Four Reasons I Love Connecting With You on Instagram

About three months ago I did something I thought I’d never do. I jumped on the Instagram train.

That’s right. I threw on my Sunday best and climbed aboard the photo/video sharing platform that boasts over one billion monthly users. I have to say—I’m loving the ride! I hope you’ll join me.

Until recently, I felt no need to add yet one more social networking site to my already full plate. I’ve always said I will only connect in ways that build relationships and in ways I personally find fun. (Click-to-Tweet)

As you know, I’m not a numbers kind of gal. While numbers are indeed important to authors, without relationships, where’s the fun? When our social networking becomes more work than fun, then, of course, that tosses a wet blanket on the unicorns and rainbows.

Well, let me tell you—Instagram is fun, fun, fun!

It doesn’t take much effort and it doesn’t feel like work. In fact, I find Instagram a stress-reliever. With so much pretty eye candy, inspirational memes, and cute cat photos, what’s not to love?

Something else I find rewarding is the ease and ability to connect immediately with YOU in a more personal way than, say, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or blogging (although I love those mediums, too).

Instagram also offers a way to reach out in real time through snapshots of our lives. We build relationships and establish intimacy by simply sharing a shot of the pizza we made for supper or the sunset we captured off our back deck.

Authors may share glimpses of their creative process.

Readers may share their favorite reads or books that have inspired them.

Moms share momlife.

Foodies, their culinary creations.

From the ordinary and mundane to complex and beautiful, pictures speak to us in ways no other medium can. (Click-to-Tweet)

Visuals appeal and awaken our senses. They make us think. They cheer us up. They encourage, inspire, and motivate.

Here are four reasons I love connecting with you on Instagram:

Instagram is a quick, fun medium and a great way to build relationships. Not only can we connect with those in our niche, we can make new friends, too.

Instagram provides immediacy and establishes connection by way of simple snapshots. We can post on the go and allow others to “travel” with us.

Instagram offers unique glimpses into our daily lives. We can be honest, raw, and real in significant ways that humanize us.

Instagram sparks creativity and expands our minds. We connect with communities through virtual windows of our friends’ worlds.

In this day where so much negativity abounds, Instagram provides an instant “good things” alternative. We “like,” follow, and comment on statuses and things that please us. We can scroll through #allthepretty faster than other mediums, and get an instant pick-me-up. We can peek into our friends’ lives, and immediately we are drawn into their worlds.

There isn’t the time or inclination for a lot of unfriendly banter or back and forth rhetoric because, again, Instagram has a different “tone” than other platforms. It’s relaxed, real-time fun. Have I mentioned that word—fun?

What do I post?

Well, in keeping with my “brand” and what folks seem to respond to and love are photos snapped from around the Ozarks. I occasionally share foodie shots and bookish memes. And of course, I offer you some kitty love, too. What’s Instagram without a few silly Miranda pics? Everyone likes cute fur baby shots, right?

In other words, my Instagram goal is a happy, healthy respite from bad news found elsewhere.

My feed is upbeat, lighthearted, and unpretentious—like me. 🙂

I’d love to connect with you there!

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