Instagram – Attempt Number Three (Why?)
Roll out the black and white carpet! I’m back on Instagram. Wait, what? What do you mean nobody cares? Even I don’t care, but, despite its algorithmic frustrations, I’ve decided to set up not one, but two brand-new accounts. Sigh.
I won’t say I instantly regretted this decision, but spending time on Instagram reminded me of why I left in the first place. Overwhelm, and not being in control of what you see.
That said, I used to love posting and engaging with like-minded folks on the OG of photo-sharing apps. Maybe if I go back to using it how it was originally intended, everything will be fine. No video, no music, no motion whatsoever. Basically, everything the algorithm frowns upon.
Why, why, why, Delilah Mike
Ultimately, the decision to set up a new personal and business page was down to connections. There are certain people, businesses and organisations that I’ll only ever have the opportunity to follow on Instagram.
From a personal point of view, now that I’m out and about on photography missions again, it’s often the only place you can tag or mention the location. For example, in recent posts, I’ve tagged Derby Market Hall, Manchester Art Gallery and the Museum of Liverpool.
They don’t always respond, but when they do, it’s a) nice to hear their feedback and b) a massive boost in the total number of people that will see the image.
From a business point of view, LinkedIn is a bit of a mess right now, while I’ve easily been able to follow loads of relevant local businesses on Instagram.
It’s also easier to connect with clients. Most of them are on Instagram, whereas only some of them are on LinkedIn. Engagement is low on business-related content, but I’m mainly there to maintain a presence and build connections.
Silent, still, motionless
During the existence of my last two accounts, I was distracted from everything I loved about the app (sharing photos) by the algorithm’s requirements. All of a sudden, I was trying to make everything into a short video. That’s just not me.
This time around, I’m flipping the bird in the face of everything that Instagram wants in favour of still, silent images. It hasn’t thanked me, of course. Engagement is low, but that was to be expected.
Reframing thoughts about followers and likes
Talking of engagement, why do we care? It means absolutely nothing when you think about it. I’ll be the first to admit that I was a little obsessed with followers and likes back in the day.
When you enjoy what you do, creatively, and believe in your practice, followers and likes really don’t matter.
Yes, sharing your work is all part of the process for many creatives, but let’s not judge its success on how the algorithm views you, your account or your image.
Small, intimate and quiet
A new approach to using Instagram, minus all of the bullshit. I’m actually quite enjoying posting images there again. No pressure, no urgency, no trying to please a fucking algorithm. Happy days!
I don’t love Instagram, but I also don’t hate it anymore.
