Is Instagram Necessary for My Business? As a photographer navigating the world of social media, Instagram has been a double-edged sword, so this question has been top of mind lately.
Scrolling through carefully curated feeds often triggers feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. For the most part, I’ve stopped comparing feeds on Instagram, but when you think about it, that takes energy. Here’s why:
“Social comparison theory was first proposed in 1954 by psychologist Leon Festinger. It suggests that people have an innate drive to evaluate themselves, often in comparison to others. People make all kinds of judgments about themselves, and one of the key ways they do this is through social comparison or analyzing the self in relation to others.”
Kendra Cherry of verywellmind
So, despite how hard I try, I still have a dampened spirit after scrolling sometimes.
Is Instagram Necessary for My Business?
The Price Tag
Creating captivating content for Instagram also comes with a price tag. From investing in equipment to outsourcing content creation, the financial burden adds up quickly. Balancing quality with affordability is a constant struggle.
Maintaining a consistent presence on Instagram requires mental energy and dedication. From filling up the feed to ensuring post-engagement, the pressure to stay visible can sometimes overshadow your business and joy.
And let’s add your headspace to the price tag. That’s a big-ticket item, for sure. Every mentor will tell you that social media should be part of your marketing plan. You must be where your clients are, they say, so I leaned into Instagram and tested my limits with content creation and visibility on the platform for the last few years. So, my marketing, in terms of my energy and headspace, has been mainly social. I can now see the imbalance.
You can view my Instagram feed here. Scroll to the very bottom, and you’ll see how far I’ve come and how I’ve experimented with my visibility over the years. I have no regrets here; I’m just acknowledging the journey.
The Community
While Instagram fosters a sense of community, the question remains: Is this community translating into tangible business outcomes for me?
Engaging with a supportive community is rewarding, but if it doesn’t convert into business opportunities, it challenges the purpose of investing time and resources into Instagram. Building relationships is essential, but so is driving business growth.
Instagram and My Goals
With my photography business evolving, aligning my Instagram presence with my long-term goals—not just business goals but life goals—is crucial. I always ask myself what I want my life to look like in five years. So, I must reflect on whether Instagram supports or is taking something away from my business and life goals. As of right now, the answer is the latter. Because I’ve never been “into” social media on a personal level, creating content takes me an enormous amount of headspace. And that’s the energy I could use to grow my business organically.
After deep introspection, I am redefining my relationship with Instagram and exploring alternative marketing strategies.
My last post was in July, basically saying we are taking a break (from posting and I’ll be back in September). As soon as that post went live — I felt freedom! Imagine that? Stepping back from Instagram has allowed me to reflect on what truly matters to me now and in the future.
If I maintain an Instagram presence, I am committed to simplifying my approach. My content strategy will be shaped by prioritizing authenticity over perfection and focusing on genuine connections.
Trusting in Organic Client Connections
Moreover, organic client outreach can be as impactful as social media marketing. By nurturing authentic connections and letting my work speak for itself, I trust that the right clients will find their way to me.
In conclusion, the decision to leverage Instagram for my photography business is deeply personal. By aligning my online presence with my values and aspirations, I am taking control of my narrative and focusing on what truly matters to me.
