Embracing Minimalism: Why Focusing on Two Social Media Platforms Works
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Chapter 1: The Shift Away from Social Media
In October 2022, during the tumult surrounding Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, I made a significant choice: I removed Twitter from my phone. Around the same time, I also logged out of Instagram and Facebook, finally liberating myself from these constant distractions. Musk's unpredictable behavior provided the nudge I needed.
Fast forward six months, and I realized something that goes against conventional wisdom for creators: I don’t miss any of my social media accounts at all.
From a personal perspective, this revelation was unsurprising. It's widely recognized that social media doesn't foster genuine relationships. Without the noise of Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, I found I had more time, energy, and meaningful connections with my close friends. I read more books and wrote more in my novel.
Professionally, I also didn’t notice any loss. I didn’t miss business opportunities or fail to engage with my audience.
This insight prompted me to pen this article. Currently, the prevailing advice suggests creating accounts across multiple platforms and posting relentlessly until you gain traction. However, my experience suggests that this approach is misguided. Here’s why.
The Illusion of Success: Their Path Isn’t Yours
Two years ago, I created a Pinterest account after an influencer claimed it was the secret to boosting website traffic and sales.
I followed their guidance, made a few pins, saw only mediocre engagement, and ultimately abandoned the platform. This pattern repeated itself with Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and others.
Creators like McKinzie from Moms Make Cents have a vested interest in persuading you to use their preferred platforms. While they genuinely believe in their advice, it is inherently biased. They found success on these platforms and earn income by instructing others to do the same. This doesn’t guarantee that it will work for you.
Before diving into a platform, reflect on whether it aligns with your skills and interests. Don’t let the fear of missing out (FOMO) drive your decisions.
The Time Drain: Platforms Extract More Than They Provide
I invested significant time on Instagram, adhering to all the guidelines: consistent posting, utilizing new features, and engaging with my audience.
Despite gaining 2,000 followers, I received little in return: no clients, no sponsorships, just a few email subscribers and likes.
Every platform requires considerable time and effort. It’s never just a single tweet or post. Successful creators often have hundreds or even thousands of posts.
Each moment spent on social media is a moment not dedicated to more productive pursuits like writing or filming. Consider the opportunity cost. It’s impossible to effectively manage more than two platforms.
Play to Your Strengths: Leverage What You Excel At
With hindsight, I realized that blogging and YouTube were always my strongest platforms. I enjoy writing and presenting on camera. I excel at simplifying complex topics.
These talents made me well-suited for blogging and YouTube but not for Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.
Your success hinges on the intersection of your skills and the platform's format. Don’t force yourself into a platform that doesn’t match your strengths. Take time to evaluate what you excel at and what you genuinely enjoy.
The Two-Platform Strategy: Less Can Be More
To thrive online, concentrate on just two platforms that fulfill the following criteria:
- Skills: Do you possess the skills to stand out and succeed on this platform?
- Enjoyment: Do you genuinely enjoy spending time on this platform?
- Consistency: Would you still want to post on this platform even if you didn’t achieve immediate success?
If you can answer “yes” to all three questions, you’ve identified your ideal platforms. Dedicate yourself to them and eliminate the rest. Avoid spreading yourself too thin in pursuit of success across multiple avenues. Focus on your strengths and the platforms that truly resonate with you.
I challenge you to remove unnecessary distractions. Concentrate on your chosen platforms with intention and commitment.
You’ll miss out on far less than you might fear, and you’ll discover more time and energy for what genuinely matters.
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Chapter 2: Insights from Experts
To further explore the impact of social media on our lives and decisions, consider the following videos.
Video 1: Jaron Lanier: Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Account Right Now
This video delves into critical reasons for reconsidering your social media presence, highlighting the potential downsides of staying connected.
Video 2: Should We All Just DELETE Twitter?
In this discussion, experts debate the relevance and future of Twitter, offering insights that may resonate with your own experiences.