Instagram's Sneaky Privacy Update

Instagram recently made an update that you probably aren't aware of. You used to be able to browse Instagram without anyone know when you were online, unlike some social media platforms (looking at you, Facebook). Gone are those days, unless you change your privacy settings. 

Instagram has now released a "Last Active" update. This feature can be seen in your Direct Messages. A time stamp appears in your message and shows when you last used the app.  In addition to this, Instagram automatically enabled the "Last Active" update when they rolled it out. Luckily, there is a way to disable this feature. 

Profile - Options - Scroll down to Show Activity Status - Disable

Once you disable your activity status, you will no longer be able to see other's activity either. 

Now you can go back to scrolling on Instagram and avoiding those DMs without being called out. 

10 Ways to Encourage Personal Growth

Personal Growth is anything that improves your life. You do not need to do anything drastic. Instead, focus on small tasks to help you transition to your best life. Here are 10 ways to help you start your personal growth journey. 

1 Be grateful

2. Help others

3. Simplify your life

4. Get out in nature

5. Practice self-awareness

6. Pursue a hobby you enjoy

7. Read inspirational books daily

8. Remove toxic people from your life

9. Take care of your body, mind, and soul

10. Step away from social media and television

Why Your Follower Count Doesn't Matter

Remember when social media was just about fun posting and informing your followers on what was going on with you? Long gone are those days. Somewhere along the line, everyone became obsessed with how many followers they had. It has only been fueled by the programs that allow you to buy followers. But here's the thing - they aren't going to help your business. 

This is one of the most misunderstood elements of social media. Your follower count does not matter. You could have 10,000 followers but if most of them are spam or not your target client,  what's the point?  

So, what DOES matter?

How many of your followers are your ideal client. 

What good are your 10,000 followers if only 200 are people who are actually interested in your product/service? Your ideal client is actually reading your posts and watching what you are doing. The others? Not interested. 

It can be easy to be caught up in the follower number game, but do yourself a favor. Ignore it. Focus on providing content that your target audience will love and connect with. If you do so, your business will reap the benefits. 

8 Ways To Reach A Bigger Audience

You have finally launched your business - congrats! Now you have to get your name out there. You may have the greatest product or service in your niche, but if no one knows about it, what good is that? The more people that know about your business, the more opportunities for them to try it. 

Here's the thing: posting about your product on social media is no longer enough. Between ever-changing algorithms and an over saturated marketplace, it is a challenge to stand out. Social media is still a vital part of your visibility plan, but there needs to be more. 

Here are 8 ways to help get your business into the public eye:

1. Guest blog

2. Be a guest on a podcast

3. Pitch yourself to the media

4. Collaborate with others

5. Post testimonials on your website (link back to author)

6. Have in person meetings (word of mouth is extremely powerful)

7. Attend networking events

8. Be active in Facebook groups, Twitter chats, etc. 

How To Save Time On Facebook

Facebook news feed is like a black hole. You say you'll jump on real quick to see updates in your news feed, and next thing you know it's an hour later and you're somehow looking at photos of your college roommate's cousin's recent trip to Mexico. The news feed is the worst. 

As an entrepreneur, though, you probably use Facebook as way to get the word out on your business. So, how do you use it efficiently for work without slipping into dreaded news feed black hole? Friend lists.

Facebook allows you to make your own groups of friends. One friend can be on multiple lists. A few examples for list types: family, close friends, college friends, etc. Here's how to create a list:

News Feed - Explore (Left hand column) - Create Lists

The best part is that you can make it work for your business as well. Let's say your ideal client is stay-at-home moms under the age of 50. Go through all your Facebook friends who fall into that category and put them in one list. Now when you sign on to do engagement, you can stay focused and not get distracted.