Help me out here, guys. I’ve been on Instagram since 2011. I’ve noticed many changes over the last seven years. I’m not a fan of those changes, or maybe I just don’t get it.
My account was public at first but in 2014 I changed it to private. My thinking was, I was basically sharing images of my personal life and not so much images related to my books, blog, divorce writing, or ‘brand’.
Therefore, why put my personal photos ‘out there’ when there’s no way to link to my writing or my website (except in the bio which no one sees in the feed). Overall, I’ve been pleased with having a private account as I’ve had less unwanted attention from strange men, which I’ve written about before. I don’t relish the idea of men I don’t know anything about, hovering over my selfie. It just feels weird. Would it still be weird if I know the man hovering over my selfie? Not sure, but I digress.
I wanted to share some of my posts to give you an example of my Instagram, but could not embed my own photos!
Instagram has changed in a big way in the last year. They were bought by Facebook, so there’s that. Also, I’ve noticed several blogging buddies are focusing all of their branding on this platform. Selling products and such has become a big thing on Insta. Also, writing long essays to accompany a photo with a s**t load of hashtags.
I just don’t feel it for me. Part of me wants to join in and promote the hell out of myself as a writer and blogger but part of me just wants to keep to myself.
I feel like I have split personality when it comes to Instagram.
Everyone is publishing their ‘story’ (moving video with or without sound, with or without stickers) and since it’s only up temporarily, can share whatever they feel in the moment.
Again, I’m just not feeling it for me. Am I getting old? Social media is constantly morphing into new ways to share our personal lives. I have no interest in learning the skills to utilize these new and constantly changing ‘features’.
I also notice on many websites, the only social media bloggers are focusing on is Instagram. Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and Twitter seem to be on a down turn. Heck, some blogs have been altogether abandoned yet when you click into their Instagram icon, they are extremely alive and well on that platform.
A clear choice is being made for website owners, bloggers and those people who sell items or services on-line—Instagram all the way.
Am I suffering from Instagram burnout and addiction simultaneously? It’s hard to shut it off when, some weeks, it’s the only place I can find out what my kids are up to. Case in point;
And my future Son in law’s photo of my daughter…
Incidentally, I’ve never been able to link my blog images to Instagram. I cannot upload a photo from my desktop, therefore, I must upload photos from my mobile and I don’t have my blog photos stored there. What to do? I’ve never bothered to explore this too much as I had so many other platforms to promote my work on.
As I wrote this post and wanted to embed a few of my photos from instagram, I was unable to…this perplexed the heck out of me and being the persistent person that I am, could not let it go.
So, I went to my future daughter in law’s profile and the option to embed was available. But when I went to my daughter’s profile, there was no option to embed.
Finally, the light bulb went off! If you have a private account, then you cannot embed your photos. Period. So, I changed my account from private to public and voila. I was going to change it right back to private, when it immediately allowed anyone who had requested to follow me. Sigh. Welcome strangers! Can’t have it both ways.
I guess I’ll just leave it public and see how that changes the platform for me, maybe for the better.
OH! Here we go, Hot_Feelings just ‘liked’ my photo. Afraid to look at their profile…anything with Hot in the name…
Overall, I give myself a C+ for my use of Instagram. I could do a lot better, the question I need to answer is, do I want to?
Are you on Instagram? What do you get from it and how do you use it? Private or public account? Please do share in the comments.
Related: Social Media and Divorce-10 Tips
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RankPen
November 26, 2018 at 3:09 amPerhaps, both are needed to connect with your audience and keep yourself up to date. Yet, if you are busy enough to manage the time it’s up to you which one you should adopt. By the way thanks for sharing your thoughts through your post.
Kasia
October 30, 2018 at 3:15 amI guess it makes sense to run both – a blog and an instagram account. Blogs are a great platform to express our thoughts, instagram allows to share the visual side of our ideas.
Thank you Lisa, I’ve learned a lot from you.
Suhana
October 25, 2018 at 2:14 amHi Lisa
Your pics are awesome 🙂
I recently started my Instagram after completing my Digital Marketing training
Jane Thrive
October 4, 2018 at 3:17 pmHugs lisa! And first can i say–the pics of your family are ADORABLE <3 <3 <3
and yes…insta is my last bastion of privacy, so i don't use it to market any writing, etc….i do resonate that other social media platforms are definitely taking the space of blogs, i wonder if it's because most people do mobile access to the internet, and insta is so much more compact and easier to scroll through? Blogs are much more palatable to a desktop or laptop… just my two cents. okay going to your next post–your daughter is getting married whattttt?? <3 <3 <3 🙂 🙂 🙂
p.s. i'm really sorry to hear that you lost a parent (from your last post..?) hugs and love to you!!!
lisa
October 9, 2018 at 4:19 pmThank you, Jane! <3 Hugs!
Insta is kind of fun but I'm not terribly crazy about the 'stories'. Yes, I think you're right about it being easy on mobile devices. Yes, my daughter tied the knot 😛 She was so confident and happy!!
p.s. Yes, my father passed away on July 1st. I haven't written about it yet but may do eventually. Thanks for your hugs and condolences. xxoo
Sathish Arumugam
September 30, 2018 at 5:44 pmYa Instagram blogging and caption trends are arising every day and the main unique of Instagram is to designed a lifestyle content that is the ultimate thing for the replacement of lifestyle blogging. Though I was also not interested in the Instagram post sometimes when I was searching for new words for my blog content I would rather look only on the Instagram caption content because caption words are really lovely and many readers are enjoying that kind of words. But a blog is really a worthy thing for targeting a specific group of audience. Thanks for sharing Lisa
Mabel Kwong
September 11, 2018 at 3:59 amI’m on Instagram and have two accounts – one public, one private. The public one I showcase my photography but I have since fallen off the bandwagon on that… The private one I don’t post much and use it to follow IG accounts of my interests such as photography and fitness (so many variations and takes on these topics…). With so many features within each social media platform it can be hard to keep up. To be honest, I find it all takes so much time and as of earlier this year, I’ve slowly been culling the social media that I use – no longer posting on Facebook, spending less time on Twitter and really spending more time Googling and looking up things that tickle my fancy 🙂 It looks like some in your family have a strong liking for IG…well if they feel comfortable expressing themselves that way, why not 🙂
lisa
September 11, 2018 at 9:55 amHi Mabel, I’d love to follow your photography account. Even if you’re not too active. Insta can be really fun on a personal level and sounds like you’re making the most of it by following your personal interests. I don’t post photos too often maybe once a month. It’s fun to catch up on there but too much time on it can be draining. Yes, my kids all thoroughly enjoy the platform.
I hardly go on facebook anymore except for my book page and author page and even then, not nearly enough. I hardly visit my G+ profile at all. Still love twitter as it’s quick to post, easy to share other people’s work, tweets, and the news is interesting. I’m wondering if I should pull my personal profile from facebook but then not sure I would be able to have an author page etc. SIGH. What did we even do before social media? LOL.
White
September 7, 2018 at 4:56 amI continuously active on most of social platform. I really like Instagram but not as a blog.
lisa
September 7, 2018 at 3:04 pmSame here. Some make it work though…
Mike
September 5, 2018 at 10:49 pmI really like Instagram but not as a blog. I feel like Instagram is more effective for fashion, service and retail sellers rather than us authors.
lisa
September 7, 2018 at 3:04 pmI agree, Mike. Although I do know a few authors who really rock the Insta (I’m not one of them).
munny
September 2, 2018 at 11:34 pmThank you for sharing this awesome info about instagram replacing blogs.
Jeri
August 27, 2018 at 10:45 amI dabble on the main social media sites, but mostly as an editor. I’ll get around to establishing an author persona as some point. I’m most at home on Facebook, but the images I post get way more likes and comments than the articles I curate. A blog is priceless when it comes to driving direct traffic a person’s way.
lisa
August 28, 2018 at 9:49 amGood tips, Jeri. Facebook seems to be #1 still for reaching our target audience in spite of the algorithms. 😛
Robbie Cheadle
August 26, 2018 at 6:18 amNice to meet you, Lisa. This is an interesting post. I think Instagram works for a limited visual effect. It is quick and instant which is why the young love it so much. I prefer blogging as I enjoy reading about people, their thoughts and lives, not just a quick, possibly misleading, moment in time.
lisa
August 27, 2018 at 3:29 pmNice to meet you, Robbie! Yes, well said; “…a quick, possibly misleading, moment in time.”
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader
August 21, 2018 at 7:08 pmRegardless of blogging or social media, it’s all a lot of work. I do like Instagram better than Twitter and Facebook. You can get better visibility through the use of hashtags and you don’t have to pay (like you do on FB) just for your post to be visible to your followers.
I wished there was an easier way to upload photos as well. I just hate using my phone. I’m a desktop person all the way! LOL.
Great post.
lisa
August 22, 2018 at 3:56 pmYes, it is. Interesting, Aleen. I love Twitter and find it so different from Instagram that it’s hard to compare the two. I need to get more active on Instagram to make full use of its features. Facebook—sigh. I find it TOO MUCH, yet my audience is hanging out there so I continue to post and be active on my page accounts. You’re right in saying that less people see our posts on there UNLESS we pay!! 😛
LA CONTESSA
August 21, 2018 at 8:00 amPUBLIC…….that way YOUR TRIBE CAN FIND YOU!ALSO you can fine them.IT’s all a bit TOO MUCH isn’t it?!!!Those MEN SURFING for a date when they FOLLOW YOU just slide that FOLLOWiNG on the RIGHT to DELETE!POOF they are GONE!
I like it for finding my people or Tribe as I said.I have made many friends from Instagram who I talk with regularly on the telephone!
I do it for FUN not WORK……..as for BLOGS yes I heard they are dying but I still like some of them.Others have become one BIG ADVERTISEMENTS.What bothers me is the women in Europe suggesting articles from Nordstroms or Neiman’s which those shops do not even exist over the pond!!!
I think about signing off completely from time to time but than I would be REALLY OUT OF THE LOOP,but that might be okay TOO!
More time for the GARDEN AND HOME!
XX
lisa
August 22, 2018 at 8:53 amHi CONTESSA, I agree and now my account is public 🙂 You have Instagram parties with Banksy and the gang…I want to come too. LOVE your insta photos!
Swipe right and poof LOL. Easy.
There is a lot of ‘spam’ comments coming from all over the world, selling something. My spam catcher, wordfence, doesn’t catch everything lately. They’re getting better at getting through. Yes, I know how you feel about the whole blogging thing. It’s still rewarding but I’m often checking in with myself and my goals for the blog. It’s the connection with other writers, bloggers, and my readers that keep me going.
p.s. For those who don’t know, Banksy is CONTESSA’s pet ‘tea cup’ pig.
Lisa Sicard
August 21, 2018 at 2:52 amHi Lisa, I’ve started to use it for the blog/business – I switched to business account about a month ago. You can use it via desktop if you use the Buffer app. I LOVE that.
I use canva to create images from my blog – in the right size and then upload via the buffer app. from my desktop. I just learned this and it’s great.
I still share some personal stuff there as people want to know who is behind the business. I try to use about 10 hashtags but you can use up to 30 on this network.
It definitely is NOT replacing the blog for me but it’s a fun way to connect with others visually. I also use IFTTT to share the photos right on Twitter. If you don’t use IFTTT and connect Twitter to Instagram you just see an ugly link – yuk!
I’m amazed how many likes you have on your images for a private account! Interesting Lisa.
Have a wonderful day ahead.
lisa
August 21, 2018 at 9:20 pmLisa, thank you for your awesome, tips! Seriously. You’re answering the mysteries of Instagram for me. I keep getting the message to switch my account to business and I wasn’t sure what the difference would be. Now that i’m a public account, I might as well try it. I must find you on Insta! I don’t think we’re following one another. Thanks so much for the IFTTT tip.
Tamara
August 20, 2018 at 8:03 amI’m on it and I love it and I use it for different sides of work – to edit/write other people’s IG (as a ghost, I suppose) and on my own. As a photographer and micro storyteller, I do love IG although I’m not great at Stories.
And it must be known that I still prefer and will never give up longform blog writing.
Also, all of these young people in your life are gorgeous!
lisa
August 21, 2018 at 9:18 pmTamara, you’re a rock star on Instagram! You’re ghosting, too? Getting paid well to do that I’m sure. Your photos are gorgeous, too! Glad to hear you’ll still be blogging 🙂
Thank you on the kids. They are gorgeous. I’m lucky to have them all in my life! xo
Marcia @ Menopausal Mother
August 17, 2018 at 8:43 pmI love Instagram but I never use it for blogging and I certainly hope it doesn’t replace blog writing! I just enjoy sharing photos and seeing the fun pictures my friends post.
lisa
August 18, 2018 at 10:31 amThat’s exactly how I use it, Marcia. I may up my game a little and see what happens but it certainly wouldn’t replace my blog. 😛
Mike Vogler
August 16, 2018 at 8:15 pmHow ironic as I’ve noticed that some posts on IG are full on blog posts! I want a snap shot and a brief caption for me as a reader to enjoy on IG. That’s just me though and IG doesn’t have any “rules” on not doing it so….
Good post Lisa and I hope you are doing fantastic! 🙂
lisa
August 17, 2018 at 1:59 pmRight? Me, too Mike. I don’t need a huge back story, unless you’re an amazing writer…then you might get me to read the whole thing LOL. Mike, it’s so great to see you! Hope you’ll be back to Past My Curfew. Now I know why you named your blog that after reading your latest update. Breaking Curfew was your thing 😀
Ellen Shook
August 16, 2018 at 1:43 pmInteresting! I never read those posts which are as long as a blog post. I skip all the silly hashtags, too. I thought my account was private, but I keep getting requests from strange men, all of whom I delete immediately.
I quit blogging as you know because I just did not like the direction blogging has taken. (Gimme Money!)
I have your book of short stories which I am saving to read while recuperating from my new knee (happening soon).
lisa
August 16, 2018 at 6:46 pmI’m the same, Ellen. A person has to be a pretty engaging writer to get my attention in words on Insta. Because it was always about the photos and not words (in the beginning). Yeah, the men are trolling all of the social media. Of course, there are those who are genuine and have mutual people in common and are bloggers themselves.
I loved your blog! Yes, I know what you mean though. It’s hard to keep up with the changes. I still enjoy blogging but I’m a more sporadic with posts as I’ve been finding life getting in the way LOL. And there are those who are all about the dollar…I don’t mind that so long as the blog is valuable 🙂
Oh, I hope your knee replacement goes well, Ellen! Good time to do some reading. Short stories will be good for post op, as you don’t have to concentrate as hard as an epic novel. BEST of luck. I’ll see you on Instagram xxoo
ShootingStarsMag
August 16, 2018 at 5:29 amI really like Instagram, but as a blog? Not really … if you’re going to write a ton in your caption, I probably won’t read it. *shrug* I’d rather read a blog post because it’s just easier for me. As for my own Instagram, I like using it for life and blog related stuff so it’s a mix of things and it’s public. Thankfully I don’t really get creepy comments or anything like that. I think it’s mostly other bloggers that follow or engage with me, and I’m find with that. I haven’t ever used the story function though…I’m curious because it’s apparently the best way to get people to pay attention to you, but I don’t know. I don’t even watch them so why do I want to “make” them? hah
-Lauren
lisa
August 16, 2018 at 5:55 pmMe, too Lauren. I don’t feel the need to turn my instagram account into its own blog. I know some who have tho!
I haven’t had creepy comments but I have gotten messaged from men I don’t know. “How are you, honey?” Stuff like that, which I ignore 😛
I haven’t made a story yet. I read that you can add music and this will draw more attention to your ‘story’. It seems pretty gimmicky to me. I enjoy the stories of my kids though. I’m really feeling Instagram to be an extension of facebook and that’s not enticing to me at all. I enjoy your posts Lauren. Seeing what you’re up to and what books you’re reading.
Thanks for weighing in. Love to hear your thoughts.
Balroop Singh
August 15, 2018 at 8:29 pmThis is such a timely eye-opener post for me Lisa. I too noticed that Instagram is becoming so popular and so I have been thinking to go there and even visited it through my Facebook profile but realised the same glitch…not laptop friendly! Now I am double-minded, should I stay there and use it via my phone or quit? Any suggestions? Does it get linked to Facebook pictures too? I mean the strangers who would follow me on Insta, would they get access to my Facebook account too?
lisa
August 15, 2018 at 10:00 pmHey Balroop, no it sure isn’t desk top friendly at all.
You can link your instagram posts to facebook if you want but not the other way around. Strangers who follow you on instagram will not be able to follow you on facebook without your accepting their friendship. However, they may be able to follow your author page as anyone can follow your public page (but that’s probably okay since it’s not a personal page).
You know, I feel like Instagram is more effective for fashion, service and retail sellers rather than us authors. Still, if you wanted to really put the effort in, you could promote your author image and books there. I’ve not done that as of yet and like you, am on the fence about it.
The way I view it for now is to have fun with it. I’m following friends and my kids so it’s a more personal platform to date. Until I decide to change that, not sure what the benefits will be. Facebook has really changed it and made it a bigger empire. I will have to find you on there! 🙂
DGKaye
August 15, 2018 at 5:37 pmExcellent post Lis. I’m exactly like you when it comes to Insta. To be honest, I hardly everrrrrrrrrr go there. It’s more a phone based app than computer and I’m always on my laptop, hardly ever on my phone. I don’t find that app so easy to navigate. You can’t share something you like from another person’s posts, you can’t add links, and really, I never look for Hashtag words to see what’s posted I just don’t have that kind of time. I wonder if I’m missing out on anything as you say. 😉
lisa
August 15, 2018 at 8:46 pmHi Deb, it’s most definitely designed for mobile use. Originally, it was designed as a way to share photos of things we’re doing in real time, so to speak. That’s why the use is strictly on mobile devices. I find that it’s not blog or website friendly. Yes, that’s the other problem, there’s no easy way to re-post something you like and share a friend’s update. WEll, that’s the question—what are we missing out on? It’s really taking off for selling products. The ‘stories’ are a huge draw for people and yet, I feel it wouldn’t do much for me and my site/books.
Bottom line? If you like it go for it, but don’t expect it to increase traffic to our sites. I use it mainly to catch up with my kids, haha!
DGKaye
August 17, 2018 at 5:14 pmI think I’m with you. I have enough sites and groups to babysit and my blog and trying to write when I can. There aren’t enough hours in a day, we have to find what works best for us. 🙂 x
lisa
August 18, 2018 at 10:30 amExactly, true Deb! I’m thinking about letting some platforms go. Not closing my account but just letting it sit dormant. Thinking G+, LinkedIn and have fewer follow buttons on my site. Time to focus on fewer and not spread too thin.
DGKaye
August 19, 2018 at 4:17 pmMay I suggest you don’t take the buttons off your blog. Even if you don’t visit those sites much, it still doesn’t hurt if someone wants to share the post. Right? 🙂 x
lisa
August 21, 2018 at 8:43 amYes, that’s true, Deb. The share buttons will remain the same at the bottom of the post or page. Thanks for that reminder.
Chrys Fey
August 15, 2018 at 1:42 pmNot all social media platforms will be for everyone. I can’t get into Twitter. But I love Instagram. I don’t write blog posts to accompany the photos, though. I have seen that, and I think it’s done because Instagram is a force now in social media. It’s a way to connect to people and share your story with others, through an image and text. Now, being more personal on Instagram is a thing.
I do, however, use a lot of hashtags for visibility purposes. I put them in a comment. I do use Instagram as an author and for branding, but I share other things, too. What you share is up to you. You can pick 3 categories. For me that’s books/writing, nature, and my cats. 🙂
The thing with Instagram is that it’s easy. Not much thought and effort has to go into it. But with blogging, it takes a lot of time. Especially visiting other blogs and returning comments. On Instagram, you can leisurely scroll through your feed and tap to like and keep on going.
I admit to be getting out of blogging. It just takes up too much time for me. Next year, I’ll probably only do one post a month and have guests talking about writing/publishing. I’m really tapped out there, but I still love my blog.
On my blog, in the sidebar, I list my social media in order of first what’s more important for authors and then where I get the most interaction, which is why (after BookBub, Amazon, Goodreads) it goes Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and then Google +.
It just depends on you. If you’re not feeling it and want to keep to yourself, and a private account works for you, that’s fine!
Oh, and you can email yourself your blog photos on your computer and then open the email on your phone and download them there to share to Instagram. That’s what I do if an image is on my computer.
lisa
August 15, 2018 at 2:45 pmAgreed. For example, I love Twitter b/c it’s easy and geared for writers. You can make lists and scroll through your feed according to your chosen topic, i.e. authors & Lit or Divorce etc. Love that aspect.
Chrys you are a shining example of an author using Instagram to great effect. Your hashtags, images and book info are on target. I shall try to model myself after you!
I tried uploading desk top image to my phone and then publishing it on instagram, but it was quite time consuming compared to other platforms, where you can share your link and images right off of your blog page. plus people will then only have to click the link or image to land right at your blog. Just my experience.
I absolutely feel you on the blogging issue. I’m also going to scale back and focus more on my fiction writing. Currently working on a site re-design to reflect this new focus. Same as you, I also do love blogging so I won’t give it up altogether. Plus, the people I’ve met through this blog are amazing (like you). But it is a real time suck maintaining a blog.
Keep up the great work on Instagram, Chrys and thanks for sharing and your tips here! 🙂