In the wake of the Google+ ‘sunsetting’ announcement, it has me thinking of social media in general as I’m sure many of you are.
If you haven’t heard about this, here is a link to the post on Google’s Keyword Blog. Basically, they are shutting down the consumer side of Google+ and will only be offering the G-Suite version for internal business use. G+ users will have 10 months to figure out where else to go.
I think it’s time to reevaluate our use of social media as photographers (and in general). Is it merely social? Do you use it to promote and market your business? How much time do you REALLY spend on social media? What does it actually do for you?
Let’s look at some of this a little more in depth.
Business
If you are a business, social media seems to be a necessary evil, or at least they’ve made us feel like we have to be out there. Depending on what type of photography business you have it can help you find new clients and opportunities. Some portrait, wedding and event photographers have built their businesses using Facebook and Instagram by posting their work.
We all know that social media can be a great way to be seen and has grown to be a place where consumers actually go to search for what they need — locally or where they may be traveling to (think destination weddings). Maybe it’s old school now but I was always taught to send people to your website first. Start there. Post from there, bring people back to your site, invite them to wander around, get to know you and your business, see what you offer and that in turn helps to bring in business.
Community
This is the big one that will be missed by those of us who used Google+ for the last seven years. There didn’t and still does not appear to be anywhere that did community like G+. Instagram and Twitter are much too fleeting in their streams to be able to organize and grow any type of community atmosphere. Facebook does ok with this and topic centered groups but I find that a bit isolating. I still see Ello.co popping up as Google+ users start looking for alternatives, in addition to relatively new platforms Pluspora.com, part of Diaspora. I’ve also heard Vero pop back into conversations as well.
The photographic community is a close-knit group for the most part. Most of us enjoy sharing, learning and helping each other. We love hanging out and meeting up for photo walks and conferences and when we get home we want a place to share our experiences. Many lifelong friendships have been made in photography groups on social media. This is invaluable, finding like-minded people who share your passion.
Time
Have you ever sat down to figure out how much time you actually spend on social media? Yes, some of you are very good at being disciplined and not spending hours upon hours scrolling through streams. There are plenty of us out there though who do not use it wisely I’m sure. I’m guilty of that from time to time myself. Oh, pretty pictures, who shot that, where is that, what gear did they use and so on down the rabbit hole. What is your time worth?
Benefits
What does social media actually do for you? Depending on where you are in your photography, the benefits of social media will be different for each of us. Is spending time on social media helping you to get clients? Is it creating income for you and your business? Is it strictly a social outlet for you? Maybe it’s just the place you go when you need a 15-minute game break from your job. Are you using it to learn and grow your photography?
Asking this question is important if you’re trying to move forward and find yourself not having time to work on your own photography, business or hobby. Start asking yourself, what will posting this here do for me and my work?
In the end, when we put our proverbial eggs in the social media baskets that are out there, we are at their mercy. These networks are free, they owe us nothing and in the case of Google+, they could all disappear just as easily. What will you do when that happens?
Gosh Lauri, I so seldom comment on anything, but I just feel like sharing. Social Media is just social with me, as a strictly amature photographer, it is a place to share my photos and get feedback. I spend very little time “scrolling” – most of my time is spent posting and responding to comments on my posts.I started with Picasa then jumped to G+ (has it really been 7 years?) back when it was a “photographer” site (yes, I remember complaints that it was a “photographer” site!) – I’ve connected with so many photographers, I feel it has improved… Read more »
Thank you for taking the time to read this and respond Will. I love seeing what you post and am very glad to be part of your social media life. It certainly has helped so many of us improve and it’s been really fun to watch that process. I know we’ll all land somewhere and continue to support each other. One thing about the photographic community is the level of incredible support we share with each other. Keep on making images!
Another thoughtful post, Lauri, thanks! And Will James, I haven’t seen much of you in a while; good to know you’re still around. I’m not going to be able to discuss the business side, because I’ve never developed enough confidence for that. On the social side, I’m one who limits myself from posting much, and from falling down the rabbit holes… usually. I do love the community, though, and hope it can be re-constructed in some meaningful way once the plus is gone.
Frances, there will be other places and opportunities to keep in touch with those we already know and to also meet new people and make new connections. Good for you for limiting your time though, that’s smart. Thanks so much.
Hi Lauri! Been following you awhile on G+ and even participated some. Thanks for all the hard work you’ve put into it! When I think about Social Media, I think about the assumption that something we get for free will help make us successful. Like the old writer’s wink-wink that everyone thinks they can write an award winning novel (or any novel for that matter,) Social Media tricks people into believing they can be a successful photographer and all they need is a camera and a PC. And, to some degree the world bought into this, because it sure brought… Read more »
Mark, thank you for the well thought out reply here. All well said and good points. In the end, you’re right, social media platforms are businesses and are out to make a profit just like any other business. I have only ever popped on Reddit a few times, it confused me but I never gave it enough time to learn it and figure it out. I don’t know that there is a solution to any of these issues, not one single solution that will appease the masses anyway. It is an ever-changing world and there is nothing that is a… Read more »
I was living social long before the internet. I’ve hardly ever dated since high school. BBS’s then AOL and Geo Cities and on and on. I left for years and was dragged back by an old army buddy. Facebook has been very very good to me and terrible too. My blood type is G+. I don’t have to explain to those who know and can’t explain to those who don’t. I quit complaining a few years back as the company formerly known as google reduced the functionality of my beloved plus. Even back when the stream stopped flowing, I understood… Read more »
You are right about it being a little less painful now than it would have been, still painful for many but over the last few years as you know so many had already begun leaving. We will continue to find and keep in touch with those we’ve connected with and find a way with or without some of the major sites.
Great post Lauri. I agree with your thoughts 100% 👌
Thank you Tanya, I think this just touches on the subject.
Great points, well made Lauri. I think our time is more valuable to us and we give up our power to the corporations/ advertising. The lure of success draws us in.
Thank you Teresa. Yes, we all love a little recognition every now and then and that false sense of success we see in others if we choose to pay attention. In the end I think choosing our own paths and our own ways of getting to where we want to go is best.