Girl #1 hates to post on Instagram and it shows. With a feed uncurated to support her business, she feels discouraged in creating relevant content. As a result of this her energy to post consecutively begins to dwindle. Only leaving her previous posts to go unnoticed and the following count to remain on the exact number it landed on two weeks prior. Every time she logs on Instagram, she wishes to see the numbers increase along with a gang of girl bosses who can see her worth to try out her new service. But, she is unsure of where to begin. While desperately searching the platform she finds plenty of inspiration from women who have taken a productive route in solidifying their brand’s presence.
However, she wonders how did these women get here? And how did they establish a page that is rooted in their identity and values while still garnering support for it? The answer to this lies far beyond following a step-by-step guide in building your brand. But, is more so fixed on the internal work she needs to do to shape her business.
1# Find and Study Your Community -
The posts you hit the “like” button on can point to more than just simply liking the content. While on your page, hit the three dashes on the right side of your profile then Settings, scroll to account and then press “Posts You’ve Liked”. Instagram provides a collection of the most recent photos you liked, scroll through them and look for a pattern. Do you notice you gravitate towards posts which discuss a particular set of topics, have a distinct aesthetic, or share similar values? Congrats, you are in the beginning stages of finding your community. Now study them. Learn how they interact, how they converse and express themselves to others.
2# What Do You Wish To Contribute ?
In your connections with others, what is your greatest attribute? Is it your willingness to be vulnerable or is it your ability to always create a beautiful, meaningful experience for others? Make note of it and then brainstorm on a way to add it as a contribution to your newfound community. What can they use more of? Or, what can you contribute to them that has not already been brought to the table, yet?
3#How Can You Make Use of Now ?
Deciding on how to create impactful content doesn’t require exceeding your budget. That is not rooted in authenticity. Instead begin to cultivate your voice online by making use of what you have now. Question: In what ways does your lifestyle reflect your community? Or, how have you made use of what you have to work best for you? (this can contribute as a secret hack your community may not know yet). Make use of the great lighting in the corner of your kitchen or your affordable and stylish cookware that can double as still photo props. You can use what you have to play up your strength, don’t rush yourself into the act of owning an item just for social validation.
Girl #1 is extremely relatable to most of us. Both unestablished and trying to find solid ground in the world of online influence and entrepreneurship, she can find inspiration in every turn. Namely from the Girl #2. But, how can she tailor the inspiration to work best for her and her brand is an obstacle that requires a different kind of perspective. One that addresses how Girl #1 can use who she is, what she wants and what she has to her greatest advantage.
By: Shay Fuller
Shay Fuller is a contributing writer at Educated Qween. She is a New York City transplant, who enjoys acting, creating digital mood boards and mastering a nice home cooked meal and wine combo. Connect with her on Instagram @shayfuller_.