Ep. 31: Building an Authentic Instagram Platform without compromising your calling

My guest today speaks about building an Authentic Instagram Platform, and her name is Belinda Letchford, my good friend and parenting coach. Today we're discussing learning how to implement an IG strategy without compromising your calling. She has learned valuable insights from our pro member hot seats like how to better use stories, make connections with your target audience, and more.    Belinda Letchford  lives in Australia, writes on her website and she talks to Moms across the world (thanks to the internet) with her teaching and coaching. Belinda encourages mums to build strong relationships, shape their children’s hearts and use the whole of life to teach faith, character and life skills. She has 4 adult kids, whom she homeschooled. They have all left home now so life looks very different but she continues to support moms to be heart-focused.  (Click below for show notes & Resources) https://ruthiegray.mom/authentic-instagram-platform/ Belinda Letchford, Live Live with Your Kids https://livelifewithyourkids.com/         Building an Authentic Instagram Platform (Without Compromising Your Calling!)     Belinda, what were some of the frustrations you experienced before you really had a grasp on a good Instagram strategy?      The Learning Curve of Building an Authentic Instagram Platform   B: I felt I needed to get on Instagram and that there was a huge generational gap between other people using Instagram like my kids. The way they shared on Instagram was so vibrant and full of energy. I felt I really needed to get to that point if I was going to continue reaching the next generation of moms. It was hard because I’m a word based person with a focus on blogging and speaking. To switch it over to being image-based and concise with words was really challenging as well as uncomfortable.    R:  It is hard and my target audience is my age, trying to figure out instagram. They say a lot of the same things. A lot of our peers have on Instagram who can figure it out. But, it’s challenging to women our age to learn all of these tips and tricks in the first place.   B:  Yes, and I think that makes you choose a different aspect of yourself to share as opposed to when you're teaching. I'm very comfortable talking to people sitting at my dining room table but learning to share on Instagram is completely different.     R: We've been learning together for a while! Belinda has been tagging along with me to learn and change up her Instagram.  I’ve noticed a big difference in her strategies. Belinda, share with us what kind of strategies you've started to implement with your heart-focused parenting Instagram account and where you're seeing results.    B:  I think the biggest strategy that I have changed is how you've encouraged me to share more of my everyday life, not always teach. I think it's a security blanket for me to have that message always at the forefront. At the same time, that's my passion. Finding the gentle balance of life is just my heart message.