Wanna feel better about using Instagram for your business? Here are my tips!
Today I wanted to share a few quick and easy to implement Instagram tips to help you bring more of YOUUU to your online presence, feel good about the way you're using social media, and grow your following and client base with souls who are on your vibe!
But before I get to that, I wanted to acknowledge the #metoo campaign we have all been a part of so far. Whether you have shared or not, we have likely all been victim of sexual harassment or assault at some point, on some level of that spectrum.
I get chills seeing the bravery of so many standing up to say; this is happening, and this is not okay. This whole campaign feels like it's breaking open a reality, a taboo on so many levels, that I feel I need to give space to process and get my head around the scale of (personally and culturally).
While it has been heartbreaking to read the hundreds of #metoo posts of my friends, I know that shining a light on the problem as we are doing starts to help all women feel less alone, ashamed, afraid, it helps perpetrators to realise the damage they are doing and change their behaviour, and wakes up those who never even knew how harmful their words of actions were, to interact in a more considerate and healthier way.
I'm sending big love to you at this time, whatever this campaign has brought up for you and wherever you're at right now xxx
Earlier this month I was delighted to share at the One Girl Band Expertise session alongside branding experts Cat and Shelley. As I prepare for a talk, it's always inspiring for me to get into the shoes of my clients, feel into what I've learned and can pass on.
Heres a few tips and experiments you can do to feel better about using Instagram in your business!
1. Take a look at your Instagram profile right now. The first posts you see should represent you, the work you do and your ideal client.
Ask yourself... What do the first shots you see on your profile say about you and your work? Who do they speak to? Do they light you up, inspire your message, and make you feel proud of the way you're interacting? If not, go back to the core of what you do, who it is for, who it is NOT for. (Here are some past posts that might help with this). When I look at my profile I see photos from my shoots, selfies with clients, places and things that inspire me, so it feels like an accurate representation of me, my personal life and my brand. What can you share about that will be of value to your followers, share your personality and interests, educate them about what you do and promote the opportunity to work with you in a way that feels good?
2. Your Instagram page is an opportunity for your audience to meet you. Can they see YOU?
I personally feel when I'm investing in a service that is based on the skill-set and personality of the seller, I want to get a good sense of who they are before I work with them. I love seeing photos of that person that help me read their energy and see what they're like. If that's important to you too, it's probably important for your clients. How many images that clearly show your face can we see on your profile? Are you letting your followers in? One idea that I've been experimenting with is making sure that there’s at least one clear photo of my face within every six photos I post, so that when you first come to my profile you can see me straight away and know if we're a good match. Can your people see you?
3. Share your THING. How much of your personal touch or the service/product/value you offer is coming through in your imagery?
For my biz, personal connection is basically priority #1, that’s what my brand is all about, and that is pretty much what I sell! For that reason, I make sure theres an image of a human face in almost every other post I share, so that when you come to my page, you feel like you’re engaging with HUMANS. You're meeting me, my friends or clients and get a clear idea of the kind of the work I create. It feels really PEOPLE based as opposed to anything else.
What do you offer and how can you get it across? For example if you're a creative, you could play with sharing more photos of the art you create (behind the scenes shots, finished products, your work in-use). Or as a coach, you could share more images and ideas about the results you help your clients to get or shots that inspire a certain feeling. Or if you use a lot of physical tools with clients, share some of those and how it works so that your followers get a better understanding of your approach.
You can take these kinds of shots easily on your phone, or if you'd like an even more beautified and editorial look to your feed (like the ones I've taken in this email), let's talk about your personal brand, how you use imagery and we'll create something amazing together!
Remember that you're followers and prospects are following you because they want to hear from you, they are interested in what you offer and what you have to say. Feel in to what you're posting before you share, be sure that it's aligned with your values and is true to you.
I feel that it's a privilege to get to enter into peoples lives in this way and share, whether on Instagram, on a mailing list or wherever - so honour your clients and followers time and energy by honouring yours. You don't have to show up for the sake of posting regularly, that's just spammy, right?! It's okay to take it one step at a time, checking in as you go, and remembering that it's safe for you to be yourself in your business.
Message me to book in our call by emailing becky@beckyrui.com. - I have two spaces left for November shoots if this calls to you.
I hope these tips are helpful! I'd love to hear how you get on experimenting with how you use photography on Instagram! You can tag me at @beckyruiphoto. Big hugs! Becky xxx