I am more than my Instagram follower count. Please repeat this whenever you feel down in this influencer world or are put down because of your Instagram follower count.
We have the affirmation so now let’s get to the blog post.
This is not my first blog post about self-worth, blogging, or this industry and it probably won’t be my last but the last few days signs have been placed in front of me, and writing this is necessary. There is an influx of influencer teachers on Instagram. Everyone is a guru. The number of critics is abundant and the lack of respect is plentiful.
With all the great information that is shared, there are also too many who judge based on Instagram follower count. I’m here to let you know a little secret: Instagram follower count does not define you and it certainly does not define me.
A high Instagram follower count does not equate to having high quality content while a low count doesn’t mean lower quality content. In the same token, a high Instagram follower count does not mean those folks worked harder or smarter.
Let me explain…
I have been in this blogging world for over a decade and have seen it all. I have also been privy to being told a lot of my fellow bloggers’ secrets. People talk to me. Maybe because they know I am not going to spill the beans so I have heard it all. Maybe it’s because of my passion for psychology so I’m able to understand what causes behavior. Maybe it’s because my first reaction is rarely to judge. But they do tell me a lot. I mean….
From those who maxed out their credit cards to purchase luxury for shoots because aspirational content tends to bring more followers to those who knew top fashion media outlet moguls and were afforded spots in those Influencers you should follow features but never said this is how they grew. Then, there are those who went the way of purchasing followers. All of these to gain more followers in one way or another.
Because more attention often leads to more followers. More press leads to more followers. It’s not always about talent or skill, luck and who you know can be a factor.
I write this to say, Instagram follower counts aren’t always obtained organically. You know—just posting, people liking and then growing. Sometimes there are stories, whether ethical or unethical around them. And this is one of the many reasons outside of just common human decency, we shouldn’t base someone’s worth or value based on it.
To be honest, I wish just like the ability to hide likes, Instagram would offer a hide your followers feature. Maybe something where there are classifications like Beginner, Intermediate, Emerging, Top 10 percent or something. But that is NOT the answer and doesn’t really solve the problem.
The true problem is that we are valuing the wrong things. We get so upset when folks treat another subpar based on skin color, age, gender, or other superficial matters yet I am seeing my fellow influencers doing the same to each other based on a NUMBER! I have seen folks only speak to like-counted influencers like folks gravitate to those in the same tax-bracket. I mean. It. Is. Just. A.
A NUMBER!
And yes, that number does hold a certain value but no one should make you ever feel less than because of it but….
As confident as I am, every now and then I feel the sting that comes with being diminished for having a lower Instagram follower count. To most, 29k would not be considered low but I am one of the lowest compared to those who started the same time as me. And I’m reminded. Too often.
The reminders often come when I try to share knowledge or offer advice. Not unsolicited advice either. Just a few days ago I received a DM that I shouldn’t give tips on how to be an influencer or blogger since I’m barely one with my low follower count.
Like whaaaaaaa?!?!?
Who says? My Instagram follower count number? Other influencers?
And you’re right. I may not consider myself an influencer but best believe, I am influential and inspirational. Just like Dayna Bolden spoke of in her recent Instagram post.
I also am a vet social media manager and have run campaigns for top brands and companies. And frankly— sometimes the best coaches weren’t the best players. So yes, I can still offer advice and give tips.
But why am I over-explaining?
Because that DM hurt my feelings.
Because that DM exposed a bit of my insecurity of not having a higher number like those who have been at it for a decade too.
Because my confidence was fragile and this is why reminding myself that I am MORE than my Instagram follower count number is essential.
So this post is for me and also those who know they are more than their follower count but still feel bad when they are diminished based on it.
So yeah…. after reading this post, look in the mirror and proudly tell yourself that you are more than a number. Whatever that number may be. In this case it’s about the follower count.
So let’s all work on changing. Open yourself to seeing others for their content and value rather than their follower number on any platform. Work on not speaking to someone with a lower follower count like they are less than and for those who do get made to feel inferior, don’t let that into your psyche.
It’s just a number and you are a beautiful, skilled, talented human whose value and worth are immeasurable.
I look forward to reading your posts and IG stories everyday. I didn’t even know what your follower count was 🤷🏾♀️ I just know what I like and that’s all that matters! Thanks for sharing your knowledge, your family, your ups and downs and your authenticity.
You are APPRECIATED! 💯
Author
Thank you so much Elaine! I really appreciate that. Please don’t be a stranger!
Wow, great post. I love your authenticity.
Thank you so much for this blog post Jennifer! It really hit home for me. It reminded me to put things into perspective and to focus on the value because that’s what’s more important. And just because one may have a “huge” following doesn’t mean that that following is actually engaged, they could have a lot of “ghost followers”. It’s about the engagement and building a community where we help each other thrive and learn.
P.S. Your outfit and look is super cute! Lovin’ the hair!!!
That person who wrote you the DM was such a Jealous One. I’ve followed your blog and your instagram for a long time now and I’ve awalys felt your hacks, messages and contents are valuable. Thank you for being transparent on the fact that you’re a Human and exposing that truth. Some times we are told to just brush it off and even though some of us can brush it off, some of us (like myself) have to process it before we completely brush it off. I understand where you’re coming from in term of looking at your peers and the amount of followers they’ve collected over the years but know that your skills is top notch.