, I noticed how much conflicting advice there is on social media. Some people say you have to post every day to do well, while others say quality is more important than quantity. It left me wondering who to listen to.
Recently, I saw a post on LinkedIn that got me thinking. The author said that on LinkedIn, people are all about staying motivated and pushing forward. But on Instagram, it's more about taking a break and focusing on yourself. It made me realize how different the vibes are on different platforms. It also made me question whether what I was doing on social media was actually working.
I'm not the only one feeling this way. As a marketer, I'm always dealing with clients who have different ideas about what works best. One day, a client might tell me to copy what a competitor is doing, and the next day they'll want something completely different. So, I've learned to weigh the pros and cons of each approach and talk things through with my clients.
While my clients have always valued my unbiased advice, I've noticed that I struggle to remain impartial when it comes to myself. As a marketer, retreating from social media is not an option. Instead of blindly following every trend, I've decided to:
- Watch what's going on without feeling like I have to follow every trend.
- Understand that there are many ways to succeed, and what works for one person might not work for someone else.
- Before jumping on any trends, I'll ask myself if it feels right for me and fits with who I am.
Stay true to myself and making decisions that feel right for me.
