Instagram

When I started using Instagram, it was really only a place for me to sort my pictures. My special pictures would go here - the ones that I planned to use later in some way for my writing, crafting, or my new photography passion. Then I started publishing books and needed more of a 'platform' (I really only like that word as a description for a type of shoe). Facebook has been my social medium of choice, but I'm already too much in my friends' faces without me wanting to sell anything to them. Self-publishing means self-promotion (which sucks, by the way), and with a couple of new books coming out soon I had to step up my game. I'm by no means a niche writer; I don't even have one subject for my blog, and trying to force my focus down to one or even two subjects is a little too limiting for me (limits are the reason I barely use Twitter). What I post here now is me, all of me, because all of this that I post here is what inspires me in some way. I have a necessary day job (chauffeur), and I do everything I can to suck as much inspiration out of it as I can. I'm fortunate enough to be driving around all the time; I'm always looking around and playing tourist. Having very different people in my car all the time allows for some very interesting and random conversation. I see things that amuse me (and maybe only me). When I'm driving alone I have time to think, to 'write in my head'. When I get home from work the first thing I do is take off my (damn) uniform, and then I am just a writer. While sometimes I feel like two separate people, I know that every seemingly different post, thought, picture, and word are all part of the 'brand' (I hate that word, too) I've been told I now am as a writer trying to promote myself. 

I've been researching and studying how it's all done here and I see that everyone has a formula, and many are marketing how it should be done. One thing I noticed is how they are marketing their formulas - all in the same formulaic way. The same set up, the same hype, the same format, the same 'special deals', the same everything. I remember researching work-from-home jobs many years ago and receiving 'free' ebooks - and it was always the same pitch: What would YOU do if you had money? followed by a ton of testimonials, no really useful information, and then the question "How much would all of this be worth to you?" and I'd be offered something at a REALLY reduced rate (that would only be good for a limited time before the price went up to what it should be). I actually read an extremely long ebook on my computer that turned out to be nothing more than a sales pitch for Herbalife - and you couldn't tell what the product was until the last two pages! It got to the point that I began writing or telling people directly: Stop the pitch - I already know what I would do with more money - and give me the damn bottom line!

And then I remember the first few writing seminars I went to when I decided to 'go public' with my writing, thirteen years ago - and got more of a push on the marketing end and formula methods. 

When did creativity become so methodized? While I do accept that I have to be doing some marketing, I will not let it be my focus. I admit that some formulas do work, but they always start out as something original that was emulated - and they always have a saturation point. I'd rather be the starting point than the end. I'd rather be me. The most notable artists, musicians, creatives stood out because they did not fit any molds and did not follow the herd. We tell people to think outside of the box, but box in how it should be done. 

There is also a pattern of forgetfulness that while social media is definitely a medium that can be used for networking, the main aspect is SOCIAL. Friendly networking; like-minded people finding their tribes. Isn't it nice to be able to get to know the people behind the businesses? To find people with similar varied interests? People who inspire and mentor by example? People you find that you can work together with? 

It's not just about marketing. Personalizing anything shouldn't be a tactic.

I've gone off track. Pull it in, Susie!

Since I've changed my use of Instagram, I've realized how much I do enjoy it. I love seeing what's out there (even what's for sale). And, yes, I like when my posts are liked - but genuinely. An awful lot is said about the supposed necessity of Likes and Followers - higher numbers can boost your visibility; however, it seems to have become another game of playing the system to boost those numbers for the sake of boosting the numbers, no matter the content. 

I've been paying attention to my numbers. I noticed I would have new followers that would drop off in a day or two, and it seemed to be because I didn't follow them back. In my opinion, the idea of 'Follow for follow' (if you follow me I will follow you) is the social media equivalent of agreeing to be little Johnny's girlfriend in the first grade just because he was the one who asked you - even if he did eat paste. I don't want followers I have no connection with, because when I do try to market something they will not be the ones interested. I don't want to follow someone I have no common ground with, because I don't want posts I'm not interested in preventing me from seeing posts I do want to see. I'm a writer, but not all of my friends here are writers - who would we sell our books to if we are all too busy writing? I talk a lot about my hair, and I will like a number of posts about hair, but I may not want to follow a hairdresser just because she does hair. It's the social aspect of social media that gives us the opportunity to be real, make connections, and, yes, build businesses in a personal way. 'Padding' Instagram numbers is just like embellishing a job application - or college application? - and eventually, people will see your real substance.

For deliberate connecting, I'll use hashtags. They seem to be working. If I put any more 'work' in, it will probably be with those. In spite of the follow-unfollows I've received, my numbers are increasing, and I'm not feeling that I have to tailor my posts towards anyone. Keeping up on social media with a purpose is work, and I'm already working two jobs.  I can't please everyone, and I'd be foolish to try. If I have to market myself in any way, I'd rather it be to people who are actually interested. If I'm going to look around, I'd rather be looking at things I like. There's a reason I never go to a fish and tackle store. 

For the record, I do look at the pages of people who follow me; if I find anything inspiring, shiny, or interesting I will follow back (it goes without saying that if the page is private and there's nothing to see I will not). If you follow me: thank you. If you don't: thank you. Your time and attention are just as valuable as mine.