Ever wondered, "Is posting on Instagram hurting my art?" This question, asked by many and pondered upon by even more, is what we'll be tackling today.
Instagram, along with other social media platforms, has been a game-changer for artists. It has paved new ways for us to display our work, share our process, and connect with fans. However, it can also be a source of stress and worry, a game with ever-changing rules, and a feeling of running in place.
Creating content for Instagram raises multiple questions. Do you NEED to post on social media to grow as an artist? How do you balance your time between your art itself and the content creation required for it? Is it even possible to grow on social media anymore?
Don’t compromise
Here's a piece of advice: don't create posts solely to please the algorithm or follow trends. It may slow down your growth, but compromising your authenticity is a much higher price to pay. If you chase the algorithm and trends, Instagram can indeed start hurting your art practice. Instead, think about how your art can work on the platform and consider content formats that suit your art, not art that is suitable for the platform.
Consider other platforms
Starting out as an artist, you need some way for people to discover you and your art. It doesn't always have to be Instagram. For me, it's been YouTube. This platform has allowed me to connect with an audience that truly cares about my work and my journey as an artist. It didn't happen instantly, but it's been worth the effort. I still post on Instagram, but I've learned not to stress about the numbers. I use it more like a digital portfolio, a place to connect with people who like my work. For deeper connections with my audience, I turn to email marketing, a direct, personal, and powerful tool.
Strategise Content to suit your end-goal
I've strategized my content buckets on Instagram around sales, education, portfolio, and community. I don’t pressure myself to post anything other than these. If I ever come up with a random idea that I think may be fun or if I see a trend that sparks an idea that applies to me, I might post that. But I don’t force this.
Finding a posting schedule that works for you is important. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon. Consistency is key, and it's also important to post content that you enjoy creating. Watch this video to know more!
Your journey is unique, so do it your way. Whether it's creating tutorials, making vlogs, or simply posting images of your art, do something that works for you. When we talk about marketing, we need to think about the whole picture. Who are you trying to reach? What are you offering them? And how are you getting their attention? Being consistent, strategic, and putting in the work to market yourself is crucial.
Ultimately, it's all about finding a balance that works for you. Social media is just one of many tools you can use to share your art with the world. Don't let the numbers scare you. It's about your journey as an artist and connecting with people who appreciate your work.
So, let's open up this conversation. Share your experiences, your challenges, and your wins with social media. Let's learn from each other and grow together. Remember, your art and your journey are unique. There's an audience out there waiting to connect with your authenticity. Don't let the fear of numbers and algorithms overshadow your passion.