Recently I made a big switch on my social media. I changed the Instagram handle I’ve had for years, @weddingpr, to my moniker, @leilaklewis. I’ve been @weddingPR in the social media world since I started my business in 2007. So the idea of re-branding myself was a bit daunting! However, I had reached a crossroads where I wanted to share more about Leila as a mom, wife, friend AND CEO. Instead of always being just Leila – CEO of Be Inspired PR. As my clients know from my preaching, there is a fine balance in sharing your personal life on a professional business account and it was time for me to take my own advice and split my accounts. How do you know if now is the time to split content? Here are my guidelines for what to and not to put on your business social media –
1. Distinguish the difference between the two types of accounts.
The most important part of social media is curating your voice and image and keeping it consistent. So it’s crucial that you understand the difference between a work social media account and a personal one. A work account should be public so that you can interact with different vendors or clients and gain traffic to your business. Only share professional/quality photography and be primarily focused on your work (after all, that’s why people chose to follow you!). Personal accounts can be public or private and are a place where you can share whatever you would like – iPhone photos, pictures of your kids, dog or even what you had for lunch.
The most important part of social media is curating your voice and image and keeping it consistent. So it’s crucial that you understand the difference between a work social media account and a personal one. A work account should be public so that you can interact with different vendors or clients and gain traffic to your business. Only share professional/quality photography and be primarily focused on your work (after all, that’s why people chose to follow you!). Personal accounts can be public or private and are a place where you can share whatever you would like – iPhone photos, pictures of your kids, dog or even what you had for lunch.
2. Watch the ratio.
If you decide to merge personal and professional into one account, you need to perfect the ratio. I would stick to at least 80% work images and 20% personal images (but only QUALITY personal pics). Use the personal images to give a glimpse into who you are – a parent, sibling, etc – but keep the focus on your work. Personal photos should only be used to build your brand. Therefore, try to make them correlate to what you do.
If you decide to merge personal and professional into one account, you need to perfect the ratio. I would stick to at least 80% work images and 20% personal images (but only QUALITY personal pics). Use the personal images to give a glimpse into who you are – a parent, sibling, etc – but keep the focus on your work. Personal photos should only be used to build your brand. Therefore, try to make them correlate to what you do.
When @weddingPR was both my personal and professional account, I was very selective about the personal content I shared, making sure it flowed with my other posts. I would limit my “Leila” posts to decor/florals, designs, events I attended, BTS of work projects, etc. That way when mixed in with my “Wedding PR” posts, my feed was cohesive. Keep in mind if you choose to only use one account, you have to be ok with potential clients, current clients, media and colleagues knowing where you are andwhat you’re doing. And if you’re posting on social media but not responding to their emails, they will notice. If you find yourself wanting to share more about your personal experiences or activities, I would suggest creating a personal account.
3. Understand the risk to both sides.
When I switched from @weddingpr to @leilaklewis, I wasn’t sure how everyone would react. I lost some followers when it happened, but interestingly my engagement has actually increased! My photos receive more comments and likes than before (which is so important with Instagram’s new algorithm). My followers now know what to expect from my posts and aren’t annoyed when I talk about my kids or what I did over the weekend. Those who didn’t care for those posts left, and I was left with a more engaged audience – which is the ultimate goal!
When I switched from @weddingpr to @leilaklewis, I wasn’t sure how everyone would react. I lost some followers when it happened, but interestingly my engagement has actually increased! My photos receive more comments and likes than before (which is so important with Instagram’s new algorithm). My followers now know what to expect from my posts and aren’t annoyed when I talk about my kids or what I did over the weekend. Those who didn’t care for those posts left, and I was left with a more engaged audience – which is the ultimate goal!
In my opinion, business social media accounts should be living portfolios of what you do. This means up to date images and insight into your events, projects, etc. Along with a sprinkling of personal posts that best showcase your story and personality. More and more brides and grooms are choosing their wedding vendors based on social media. Ask yourself – will this picture of my dog make couples want to hire me? The answer may be yes if it’s part of your story! And if the answer is no, it may be time to give Spot a new home on a personal account.
xo, Leila Lewis, WeddingPR
Reach out about my business consulting program for more tips like these. I can’t wait to connect with you!
Reach out about my business consulting program for more tips like these. I can’t wait to connect with you!
Thanks for the tips!
great advice!
thanks for sharing!
great tips!
Soooo true! I think it’s so important to have 2 accounts 🙂
I love these tips – making the change is so necessary some times!
Awesome tips!
Great tip about the ratio 🙂