How I Manage Social Media: A Peek Behind the Curtain.
Social media can feel like a never-ending juggling act, especially when you’re balancing multiple aspects of your business. Here’s a peek into how I manage my social media, from planning posts to creating engaging content.
1. Planning for Instagram Posts
The foundation of my social media strategy is planning, and Planoly is my go-to tool for this. Planoly is an app that helps me schedule and organize my Instagram posts in advance. By using Planoly, I can visualize my feed, plan content around upcoming events or promotions, and ensure a consistent posting schedule. It’s incredibly helpful for keeping everything organized and ensuring that my content aligns with my overall brand strategy.
2. AI for Caption Assistance
Crafting the perfect caption can be a challenge, especially when you want it to be both engaging and reflective of your brand. That’s where AI comes in handy. I use AI tools to help brainstorm and refine my captions. It’s a fantastic way to get creative ideas and ensure my posts have the right tone and impact. Plus, it saves me time, so I can focus on other aspects of my business. AI can also help pick hashtags out for your images if you struggle with that.
3. Filming Videos Twice a Week
Video content is crucial for connecting with my audience and showcasing my work. I dedicate time to film videos twice a week—whether it’s behind-the-scenes footage, tips and tricks, or highlights from recent shoots. Having a set schedule helps me stay organized and ensures a steady flow of fresh content. It also keeps my audience engaged and gives them valuable insight into my photography process.
That said, filming content is definitely the most time-consuming part of what I do, and it's where I feel burnout the most. To avoid getting overwhelmed, I try to batch content when I can and ease up during busy seasons. When my schedule is packed with sessions, I shift my focus to quick updates on stories instead of full video posts.
Because creating video takes so much energy, I’ve learned to give myself grace. There are times when I go through stretches without posting, and that’s okay. The most important thing is staying aligned with what feels sustainable—creativity flows best when I’m not running on empty.
4. Creating Custom Posts with Canva
My Instagram feed is a visual diary of the love stories I capture—weddings, couples, families, and all the heartfelt moments in between. While I primarily showcase my photography, there are occasions when I incorporate graphics to share significant updates or announcements.
For these special instances, I turn to Canva, a user-friendly design tool that allows me to create visuals aligning with my brand's aesthetic. Canva offers a wide range of customizable templates, making it easy to design professional-quality graphics that stand out in a crowded feed.
However, I use graphics sparingly to ensure that my feed remains true to its purpose: showcasing heartfelt photography. When I do incorporate a graphic, it's because I have something special to share that I believe will benefit you.
By maintaining this balance, I aim to keep my Instagram authentic and focused on the stories that matter most.
In Conclusion
Managing social media is a dynamic and creative process that requires a mix of planning, technology, and creativity. By staying organized, leveraging AI, maintaining a regular video schedule, and using tools like Canva, I’m able to keep my social media presence engaging and effective. It’s all about finding the right balance and tools that work best for you, so you can focus on what you love—capturing beautiful moments and connecting with your audience.
Feel free to share your own tips or ask questions about social media management in the comments! 📸✨
Happy Shooting
-Bethany Hicks
