Re-Finding My Instagram Grove



Happy Thursday or weekend--depending on when you're reading! This week's post is a bit different than the majority as I am sharing a few ways I have turned my Instagram blues around--or at least don't let it bother me so much.

If you're an avid Instagrammer you already know that engagement has dropped or been lagging{thanks to the newer algorithm)--if it's just a little bit for you or a lot--I know your pain. Since this past March, I really suffered from a BIG drop in engagement--which {new world problem for sure} has been pretty upsetting & extremely hard not to take personally.

However, from reading, researching, & asking around a lot of people are affected by it. & No, it has nothing to do with the 'Shadow Ban' as at first I was literally scared to death that I had it--but I did all the checking/testing &  I don't have it & never did. whew! 

However, being an optimist I have been determined to turn my IG blues around & slowly I am--really, I am starting to enjoy my time on the app again--most days.



Here are a few things I did & am doing.



  • Re-Engaged: This might sound harsh, but I took a really hard look at the accounts I was following & if I no-longer felt inspired by them, or they were inactive {you get the picture} I unfollowed--cleaned house so to speak. After I re-focused on what I like & have an interest in, I set out to discover some new fresh feeds. Yes, I am following a smaller number of people now, but it feels so good to see photos I like & want to engage with--instead of random things that I literally have no clue who they were or ever are!      
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  • No Engagement Groups:  It was recommended to me by blogs, bloggers, & articles that IG pods were a way to help with engagement & even build online connections--in a way it was, but from my experience being in pods {I was in a few/tested out a few} I found them to be the opposite. Truthfully, I feel that pods are artificial, forced, time-consuming, & 100% draining! One day, I literally said no-more pods & exited all the group DMs--It was liberating! I now love interacting with new & followed accounts saying comments that I want to say--it has been life changing--lol!  No judgment if you are in any {I get it}, but to me at least they're not for me & really don't go with my new social media outlook. 
A New Day Target/Car Coat 

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  • Social Media Breaks: I have taken a few no-social media & no posting breaks--particularly over the summer. It just feels good to re-connect with life & not post anything--at all. After I have returned from my short break, I always feel rejuvenated & ready to get back in the game again. I'm thinking about taking weekends off altogether. 
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  • Positivity: Since starting my blog, only posting positive & uplighting photos, comments, captions, ideas {you name it} has been my mission. I never lost sight of that, but remembering to stay positive & genuine really helps ground me when it comes to real life viruses social media life. Knowing not to take likes, followers, & stats too seriously is really important for mental health & your overall self-esteem.   
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  • Engage Authentically!: Being pod-free {lol} I love to genuinely interact & comment on other bloggers' & 'grammers' photos. If I say, 'oh, I love your scarf' note I really do. There is something about being genuine & being able to give a compliment that feels really good--I definitely felt forced to say things in the past which I was not okay with--not even a little. I admire people who take time to read people's captions interact with them based on what they say. Being open & genuine has really changed my Insta perspective & has boosted my own stats too. 


{shop my car coat below}



I would love to hear your thoughts on being true to yourself on social media & if you have experienced anything that I have referenced to. Of course, you can find me in action on Instagram @Katelynchef 

12 comments

  1. I loved this post as well, seeing as my engagement and followers have dropped as well. I really want to unfollow some of the random small sticker accounts I follow... Have a great day!

    Meghan | prepsterinpearls.com

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    Replies
    1. it feels good to 'clean house' and genuinely follow accounts you love!-thanks girlie!--Katelyn

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  2. Babe!! Love this post and I think we all feel the same. I love your tips babe! the only way to get through this is to do your thing! Be you and be real. People are going to resort to other methods of growing but I think to me real engagement is the most important thing and will just keep doing me. Thanks for sharing your story!!

    xxx

    Ashley

    www.missgunner.com

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    Replies
    1. aw, Ashley-totally agree! xx Katelyn/www.theyellowspectacles.com

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  3. I loved this post and totally agreed with everything you said! The new Instagram algorithm is so frustrating but we have to still be positive and honest. I would still prefer to get one authentic comment rather than ten quick fake comments, ya feel? Great post girl! Keep up the good work because I loooove your Instagram!

    xoxo,
    Juliana Grace | www.julianagraceblogspace.com

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  4. I'm with you on all of this! I used to be in a few pods, and the minute I decided to leave them all - it was the best feeling. I felt like I was getting some of my life back lol :)

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  5. I can relate to all your feelings about IG! It's been so tough these past few months, but I left all my comment pods and it changed my outlook so much! Now it's fun to interact with things I'm am genuinely passionate about! YAY authenticity & positivity!

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    Replies
    1. Gentry-glad to hear I am not the only one 'the struggle is real' & to have left all pods-it feels so good-Katelyn

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  6. Lately it is not always easy to keep motivated to work on Instagram.
    I still love Instagram and all the inspiration.
    Have a great week.

    Love, Esther
    https://lifestyle-tale.com/love-pink/

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  7. You are right, it's not easy to keep motivation every time on Instagram. Very nice article. You are so pretty dear! Kisses <3
    www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com

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