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This is just what I needed to read today! I have been using IG since 2021. When I started I was posting very close to daily and seeing moderate growth. Four months ago, I took a step back. I felt the need to post was driving my painting practice in an unhealthy way. I started posting only when I felt like it which is more like once or twice a week. Since stepping back, my followers actually dropped but I have felt much more in balance.

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I’m happy to hear that it’s just what you needed to read Stephanie! And yay for taking a step back from something that was not serving you :)

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I’ve been on IG since 2012/13 and it was most definitely a different place back then. Friendly and easy to make connections and gain followers. It was creative and fun!

Now it feels just divisive, draining and like Astrid said, that you’re working for someone else’s business (Meta) than your own.

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It does feel draining! I am not exactly sure how I separated myself from the false validation of likes and follows but It has improved my relationship with the app!

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Just what I need to read this morning. Thinking about revisiting Pinterest next.

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Thank you Georgie! I really like using Pinterest, would be interested to hear how you get on :)

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I've been an unplanner for so long... and you've encouraged me to embrace that more fully. Sometimes I feel like everyone wants to plan... I prefer to flow and allow and invite and receive the natural pace and space of my business. I'm also not a fan of being slave labour for mega social media platforms. I'm hoping Substack will help me fully remove myself from the tyranny of Meta. Thank you!

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You’re welcome Lisa! You’re in the right place for following your own flow and taking the space you need. Have a lovely rest of your week! ✨

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"I gave myself permission to market my business in a way that feels really good to me. When I did, everything changed. I now do the things I deeply enjoy and see these things as part of my business." I loved this part!

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Thank you Vashon, I'm glad it resonated with you!

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Apr 30, 2023Liked by Astrid Bracke

Thank you Astrid, this is so interesting and definitely something I will ponder in the weeks ahead!

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You're welcome, enjoy! x

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Thank you so much for the shout out Astrid!

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You’re welcome Zabby!

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Love this! I felt sooooo much better after quitting IG and moving to a platform which I like (slightly) better. I'd love to hear more about your podcast pitching, how you do it, ideas on it, etc. It's something floating in my mind but I have no idea how to start!

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Thank you Isabelle! I'll be sharing about podcast pitching sometime soon--it's been something I've been doing and (to my surprise!) enjoying quite a bit. Have a lovely weekend x

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I listened to your post today, Astrid! Thank you for another great read. Lots for me to mull over. Those questions are really helpful. I think this is a great approach and mindset to take with marketing. And I think as an audience member you can feel the difference between someone who is making themselves 'sell' and someone who is being generous and easeful with sharing their offers. Interesting to hear about moving away from Insta as well. I really don't like it there atm and I'm trying to limit my time in that space.

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Also, I hope that listening to the automated voice reading out the post wasn’t too grating 😂

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I don't mind!

I feel like I'm winning life reading and doing stuff at the same time 😅

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Thank you Janelle! I think that any place that makes us feel bad is a place to limit spending our time, so I hope you find joy in places other than IG for the time being at least :) Have a good weekend!

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I really enjoyed your article Astrid and have come to some similar conclusion for myself recently. Perhaps that’s why your words resonated so much.

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Thank you Linn, that's good to hear! What is feeling particularly good to you right now in terms of sharing your business?

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I’m focusing on writing more blogs, updating SEO and writing and voice noting here on Substack which all feels creative to me and also helpful to others.

And I’m feeling that longer form content can provide more in depth and have more “longevity” online too than short social media posts.

I’m feeling much more creative right now. Hopefully it will eventually translate into “fully booked” with a waitlist ☺️😅

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I love your focus on long form content and generally content that is less fleeting--I feel very much the same! Enjoy ✨

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Thank you!

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