Instagram - to Follow or Not to Follow

Since I started using Instagram for marketing purposes, I've become obsessed with follower numbers. Only because I know it "means" something in the biz world. It's not that I care how many eyeballs are watching my every post. Believe me.

Being somewhat of a newbie, I thought when someone decides they want to follow you, they do, without much thought. But no. I've seen my followers grow, and then deflate within 24 hours, seemingly because I didn't follow each and everyone back. Sigh* Really? I don't have the time or the inclination to follow the numbers so closely. And yet I do. I'd say about 50% of the people doing the following, have no interest in following based out of sheer interest in what you're posting.

Recent advice I've received, is to follow every single person who follows me, if I want to move from having a hobby to having a business. Ex-squeeze Me?! But what if I don't want that sexily posed female follower, who only has 8 posts, revealing more skin than a stripper on the beach. Although she has 150k followers. I just couldn't do it. I don't want to file through my feed multiple times daily, only to have to go past the junk, i'm not into seeing. So I plugged along, frustrated in the slow process of gaining followers.

Until 2 days ago...I gave in. I started following each and every person, no matter what they offered visually. Well, that didn't last. I just didn't feel good about it. So I proceeded to unfollow about 20 IGers, who did not connect with what I'm in to. The result is that I started following more people I find exciting in their vision, their voice, or their talent. My numbers are growing, and it feels good. Clean.

So if you're ok with following everyone under the sun, go for it. But if you want to be able to scroll down your feed and feel inspired with each genuine post, then be selective, and don't play in to the follow game.

Enjoy the day! I'm ready to start a new painting i'm donating for an auction, shop for new jewelry chains, and try to work on some new designs. Oh, and if time, exercise.

~ Vanessa