I don’t know if this is how it is for you, but for me… social media is an absolute roller coaster.
I’m either feverishly posting multiple times a day on multiple platforms, or I’m completely burned out, overwhelmed, and radio silent. It’s rarely anywhere in between.
(Except for my Write Now Podcast Instagram account, where my posts are 100% automated. But that’s another thing altogether.)
Currently, I actively post on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitch, and Discord. And in addition to posting what is hopefully thoughtful, on-brand messaging, I also try my best to respond to the various responses, shout-outs, direct messages, etc. that I receive. It’s… a lot.
And I’m not even on newer platforms like TikTok and Clubhouse (even though I know I “should” be, but heck, I’m still having anxiety attacks about Instagram Reels)
Keeping up (or even better, keeping ahead) is hard. Which I think is why I’ve seen so many writers and creators lately who are questioning the value of doing any sort of social media at all. They figure, if they don’t enjoy it, and if it takes away from their important writing/creating time, then why bother?
Today’s letter is not intended to question the value of social media. The benefits of cultivating a presence and community on social media are real, but the results are just a lot more difficult to obtain than we thought (or were told) they would be.
Basically, the time that you spend on social media should be bringing you some value, some return on your investment — whether it’s audience building/engagement, book sales, podcast downloads/subscriptions, speaking opportunities, new networking relationships, etc. Whatever it is that spells SUCCESS for you as a creator.
So… what are you getting out of your social media experience? And is it worth it?
Are you presenting yourself as a personality or an expert? A student or a teacher?
Are you on too many platforms? Not enough platforms? The wrong platforms for your ideal audience? (And who is your ideal audience, by the way?)
Are you posting what you actually want to post — or what you feel like you “should” post? If you could freely post whatever you wanted, what would that be?
I encourage you to journal through or answer these questions. I realized in doing so that I needed to focus my posts, present myself as a creator rather than an expert, and worry less about looking perfect.
I also realized how many fears I had tied up the social media experience — fears of oversharing, of looking like a self-involved/self-important narcissist, of being seen as “fake”, of being laughed at or ridiculed, of the perception that so many people are doing it “better” than I am (or ever could).
Why are we posting to social media? What are we getting out of it — and what do we want to get out of it? Can it be a fulfilling instead of draining/overwhelming experience? Can we simply show up as ourselves, be honest about our journeys, and change the world that way?
What do you think?
Words & warmth,
Sarah