Are you finding yourself stuck? Are you unable to grow even though you’re doing everything you should be? Maybe you get a lot of “follow and unfollow” interactions but you’re wondering why the followers don’t stick around? Believe me, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with this problem on Instagram, so I want to share with you 3 lies that are keeping you stuck and preventing the growth that’s possible for you. All you have to do is keep reading and implement the right techniques!
I want to clear something up before I keep going, and it’s that these are 3 lies you are telling yourself, not lies that other people on the internet are telling you. Sometimes we are our worst critics and we get in our own way. Trust me, I am definitely guilty of this! SO bare with me and get ready to overcome this growth battle!
Lie 1: “I don’t have time”
There are many platforms out there that are demanding your attention 24/7. Whether it’s podcasts, Clubhouse, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, etc. there’s always some platform demanding you to react and engage. To some, this can make them feel drawn away from where they want to place their attention…on their Instagram.
How are we supposed to give Instagram the bulk of our attention so it can experience growth when all the other platforms are always screaming for our attention?
If you think about it, it’s amazing how much time we spend scrolling or looking at other things online when we could be spending it on our own account. Do you spend at least 10 minutes scrolling or watching stories that you could refocus on your own Instagram?
We all do! I’m not calling you out, just hoping to bring a new perspective to the table. You do have time! It’s simply a matter of prioritizing your time towards the right things – the things that will benefit your account and help you achieve that growth.
If you have 20 minutes a day to scroll on Instagram, watch your best friend’s Stories, or catch up on the latest TMZ gossip, you have time to grow your account.
The Instagram strategies I share all fall under the “1-hour a day” timeframe. These effective tips, techniques, and strategies only require you to focus an hour a day on your account, not all day, it’s not overwhelming like that. Pick times during the week that works best for you and replace some of your daily content consumption with content strategy and planning. Stop scrolling, stop comparing, stop wasting your own precious time, and start experiencing growth!
What can you do today to refocus your time and show up on Instagram?
Lie 2: “I’m not good with pictures”
You guys, I get this one a lot… seriously, I hear it all the time! Maybe you don’t have an iPhone, or you don’t have a professional photographer friend to take your pictures for you – that’s fine!
You don’t need to have photography connections or the latest iPhone with the best camera lens to take quality photos. Technology has come a long way and now we have access to photo filter apps and other methods for photo editing. I like to use filters from Instagram Stories to take my selfies. The possibilities are endless!
You don’t need to go for fancy photos all the time either. A natural filter can go a long way on the days where you don’t want to wear makeup or do much with your hair. There are many ways to capture a good, quality photo for your content.
If you are looking for new filters and many photo editing tools, the Lightroom app is a great option. Snap the photo and take it to Lightroom for a few minutes to play around with the editing tools. Have a little fun with it!
I like to recommend using an affordable tripod for taking timed photos on your phone. Don’t complicate it, get near some natural light and do your own photoshoot. You can search photo poses on Pinterest for some fun and inspiring poses and go for it!
Especially when you’re starting out, do the best you can with what you have. When there’s a will, there’s a way. You can capture great photos and easily filter them as needed. Just start somewhere.
Lie 3: “I don’t know what I’m doing”
While this may be true to some extent, especially in the beginning, you will soon learn that there are MANY resources, and sources for information out there if you are open to being proactive and finding them. You can find someone who does know or who can help you learn.
The important thing is that your “I don’t know what I’m doing” doesn’t turn into “then I won’t do it”. Sometimes being a perfectionist can be a hindrance in this way. Don’t let it be! Pursue your dream, your calling, your desire to serve people with your Instagram and be willing to fail, learn, grow and succeed.
No great success story got away without working through failure and growth.
I have known many people and clients who have amazing pictures, amazing captions but don’t show up on their Stories because they feel like they don’t know what they’re doing, or they feel like because they aren’t doing it “perfectly” they shouldn’t do it at all – And this happens to very successful entrepreneurs who already make a lot of money. Even they are believing the lies that prevent their growth on Instagram.
Letting yourself believe this lie will hinder you and hinder the possibility of growth you could be having. Just show up. Show up consistently. Show up imperfectly. Your followers want to see you be vulnerable and real.
Let’s normalize realness!
It’s important to remember that growth will not happen overnight. It takes time and consistency. Are you willing to ditch the 3 lies that are preventing your growth on Instagram? Are you ready to step into the possibility of making mistakes, trying new things, and prioritizing your time?
What’s the first lie you’re going to stomp on in order to ditch it for good?
You’re on the right track! I’m here for you!
Love,
Monica