In the world of social media, Instagram stands as one of the most influential platforms for businesses and individuals alike.
With its visual-centric approach and vast user base, it's no wonder that countless entrepreneurs and therapists like you are flocking to the platform to grow your community and expand your reach.
However, despite its potential benefits, navigating the complexities of Instagram can often be overwhelming and frustrating. — because I've experienced all those things! 😅
Here are the top reasons why you'd feel overwhelmed:
1️⃣ Unreasonable Goals = Unreasonable Expectations
One of the most common pitfalls that many mental health professionals fall into is setting unreasonable goals for themselves.
It's easy to get caught up in the allure of high follower counts and rapid growth, but the reality is that building a meaningful community takes considerable time, energy and effort.
Too often, some if not most newcomers set their sights on reaching lofty milestones like 10,000 or 5,000 followers within a short timeframe, without considering the work that goes into achieving such goals.
This mindset can lead to unrealistic expectations and a sense of disappointment when results don't materialize as quickly as hoped.
So, instead of fixating on follower numbers, it's important to focus on creating valuable content and engaging with your audience authentically.
By setting more realistic goals and embracing the journey of growth, you'll be better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of Instagram! 😍
2️⃣ Shiny Object Syndrome
This refers to the tendency to be easily distracted by new, exciting opportunities or trends, often at the expense of sticking to a consistent strategy or goal.
In social media, it's easy to fall victim to new trends, features, and strategies constantly appearing, and decide to abandon your current approach.
This means that constantly shifting gears can lead to inconsistency and a lack of direction in your Instagram strategy!
Building a successful presence on Instagram requires patience and perseverance, as well as a willingness to adapt and repeat over time.
Rather than chasing after every new trend, focus on developing a cohesive strategy based on your unique goals and audience.
By staying true to your vision and resisting the urge to constantly chase after shiny objects, you'll be able to build a more sustainable and effective presence on the platform! 🙌
3️⃣ Constant/Endless Comparison
Comparison is the thief of joy, as the saying goes, and nowhere is this more true than on social media.
It's all too easy to fall into the trap of comparing your progress to others, especially when it seems like other therapists or mental health professionals are achieving success while you're still struggling to gain momentum.
However, this mindset only serves to undermine your confidence and deter your progress.
Instead of focusing on what you haven't yet accomplished, try shifting your perspective to celebrate the progress that you've made so far.
Remember that everyone's journey is unique, and success looks different for everyone.
It doesn't make sense to compare your Day 1 to someone's Day 1,000.
By staying focused on your path and embracing your individuality, you can overcome feelings of overwhelm and comparison on Instagram! 😉
4️⃣ Not giving yourself enough time to learn and understand Instagram and its features
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes is not giving yourself enough time to learn and understand the platform and its features.
Social media or marketing yourself as a therapist or mental health professional wasn't part of your educational curriculum or certification so it's understandable that this is a new world.
Instagram is constantly evolving, with new updates and features being rolled out regularly.
As a result, it's important to stay informed and continuously educate yourself on the latest trends and best practices.
Building a successful presence on Instagram requires a solid understanding of the platform's mechanics, as well as the ability to adapt to changes when they occur.
Rather than expecting instant results, approach Instagram as you would any other skill or endeavor — with patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn.
By investing time and effort into mastering the platform, you'll be more prepared to navigate its complexities and grow your influence and community over time! 🥳
Growing your community on Instagram can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor.
However, by understanding the common pitfalls and adopting a proactive mindset, you can overcome these challenges and build a thriving presence on the platform!
Remember to focus on creating valuable content, engaging authentically with your audience, and celebrating your progress along the way.
With patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, you'll be well on your way to success on Instagram! 🌟
Looking for more support? HERE'S HOW I CAN HELP YOU 👇
◾ Instagram DIY Kit - you can get started using my FREE guide so you'll be familiar with the basics and start practicing and applying them.
◾ 30 Days of Content - spending hours overthinking what to post? Unlock your content creation potential with this FREE guide and put an end to writer's block.
◾ Instagram Management - you're starting to grow and you want additional help! Sign up for this monthly service and get dedicated support for the next 6 months.
◾ Virtual Assistance - do you have specific needs related to operations, tech, marketing or even launching? Explore this service instead!
Cheering you on,
MJ 💕
