Do these 3 things before Instagram shuts down again

Unless you have been living under a rock or you actually use social media to market, sell or promote your products or services, you are well aware that Instagram , Facebook AND What’s app have shut down earlier last week.

Nothing, from feeds down to Insta stories, was refreshing or uploading; and let’s just say it was like an online apocalypse. Though temporary, this shut down has created a huge outrage! Business owners, influencers, and entrepreneurs were really mad, because, well you know what that means for their profits. We are all glad that our accounts are up and running again, but I would like to share my two cents on the matter. I have had this conversation in the past with some of my clients and it was an eye-opener for most of them… If Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, or any of these social media channels shuts down today, what will become of your business marketing?

These platforms are rented entities. Meaning we do not own them. I have friends who have had their Instagram and Facebook account deleted in the past… Gone, just like that for one reason or the other. And there was nothing they could do or could’ve done about it, because these platforms do not belong to them.

I’m not saying by any means that social media is not a great place to market or promote your business or services; in fact it’s important and it’s needed. However this shouldn’t be your only avenue. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Here’s what you should do today to prevent the madness (at least on your side), the next time Instagram or Facebook shuts down 🙂

1- Create a website or a blog:

Like I said earlier, social media marketing is great, but professionals only use social media accounts to support what they own online. The only way to own your slice of the internet is to buy a domain name and set up your website or blog on it.

I hear people say that blogs are dead, because of social media, but that cannot be farther from the truth. Social media may be trending right now, but websites and blogs will remain the digital real estates that professionals own unless you stop paying for your hosting upon renewal or decide to suspend your ownership… but that’s the price of doing real business online, right?

2- Start Building An E-mail List. 

Just like your website, you own your e-mail list, but we cannot say the same for your social media accounts. Your e-mail list is the bread and butter of your business as an online entrepreneur, and here’s why:

Beside you having 100% ownership of your e-mail list, you also have complete control over your content. Your content isn’t being filtered or restricted by social media company guidelines and you don’t have to worry about your content being taken down, or your account being suspended and/or removed at a moment’s notice without your discretion.

Knowing that you connect directly and intentionally with people that actually gave you the permission to do so is reassuring.

These people are YOUR tribe and are actually inviting you into their gated community; and statically, less than 6% of your followers on social media actually see the content you post as opposed to 100% of your subscribers who receive your e-mails, and upwards of 60% of them who will open them. And oh, 91% of people check their emails daily, so in my opinion, as an entrepreneur, you need to put more emphasis on your e-mail list because that’s where “the money is.” 😉

That been said, have you subscribed to my newsletter? go ahead and do that now. I promise not to spam you. 🙂

3- Create your own app.

Though, creating your own app may sound like a big investment, in my opinion it’s worth it. At least it will serve a good purpose of having users having access to your content directly from them phones, no matter what.

I hope this post helps you realize how important it is not to only rely on social media to run and promote your business. What are your thoughts on this matter? Share them with me.

XO,

Edwige