When I first started sharing my ceramics on Instagram, using social media to 'promote' my business felt anything but natural. I felt quite awkward and embarrassed filming myself, and talking on camera still makes me nervous. But, after staying consistent, I started to see how powerful these platforms are for small art businesses like mine. I liked that in comparison to more 'old school' advertising, social media is completely free, and has the potential to reach a wide range of customers - pretty much anyone who owns a phone could be your customer!
I still don't have a huge following, but I've learned that's not the point. The real magic is in the quality of the connections you build. I now have what feels like a really personal relationship with my followers who are supportive and genuinely excited about my handmade work, and that means far more than big numbers.
Here are a few quick points that I always go back to when creating social media content:
- Keep a steady rhythm: Post on the same days and times each week (I aim for 3 days a week and always post between 4 - 6pm as this is when my followers are most active) - the algorithm loves consistency!
- Create your own style: Trends come and go, but your personal aesthetic lasts. Share what feels the most natural and true to you and stick with it.
- Engage like a human: Reply to comments and messages, celebrate and share other people's work, be part of the community. This matters a lot more than the follower count!
Above all, do what feels authentic to you, let go of expectations, and have fun!
Charlie // Grub Mugs
@grub.mugs
