(Read to the bottom to find out how all this affects you!)
Some people take things one at a time, and I think that is a great plan. But I’ve never been very good at it. I almost always have a bunch of things going on at once. I told you about my teeth brushing, Bible reading, self-control with food goals this year. I would have thought that would be enough for now… at least when you figure I’m already raising and homeschooling 6 kids, running an Etsy shop (that I’m trying to make successful), and serving at church. (Let’s not talk about the laundry and the meals and the cleaning… the kids can do that stuff, right?)
But no… let’s add more!
Enter… Instagram
Last week, while discussing marketing strategy for my Etsy shop, my husband decided I should start an Instagram account. Now, I’ve wanted to try IG for a long time, but the timing was never right. (The timing isn’t right until Husband has complete peace about and fully supports it!) So when he said this, I was immediately excited and terrified!
Trying new things is scary!
Can anyone relate? Trying new things is scary! I jumped in though. I spent the next 24 hour or so researching the best ways to start an IG account for an Etsy shop that sells digital downloads. Most of what I found wasn’t quite that specific, but it got me going. I watched videos, read articles, and asked more questions. I started setting up my account, discovered that I had no idea what something was and did some more research.
Trying new things takes time
I started the recommended 10-12 posts in my first day or two of opening the account. That took a lot of time. Then I discovered I had the size wrong and they were all a bit fuzzy… I deleted and re-posted them properly sized.
I posted my first reel. Messed it up, deleted it and tried again… 3 times.
I posted a second reel… this time adding music (my sister told me to… she’s way better at this stuff than I am!)
I created a third reel… one I pieced together from multiple videos. I published and deleted this reel 5+ times before getting it right (I have no idea if all the deleting is bad for my account… I’m so new at this!) It took all day!
Trying new things needs a strategy
My research suggested that it was better to set realistic expectations for how often I post, planning to post 2-3 times a week rather than posting a bunch and then not posting for a long time. This sounded good. I was already struggling to find time for all the things before starting this adventure, so 2-3 times a week sounded reasonable. Problem is, I can’t help myself. I have fallen into a goal of publishing something everyday… and the more of those that are reels, the better. LOL. I want to reach as many people as I can as fast as I can, and I know that having content is the best way to do that.
So far…
So far I can say I’m having a good experience. I’m nearly a week in and I can see how it could totally absorb me if I’m not careful. I’m exploring and learning and adding in my own stuff. I’m hoping that week 2 won’t take as much time as week 1 did and that I can get back to posting new products in my shop. (There are quite a few over there by the way!)
How does this affect you?
That’s the question, isn’t it? I started this blog as a way to chronicle my art journey, but in the last year or so I’ve been trying to figure out how to add value here for you. I want my journey to have more to do with serving and encouraging others than just about me. I want to build community. While I’m planning to continue those goals here, I am hoping to expand on them on Instagram.
Would you pop over and follow me there @mamasbrush? See what I’m working on, learn about sale events, and let me know what you like! Watch as my art journey turns into a content creation journey and be part of it. I’m inviting you! Please join me!
Gathering here.