I spent some time recently taking a look at my Instagram on Iconosquare and checking out who I follow, who follows me, etc.  I did a little cleaning house, not much.   But I kinda realized that there are 3 types of people who I follow on social media.  Maybe I’m different from most, but I would think this is pretty standard.   I think most of my business owning pals will agree.

1.  My friends and family.  This is the most obvious one.   Like my real personal friends, that I would have lunch with if they asked. Or we might text on a holiday, or I might wish you good luck on something coming up.   These are my people, my world on social media that is my life outside of work.   I love seeing pictures of your kids, and what you are up to!  That’s why we have social media!…..  On the flip side:  Because my business account and personal account are the same… it is some-what your duty as a good friend to follow me too.   I mean I get it that you might not want to see random couples in your news feed…. but I would think that you DO want to see Gracie, or you know, just support your friend that you just had lunch with.   Because we as business owners see every loyal follower as our “support.”    So thanks friends who support me, I couldn’t do this without you!
2. My Industry or Community.  By community I mean local people in business that I may have met in person or perhaps online…..we support each other.    It is what we do.   I love seeing your business grow alongside mine and I would like to consider this group my peers.   Sometimes it can get tricky when people in your community don’t reciprocate support… or sometimes they even follow you, just to unfollow you a week later…  but hey, whatever floats your boat. I personally like to love up on my people when I actually get time to scroll through social media.
3. People who Educate or Inspire me.  This group is made up of people who I may have never met.  But these people have beautiful, informational, educational and just awesome-in-general news feeds.   I would never expect these people to follow me back because they don’t know me.   I just love what their pages have to offer.   This is what every business owner wants, an authentic following.   Yes, friends, and community are awesome…. but you really grow when you start reaching people outside your circles.

Now very often times these 3 groups overlap.   I have friends who easily are in every category. But if you want people to follow you then think about how you might fit into their life or what they want or need in their news feed.   Don’t get too wrapped up on numbers…..Just a number on your profile does nothing.   Quality over quantity.