Manicuring your IG Feed?
Why are you spending so much time manicuring your Instagram grid?
The effort defeats the purpose of the content in the first place.
For years, I’ve noticed an uptick on Instagram where expert business owners’ grid’s look like well-manicured lawns.
By that, I mean there is a symmetrical look to the way they’re displaying content, whether it’s through a similar look to the way the photos are positioned, or there’s graphics spread evenly through the boxes.
To some, it looks pristine and organized, and it enhances the perception in the minds of those that come across their IG account.
To others, it feels completely staged, unnatural and negatively affects the perception of those who come across it.
I fall squarely in the center of the latter group.
Well truthfully, I do believe there are different types of accounts where this does work, especially for certain types of bloggers and influencers who deal with design, aesthetics, beauty and fashion, to name a few.
But, if you’re an expert-based, business owner, this is not you.
In addition to leveraging your online content to illustrate who you are, who you serve, and how you solve their problems, you’re also sharing aspects of who you are in order to create a connection with those you serve.
That connection leads to engagement, which ultimately fosters trust with them over time.
That means you need to share content that not only resonates with them, but also feels REAL.
REAL moments in your life.
REAL expressions on your face.
REAL experiences that visually capture how you solve problems.
And in case you didn’t know this already, REAL life is messy, complicated and goes in a variety of twists and turns.
So, why avoid that reality on your IG feed by trying to stay true to some crazy text-post-here, cropped-photo-there, logo-image-in-between pattern that you have displayed on your feed?
If you had a sharable moment that occurred in your life or business that can serve as an inspiring or educational moment for those you serve, then post the fuckin’ thing ASAP.
Don’t wait until next week because it would disrupt the visual pattern in your feed!
Listen, I understand the value of aesthetics - I’ve been in the visual storytelling business for over 2 decades. It’s essential when looking to accentuate your personal brand online.
But, there are better places for this type of creative effort to be exercised. Your website immediately comes to mind.
Give the people you serve a more honest and realistic view into who you are and how you serve with a mindset of generosity and service, and not a “does this look cool enough to impress people into buying my services?” approach.
The former approach wins the day…in my humble opinion :)