Illustrators' keys to manage your social networks

Everything that refers to social networks generates uncertainties. Mainly when the famous algorithm is updated and filters each published content. And the most important thing is that when we think we understand it, again comes someone to change its operation. From time to time the numbers stagnate and what was once a success, today it didn’t work. There is nothing more difficult than to remain in force in social networks in uncertainty.

Even so, thousands of artists around the world have succeeded. And the vast majority have achieved it through trial and error, listening to the experiences of colleagues, and watching videos in the hope of learning how to multiply numbers. Perhaps the best way to achieve organic growth is to listen to the experience of others. 

1. Build community: AKA engagement 

It is clear that social networks are for users to interact with each other and this law is the DNA of every social network. Many of us make the same mistake at some point in our professional career as designers or artists when we believe that our feed is an exhibition showcase or a simple virtual portfolio. This thought leads us to think that just by uploading “nice” content, adding hashtags here and there, the numbers will grow.

What happens is that, so far, the algorithm does not reward the numbers but the interaction. The numbers are only a consequence of it. It is fundamental to build community, to establish relationships, to talk and to get people talking. Those who have achieved success explain that it is about telling the process behind the work, telling the story of the illustration, asking and answering people. That’s the real way to get the algorithm to give visibility to a post.

TIPS:
Instagram stories are an ideal tool to make contact with people. Try to post stories every day with interaction stickers and questions that allow you to start some conversation. It is not about posting something ultra elaborate, because it is a content that will be published for only 24 hours.

Another important factor, which also contributes a large percentage, is to give a face and body to your work. Lose your fear and shyness and show yourself to your followers in the content you create, also share who you are and the ideas you believe in, this generates that they recognize you as someone close to what you represent.

2. Time means consistency

If your goal is to see your platform as a job, take it as such. Create and organize a weekly schedule of posts, stories, videos, ideas, etc, this will help you to better distribute your time on each platform. Adjust it to your needs and time, there is no magic formula so try and correct it. 

Consistency does not imply volume but frequency. Doing one or two posts a week is fine, as long as it is something regular. In between, we can use stories. 

Time also comes down to knowing how to use it and what to invest it in. The quality of your content will also be reflected in the time you spend thinking, generating and developing your ideas. Always looking for ways to stay current.

3. Unique content

Always keep in mind that each social network requires unique content. Each platform responds to a different need and therefore to a different audience. Using copy and paste will not work for you, believe me. And this is where all the previous points converge, from the engagement you create, you understand how to communicate and show your work in different networks and you invest the time you need in each one respectively.

10 tips from expert illustrators on how to use social networks and not die in the attempt

  • No social network is an exhibition showcase, much less a virtual portfolio. It is not enough to upload the finished piece.
  • Social network algorithms reward interaction. It is essential to talk to followers: ask and answer questions.
  • Instagram stories are an ideal tool for making contact with people. There you can ask questions or tell anecdotes without having to design an elaborate post.
  • Start or end stories and posts with a question to invite your followers to interact. Sometimes “Write a rainbow Emoji if you like colors” is enough.
  • Showing your face in stories, posts or videos is an honest and meaningful way to generate a connection with followers.
  • Consistency can be more powerful than frequency. If you can’t do a daily post, make sure you do it periodically: once or twice a week, without fail, can bring good results.
  • Posts take time. While you work on them, take advantage of the stories to upload content and interact with your community.
  • Record each stage of the work process, those images can be used for stories and at the end you can reuse them in a post, either with a carousel or a video.
  • Dedicate at least a couple of hours a day to responding to comments and internal messages. Interaction is vital in this process.
  • Each platform attracts different followers. Take the time to identify them and get to know them in order to create differentiated content that will be more effective on each network.