{"id":12636,"date":"2022-04-08T10:15:07","date_gmt":"2022-04-08T09:15:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/careers\/?p=12636"},"modified":"2022-04-08T10:15:09","modified_gmt":"2022-04-08T09:15:09","slug":"a-guide-to-using-instagram-for-your-career-in-a-healthy-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/careers\/a-guide-to-using-instagram-for-your-career-in-a-healthy-way\/","title":{"rendered":"A guide to using Instagram for your career in a healthy way"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Instagram is a common talking point when it comes to creative careers; and even though it can be an amazing source of connections, inspiration and information, it\u2019s not all gravy… The app also has its repercussions, from addictive scrolling habits to toxic self-comparison \u2013 all of which can lead to questioning your own value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As it continues to act as a shop window for creatives of all levels, we believe it\u2019s important to find a balanced approach to using Instagram. Here we\u2019ve gathered advice and tips from a wide range of industry professionals, to bring you a first guide to using Instagram for your career in a healthy way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 3 steps to help you use Instagram for your career in a healthy way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.Setting up an account for work<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, it\u2019s worth keeping in mind that people often Google potential employees and collaborators, and social media usually comes up high in the search. This is why it\u2019s important to make sure that people can find you, and that you have some control over what they discover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udd12 Separate your accounts to create boundaries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One way to set boundaries between your public work and personal life is to set up two accounts. This separation allows you to set the right tone and make sure your business or brand remains professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just finished a great design project? Show the world on your public page!
Embarrassing messages from Hinge? Private page!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you prefer having one account for both, just know that it\u2019s a choice, and you can be conscious with how much you reveal. In this case, you can also separate content by using the \u2018Close Friends\u2019 functionality on Stories, allowing only a selection of followers to see more personal updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcbc Consider switching to a business profile<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever you choose, look into switching to a Business Profile. This feature will give you post insights, audience usage time (always helpful when scheduling posts!), a detailed inbox, the option to put an email on your profile, and more tailored notifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udd17 Add your website and contact info<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And don\u2019t forget to add your website (if you have one) to your bio if you want to be contactable for work or opportunities, as well as your email address, if you\u2019re comfortable with that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. What to post<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc8c Share what you\u2019re proud of<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We all know about the infamous Instagram algorithm, but it shouldn\u2019t be about trying to crack the code to get the most likes. Instead, we recommend posting what is authentic to you; what you\u2019re proud of and demonstrates what you want to do more of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your work is less visual, for example if you work with words or have a more behind-the-scenes role, there are always ways of sharing your work. Writers and journalists might want to post snippets of writing using interesting typefaces and colours, or screenshots of articles on coloured backgrounds. Producers could share clips from projects they\u2019ve been a part of, with clear captions about their involvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa8 Think quality over quantity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sharing what you love is far more likely to produce better connections and outcomes than sharing what you\u00a0think<\/em>\u00a0people want to see. This will also attract the right audience: people who are genuinely interested in your work and ethos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\uddbc\ufe0f Your grid doesn\u2019t have to be \u2018perfect’<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your content can be as curated or liberal as you like \u2013 whatever feels right for you and your work. And if you ever run out of ideas for things to share, remember to refer back to that list you made of the types of content you want to put out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc4d Check it with a friend<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you ever get nervous before pressing send? There\u2019s no harm in sending your post to a trusted friend first for a second opinion. This might help you spot a mistake or even build your confidence. Consider posting work in progress too, this will remind you that not everything on Instagram has to be finished or perfect!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f Make the most of Instagram\u2019s tools<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


You can use Instagram\u2019s other tools for various functions such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Using IGTV to showcase interviews or clips
\u2022 Using Reels or Stories to share process, ad-hoc inspiration or personal updates
\u2022 Using Guides to produce your very own how-to
\u2022 Using the Shop to sell products<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcc8 Optimising engagement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using hashtags, tagging, caption mentions and sharing a Story of grid posts can all help others discover and embrace your posts. But if you want to take that a bit further, you can always do a bit of extra research, via platforms focused on tech and content.\u00a0Something to bear in mind is that consistency will have a big impact. Plus, interacting with other people\u2019s content makes it more likely to come back to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Be kind to yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to attach the value of your work to the number of followers you have or likes and views that your posts and stories get. But try to remember the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\ude1e Don\u2019t be deterred if something performs \u2018badly\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building an Instagram presence takes time, consistency and patience, so don\u2019t dwell on by how\u00a0well<\/em>\u00a0something performs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\ude12 Avoid self-comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just consider that we only ever see a fraction of someone\u2019s life online, so try not to get dragged down by it. Instead try to focus on your own work, inspirations and path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\udd17 Follow accounts that make you feel good<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n