Similar as they may seem, every social media platform has a different intended purpose. And if you want to get the most out of each one (and avoid getting overwhelmed slash annoyed) it’s best to tackle each one with its intentions in mind. I’m kind of a crazy person when it comes to appropriately managing my social media candy, but I think I’ve finally developed a perfect system. Here’s how I, personally, manage each one and why (explanations below pic!).
Instagram: instagram is a mobile app which means its intended to be used on the go. Instagram is not designed for you to see too much at once nor is it designed to keep you logged in for an extended period of time. My time on instagram is basically 60 seconds here, two minutes there, a long line, a short wait or a quick pic. Because my time on Instagram is so limited, I’m super choosey about who I follow–and you should be too! I want my instagram to be my mid-day dose of real-life, quick-pic glam. Therefore, I’m not interested in following people who post too many pictures of their children, their dogs or their friends–that’s just me. Do you know how many pictures I take of my dog on a daily basis?? Three so far today and it’s not even 9AM–she does a lot of really cute things. Do you know how many of those pics end up on my instagram? *Maybe* 1 in 50.
Who I seek: Real people who share shiny, fun and glam things they stumble upon throughout their days.
Brands: Personally, no. I feel most brands post to instagram too frequently and I miss otherwise more enchanting quick pics from real people. I keep my brands on other social sites, though, for sure! (as you’ll soon find out)
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Pinterest: AKA the most genius tool/site/platform/piece of heavenly love to fall into our lap[tops] in a long, long time. It’s intended to organize inspirations, share fun finds, and, in my case, “bookmark” things I need to read or see later.
Who I seek: People who scour the web for sparkle just as much as I do. People who post things that make me gasp, squeal, buy, tingle, DIY and make me think, “effing genius.”
Brands: Some but I’m selective.
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Facebook: I use facebook to follow local shops, local news, favorite blogs, brands that bring good stuff to the table and people I love. Facebook is meant to keep people connected so that’s where I’d love to see a picture or two of your dog, your baby or your best friend. Facebook, for me, is a hub to maintain contact and engagement. Most of us post articles in hopes our friends will gain insight from them or engage in a little dialog, right? Unlike twitter or pinterest, this dialog is ongoingly visible and new people can jump in with their two cents at any time. It’s inside-joke-central or out-there-for-everyone-to-see hilarity and I love it.
I’ve also become master of my newsfeed, hiding all things irrelevant or people that annoy (we all know the lame status updaters). I think it’s important to carefully select who and what will distract me throughout my day.
Who I seek: People I already love, brands that post interesting things, blogs I adore.
Brands: Huge commercial brands? No. Small local brands and niche content sites, yes.
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Twitter: Live up dates from the whole world. It’s incredible. There have been times that I’ve learned about some pretty serious things from twitter before they were even on the news (ie: Bin Laden). The hashtag is priceless for following events, live chats or engaging during webinars. In fact, I get really excited if I hear there’s going to be a live tweet during an event but if someone says they’re going to be live instagramming–that person will likely be unfollowed.. too much. See the difference? It’s no coincidence that I follow hundreds of people on twitter and only handful on instagram.
Since facebook is selective about what appears in my newsfeed and twitter isn’t, I leave the big brands, large content sites, and strangers for twitter. The life of a tweet is fast so following big brands that update frequently is perfect. Never have I visited twitter and left before learning something completely random and awesome.
Who I seek: People or content sites who find fun and fabulous articles, strangers I feel like I want to know in real life, and funny engaging users.
Brands: YES! Big big brands with lots to say and share.
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Tumblr: My tumblr doesn’t get much love in the way of me posting to it but it gets viewed an awful lot. Tumblr’s interface doesn’t really encourage engagement in the same manner that other social sharing sites do nor is there a way to organize your discoveries. It’s a feed I like to keep for raw and dirty fashion, over the top sparkle, unrealistic scenes and ultra enchanting eye candy.
Who I seek: People who post… well, raw and dirty fashion, over the top sparkle, unrealistic scenes and ultra enchanting eye candy.
Brands: Not really. Few do tumblr really really well. I basically only follow brands that feed into my fantasies like Kate Spade.
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Google+: Seriously… I’m on it but I havent taken the time to manage it well. You?
StumbleUpon: I love love love StumbleUpon for when I’m bored and have time to just stumble around the web finding random awesome things. Truth be told I’ve had less of that kind of time lately. But I still love it, nonetheless.
I do my best to abide by these rules on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram so hopefully we connect! xo!
Interesting take on each platform, Casie! I’ve worked in social media since 2008, so my take on each is a little different. I think it is awesome that you are more “choosey” with instagram and your reasons for doing so. It definitely shows your commitment to style and the fashion world. I definitely follow at least one commercial clothing brand and couple of celebrities. It’s fun for me to see them pop up, especially when I very rarely use pinterest (shocker, I know!)
Keep up the great work. This is an awesome post. Did you make your image – dare I call it infographic- yourself?
Thanks, girl!!!!! I DID do the graphic myself. Sure, I’ll say infographic, haha! :)
Yeah, everyone has their own way to use each site and some people dont have a purpose to use certain platforms at all! It’s funny, so many people tell say to me, “Im *on* pinterest but I just dont get it.” And I’m like, “if you dont “get it” then you probably just dont need it and wouldnt find any use for it and thats fine–just because its the latest and greatest doesnt mean its purpose is universal, ya know?”
XOXO!!!!
For sure! I love Pinterest and what it does for companies who are more visual. Travel Channel has awesome boards that inspire me to get away and Better Homes & Gardens have awesome recipes. I just don’t have time to use it as much as I’d like. I’d get nothing done! Pinterest is a weekend treat for me.
Such an awesome break down!!! Love the way you laid it all out, and pretty much agree on most everything. Google +….like…what is that? haha. Or..who cares? Obsessed with pinterest, and big into twitter. I don’t have a facebook, but that’s a longer story of personal beliefs etc etc. Anyhow, LOVEEE this post. Such mad graphic skills homegirl!!
Thanks!!!!! :)