Blog + Instagram Refresh: How & Why I’m Changing Things Up

Hey everyone — I hope you had a great weekend! Those of you who are frequenters here probably noticed I redid my blog header (that large image you see at the top of my website) and have been changing up my Instagram lately. I find so much value in refreshing them frequently, because with spending so much time on these platforms, things can begin to feel dry and drab fast. Being excited for new things takes your motivation to a whole new level, am I right?! Today I wanted to chat about why refreshes are so important for reigniting your passion for your career online, how and why I’m changing things up, and the value of embracing what is most unique to you and your business.

BLOG REFRESH

Ahh yes, another new header. I update this every season to keep things fresh, weather relevant and simply to give myself and my readers something new to look at. I’m much more likely to go to someone’s website if I know there’s likely to be something new to see, and I can only assume you guys are the same way. Like anything, my brand is always evolving and I’m constantly finding new ways to further enhance it, particularly aesthetically in this case. This update screams me and flows so well with my recent photo edits! Love! If you like my work, I do offer freelance design services through my shop: Bone & Bloom — I’d be happy to help you out!

REDEFINING MY INSTAGRAM

New elements I’m incorporating: written text, graphics, overlays, etc.

Just like you, I get down about myself and my abilities sometimes. It can feel like things I’m doing aren’t helping me grow and I just feel bored with what I’m putting out there for no apparent reason. Instagram has always been a struggle for me in the growth department, but that isn’t something that ever really bothered me whatsoever until this year. I frequently heard people talk about feeling this way about their own accounts, but never thought much of it since I couldn’t relate for some reason — now here I am in the exact same boat.

After feeling so sick of Instagram for the last few months, I decided to buckle down and address how I was feeling about it in the best way I know how: making a change. Posting what I think will do well wasn’t working and felt a little yawn-worthy to me. Since I go heavy on the collage/magazine-like layouts and designs here on my blog because that’s what I love most, I decided to take a chance and start incorporating more of that in my Instagram photos. Though I wouldn’t say the results have been any better, how it’s made me feel about my content and feed has made it 100% worth it. I’m now so much more excited to use my Instagram as an opportunity to get creative and create art that’s so much more attractive to me. A handful of you have reached out saying you’re loving the new style — thank you so much for that!

Let’s get real for a sec… I think the key to success on Instagram isn’t necessarily embracing what is different about you, and is honestly more about following the trends and doing what all the other larger accounts are doing. Anybody else feel this way? I hate that and I realized it was time to decide if I wanted to follow the crowd or do my own thing — and in comes my recent graphics/edits. I’ve always strive to be different, and I think doing this new technique is going to benefit my attitude toward my work so much. It’s already reignited my love for photography and editing a TON! I think embracing what is most unique to you and your business is the best way to stand out in the crowd and create a brand that’s noteworthy, even if it’s out of the norm.

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That’s all for now! I love branding and writing/reading about this kind of stuff, so I hope you enjoyed this as well. Have an awesome day & check back for a brand new post on Wednesday!