To care or not to care? That seems to be the ongoing dilemma when it comes to the numbers game on Instagram. As the founder of Chalke Valley Soaps, I've grappled with this question myself, and I've come to realise that the answer isn't as straightforward as it might seem. So, let's delve into the intriguing realm of Instagram metrics, where my heart lies and why, and how I've learned to embrace the ebb and flow of followers.
Cherishing genuine connections
Yes, the truth is, I do care about the numbers on my Instagram account. But here's the catch – it's not about the quantity; it's about the quality. As someone who has poured their heart and soul into building a nurturing community, each follower represents a connection, a real individual who shares in the passion for our natural handmade skincare products. My journey is about more than just sales; it's about spreading the word about sustainability, craftsmanship, and kindness to the Earth. Sharing my skills and experiences to empower fellow small businesses warms my heart in ways mere numbers can't quantify.
The unconcern about unfollows
Here's the twist – unfollows don't keep me up at night. In fact, Chalke Valley Soaps "loses" around 600 followers each month. And believe it or not, I've come to view this as a positive phenomenon. Why? Because not every departure is a loss. In this world of digital curation, the act of unfollowing is natural, sometimes even necessary. It's a curation process that sifts out those who might not be my ideal customers or worse, just automated bots.
Unmasking the bot mystery
You might wonder: how do these bots or fake accounts even come into the picture? Well, the avenues are varied and intricate. One common route is through giveaways and discounts. While these are fantastic opportunities to engage, some users create phantom accounts purely for entering contests and nabbing prizes. Furthermore, as your business gains traction, finely tuned software, often referred to as bots, zoom in on brands for various reasons. These bots mimic human behaviour – following accounts, liking posts, and even leaving comments on specific Instagram accounts. The motive? Boosting visibility, followers, and engagement for a company's account.
Embracing the natural flow
So, what's the takeaway? It's simple: let Instagram's rhythm play out, and don't get bogged down by unfollows. Instead, perceive it as a digital spring cleaning – a natural clearance that paves the way for genuine connections to flourish.
If you found these insights helpful, I invite you to join the Chalke Valley Soaps community on Instagram. Let's continue this journey of authenticity, sustainability, and genuine engagement together.
Love,
Helga