Stock Photos for Instagram

# I N S T A G R A M

Hey, guys! Welcome back to the second installment of our Instagram pep talks! In case you are new, let me start off by saying Welcome!!! I'm so happy you are here. And, in case you are wondering what this is all about, let me explain. I am going to do something different with this description. I'm going to treat it like a blog post and share a little Instagram encouragement/inspiration with you. Even if you don't buy this bundle, I hope you find this snippet helpful. Feel free to PIN this (the last image is great for Pinterest) and share this with anyone else that may find it helpful. If you are just getting started on Instagram you can find me @twigyposts. I would love for you to drop by and say hello! Let me know you found me from this post so I can follow you too! We are all in this together and I would love to be a friendly face for you there.

**Okay, if you have made it this far, you ROCK! Let's dive into today's topic..**

Combining Accounts

One of the big questions I hear from people when they are first starting out on Instagram is whether or not they should combine their personal account with their business account. Let me tell ya, this is a loaded question and there is a LOT of debate on this topic. So, for the sake of time and our sanity...I'm going to boil it down for you.

Do whatever you want. Really, truly...100%. You do you, boo.

But, and there is a pretty big disclaimer I need to put on that statement. You need to be prepared to lose people if they don't like what you are sharing.

I know, I know. I can hear you now. You are okay with losing those folks because​ they probably weren't your target market, to begin with.

Right!

Right?

Um, maybe not right?

I dunno...See, now we are all kinds of confused here.

Let me break it down for you a little bit more ​but with an example this time.

Let's say you are a realtor. You sell high-end homes and you have made quite the name for yourself in your community. You know a lot of people and figured starting an Instagram account would be a great way to network and spread the word about your current listings. So, you post for a few weeks and people are really digging it. You've even booked a few showings from Instagram and you are feeling GOOD! But, you are bored. Posting pictures of houses and kitchens every day is tiring and you've noticed that engagement is hit and miss. So, you decide to shake things up a bit by throwing in a recent headshot of yourself, which is GREAT! People like to see other people on Instagram. You made a wise choice! People even comment on it and old friends drop likes and comment telling you how good you look. You love how well it worked so you decide that you should start showing your face a little more. At your next open house, you snap a selfie and post it telling people to stop by. It works! They LOVE you. You are not just a realtor, you are a likable person and people respond really well to seeing pictures of YOU on your feed. In a way, you are the brand. After all, people are buying from you because they trust you.

And that trust is key.

Now, let's keep going with this example because the lines are about to get a little messy.

You have made the sale of a lifetime. Your biggest one yet. You are so excited you take the entire office out for drinks and karaoke. And then it happens.

You post a blurry picture​ of yourself half drunk and bellied up to the bar on your Instagram. You know, the one with all of the houses, kitchens and open house selfies. Yeah, that one. You know your followers adore you, so you think nothing of it. Despite the fact that your co-workers are in the background, your eyes are bloodshot and that beer in your hand is almost empty. #oops

And there you have it. The person vs. the persona.

You have crossed that delicate line. That picture of you goes out to your followers, and because your account is public and searchable by hashtags...it has gone out to potential clients too.

Now, is there anything wrong with having a good time with your friends. Nope. Not at all. You know that everyone there called an Uber to get home. You know nothing crazy happened. It was karaoke for crying out loud. But, do your followers know that? Can they deduct that from your post? And ultimately, can your potential customers handle a glimpse into your private life without it affecting their desire to buy from you or recommend you in the future? If not, then you have your answer. But, if it does, or could or has...then it's time to set up some boundaries. Personal and Business can definitely mix on Instagram, but they can't necessarily make out.

So, how do we create a cohesive account that has your authentic self in it all the while keeping in mind that you have a professional appearance to uphold?

You become intentional. Your followers want to see you celebrate! They would love to see a clear, crisp picture of you standing beside the SOLD sign with a heartfelt caption about how much that big sale means to you and to your family. They will swoon when you say that you feel so honored to have clients like them and you can't wait to congratulate your team on a job well done.

See the difference. It's still you. It's just that it's the dependable, professional realtor everyone in town loves.

Is it fun to be intentional? Not usually. I mean, some people geek out over it (I may or may not be one of them) but you know what is loads and loads of fun? Making money. Making lots of money. So, if you think a post may deter people from buying from you...don't post it. If you think they are going to eat it up and love you more for it...then post it. You just have to know your target audience.

Whew! That was quite the example. I hope I'm not making ay realtors mad. Now, it's your turn. Leave your comments and questions below so we can dialogue about this a little bit more. I would love to hear your thoughts. And, if you need some images to get you through the next month of posting on IG. This bundle of 24 square format photos is super helpful and the one from my last post is too. Less than $50 for a month of images. It's a no-brainer.

PS, you can find me at www.twigyposts.com and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/twigyposts/