August 29, 2017
Sharing your personal life on social media feels like a daunting task. For the longest time, I didn’t want to do it. I thought my potential clients wouldn’t be interested in my boring life, that they just wanted to see my work. I truly believed they would look at my life and think “Why is she sharing this?” What I didn’t understand and what I learned quickly is the power of sharing authentic personal stories on your social media and how it can make an impact past just trying to book more clients.
Opening up about your life allows your followers and potential clients a look into WHO you are. With a world full of creative entrepreneurs, everyone is creating beautiful work. What sets you apart is you personality. Letting your genuine self shine through allows you to really connect with your followers and work with your ideal clients. It’s about pulling back the veil and sharing your behind the scenes, your true self, your everyday life. Because who wants to live in a world of perfectly curated Instagram feeds? I don’t. When I follow someone, work with someone, or become friends with someone I want to know what they’re all about. I want something deeper than loving puppies and coffee (because we ALL love those things!)
So who ARE you?
It’s ok to share a piece of your world with the rest of the world. By showcasing what makes us unique, it allows others to connect. It allows real stories to be told. Believe it or not, you DO have a story and voice. You’re not ordinary, you’re the only YOU there is. So share that uniqueness with us! If you’re not sure how to “get personal” on social media but want to start, here are a few tips to get you going!
Share your Why
Why did you start with your business? I know you have “a passion for photography” but dig deeper! Why now, why this type of business, why the hustle?
Take Them on a Tour
Either your home or your studio, let followers into your space. I have a whole series about my 1890 Colonial home that I love to share and people LOVE to follow. People who have never seen my home comment all the time on how adorable it is. Instant connection!
Be Authentic
I think this word is getting thrown around a lot lately. Being authentic doesn’t mean jumping on someone else’s authenticity bandwagon. You need to focus on YOU! What is your story? What are your interests? Just because someone else is successful by sharing their unique story, doesn’t mean you have to copy them and just change the names. People will catch on. Stick to what you are all about. Truly learn about yourself and share those pieces. Put the social media blinders on, tune out what everyone else is doing, and share YOUR story!
It’s About the Love
Talk about your spouse, your children, your pets! Share about the most important people in your life. If that feels too personal for you, then by no means do you HAVE to share but I encourage you to think about it. People love to see others happy.
In my Instagram feed, you’ll see I not only showcase my photography but I’m also sharing about myself. My obsession with Lemon La Croix, my black cats, coffee, and my home. I’m letting my followers into my life in a controlled way.
Talk About Your Likes
La Croix. Traveling. Black cats. Halloween. Home Decor. These are all things I’m absolutely OBSESSED with and I share it with my followers. People now associate these things with me. My inquires always start with “My fiancé and I love traveling too” or “Have you tried pamplemousse La Croix? It’s my favorite!” or “Your cats are so cute!!” It’s very rare that they start with “prices please” anymore. By letting people into my world, they feel like they already know me and want to be my friend. And you always want to work with your friends!
Get Your Story On!
Instagram Stories is a great way to share more about your life. You can take followers on a behind the scenes tour of your day-to-day. It doesn’t have to be as pretty or as curated as your feed. Plus you can have a lot of fun with it!
Be Vulnerable
It’s ok to get deep. It’s ok to share something that’s hard. By opening up and sharing your story, you are giving a voice to the subject. You are helping others by letting them know they are not alone. You are a REAL person, it’s ok to share that you are struggling sometimes.
Is getting personal not your problem? Maybe you LOVE to share about your life. Maybe it’s a little TOO much. Tune in next week to see if what your posting on social media is actually scaring away potential clients!
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