Social Media – To post or not to post

Social media strategy is an integral piece of the marketing puzzle for small business owners.  If you missed my two previous posts on Developing a Strong Voice on Social, or Content Buckets, I’d love for you to check them out.

All of this information can be found on the podcast I co-host for The KNOW Women – Episode 22 of High Achieving Female Podcast. 

One question many business owners struggle with is how much to share on social media. 

Should you include your family or home life?

or keep it strictly business?

Refer to your brand essence.  I am never going to put something snarky or sarcastic on my business Instagram because that goes against the essence of my brand.

How much to share on social media?  Well, that depends on your brand.  It’s a personal answer but here is one way to look at it:

As I’ve mentioned previously, one of my content buckets is supporting other women.  An aspect of my personal life is that I’m a mother of 3.  This is a way that I can connect with other busy moms, business owners or entrepreneurs who are also striving for balance.  And so I do create posts along those lines…

I might say – “Now that summer is here – who else is balancing having kids back home?” and tie it into my booking schedule.   So where I’m not putting pictures of my kids at their school concert, I did include my 12- year old daughter who was able to assist me at a photography shoot for an animal shelter.  I posted her on my stories as a behind-the-scenes moment, and one that I was thrilled to share with her.

In other words, you definitely should share authentically… but what you share personally is up to you.  For me, it needs to tie into my business to go on my business instagram.  Everything else is for my personal Facebook.

However, for influencers out there, as well as many others, home life is very much a part of their brand – and they include their family very successfully and thoughtfully.  For example they may promote healthy eating and use their kids in reels, or show fun daily family workouts.

By crafting your brand essence and focusing on content buckets, you should be able to see where the line is, what feels right to share, and move confidently in that direction.

Still not sure? Consider, “Would I write this on my blog? Or website?”  You could also ask yourself, “Is this something I want my ideal client to see?”

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One final tip:

Be authentic. Even if it means being vulnerable.

People are inherently good and want to support you. If you’re trying something new on social media- say it!  The first time I went live on Instagram I was SO nervous and it was basically about me sharing why I was taking this step in my business and why now.  I received an incredible amount of support from that, and not just in comments, but people still mention how that gave them courage to tackle this other thing – or it inspired them to finally start that blog they had been dreading (but needing) to do.

Therefore, I invite you to avoid perfection paralysis and take that next step.  Whatever that next step is for your business, and then post about it! 

My photography is about getting at the inner light of you, stepping into your power and raising your voice.  Social media is an exciting place to reveal those next business plans. It makes you accountable, gets people excited with you, and who knows, may even help that next woman along who is contemplating the same thing but nervous about it – AND now you have built a connection.

Please let me know in what area of social media you may be struggling or still have questions around the brand opportunities for you.  (We may need a Part 4 in this blog series)  🙂

I appreciate you!