This may be an unpopular opinion, but…

Bigger isn’t always better!

You know what I’m talking about. Bugs. Debt. Asteroids heading toward Earth. And…

Social media accounts.

Many business owners and personal brands think they need thousands of Instagram followers to make an impact or work with incredible brands.

I see this mistake every single day. In this case, bigger isn’t always better.

In fact, statistics show larger accounts actually have a less engaged audience! Weird, right?

Being small (on social media) is so much cooler. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather have 1,000 highly engaged followers than a ghost town of 50k…

*cue the crickets*

Don’t get me wrong: if you have a huge social media following, that’s great. I’m not saying ALL large accounts are like that.

If you have the right social media strategy, time and energy, you can really grow your social media presence and cultivate highly engaged followers.

The key takeaway is that bigger isn’t always better.

The important thing is to focus on YOUR community and audience. Nurture and love the heck out of them!

The next time you hit that “post” button, as yourself if you’re checking off one of these boxes with your audience:

1. Serve them

2. Educate them

3. Provide value to them

4. Have real, authentic conversations with them

If you practice these four strategies, naturally, over time, your audience and income will grow.

And, be patient! Your social media accounts won’t skyrocket with hundreds or thousands of followers overnight unless you get really, really lucky.

Think of your accounts and followers like a baby plant, and shower them with water, sunshine, and love (metaphorically speaking, that is.)

When people feel happy BECAUSE of you and connect WITH you, they will trust you more. And that, my friends, is a whole lot better than people just taking up space in your follower count who’ve forgotten you exist.

Remember, followers are great, but engagement is better.