Creating for Social Media
Algorithms. Engagement. Consistency. Aesthetics. Reels, stories, likes, shares. Best times of day to post. Calls to actions. Are emojis good? Bad? Cohesiveness, hashtags, swipe up. Audience. Following. PLATFORM.
The list of all that we could or should pay attention to when it comes to creating on social media seems… daunting. All the “you should be’s” are a tad much, aren’t they? We recognize social media as a useful tool to get our work into the world, but what do we do when we’re already fighting for time and space for our real creative passions?
Social media often feels like one more thing to manage in an already-pressed-for-time schedule.
Even with the best intentions and boundaries, it can feel like a game — one in which those who play by the newest and ever-changing set of rules are rewarded. And the rest of us play catch up or just sit it out on the bench.
So what do we do?
How can we take advantage of the good things social media has to offer without feeling like we’re the ones being taken advantage of? How do we use it, without feeling used?
Inventory & Examine
Take Inventory
Describe how you currently create for social media. Do you post only when inspiration strikes? Do you have a content calendar planned out a month in advance? Do you post only when you have something to sell or promote? Do you protect daily/weekly time to intentionally create for social media? Do you regularly share other people’s work? Post with nary a care while hiding in the bathroom or warming up chicken nuggets?
As objectively as possible, list what your current social media feed offers to its audience. If a stranger went to your profile, what words would they use to describe your feed, you, what you post about, and what’s important to you? Remember, this is inventory, not ideal.
Fill in the blank. Right now, I use social media to/for/because __________________.
Examine
Are you currently using social media the way you want to use it? If no, why not? What do you want to change?
Ideally, what do you want to use Social Media to do for you?
When you consume social media, what are the characteristics of the accounts you most like to follow? What do they do for you? How do these accounts make you feel?
Now go back and examine how they make you feel that way. Write down your answers. Is it the graphics? The photos? The written content? General vibe? Drill down to the basic elements of what makes each account special and enjoyable.
Which of these elements do you want to incorporate more into your own feed?
What’s the biggest pain point for you when it comes to creating for social media? Content, consistency, cohesive aesthetic? All of the above? If so, list them from least to greatest.
“Technology is in its proper place when it helps us bond with the real people we have been given to love. ”
Take Action
List the characteristics of your ideal social media feed.
Describe your ideal process for creating for social media.
List five words describing how you want your audience to feel or what you want them to think after reading/engaging with your feed.
What is ONE STEP you could take in the next week, month, and 3 months to bring you closer to that idea goal or process? Download a planning app or create a social media calendar? Explore branding concepts? Watch photography tutorials? Practice writing in short-form?
BUT WHAT DO I EVEN HAVE TO OFFER?
What do you care about? List at least 10 topics. Include any/all areas of interest, expertise, training. Circle your top 5.
List 10 descriptions about your stage/circumstances/role in life right now. Circle your top 5.
Don't be shy: what would your closest friends say are your best characteristics?
What do your favorite people like about you? Write it down.
What are your less-than-ideal qualities that also make you you? Think areas you’re aware of that you actively work on to improve. Example: Are you a natural worrier? Perfectionist? Are you disorganized or have a quick temper?
The formula: Your personality + what you already enjoy on SM + your interests/circumstances = what you have to offer, what will make your platform “yours,” and will give you clues for how to offer it.
POWER TO THE PIVOT
You used to share random pics of your kids and now you want to be a lifestyle blogger? You currently have a style blog but really want to write poetry? You used to only share Bible verses but now you want to promote your paintings?
In content or style, you are allowed to make a change.
Will some people unfollow you? Maybe. Will you find a new audience who like what you have to offer? Absolutely.
One thing is sure about making social media transitions: creating what you want for social media will take on new importance for work you’re excited to share.
REALITY CHECK
Social media is a way for us to feel connected, but be lonely. So let’s put a few safeguards up to help.
List your most important IRL relationships.
Spend a few minutes identifying how and how often you want to check in with these special people. Whether it’s sending a text, making a call, or mailing a card, integrate real life interactions into your intentions of social media planning.
“Where we want to be cautious... is when the sound of a voice or a cup of coffee with a friend is replaced with ‘likes’ on a post.”
Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash.
