How (and why) I'm Relying Less on Instagram for my Business in 2023
I want to share with you today, that I am making a few changes in my business starting in the New Year. 2022 has seen slow and steady growth and it’s all because I did one key thing…
I showed up. In person, face to face. (Scary, I know).
Coming off a long stretch where we relied so much on the internet and using social media to keep us connected (thank you Covid), I started noticing that Instagram no longer felt good to me and though it’s still important to some degree, it’s not everything. I needed a reset.
As we all know, there is a lot of noise online now, there is a lot of picture perfect content and endless time scrolling - none of which adds value to my life anymore. Using the Instagram app, was starting to feel addictive, unhealthy for my mental health and had an impact on my ability focus. I began to realize that using the platform wasn't adding value to my business, instead it took up too much of my time and energy. In contrast, spending time with fellow humans in real life felt SO much better.
So I started teaching classes, working at a local gallery and welcoming people into my studio. I spoke with people directly about their creativity and worked alongside them to help move them forward.
In thinking through all this, I realized I don’t want to follow the social media (in particular Instagram) rules and algorithm anymore. I felt, more than ever, that it was time to step away from Instagram for my business. I just wanted to get back to reality and show up the best that I can in real life. And though it sometime takes more effort and courage to d this, it always feels more fulfilling to me.
Connecting with people brings me joy - and that is all I needed to recognize in order to make some changes.
So with that, here are a few things I’m shifting in my business (and life) starting in the New Year and how I am moving forward without my instagram account.
My first step is prioritizing those on my newsletter list by putting more time and energy into nurturing this little community that I am so grateful for. This newsletter will be my primary way of keeping in touch and sharing my business happenings. You can sign up here to be a part of it all.
I will be stepping away from Instagram, my business account - katie.gebely, which I realize will greatly effect my interaction with many people that I really enjoy following. However, with such a great community on IG and I don’t plan to just drop communication there immediately; I will continue to check and respond to messages as needed. And I have reached out to many followers already, letting them know I need to take a break and how they can stay in touch outside of my IG account.
I’ll be adding more content to my YouTube channel. This is a platform that I’m learning to enjoy, mostly because I’m able to do more with videos and really share educational and inspirational content over time. Subscribe to my channel here!
I’m excited to do more in-person events, such as classes and studio visits to help others navigate their creativity. If you know there is something you are interested in learning, let me know!
In addition to my online Etsy shop, I’m working on getting my artwork and necklaces into local venues here in the Asheville area. Thank you so much to those who have supported my throughout the years!
The way in which I support creatives through my coaching offerings will be changing a bit. I need to do some more brainstorming around this and I’ll be sure to share updates on that in the new year. I will continue writing blog posts, which are one of my key free resources!
Overall, the time and energy that was spent on Instagram, trying to share what people want to see and having to keep up, will no longer be detrimental to my (already limited) time. I will now be creating even more more intentional, meaningful work and connections.
All of this comes down to being more present, showing up and finding a bit of courage to do things differently. Here's to making positive change in life and business! Whether you use instagram or not, don't feel pressure to stay in a space that you no longer feel is fitting for you. If any of this resonates with you, please let me know…perhaps we can work through these kinds of changes together!
