If you’ve heard my story at all, you may know that I’ve built not just one but TWO businesses on social media. And I’m currently in the very beginning stages of building my third business via social media. One of the most common questions I get after I tell people that fact about myself is if I can share some tips on how I’ve grown my platforms. I figured a few of you might have been wondering the same thing, so I thought I’d tell you all a few of those tricks today!
1. Use great images, and keep them cohesive.
When utilizing Instagram, make sure your images are well lit, clean, eye catching, and cohesive. (The cohesive part doesn’t matter as much on Facebook, but still keep images well lit, clean and eye catching.) I decided some time ago that my Instagram feed over at @essentiallyalex was going to be all white. I’m not saying everyone has to do a white feed to grow their following, but what I am saying is figure out what colors you’re drawn to, and use those colors throughout your feed. Edit the same exact way for every.single.photo. Make it cohesive!!! This is COMPLETELY achievable with an iPhone (or other smartphone) and Lightroom Mobile + presets. Well Styled Essentialsoffers beautiful presets to match the stock photos provided as well.
2. Be consistent.
Show up every single day to post, AND connect with your followers. Think about it, you wouldn’t just skip a few days of showing up to your “9-5” job, right? If you’re trying to build a business online, social media is your storefront! You should be showing up daily and opening up that storefront of yours.
The best way to do this is to PLAN. We’re busy. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I sit down at the end of the day and say, “Well, forgot to post something on Facebook/Instagram today.” if I don’t have a plan. If this is something that is hard for you to do, we got you friend! Well Styled Essentials also provides daily social media prompts + planning calendars to make your life easier.
3. Be real & relatable.
But as you’re showing up, make sure your posts are genuine, vulnerable, and engaging. You want people to know who YOU are, not just know what you’re selling, from a first glance at your feed. What makes you, you?! When you head to my feed, I want you to be able to see from a few clicks that I’m (an unorganized and messy) creative who loves Jesus, her husband, foster kiddos and her pup (as well as oils and coffee, of course 😉) Figure out what you want people to know about you when they come to your feed and start posting about those things!
You’ve got this friend. You were created to do great things. Yes, you. I believe in you, friend.
