A Way With Words #010

Don't Be Afraid to hit Delete.

I have a Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram - you name them I have them all. Why? Well because to become successful, society has told me that I need to be everywhere and anywhere (all the time) in order to build audience, attract followers…and become 'successful.' But this weekend, after my phone politely informed me that my weekly screen report had gone up again, I decided to do a social media audit...here's why and what you can do instead.

Regain your time?

Time is the most precious thing you have, and every platform drains your time. Even when you are religiously consistent in posting (which in itself can be a total ball-ache) new and ‘exciting’ content, the amount of likes and followers you get in return rarely pays off. Time + effort doesn’t = value.??

Showcase your strengths and what you like doing.?

I am good at writing.

I am good at interviewing people.

I am good at finding stories and knowing the best way to share them.

I am good at translating the complex into clear, simple and relatable.?

I also like doing all of the above.?

I am not good at staying on topic of trends.

I am not the best picture editor.

I am not great at selling myself through social marketing.

I am not good at numbers.?

Sharpen the skills you already have instead of trying to be the best at everything.

Stop comparing

Creators and influencers are generally sharing content to drive traffic to their platform. Many share free content that is helpful, but on the whole there is generally a pitch somewhere in the background with the aim of converting you into a sale. So although there is value in championing and connecting with others, make sure it is not detracting and distracting from adding value to your own content.

Consistency is not always the answer

The idea that to be successful all you need to do is be consistent is a flawed one. It helps, but there are plenty of creators who have religiously posted content with little reward. With complete saturation of the market, many influencers have resorted to buying their followers and likes, making it hard to know who is real and who is fake. Most of us are too focused on our own stuff to notice if you take a break, so don't stress if you go offline for a while.

Quit mindless scrolling

As I went to bed last night, I did my usual scroll through TikTok. Can I remember anything I watched or listened to? No. Do I feel my life has been enriched in any way? No. What can I do differently? Read a book, watch a film, listen to music…do nothing but be present in silence. Social media is robbing my attention span, focus, creativity and ability to be present.?

Master two platforms really well and forget the rest?

As a journalist at the BBC one story had to be told to multiple audiences through multiple platforms. The way to make the story relevant to both a 15-year-old and a 60 year-old is very different. Take the time to get to know your audience and write to them - not to everyone.??

What to do…

Take some time to do a social media audit - this is time well spent.

Delete the platforms and apps that don’t add value to you.

Unfollow anyone who doesn’t add genuine value to you.

Focus on creating content that is intentional and purposeful. If that is one platform or two (at the most) then make your time count.?

Finding and telling stories is my passion, and although there are countless ways to do this, words is my favourite medium. All the hours I have spent trying to master every social media platform has only distracted me from doing what I do best.

As you head into the week, ask yourself if your time online is actually time well spent...and don't be afraid to hit the delete button on your account. I guarantee you won't miss it half as much as you think you will.

P.S This post is ‘note to self.’