#63: Confessions of a Social Media Pro Who Completely Ignored My Own Online Presence
#63: Confessions of a Social Media Pro Who Completely Ignored My Own Online Presence
Even experts struggle! Here are 6 tips I used to turn my social media neglect into a strategy—and how you can too.
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Confession time. As a creative professional, I’ve spent years building effective social media strategies and growing massive audiences for major brands—but when it came to doing the same for myself? Let’s just say…the struggle was REAL. Actually, let’s take it a step further: I completely neglected my own social presence.
Looking back, I realize that was a BIG misstep. Building a following is crucial for career growth, whether you’re sharing your wins at work, showcasing your skills, or launching a new brand or business. Your online presence is your digital résumé, and ignoring it means missing out on all kinds of opportunities to connect, grow, and evolve.
So why did I make this critical error?
Because self-promotion makes me itchy?
Because I lost my identity in my job?
Because I was “too busy”?
Because putting yourself out there is TERRIFYING?
Honestly, probably all of the above.
Hard truth: If you’re not your own Hype Person, no one else will be. Sadly, it’s not enough to tell people what you do, you have to SHOW it. But if the thought of self-promotion makes you want to burrito-wrap yourself in a blanket and never come out, trust me—I totally get it.
That’s why I’m sharing with you a few simple things I did (and advise my clients to do) to finally kick my socials into gear (without totally hating myself in the process). Baby steps, people.
1. Define your audience. Ask yourself, who are you trying to reach? Who are your clients, customers, or followers? Which platform(s) are they likely to be on? Pick 1-2 platforms to begin. Focus your efforts there. Start small.
2. Find your authentic voice. Social media is about creating a personal connection with your audience. To do that, it requires authenticity and vulnerability. What do you care about? What knowledge do you have to share? What do you want people to know about you or your work?
3. Consider your format. What kind of content feels most natural to you to share—photos, videos, writing, audio? Stick to what feels comfortable-ish. You may have to step slightly outside of your comfort zone, but you don’t have to bungee jump off a cliff. For example, if you would sooner wrestle a grizzly bear than be on camera…DON’T!
4. Experiment. Test, test, and test some more. Experiment with formats until you find content that resonates with your audience. Trial and error is how you figure out what works—and what doesn’t. It’s OK —even good —to flop sometimes.
5. Consistency is KING. Establish a frequency that works for you and STICK. TO. IT. for an extended period of time. From all my experience, I can say for sure that’s the only real way to grow an audience. Consistency is key to building trust and keeping your audience coming back.
6. Embrace slow growth. Social media growth doesn’t happen overnight —unless you have the serendipitous experience of going viral, but THAT is KISMET not STRATEGY. I wish I had the formula for that. I don’t! But there are other ways to set yourself up for success. Be patient with the process and learn to love the slow build.
If you need support building your social presence, this is exactly what my company, Align Digital + Social, does for our clients every day. Learn more at alignsocialmedia.com.
Worthy Time Wasters
Here are my recs to combat doom scrolling.
🗳️ Do I even need to say this? MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE.
📺 Catfishers, scammers and cult leaders, oh my! So many docs out recently about bad actors. My favorite by far was Anatomy of Lies (Peacock), which follows the story of Elisabeth Finch, “trauma vampire” and former writer for Grey’s Anatomy. Hoo boy! It was WILD. Honorable mentions go to Sweet Bobby (Netflix) (it was a podcast first!) and Fanatical:The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara (Hulu). Coming out this week, is Breath of Fire (MAX), which I’m also verrry amped to watch. (Listen to this podcast if you want a primer on Katie Griggs AKA Guru Jagat).
Not under the banner of catfishers, scammers, and cult leaders, but well worth your time is Rachel Bloom’s latest, Death, Let Me Do My Special (Netflix). It was brilliant, heartbreaking, and funny at the same time.
🎥 I saw the movie The Substance two weeks ago and I literally can’t stop thinking about it. It was horrifically disgusting but so well-done. Sure, I covered my eyes for large portions of the film but don’t regret seeing it in the movie theater for one second. I’m also planning to watch Woman of the Hour (Netflix) based on serial killer Rodney Alcala’s stint on The Dating Game.
📚 Elizabeth Strout has long been one of my favorite authors. Her latest, Tell Me Everything, set in the world of Crosby, Maine is an Olive Kitteridge, Lucy Barton, Bob Burgess mashup. If those names mean nothing to you, I envy you. Go back and read EVERYTHING Strout has ever written and report back.
🎧 A new season of Normal Gossip is underway with more great gossip from everyday people. This has been a must-listen for me lately. And after each episode, I think about what stories I would share anonymously and which ones would be mind-blowing enough to make the show. I have lots! Kelsey McKinney…call me!
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