Disclaimer before we start: I say “older” but it’s kinda like that whole thing where if you’re 35+ you’re considered a geriatric millenial. Everything is relative.

Women aged 40+ who have a million priorities on your plate, I’m talking to you!

Navigating the world of social media can feel like a daunting task, especially for those of us who weren’t born with a phone in our hands… who have a million OTHER things to do than learn how to find the best filter. You have other priorities, but there are “experts” on all sides telling you that you need to be on social media, and you need to use it like, “x, y, and z.”

In a world where everyone seems to be glued to their phones, it’s easy to dismiss social media as “not something you want to get sucked into.”

But the truth is — it’s a powerful tool for building your brand and connecting with potential customers. Think about it: they’re all on their phones. You should be in their feed!

When you look at your 100, 200, or 500 followers you might wonder if it’s worth it. The answer? Absolutely it is! Even with a small following, you can establish yourself as a credible authority in your space — and even better, attract loyal customers.

(Knap Creative was booked out and had its first full-time employee at about 300 followers.)

Here are a few reasons why Instagram is worth your time and effort.

Reason #1 To build a community

Social media allows you to engage with your audience on a personal level and foster a sense of community around your brand. By being a part of the conversation and building relationships with your followers, you can create a loyal group of supporters who will champion you and your business!

Reason #2 To establish credibility

Having a strong social media presence is a huge part of establishing credibility online. By showcasing your expertise, sharing valuable insights, and providing helpful content, you can position yourself a trusted leader in your field.

Pssst… if you’re worried about people stealing your ideas, WORRY NO MORE!! Literally everything you can imagine is a quick google search away. The information is already out there. Now, do you want to be the person delivering all of that deliciously helpful content and establishing your expertise, or do you want your people finding it elsewhere? (That’s a rhetorical question. OF COURSE IT SHOULD BE YOU.)

Reason #3 To stay relevant & get visible

Even if your engagement feels low, remember that your content is probably reaching more people than you think! Often, people are silently consuming your content without liking, commenting, or sharing. So don’t be discouraged — focus on creating valuable content that resonates with your community. Play the long game. You’ll thank yourself later!

Now that we’ve covered the reasons that social media is important, let’s dive into some practical strategies to help you make the most of your Instagram presence (without wanting to light your hair on fire).

Mastering Social Media Tip #1 Embrace video content.

We know, we know, you’re not a kid. But as intimidating as it may seem, video content is queen on social media — and that’s not going anywhere.

Consumers today are savvier than ever before, and we’re craving authenticity and connection. Video allows you to showcase your personality and expertise in a relatable way.

Whether it’s sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business, providing tutorials, or simply sharing your thoughts and insights, video content will help you connect with your community on a deeper level. Getting comfortable on camera has the power to change your entire business, and it’s never too late to start!

Bonus Tip: You can share stories to only Close Friends — nobody is there unless you put them there, so it’s a great way to practice! If you’re not sure how to, just follow these steps:

1. Tap or your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile.
2. Tap in the top right.
3. Below How you use Instagram, tap Close Friends.
4. Tap next to the people you want to add to your Close Friends list.
5. To remove someone on your list, tap next to their name.

Mastering Social Media Tip #2 Give what you want to get.

Instagram relationships, just like relationships in real life, are a two-way street. Take the time to respond to comments, answer questions, and really participate in conversations — even if they’re easy breezy and short. Don’t be afraid to show your personality! By showing genuine interest in your followers and providing value, you’ll build trust and loyalty over time.

Mastering Social Media Tip #3 Keep it simple.

Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of thinking that you’re not doing enough. It’s hard to keep up. Algorithms and trends change on a near-daily basis regularly and on some days, it makes me want to toss my phone into a lake.

That said, we have built a thriving business with social media as our primary lead source, by focusing on the basics. That means keeping it simple and creating quality content that resonates with our community. Whether it’s posting on your feed or sharing stories, focus on what comes naturally to you and aligns with your brand, and leave the other bits.

Mastering Social Media Tip #4 Learn from others.

Don’t be shy about seeking out inspiration and advice from other women in our age group who are doing well on social media. Follow accounts that resonate with you and pay attention to what they’re doing well.

You never have to emulate someone else’s style or approach. Again, do what works for you (just like you do with everything else!)

Some of my personal faves:

1. Virginia Kerr — you’re going to learn a lot about video tricks & strategy from this gal; she’s the real deal
   
2. Julia Woods — relevant, helpful advice and even though she’s giving a lot away, I absolutely would hire her!
   
3. Rhonda Steed — she’s just livin’ her best life and I love to see it (also I’d buy pretty much anything from her so there’s that too)

Mastering Social Media Tip #5 Invest in professional brand photos.

First impressions matter, especially on social media. We know that brand photos can be a significant investment, but here’s a question — if you’re not willing to take yourself seriously, why should we? I know. Harsh. But we’re saying it because we love ya! High quality images help you stand out and establish credibility, which in & of itself is enough, but here’s the real kicker: it’ll also be about eleventy billion times easier for you to create content when you have a library of gorgeous photos to pull from.

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed after reading this post or you’re not sure where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out for help! We’re happy to sit down with you, plan strategic content that feels just like you, and take care of alllll of that pesky tech for you. Not only that, but you’ll get extra inspiration, coaching, and to-the-minute tips that’ll help you start to show up the way you want to across the board.

Ready? Inquire here.