One of the most common questions I get asked by new bloggers is how to manage all the social media that's out there. On top of trying to start and maintain a blog and posting to other outlets like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and everything else—it can be super overwhelming. If you're a one-man operation and don't have a team of people to help you (because, honestly, being on top of all of that often requires a team!), then I always recommend focusing on just two spaces you really love on top of your blog.
For me, Twitter was one of my go-to spots for the longest time. I loved how easy it was to use and how I could use it to express simpler thoughts and questions. Lately though, I prefer Instagram way more. The community there seems tighter, kinder, and more engaging. Because I use Pinterest as a daily visual tool, it's become the other place online that I find myself focusing on. The funny thing is—when you put effort and energy into one or two of these other social media outlets, those are often the ones that grow the quickest.
Where do you guys spend your time in the social media universe? Everyone has their favorites as well the ones they just can't stand!
{Photos by Nicholas Haggard for Hansel from Basel}
I just started on Instagram and love the mix of visual and social. Should come with a warning though – difficult not get jealous of some people holiday snaps (sigh)
x Elena
http://www.randomlyhappyblog.com
I agree Joy, the number of social media platforms out there is overwhelming and you can spread yourself too thin if you try to do too many of them.
Twitter is definitely the go-to spot to promote blog content and gain fellow blogger following, and Pinterest is ideal if your content is visually appealing or if you are selling a product or a lifestyle. But I agree there is a more of an engaging community on Instagram which is where you can let your personality really shine through and have fun!
Great topic, Joy – I spend the most time on Pinterest (probably too much!), but I’m trying to get more into Twitter as well. I agree that as a new blogger, it’s best to focus on the social outlets that feel the most natural – it allows for more genuine connections.
I love Twitter and FB – I am trying to get more into Instagram and Pinterest, but alas, I am a writer and tend to lean more towards written media.
Joy do you individually posts to each of these media’s separately or use some manager to post it to all at once?
I totally agree, Joy. And your two favorites are mine as well. 🙂
Hey Joy
Instagram is great for us visual people. It’s like pinterest but with more of the story. I love too how you can get a glimpse of people’s work mixed in with their kids. I also like the changing seasons, Christmas snow pics changing into spring etc.
Tracy
Lately I have been all over instagram! My new favorite
I’m glad you used the term “overwhelmed” because that’s what it sometimes feels like as a one-woman show. I have currently dedicated more time to instagram and twitter and they have grown. I now have neglected my pinterest, and it’s not really growing. Funny how I actually love pinterst so much, but it has taken a back burner currently. I def want to dedicate more time since it helps with inspiration. I always want to pin everything on your blog =)
Carmen
I often feel like a social media klutz; despite having instagram, twitter, facebook and pinterest, I struggle to engage these as effectively as I’d like 🙁 Any pointers welcome!
http://www.quirkylifestyle.com/
I love Pinterest and (new favorite) Instagram the most because I use those sites for play and work. I use Twitter and Facebook to promote my blog and my real wedding photos. I’m more of a visual person so Twitter is my least favorite but at least it’s extremely easy post up a sentence or 2 with a link:)
Amanda
http://independentdesigner.blogspot.com
I like Pinterest and Instagram. I just can’t get into the Twitterverse for some reason! And I only use Facebook personally as of now.
I am a facebook girl, even though most of my friends can’t stand it. I love getting updates with pictures and enough space to write a lengthy blurb.
I agree, better to do 2 of them well than a mediocre job across all social platforms. I would say that twitter and pinterest are my main focus, followed closely by facebook. I tweet links to each blog post at least 3 or 4 times throughout the day that the post is published. Facebook I create a graphic that also doubles as my link within thumbnail. Pinterest, I usually wait til Saturday evening (prime pinteresting times) to pin all of my post images for the week. I use instagram to sort of further my aesthetic, and occasionally will post my instagram photos to my blog facebook page.
I completely agree with the community on Instagram- I feel as though it almost polices itself a little better than Twitter. Though my heart will always love twitter.
Recently though, I’ve been getting into Google Plus! It’s fun to see where it’s heading. It’s growing at an insane rate!
Couldn’t agree more! I spend all my social media time on pinterest and instagram. I used to use facebook but I find that I enjoy the other two so much more.
I like FB lots, as I have quite a few people I’m good friends with on there.
I go on twitter and tumblr but unfortunately don’t follow every single post, and I check into Livejournal occasionally.
after blogging Pinterest is my number 1, I used to love flickr but i think it lost to instagram. Not crazy about fb and twitter.
aside from running simple-savvy.com I manage a SS facebook and a SS instagram. I also have a personal pinterest that Ive linked to my blog just because why not. I dont get twitter at all. just not my thing I guess.
Pinterest and Instagram are my faves. I think the visual element is what makes them great. Much more interesting to look at pretty photos along with the text…and it’s inspiring too!
I like them all… except Tumblr and Google+ I don’t really get either of them!
Jules of Canines & Couture
I love instagram- using it every day and really enjoying following along on their more than other sites. Completely agree that people seem tighter and want to engage more. Facebook is huge for my company, so I use that a lot too.
twitter and instagram: they both happen to suit my interest to tell stories verbally and visually.
I just can’t get the hang of pinterest! tumblr used to be my go-to as well but some reason I grew out of it…
i dislike facebook probably too much. i recently deleted my personal account and only use it to post to my blog’s account. i only have the blog’s account because it’s what generates a large majority of my traffic. i much prefer twitter and instagram to facebook because of it’s quickness. facebook is just a time and energy suck whereas with instagram and twitter you can go in, say your peace, and get out. i came across this quote recently that sums up my feelings exactly
“Twitter is full of people you don’t know that you want to get drinks with. Facebook is full of people you know that you want to throw drinks at.”
Great tips, thank you!
It can be a bit overwhelming with so many SM options.
~ Bev
http://bevedlybev.blogspot.com/
I love Instagram and Twitter. Facebook is okay but the posts don’t show up on all followers feeds so that makes is lose points in my book. I stand stand Tumblr. Pinterest is great as well.
For B2B though Twitter is where it’s at.
Instagram is definitely my go to, too!
TOUGH question.
INSTAGRAM > PINTEREST/FACEBOOK/TWITTER
Facebook and twitter are flooded with hate/too much personal info
Pinterest in dangerous!
Instagram is art!
XO
I actually only had a Pinterest on top of my blog for awhile and just recently started a Twitter and Instagram — I completely agree with you that Instagram does already appear to be much kinder and much more responsive. What a keen observation. Thanks so much for this post, it’s something I’ve often wondered about!
I managed social media for several brands for so long that it’s second-nature. I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram though Twitter has been and remains my go-to for making connections. Facebook & Pinterest are great for sharing what’s going up on the blog and my Etsy store. Instagram is mostly personal, but I have customers who follow me there. I’m using it to sharpen my eye and photography skills. I’m doing Susannah Conway’s August Break there right now and it’s been so much fun to branch out from photos of my food & my dog!
My biggest recommendation is to always share visual content. It spreads faster than anything else. Also, no matter what tool you focus on, make connections and reply to everyone who engages with you, especially when you’re just starting out.
Im new to instagram but loving it and totally inspired by people’s pics! Pinterest is still a happy addiction, Im there most evenings but I also enjoy Twitter only because we have an election in Australia in 2wks time so Im glued to links and what people are saying…its a great place too get the news and updates!
Anastasia
http://www.anastasiac.blogspot.com/
I love INSTAGRAM the best, then facebook and pinterest.
makes sense. instagram is one of my faves for interacting with people but i think twitter is great for promoting posts and other bloggers. i use pinterest a little and barely any faceook. there’s just so much!
— jackie @ jade and oak
Instagram is for sure my favorite – I think it’s both personal (let’s us peek into the “non-blog” side of people), as well as visually pleasing… and come on, those filters make us feel like professional photographers. I can always live with another skill on my resume 😉
I like instagram, but I’m not public. It might seem strange as I blog photos all the time, but instagram feels more personal to me? I love pinterest and I’m trying to love twitter. Facebook I use, because it seems like I have to, but I must admit that I hate the random politics and news posts people seem to need to share. It’s like the worst possible things in the world that they feel we should all be aware of, but it just gives me anxiety 🙁
I just started using instragram, personally, but my blog is on hiatus this summer so not sure how that will fit in there. I like pinterest but it is too big so I only post sewing items and only pin sewing items and a few craft items. Narrows it down.
I do like Facebook but it is very busy. Millions of new pages every single day does mean it is impossible to get a lot of people’s attention. But I am in a variety of groups and narrow my focus and posting to those, mostly.
When I resume blogging (soon!) I will use Instragram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
I do not do Twitter. Seems too fast and I think I am too old for tweeting. LOL So, I skipped it and went to Instagram.
I struggle with this! I have a twitter and facebook account. I don’t really ‘get’ twitter tho to be honest and I would prefer to focus on Facebook but I am finding it hard to gain followers in this! I also have a personal instagram and Pinterest account which I will post blog related images onto.
Rowdy Fairy Blog
Follow Me on Bloglovin!
I tend to juggle between blog, fb and instagram. Updating these 3 spaces is quite enough for me to go -____- especially when I have my day job to take care of too.
I absolutely agree with you Joy.
I used to do Twitter as the main thing but lately I find the conversations just aren’t happening over there and it seems less personal. I’m all over Pinterest as I feel more than anything else it give ME something back – feeding my creativity. Instagram is the same and allows me to share a little bit of something lovely with people instead of just sharing blog post links and random comments.
FB is probably the one I should spend more time on, but as you say a couple to engage well with is better than using everything and not really focusing on any.
my favorite is Instagram. I looooove Pinterest to see the pix, but I’m not really active there. And Facebook is for my friend 😉
Lovely Greetings from Switzerland xxx
Instagram is my all time favorite!
I’m a fairly new blogger and also find it very overwhelming to keep on track of it all! I don’t know which is best yet and struggle to feel like I’m doing the right thing!
Katie xx
http://www.katieskitchenjournal.com
Oh It was interesting to read your post and then interesting to read responses. Instagram certainly seems to be a favorite. It is a new favorite of mine for sure. I have yet to see how it works out statistically to drive traffic anywhere but I really enjoy it and that’s what is all about (being social?) I use FB by default, it is a good source of traffic (and community) for me but I have a love/hate relationship with it. I think Google+ is nice because you can SEE every post unlike FB but I haven’t built a presence there (yet.) Twitter is fun when I can unhook from work and play over there.
Oh It was interesting to read your post and then interesting to read responses. Instagram certainly seems to be a favorite. It is a new favorite of mine for sure. I have yet to see how it works out statistically to drive traffic anywhere but I really enjoy it and that’s what is all about (being social?) I use FB by default, it is a good source of traffic (and community) for me but I have a love/hate relationship with it. I think Google+ is nice because you can SEE every post unlike FB but I haven’t built a presence there (yet.) Twitter is fun when I can unhook from work and play over there.
Oh It was interesting to read your post and then interesting to read responses. Instagram certainly seems to be a favorite. It is a new favorite of mine for sure. I have yet to see how it works out statistically to drive traffic anywhere but I really enjoy it and that’s what is all about (being social?) I use FB by default, it is a good source of traffic (and community) for me but I have a love/hate relationship with it. I think Google+ is nice because you can SEE every post unlike FB but I haven’t built a presence there (yet.) Twitter is fun when I can unhook from work and play over there.
Oh It was interesting to read your post and then interesting to read responses. Instagram certainly seems to be a favorite. It is a new favorite of mine for sure. I have yet to see how it works out statistically to drive traffic anywhere but I really enjoy it and that’s what is all about (being social?) I use FB by default, it is a good source of traffic (and community) for me but I have a love/hate relationship with it. I think Google+ is nice because you can SEE every post unlike FB but I haven’t built a presence there (yet.) Twitter is fun when I can unhook from work and play over there.
Oh It was interesting to read your post and then interesting to read responses. Instagram certainly seems to be a favorite. It is a new favorite of mine for sure. I have yet to see how it works out statistically to drive traffic anywhere but I really enjoy it and that’s what is all about (being social?) I use FB by default, it is a good source of traffic (and community) for me but I have a love/hate relationship with it. I think Google+ is nice because you can SEE every post unlike FB but I haven’t built a presence there (yet.) Twitter is fun when I can unhook from work and play over there.
Oh It was interesting to read your post and then interesting to read responses. Instagram certainly seems to be a favorite. It is a new favorite of mine for sure. I have yet to see how it works out statistically to drive traffic anywhere but I really enjoy it and that’s what is all about (being social?) I use FB by default, it is a good source of traffic (and community) for me but I have a love/hate relationship with it. I think Google+ is nice because you can SEE every post unlike FB but I haven’t built a presence there (yet.) Twitter is fun when I can unhook from work and play over there.
Oh It was interesting to read your post and then interesting to read responses. Instagram certainly seems to be a favorite. It is a new favorite of mine for sure. I have yet to see how it works out statistically to drive traffic anywhere but I really enjoy it and that’s what is all about (being social?) I use FB by default, it is a good source of traffic (and community) for me but I have a love/hate relationship with it. I think Google+ is nice because you can SEE every post unlike FB but I haven’t built a presence there (yet.) Twitter is fun when I can unhook from work and play over there.
Oh It was interesting to read your post and then interesting to read responses. Instagram certainly seems to be a favorite. It is a new favorite of mine for sure. I have yet to see how it works out statistically to drive traffic anywhere but I really enjoy it and that’s what is all about (being social?) I use FB by default, it is a good source of traffic (and community) for me but I have a love/hate relationship with it. I think Google+ is nice because you can SEE every post unlike FB but I haven’t built a presence there (yet.) Twitter is fun when I can unhook from work and play over there.
Oh It was interesting to read your post and then interesting to read responses. Instagram certainly seems to be a favorite. It is a new favorite of mine for sure. I have yet to see how it works out statistically to drive traffic anywhere but I really enjoy it and that’s what is all about (being social?) I use FB by default, it is a good source of traffic (and community) for me but I have a love/hate relationship with it. I think Google+ is nice because you can SEE every post unlike FB but I haven’t built a presence there (yet.) Twitter is fun when I can unhook from work and play over there.
Oh It was interesting to read your post and then interesting to read responses. Instagram certainly seems to be a favorite. It is a new favorite of mine for sure. I have yet to see how it works out statistically to drive traffic anywhere but I really enjoy it and that’s what is all about (being social?) I use FB by default, it is a good source of traffic (and community) for me but I have a love/hate relationship with it. I think Google+ is nice because you can SEE every post unlike FB but I haven’t built a presence there (yet.) Twitter is fun when I can unhook from work and play over there.
I agree with you! Love Instagram and Pinterest! Instagram has inspired me to be a better photographer and capture the moment. Pinterest gives me so many ideas I don’t know what to do with them! Twittter seems overloaded and Facebook is my number one for keeping in touch with friends.
This post is so timely for me! I just started blogging a few months ago. I thought I was pretty aware of the time involved, but the social media adds quite a bit to that! I currently spend most of my time on Instagram and Pinterest. And you’re so right about the growth! It seems like the more I post, the more followers I get, so I find it important to be very active on those.
Glad to hear we have similar thoughts! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this, Joy!
great advice and something I need to remember, I try to do too much!
I love pinterest, I also love twitter but don’t use it that much.
thanks for the reminder to keep it small and simple. its easy to get stretched too thin. my favorites are instagram and pinterest- simple and visual works for me!
I was a top FB user and since have been off completely for over 1.5 yr. Mainly IG for photos and twitter for musings. And my self made content is run via WordPress. I love the options but Facebook was much too tedious and over saturated.
I just started Instagramming for Octoplace, my business, this June. I’m obsessed! It’s so easy to connect with strangers. I’ve been scheduling food IG meetups probably once every two weeks. That’s social in the PHYSICAL realm.
I decided to pursue two IG accounts, which isn’t easy. One for my personal stuff and one for Octoplace. The distinction for content creation is clear: one are places to eat and the other is personal. I had to stop using pinterest, twitter, and facebook as much to make time for my two IG accounts. It’s been even harder to keep up with my blog. IG is such a minimal platform and you get a ton of social interactivity immediately.
Does anyone else juggle two accounts?
http://instagram.com/octoplace
http://instagram.com/punodostres
Great advice! Social media can indeed become overwhelming.
Lately, I prefer Instagram, Pinterest & Pinterest over Facebook. I like that I can share quick thoughts on Twitter and I adore Instagram & Pinterest for all things visual and inspiration.
I still have a Facebook profile, but I guess I update it mostly with photos to keep my family & friends updated on our lives…