So, I know for some people this is going to be like, really Leah? BUT, I’ve decided that with this new blog space, I’m going to post some stuff to kind of lift the veil on this “influencer” thing. I know it can seem so illusive to some and seem like this “popular kids only” club, but I hate the idea of that. That this status of followers could somehow but you in a ridiculous class above regular posting folks. Making the decision to try to be in a position of influence was never meant to sell anything to anyone, rather create a space that I could share some of favorite things, get some cool free stuff and one day be paid for it. Thankfully, this was cool with God’s plan for my life and though I am considered a micro-influencer (anyone under 100k followers), I still see so much value in sharing what I learn.
I was challenged by someone really incredible on social media by the name of Mattie James who challenged her followers to post consistently for the month of February. Now listen, I have NEVER posted this much, EVER!! But her challenge came with a $1k incentive to the winner, so yeah, I was in there like swim wear. I made the commitment and actually pulled it off. So, here’s what I learned….
1. This is a whole freaking job!! Ok, not like my day job (a nurse) but still. This does not come without real effort. I struggled on plenty of days to decide what to post and how best to still be authentic although some days, I just REALLY didn’t feel like being active on Instagram. I totally failed on making sure to post at the peak times of engagement that are best for my page but ehhh!
2. Procrastinator until I D.I.E!!! YO!!!! I know myself and I KNEW that I was a last minute kind of gal, but geez. I knew everyday that I was doing this challenge and STILL, I didn’t plan ahead like I should have. I’m starting to think I like the challenge of crunch time.
3. I like posting spontaneously when I feel like it. You know, INSTAgram style! I really do use this space for more of a diary and memories and things that just generally make me happy so posting strategically kind of took some of the wind out of my sails a bit. Hopefully you couldn’t tell but there was a lot of pressure behind some of those posts in February and it was because of this challenge. I really wanted to push myself to prove I could see this through.
4. Some pics I don’t think people will like, they love. I was so hesitant to post some pictures because I thought they were just those photos that would never leave my camera roll but then they went off (were really popular). I’ve heard so many people say “just post the picture” and this proved just that. Post what you want because you love it, you may be surprised by how people respond to it. And if they don’t, well it wasn’t for them, it was for you, WHICH IS WHAT MATTERS!!!!
5. Not all content is created equal. My likes, comments and engagement were ALL over the board. I wish I had been a little more strategic during this experiment so I could have really studied the times that I posted and how well they did just off that. But also I just know that not everything resonates with everyone like other posts do. This is why it’s so important to not get caught up in the numbers game. SO many All influencers at one point in time have sweat bullets over their engagement or lack there of because of Instagram’s crazy non-sensical algorithm. I had to stop doing this and realize that unless I buy my likes (yes that’s a thing), it’s going to look all over the place and I’m ok with that.
6. I don’t like doing things for the gram. “Do it for the gram, I ain’t gone do it.” But for real, I’m not doing it! Now will I clean my house for a good shot? ABSOLUTELY!!!! But doing things that are way outside of what I would normally do just for Instagram content is just aggravating. Ok, wait, let me clarify. I did have those pictures taken of me for content but that’s also because I was feeling my new outfit and wanted to get some shots in it. It’s why I only work with brands I really like or use. I really do like creating content for Instagram but only when it makes sense for my life, if you know what I mean.
7. Did I mention this is a job? If you’re still here, thank you!
8. I do this because I like it!! I am a sharer by nature so showing up on this space just comes natural. I love talking in my stories to everyone because I love talking to people. Ask my elementary, middle and high school teachers, lol! I love sharing fun things we do as a family, I love sharing my silly girls doing funny things but I love sharing what’s real and honest most. I’ve heard some really nice compliments from people who’ve known me since grade school. They’ve said, I haven’t changed a bit. Not in the length of time they’ve known me and not in this Instagram space. A little following doesn’t make you. IT DOESN’T MEAN ANYTHING IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS!!!! I can’t show my IG following to Jesus to get my name in that book! Honestly, what I want most is to glorify God, in every single thing I do!! I hope He is proud of me sharing who I am in HIM and encouraging people in anyway I can.
Until next time, Leah <3
