My Humbling and Losing Battle with Social Media
Give me a hilarious reel, and I’ll guffaw uncontrollably for a good 5–7 minutes. Hand me the task of creating content for social media, and anxiety courses through my veins. It’s a stark contrast, but that’s the reality I’ve been facing.
Truth be told, I’ve always been able to secure clients through the good old-fashioned method of word of mouth. It was a reliable lifeline, a referral network that kept my business thriving. But that was until I decided to make the bold move to Spain. A change in location meant a change in rules, and word of mouth is no longer a current option. No one knows who the hell I am!
Now, I’m learning the ropes of consistency in posting on social media, and let me tell you, it’s no walk in the park.
A Tentative Toe into the Digital World
My journey into the world of social media wasn’t driven by a fervent desire to become a digital influencer or content creator. Far from it. It all began with my relocation to Spain, a place where my tried-and-true network of word-of-mouth referrals no longer held the same weight.
Stepping onto the digital stage felt akin to dipping my toes into unknown waters, hesitatingly, and often not venturing past my knees. As a business owner, I’d been comfortable serving my clients well, relying on their satisfaction to organically bring new clients through my doors, another thing taken for granted. However, as an expat in a foreign land, the security of my local clients was no longer available. To keep my business afloat, I will have to make that leap into the vast, often intimidating, world of social media.
Social Media Anxiety: A Constant Companion
Remarkably, despite fostering a handful of friendships that sprouted from our routine meme exchanges, the prospect of crafting original content for social media was enough to send my anxiety into overdrive.
My apprehension wasn’t born from a lack of ideas or creative inspiration. It ran deeper, rooted in the fear of vulnerability. It is the fear of exposing myself to the opinions of an invisible audience. The fear of failure, that nagging thought that my content might go unnoticed or be met with indifference, weighed heavy on my shoulders. Moreover, based on my observations and personal judgments, some of my friends’ content comes across as inauthentic, causing me to cringe at their apparent disregard for authenticity. I’d rather not be the type of person who, instead of relishing a meal with friends, feels compelled to seize the moment and capture it on video but maybe I can forge ahead and find a harmonious balance, fulfilling the necessary tasks in the world we inhabit while also maintaining my own comfort and well-being.
Consistency: The Ever-Elusive Goal
As I embark on this social media journey, one thing becomes painstakingly clear — consistency was the linchpin of success. It wasn’t enough to simply create content; it has to be done consistently to maintain an active online presence.
The challenge lies not just in producing content but in finding a delicate equilibrium between running my business and managing my social media presence. The goal is evident: posts at regular intervals to keep my audience engaged. Yet, in practice, it is far from simple. In the past there were bouts of frantic posting followed by months of extended silences as the responsibilities of my business took precedence. The impact of inconsistency was tangible; my audience wavered, engagement levels plummeted.
The Overwhelming Array of Choices
One of the aspects that added to the complexity of my journey was the sheer multitude of social media platforms available. Each had its unique strengths and was tailored to distinct demographics. Instagram for visual storytelling, Twitter for succinct messaging, Facebook for a more personal touch, and TikTok for short, engaging videos. It left me at a crossroads, trying to decide where to invest my time and efforts.
The choice was far from clear-cut. Each platform requires a different style of content, and my target audience varied across them. It is like standing at a crossroads with multiple paths to choose from, and the fear of making the wrong choice loomed large. But the truth is less is more. Quality over quantity.
Understanding My Audience: The Crux of Success
In the midst of these challenges, a pivotal realisation takes root: understanding my audience is key. Creating content is not enough; it has to resonate with my target audience. This paradigm shift leads to a change in my approach. Instead of crafting content that merely interested or entertained me, I started considering what my audience would appreciate.
I delve deep into the intricacies of my target demographic, their interests, and the problems they sought solutions to. This shift in perspective will begin to shape my content, making it more relatable and appealing to my followers.
The Thrill of Engagement
For all the trials, social media has its moments of joy. One of the most rewarding aspects is the engagement with my audience. It is gratifying to receive likes, comments, and messages from individuals who connected with my content.
The Lesson of Patience
The most profound lesson I’ve gleaned from my ongoing battle with social media is the value of patience. Success in this realm doesn’t materialize overnight. Building a robust online presence and cultivating an engaged audience is a process that takes time, effort, and, above all, patience.
There are moments when I question the worth of my endeavours. Why am I investing so much time in this digital world? Is it making a real difference? Will it ever?
The Power of Adaptation
Through this ongoing battle, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of adaptation. Flexibility is key to survival in the ever-changing landscape of social media. It’s crucial not to be rigid in approach but to embrace change and innovation.
Social media platforms evolve continually, and my strategy needs to evolve with them. As I navigate this dynamic terrain, I’ve found that creativity is celebrated, and fresh ideas are valued. Experimenting with different content formats, exploring new trends, but mimicry is the flip side of this coin and it is OK to copy ideas to replicate successful models.
My Ongoing Struggles and the Path Forward
As I share my experiences and lessons from my ongoing battle with social media, it’s important to acknowledge that the journey has barely begin. Challenges will continue to evolve, and I’m still in the early stages of my social media expedition.
At present, I boast a modest 250 followers on my business page (yes, I realise this number might seem laughable), a mere drop in the vast ocean of possibilities. I hope knowing my ineptness at least gives you a confidence boost. Yet, this served as a poignant reminder that social media is not solely a medium for broadcasting; it’s a stage for forging meaningful connections and fostering genuine conversations.
As an entrepreneur navigating the digital world, I offer these tips and advice not just to my past self but to my future one and anyone currently wrestling with social media:
1. Embrace Imperfection: Remember that not every post needs to be a masterpiece. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Perfection is overrated and no one really cares what you do.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Consistency is vital, but it’s equally important to set achievable goals. Don’t overwhelm yourself with the pressure of daily posts if it’s not sustainable.
3. Seek Inspiration: Explore what others in your industry or niche are doing. Draw inspiration from successful social media accounts and adapt ideas to fit your brand.
4. Use Scheduling Tools: To maintain consistency, consider employing social media scheduling tools. They allow you to plan your content in advance, reducing the pressure of real-time posting. There are some which are more affordable like Later and if you are just starting out look into these options.
5. Don’t Neglect Analytics: Pay attention to the analytics provided by social media platforms. They can offer valuable insights into what’s working and what’s not. Data is your ally.
6. Stay True to Your Brand: Authenticity is appreciated (but not expected) on social media. Be true to your brand’s values and voice. Authenticity is magnetic. You can use sites like Canva to help keep the same format and colours.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance and advice from those with more experience in social media management. Learning from others is a valuable resource. You can use sites like Canva to help create beautiful posts.
8. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. These moments provide the motivation to persevere. Be kind to yourself.
As my ongoing battle with social media continues, it’s a journey filled with ups and downs. It’s not without its challenges, but it’s a path that offers growth, connections, and boundless opportunities. With each step I take, I inch closer to success in the realm of social media, and the journey ahead is a promising one, awaiting further exploration. Remember ignore the haters and just get it done! ;)
