What I wished I’d known before becoming a therapist: online edition

If you’re planning to promote yourself more fully (and more frequently) on social media, there are some things you might want to keep in mind. 

1. Planning content is much better than posting on a whim

Put some time aside to really think about the messages you want to be putting out there. What platform will you use? Who is your target audience? What do you want to achieve from posting? What sort of engagement are you looking for? Think about the unique perspective that you can bring to the table. Will you share content from others, or only your own thoughts? Be clear on your position, and really think about how much of yourself you’re comfortable with sharing. It’s a very personal thing.

2. Growing your social media following takes time

We all want a receptive audience, and preferably influencer status within our first week of setting up and getting out there – but we also know that’s not realistic. Still, it can feel disheartening and discouraging when you’re opening up, sharing parts of yourself, and getting little to nothing back. You feel like you’re screaming into the void. But remember: you never know who’s listening, or how many lives you’ve touched. Besides, you can’t expect your followers to grow overnight; you’ve got to put in the legwork, show up consistently, and be patient.

3. Having a break from social media is a must – when you need it

When you’re delving into your past, sharing personal anecdotes, revealing your own challenges, or simply showing your true personality on social media, it can sometimes get a little draining. Taking a break from social media every now and again is a healthy way to reset, regain perspective, and come up with fresh content. And don’t worry about your followers – they aren’t going anywhere. Quality content is the most important thing – rather than how often you’re posting – which means you can most definitely afford to take a break.

Knowing how to show up online

When trying to show up more authentically online, I find that being organised and seeking consultation from others always helps.

Not making it about me, but about serving others, helps to shape my content – and understanding the type of content that others want to see is a great place to start. So reach out to your network, delve a little deeper into the issues they might want to understand more about, and have fun with the planning process.

This is your time to show the world who you really are.