Rethinking on Instagram in my Business
With today's New Moon Solar Eclipse in Libra, I’ve been reflecting on how this energy has been influencing my approach to business. This solar eclipse marks an opportunity to recognize patterns of codependence and self-abandonment in our quest for love and connection, and it invites us to approach these patterns with patience and compassion.
The message really hit home for me: “Let go of the people—or platforms, in my case—who no longer serve you. Trust that by prioritizing your own needs, you will attract those who do. There's no need to sacrifice your well-being to maintain relationships that don’t nourish your heart.” This insight pushed me to evaluate my relationship with Instagram, a platform I’ve relied on for years to connect with my community but has no longer been serving me in the way it once did.
The Reality of Instagram's Shift
When Instagram first launched, it was this exciting, creative playground where businesses could connect, build relationships, and showcase their work in a way that felt natural. But as the platform evolved (with its changing algorithms, shifting focus to video content, and an overall more saturated space), I found myself putting in more energy for fewer returns.
Now, don't get me wrong—I still see the value of having a presence there, but I'm realizing that maybe it doesn’t have to be my main thing anymore.
Why I'm Shifting Focus
Instagram used to be fun for me: I genuinely enjoyed connecting with people on the platform. But these days, my feed feels more like an ad-filled void than a space for authentic engagement. I rarely see the posts from people I follow, making it harder to enjoy the interaction that was once the heart of the platform.
My reach is extremely limited: Despite putting in effort, I only reach about 5-6% of my followers with my posts. It’s frustrating. What's the point of dedicating so much energy to a platform that doesn't let me connect with the audience I’ve built?
Content creation feels like a never-ending hamster wheel: I spend hours each week crafting content for Instagram—hours I could be using to connect with clients, work on projects, or even take a breath. And the kicker? The content I work so hard on has such a short lifespan on the app, it’s disheartening. Why should I keep pouring effort into a platform that doesn't serve me in return?
Video content just isn't my thing: I know video is crucial these days, and I even wish I could enjoy it. As someone who watches a lot of YouTube, I get how powerful it is. But editing video drains me. It’s just not my zone of genius, and it feels soul-sucking. What I do enjoy is longform content—writing, sharing deeper insights, and engaging through words. So it makes sense that I should prioritize platforms that allow me to express myself in that way.
Where I'm shifting Focus
While I’m scaling back on Instagram, I’m not disappearing. I’m just shifting my time and energy to places that feel more aligned with where my business is heading:
In-person networking and relationship building: This has become the most important space for me to invest my energy. I’ve noticed incredible positive changes in my business since I started prioritizing networking this year (more on that soon in another newsletter!). Building relationships creates trust with potential clients, and that’s invaluable.
Doubling down on my newsletter: No worries here—my newsletter isn’t going anywhere! It’s my favorite way to stay in touch with you and share insights and updates about my business.
Blogging is making a comeback: I’m planning to return to blogging with a focus on breaking down key concepts from the branding and web design world. I’ll cover topics like 'What is branding?' and 'What platform should you use for your website?'—content that helps demystify these areas for anyone curious.
Substack for unfiltered thoughts: I’ll be using Substack as a space to share my unfiltered thoughts on life, business, and everything in between. If you enjoy hearing me talk about behind-the-scenes life and lessons, keep an eye on Substack.
Prioritizing SEO and Pinterest: These are the long-game strategies that allow my work to get discovered organically. I’m excited to lean into these platforms more and create content that has a lasting impact.
It might sound like a lot, but honestly, it feels way easier than constantly feeding the Instagram hamster wheel.
What this Means for You
I’ll still be around on Instagram, but you’ll probably notice me being less active on my feed. I’ll continue to show up on Stories regularly to share updates and behind-the-scenes content, but the feed will take a backseat as I focus on these other platforms.
Thanks for sticking with me through these changes, and as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s keep the conversation going.
Wishing you Rainbows,
