3 Greatest Challenges I Faced When Starting My Social Media
Starting my social media account was so exciting, but came with a few challenges as well. I’ll be sharing the top three issues I faced, plus solutions to help you if you’re running into similar challenges!
It’s been totally worth it, though. I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m amazed by all the support and connections I’ve made with like-minded people!
I previously shared the three greatest challenges I faced when starting my blog if you are looking for more tips! If you’re interested in starting your own blog and social media account, but not sure where to start, check out my full guide to launching a successful blog!
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I considered turning my personal Instagram account into a travel account, but ultimately decided to create a new one. I don’t regret this decision at all, but it was pretty wild starting at zero and being like, “ok well now what?”
I think the blank slate can be really refreshing and also let you be more authentic. I didn’t want everyone I ever met seeing me “attempt” to start a blog; what if I wasn’t successful?!
Solution: Think of it as a rare opportunity
With my new Instagram account, I was able to really think about what I wanted to post and the purpose of my account. This was so exciting to me, and helped me get over some of the stage fright of posting to reach a bigger audience!
Challenge 2: Deciding what, when and where to post
When I first created my new Instagram account, I was SO overwhelmed with what to start posting. Everywhere I looked, I saw all this advice like “Reels are the only posts that matter” or lists of like 15 things I “needed” to do every single time I posted.
I don’t think all of the advice out there is bad, but there’s definitely a lot of it, so it can get a bit overwhelming. I would also post the same short-form videos on TikTok and YouTube, but sometimes get confused with what I had already posted to each platform.
Solution: Keep it simple (and structured)
After a few months, I decided to simplify the number of platforms I was using, and now post solely on Instagram and my website. I may start posting again on YouTube and/or TikTok in the future, or whatever new form of social media may be out there.
I also created a content calendar to keep track of what I wanted to post and when. Send me an email if you want a copy of my content calendar!
Now, I sit down every Sunday and make sure my calendar is filled out for the upcoming week! And not just filled out, but having the posts and captions ready to go. This helps me manage everything coming up and frees up my time during the week!
Challenge 3: Growing a brand new account
Starting over with a new account is HARD. I remember being like “why would anyone follow me I have literally no posts.”😂
I had also never really “done” social media before, so a lot of what I did in the beginning was trial and error. And reading lots of OTHER blogs’ advice on how to grow a new Instagram account.
Solution: Engaging with similar accounts
This one is still a work in progress, and not the end-all-be-all solution, but the perfect way to start your account strong! Plus, I’ve been able to meet so many similar, cool people out there who are also doing something similar!
I believe Instagram suggests your account once it has a sense of the people who may be interested in following your content. Therefore, I think it’s really important to engage with similar accounts!
It’s basically you telling Instagram, “hey this is what my account is, or will be, about.” Helps the app to figure out the best algorithm for your account and content!
If you’re running into a similar issue, or something different, feel free to send me a message on Instagram! Definitely also check out my guide to starting a blog; I’ve added tons of tips in there to help you along the way!
mariss
