Although the title of this post may seem a bit bizarre since I blog every day and tend to post on social media, it’s totally relevant to my life these days. Much to many peoples dismay, Instagram changed a few months ago. You may have noticed that you no longer see your friends posts in a chronological order but now more in the order Instagram thinks you want to see them in. It’s much like the same algorithm change we saw on Facebook quite a while ago, when it stopped being fun for me personally.
Facebook was constantly pushing ads and never actually showing me the people’s posts I actually wanted to see. For a business owner, it’s also frustrating because although I have a business page, if I don’t share a post to my personal page no one will see it. It’s Facebook’s way of making people pay for reach and I’m sure that will be happening across Instagram quite soon.
Despite the changes being annoying from a business perspective, it has been great for my life overall. After a few weeks of trying to maintain my normal posting schedule and becoming frustrated with fewer and fewer people seeing my posts, I decided to scale back. I now only post once a day unless a sponsorship entails something more and it has honestly changed my overall stress level and happiness.
I don’t think I quite realized how much the responsibility of my social media habits for my blog stressed me out. I always looked at it as ‘work’ because honestly, it is. As much as I love being spontaneous and posting for fun, most bloggers Instagram feeds are carefully curated and an extension of their brand.
Since ditching the expectations, I have been waking up stress free. Not posting in the morning has also helped me stay off social media all day. I find that when I’m not posting myself, I have less of a desire to use the app and am definitely not checking to see how my post performed.
I also decided this last weekend to take a break from it all together. It was nice not worrying about what to post and enjoying my weekend! I’m happy with my decision to scale back and honestly think it resonates with readers and followers. No one wants to be inundated with social media and I think this allows a good balance of inspiration without being overwhelming.
What do you guys think about the new changes and how often do you like seeing from your favorite bloggers?
I feel ya! So annoying from a business perspective, but finally just accepting it and moving on and focusing on the parts that still are fun is smart!! I needed this reminder today 🙂
Exactly, it should be fun!
Instagram isn’t even fun anymore — but just another aspect of our work. I post every day still, but I don’t enjoy it! I do like the story feature though! Always good to take some time away and reassess 🙂
Agreed, the story is so fun!
Super important to break away!!!! I find it all frustrating too especially because it’s for business and I feel like people can’t choose what they want to see unless they go searching. In the grand scheme it all works itself out how it should! Great post!
Xo,
Lacey
http://www.theglittergospelblog.com
Totally agree with you outlook Lacey, thanks!
I love this! I post once a day and it’s so freeing. I make sure to keep a consistent look once a day. Keep up the good work!
Isn’t it? Once a day is magical!
It’s totally frustrating and is such a struggle because I feel like most of my engagement comes from Instagram, so without it, my blog doesn’t do well 🙁 sucks to be so reliant on something. I definitely need to find a balance with Instagram. At the moment, it’s too much and I’m finding my passion dwindle! Thanks for sharing! It helps puts things in perspective.
I totally understand that but agree perspective helps everything!
I feel the exact same way! Ever since IG changed I have found myself less and less involved. It’s frustrating at times because I feel like I’m falling behind, but at the same time it’s refreshing knowing that I am not so connected.
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Totally agree and feel the same way – it’s nice to not always be on something!
I totally feel the same way! It’s so hard to explain to non-bloggers why instagram stresses me out, but I want to do everything that I can do, which usually means being constantly connected. I definitely take breaks some weekends, it’s totally necessary!
Totally needed and good for the soul I think!
Haha it’s the most stressful thing ever!!
Jenna from http://www.visionsofvogue.com
Agreed!
It’s crazy how much social media can consume is without us even noticing. Love hearing that you’re less stressed!!
Totally agree, without even noticing!
Totally agree. Instagram is such a stress out. It’s just so crucial to success in blogging, but, like… at the same time I think we’ve made it way too important. I think as bloggers our own platforms should get the bulk of our energies. Why build a business on a platform you can’t control? It’s idiotic. But at the same time, we have to do it. Catch 22. Glad you found a balance lady. xo
Totally agree Stephanie, I always try to remember that!
Not a fan at all of the changes. The only good thing is that I’ve been taking more social breaks as well!
xoxo Mandy
http://www.sparkleshinylove.com
Right? It’s great!
I thoroughly despise the new Insta algorithm, but I’m with ya on feeling SO much lighter when the need to post is eliminated. It’s refreshing!
Coming Up Roses
So refreshing! Just sad I miss most of the posts I want to see!