“Carpi Diem” means living everything as if it were your last day. All eyes are (or seem to be) on you, like a bright spotlight! I understand why this scenario creates anxiety at first. These concerns are troubling and not eternal. Social media is an example of creativity, new opportunities and knowledge.
What is social media? The definition is that of interactive technologies that enable the creation or sharing/exchange of information, ideas, professional interests and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks.
We know the definition of social media, but what are the examples? How to use it and make it more personal?
In this article, I will give you some tips to find the answers for yourself.
There are many examples, but I’ll use Twitter as a personal example and Instagram as a promotional example.
Examples of social networks:
Twitter is a website and app that was created in 2006 and has only gotten better over the years. It may not be the most common example, but teenagers and young adults use Twitter. The application and the website are a microblogging website and application.
How can we interact with Twitter? This app and website is basically an online personalized blog! The use of this website, like many others, requires rules which you must follow. Respect the content of others, use appropriate language and interactions, and use tweets under 280 characters.
I realize that 280 characters is not enough to say everything you want. A solution to this is to add another tweet to the original.
A hashtag (maximum is 15) brings people into a conversation. This simple interaction creates traffic, where people see what you say or vice versa. Traffic is a good idea if it is well managed.
Note – Be careful when using unrelated hashtags with anything unrelated to your statement or a topic that is considered spam.
Sure, getting followers and having everyone see you is great, but sometimes the numbers can go to your head. We all want to be seen. If this has happened to you or others, don’t be too hard on yourself or them. It happens to everyone and it’s so relatable.
How can you interact with others besides using a hashtag? You can add colors or an animated image (like a GIF) to your tweet to develop more liveliness. Sky is the limit!
But what does this have to do with Instagram?
Instagram is another app and website that you can use for social media.
Instagram is an American photo and video sharing social networking service created by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. In April 2012″
You can use it as a creative to share your life, thoughts, creations, 
As great as creativity is, we also need knowledge about how to use these platforms. You don’t need a course (although I highly recommend it like Hubspot because it’s free and self-paced), but that choice is yours. Sometimes you need someone to guide you. Sometimes you need good old trial and error for clarification.
I’m going to give you some tips on getting that clarity and helping you create something real for yourself online.
1. What are your reasons for making a name for yourself online? Is it to express yourself, to join a community or two? Promote a product? You need to understand this before anything else. Believe me, it would make it much more focused, enjoyable and cause less stress. If you are attracted to more than one thing, try them all. If it includes research, that’s OK.
An example is personal to me. I wanted some type of connection. I’m very introverted and struggle to communicate with confidence. I found an outlet for that: writing. I started at 10 with short stories. I read them, and they were definitely cringe-worthy fanfiction. That’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. If I give someone hope through my writing, then I’m a happy camper!
2. Once you understand why you want to join social media, you can start experimenting! I joined groups online to find writers I could connect with. I use authors to learn from their mistakes and their victories, so I would have an idea of what to do because at the time, I had no idea. I joined Facebook, Twitter and eventually Instagram. Where I have so much support as a writer and self-published author.
3. Use eye-catching, transparent and appropriate photo(s) and create a stellar biography. These things are so important. These are the first things people see, so make it count. Use phrases and be authentic. Why is this important? By using this strategy, people know what your page is about, the content, and it helps them decide if they want to interact with you.
An example of a bad biography comes from my personal Facebook page: A girl who likes to read and write. Loves his dogs. Of course you know I like these things. Since I’m an author on Facebook, that doesn’t give you any indication of what I’m writing, which is a problem if I want to sell books.
A better example would be this: I am an author who writes short stories for adults and young adults. Or if you want to be more specific: I’m an African-American author who suffers from anxiety, depression, and cerebral palsy. I write to spread hope, pure love and courage through my stories. Do you see the difference? One is more precise and clear while the other is not.
4. If you need content, using what you have can be a good strategy. For photos and videos, you can use natural light and your phone’s camera to get them. To edit and create posts and videos, for example, you can use apps like Canva.
5. To be present. Go back to steps 2 and 3. Using the communities you joined, show them you care. By commenting, sharing, mentioning and/or following.
What does this have to do with Instagram? How can you use Instagram for creativity and connecting with others?
As stated earlier, Instagram is a vibrant and growing online community.
There are many ways to connect with others. You can use my tips as examples.
A personal and professional Instagram example:
Being part of the author community is like passing the torch. If someone doesn’t know what I mean, someone holds a torch up to a certain point, then passes it to the next person, and so on. I hope you have learned what you like to write, your writing style, your muses, etc. If you haven’t understood these important elements, you may want to understand it first!
The author industry is wonderful as well as competitive. Especially because you can easily sell your books online, which is how most authors start their careers or hobbies. You need to remember your answers from Step 1 and remember that when times get tough and discouraging, it is. You might want to quit, but I never want anyone to quit just because something is temporarily difficult. If you hold on, you might get the results you want, but not right away.
Why did I want to start a business?
Why did I start an online business? I wanted a connection. I wanted hope despite everything around me. I wanted real friends and love. I wanted a goal. I started at 10 with short stories. I read them and they were definitely cringe-worthy fanfiction. Then they got longer, deeper, soothing, healing. I was home. I decided that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life and share them despite my fear of hell. If I give hope or make someone dig deep and feel safe, I’m a happy camper! Of course, the numbers aren’t quite there yet and, yes, I haven’t promoted as much as I should due to anxiety, but it’s not just about me anymore, it’s is about my audience. I’m the type of person who likes to take the time to give it my all, because not only do I deserve it, but so does my audience. So if that means creating a newsletter and a website with an author page and slowly building trust and skill, that’s actually what I’ll do and the money will follow…eventually.
I hope these tips help you! Now go find your voice online. Have fun experimenting. I wish you good luck.
