Photo by NordWood Themes on Unsplash.
My relationship with Social Media hasn’t been very straightforward. It’s been less than a year since I started taking the steps towards making myself Instagram Official.
Whatever that really means.
I have been a member of Facebook since May of 2007, but have never been an avid poster. I don’t particularly enjoy posting pictures of myself and really didn’t know much what else to say other than some really awkward things when I first joined. (I would have deleted them, but really, they’re treasures!)
I have had a public profile on Instagram since July 16, 2018. My account for stalking and watching people’s pages had existed for much longer. They are now one in the same.
I once ran an Instagram account with Brad for our dog, Eddie. It was pretty short-lived. Though he remains cute and funny and is a great source of entertainment and love in our home!
When I signed up with The Self Publishing Agency last July, I was encouraged to start a public profile on Instagram to help build followers that will (hopefully) one day buy my book!
I’ve taken to posting as closely as I can to every second day, at the least. I enjoy the creative challenge that I’ve given myself of posting three pictures and then a quote (built using the Canva app on my phone). It’s fun! I’ve taken pride in building my followers and creating an online presence for myself.
It wasn’t always like that for me, though. And I’m not sure why.
Was I afraid of rejection?
I don’t think so. I’m a rebel (see The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin), so I don’t tend to meet or care about expectations, whether they’re my own or other people’s.
Embarrassed?
Again, I don’t think embarrassment is an emotion that I frequently experience.
What was it then?
If I had to guess, I’m going to go with having a sense of purpose. Before I started to build my online presence as a writer, I just didn’t feel like I belonged. I had no reason to post frequently and make pretty pictures to let people know what I was up to. Sure, my kids are cute. But, take a number. Who doesn’t think their own kids are cute?
Before making my Instagram profile public, I had a private account. But it was kind of a sad attempt at sharing what was going on in my life.
I’ve kind of always erred on the side of thinking that if someone wants to know what’s going on with me, they’ll ask.
My First Facebook Profile Picture circa 2007. (I can't find my eyebrows either...)
My first public Instagram post, 2018.
I am happy to report that I have been pleasantly surprised by the feeling I get in letting the people that don’t know me personally in on my life!
Visit my Instagram page here or check out some of my favourite posts as follows:
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Anya Wyers (@anyawyersauthor) on
Hanging out on the ‘gram,
Anya