This time last year I barely posted photos of myself on Instagram, it was mainly beauty content or something to promote a new blog post, but I quickly found that I actually love posting more about my life, and based on my engagement my followers like it to. Over the past few weeks I’ve been posting more than ever, I’ve started being more transparent in my captions, and in general just being more me. Injecting my personality into social media as much as possible, basically, using Instagram in a more social way.
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I see so many people talk about Instagram and how likes are up and down with the algorithm, it is annoying, I get it. One day one of my photos will get 200 likes, the next one will get 550. However, I’ve found for me it’s more what I post rather than when, and I’m not even sure how much the algorithm plays into it. There isn’t really a set pattern in what determines my engagement, some posts will get a shed load within the first 20 minutes, some are slow burners but reach the same amount overall after 24 hours. It’s taken me a while but I’ve realised I can’t change the algorithm, but I can look at what works best for my profile, which is using Instagram almost as a mini diary and talking about how I’m navigating through life, my favourite things and what I’ve been up to.
I notice it’s the beauty based product shots that are taken with my DSLR that don’t seem to do as well these days, I posted a photo of the most gorgeous L’Oreal highlighters from one of my recent blog posts. I’m not gunna lie I love the photo, but it didn’t get many likes or comments. When I think about it, that kind of photo works perfectly on my blog, but for my instagram it almost makes my account look like it’s been hacked by L’Oreal!
I used to use Instagram mainly as a way to promote a new blog post or video, which I still do, but I want to actually create conversation, reply to people who have taken the time to comment and enjoy the platform for what it really is. I’ve found that actually, the people that follow me on Instagram don’t necessarily always want to read my blog or watch one of my videos, so I want to connect with them in a different way – actually show my face, my home, my thoughts and feelings. I want to share photos of beauty still, but in a way that’s more lifestyle focused and less staged.
I’m starting to see Instagram as a place to get inspiration, good vibes and chat with people and when I use it like that it works out for me. I feel excited to post photos now, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone and showing more of me – and I’m really enjoying it. Rather than a boring caption about my new blog post going live, I’m sharing more about my day, how I’m feeling or something I thought was funny.
Instagram has become more than just an app, it’s become a business for so many, but stripping it back and being more sociable has definitely worked in my favour – both from a business and personal point of view.
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I loved this post! Instagram for me always has its good and bad moments. Sometimes it’s a real struggle! Love your outfit!💕🌸Southernbf.blogspot.com
So glad to hear it Arianna! It can be a real struggle. Thank you x
I always try to do this on instagram! I also need to get better at leaving comment and interacting – soemtimes I just dont have the words but I try to give a like at least! I always love accounts that show personality so I'm trying to introduce that more to my own feed as well! xxx
Yes sometimes I get so caught up with everything else and sometimes I do forget to comment/ interact with others! I think it's better just to like rather than comment for the sake of it though x
You look stunning in these photos Jodie – I really want to try and post more photos of myself/outfit photos but I just need that bit more confidence!Lucy | Forever September
Thank you Lucy! I was like that for years, the more I posted the more confident I got with it x
This is such a great post and such a stunning outfit. I really enjoyed reading this post!Danielle xxhttps://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/
Thanks girl!
I need to start using instagram as a platform to promote my blog but i'm still a bit nervous about it!Chloe X http://chloelxuise.com
No way?! I felt like that for years and I only regret not sharing it sooner x
You look amazing!Candice | Natalya Amour
Thanks girl!
Lovely post! I really want to start including more of myself into my Instagram aswell – just need someone to take the pictures for me haha. xxhttps://get-ready-with-laura.blogspot.de
thank you Laura! Apart from outfit photos outside I use a tripod and put my camera on timer haha x
This was quite an interesting read. Changing one's perspective on the algorithm definitely helps! I'm learning more & more about what photos do well/don't do well and rather than complaining about the algorithm I try & study my content to truly understand what my audience would like to see. I try to be as engaging as possible (a difficult thing as there are times where I am too busy with other elements of blogging or just overall feeling drain) but being engaging definitely helps!www.themakeupaficionado.com
I like your perspective on it, I just don't see how just complaining is effective in helping to solve the problem x
I love all of these photos – you're so pretty Jodie! Your Instagram has definitely been doing soo well recently, I need to take a leaf out of your book and start enjoying it xoChar | http://www.charslittleblog.co.uk