Yesterday I casually threw a poll up on my Instagram stories about what kind of photos you guys want on my Instagram feed (aka the grid of static images) and the results, unsurprisingly, pointed strongly in the direction of more behind the scenes iPhone pics as opposed to a more polished feed with professional photos like the ones you see here.
What was surprising, however, was the sheer number of messages I received about this topic. So many of you said that while you like the pretty pictures, the real, day to day life content is what you really crave on Insta these days.
Part of me loved that because it means that you want authenticity and a peek into everyday life, but part of me felt sad because I love doing photo shoots and creating the more beautiful, colorful, aspirational content. But after thinking about it probably too much over the last 24 hours, I think a good compromise is to continue to share the beautiful, more polished photos here on my blog and use Instagram as more of a glimpse into my everyday life, the way it was originally intended to be used. And will mix in some professional shots here and there too!
I’ve seen other bloggers and social influencers moving in this direction but I think have been nervous to do so because my life doesn’t always feel that interesting or exciting… But at the end of the day, most of us aren’t jetting off on tropical vacations every other week or wearing designer bags and dresses on the reg.
My less glamorous, real life days might seem boring to me but I think we all are craving reality and connection after the trend of high gloss, highly staged photos. Changing up my feed is another way for me to connect with you guys on a more real level in the same way that I get to do on my Instagram Stories and here every day. So bare with me as I try to change it up and take it day by day!
Now I want you to tell me: What do you want to see more of on my Instagram feed? The baby? What I’m wearing? What I’m eating? What I’m doing? Let me know!
J.Crew Factory Ruffle Shirt (also comes in navy gingham!) / On Island Time Hat / Wedges
J.Crew Factory Ruffle Shirt (also comes in navy gingham!) / On Island Time Hat / Wedges
Photos by Julia Dags.
I always like what people are eating! I get so bored with what to make, it helps with ideas. And also baby because who doesn’t love a cute baby photo 🙂
In my experience, people like to see what I’m eating on stories but if I post it to my feed, it flops! Do you agree with that or you want it on the feed too?
I like the stories!
I always like to hear what other people are eating. As someone who works full time and will be a graduate student in the fall, meal prepping has been a big part of my life the past few months, and will continue to be the case for the next several years.
I get so bored with the same rotation of things, that new, healthy, simple recipes are awesome.
Noted! When you go back to school, I definitely recommend meal prepping on Sunday nights as much as you can. Will help you during exam crunch times especially!
I love when people use Instagram to document moments that matter to them. It doesn’t have to be within the same aspects of their lives every time, but when a moment matters enough to you to document it and share it, often the beauty you feel in that moment is impactful to others. So as a follower, it doesn’t necessarily matter to me what moments you choose but rather how important they are to you.
I love what you said and agree!
I’d *love* to see what you’re wearing in real life! You’re always so classically, beautifully put together on the blog, but seeing how you style like, leggings to run errands or everyday “non-blog” outfits, etc etc, would be so fun! I’m thinking sort of like Julia/GMG’s “everyday look” or DamselinDior’s posts in that same vein, if that makes sense?
Ok good feedback! I can definitely do more of that. I Love Jacey’s everyday looks… Although she’s much more chic than I am 🙂
I’m excited to see what this looks like for you. I think a mix of more posed photos and real photos is fun.
I’m going to agree with comments below too. I love to see what people are wearing, eating and doing in everyday life. Especially eating. I love it when someone posts their plate, even if it’s just a simple protein and veggies. It’s such a nice reminder that food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Hope this helps! Truthfully, I don’t think you could put anything out there that I don’t love to see! 🙂
It might just be me, but professionally staged photos for a blog (v. a catalog or fashion ad in a magazine) seems SO fake. Like really fake. Like Reality TV–an oxymoron. It’s the realness that people crave and those are your best posts, to be sure. I may be wrong, but I truly think aspirant blogs are a thing of the past. People want to see smart people like them give them ideas and share fun places, things they eat, advice that works, bond about shared issues and life’s problems, etc. I don’t know if that is your view as well about the trends?
Interesting. I think you might be right. It’s a great thing but also a big pivot so bare with me as I try to figure it out on my end! I’ve noticed a trend in this direction and have loved seeing other bloggers share more down to earth content and images.
I love to see what you’re cooking at home, and I would also love to see more Boots!
Awww Bootsie loves to hear that!!!
I didn’t realize how interested I was in what/how other people ate until I started seeing it popping up on blogs/Instagram. Saw your grocery haul recently where you talked about how much you liked the “Perfect Bars” which I’d never heard of. Always looking for something new/different/healthy to eat on the go, I saw this in my local grocery, remembered you’d recommended it, tried it, and LOVED it. Never would’ve given it a second thought had I not heard a rec for it!
Also, Amalia is absolutely adorable….makes me miss when my 3-year-old was a baby baby. So all baby/parenting posts are awesome!
These days, when so much seems unbelievably otherworldly and fake, a wave of real life is very much welcomed.
I think your feed is already a pretty good mix of the “real” and the “polished.” If anything, I’d suggest posting more on the feed vs. in stories. Think about what you like seeing your non-blogger friends post; I’m guessing it’s a mix of real life – food, clothes, vacations/outings, kids/pets, funny things, random things, etc. etc. That’s what I love to see!
Good tip thank you you! And I agree on what you love to see, I like all of those things too.
That sounds like a perfect balance! I love the look of the polished photos, they look beautiful on your blog. As for Instagram, whatever it is you are doing! Food is always great haha.
xAllie
http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com
Truly all of it! Get new ideas (food, books, outfits, life hacks) by following my favorite people. I am not a mom yet but can’t wait to be one day so I also enjoy all the baby posts!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
I need to do more book stuff for sure. Good reminder!
I love the every day stuff because it reminds me to find beauty and inspiration in MY everyday life, and that i don’t have to have a new dress or a good hair day in order to have a great day with my family. I think your plan is a great one! And you seem to have a loyal blog following (i know i love checking in here) so most people will probably get the mix of both. At the end of the day, you do you!
I vote for real life of baby! What she eats and what you eat too!
I prefer it when people don’t use their children as “content”. Of course you should share some cute baby pictures, milestones etc. but surely you have to bear in mind their privacy in the long term? Some things just shouldn’t be for public consumption on a money making site. I’m sure it’s quite difficult to find a balance but less children on IG can only be a good thing I think.
I totally agree with this. Julia has said before that she wants to respect her husband’s privacy so she doesn’t include him that much in her content. What about the privacy of your daughter? Maybe she won’t want to google herself when she’s older and see pictures of herself being used as blog content. Just something to think about. Let a kid be a kid then when she’s older she can decide if she wants to partake in your job. Happy to see your adorable baby on your feed from time to time, but when she’s being used to sell product, I cringe.
I hear you guys. It really is a tough balance but hearing this is good feedback so thank you!