Giving yourself some grace + Instagram stats for 2020
And Important Instagram Stats You Need to Know for 2020
Hello February! I went on a writing retreat this past weekend in the Santa Cruz mountains. Without any writing expectations on my end, I actually got a lot more done than expected! Nature was a nice creative fuel for my work. I’m back to a more full swing of work again - consultations are open (link at the end of this issue).
My thoughts section is a little rambling this issue because I wanted to explore the idea of “grace” and how it ties to us as marketers. Nothing with a direct takeaway, just some reflection.
If you need a little pick-me-up, check out this satire site for Amazon Dating. Enjoy your week!
– Jenn
Giving yourself some grace
I’ve been grappling with the idea of “grace” lately. And not the religious or spiritual kind. As you might know, I moved to a new place three weeks ago. Since moving here, I’ve already gone on two trips. But to me, it feels like I’ve been here forever and why haven’t I already organized everything and put decor on the walls? If it was any other person, I’d tell them to take their time but since it’s me, I feel like I’m lacking that same patience and grace.
My therapist today told me that, “The only difference between being detail oriented and perfectionist is the self blame.” Of course, she dropped this bomb at the end of the session and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this since then.
“Done is better than perfect” is another slogan that I’ve tried to work by. I swing between detail oriented and being perfectionist. I’m sure some of you reading are like this, too. There’s a need for marketers to be detail oriented because we need to make sure that copy and images are just right. And that the targeting is just right. But who makes sure that WE are just right? This level of focus and control can’t be good for anyone.
So in the end, how do you deal with it all? I tend to go straight into strategy and process rework. Sometimes, I go too far into a process and realize that the process might not be used by everyone I designed it for. When this happens, I have to rein myself back and make sure the client is able to execute what I designed.
Processes, checklists, clear documentation that isn’t only understandable to you, and two-way communication are all things I do to make sure I don’t fall into the trap of perfectionism. There are necessary things to have in marketing (like a strategy document) and then there are nice to haves (like cute stickers). Don’t get wrapped up into thinking you need to have them all – give yourself some grace to say that maybe you can’t get it done now but you can certainly get it done in the future.
Important Instagram Stats You Need to Know for 2020
[BYLINE] Want to learn all the most essential Instagram stats for 2020? Look no further and see our list of the most telling stats to inform your marketing strategy.
Quick text updates & links on what's new on the networks
Instagram added: new Boomerang effects that Later teaches you how to use, a new Stories mention option for brands so that you can see them all in one place, and the ability to respond to Stories with giphy gifs. The network answered some questions about its algorithm.
Twitter added emoji reactions in DMs, conversation threads on iOS and a new policy on manipulated media/deepfakes.
Facebook released a new report that cautions against hyper personalization.
Helpful links on how to improve your digital marketing
Why Accessible Marketing is the Future, According to an Inclusive Design Expert
Learn from Head of Inclusive Design Christina Mallon on how to create more accessible and inclusive marketing materials in 2020.
How to Create a Facebook Marketing Plan That Models Your Customer Journey
Discover how to create a customer-centric Facebook marketing plan that meets your prospects and customers at every stage of their customer journeys.
www.socialmediaexaminer.com • Share
The 7 Rules of Writing Persuasive Technical Content
Helping people understand what your technical products do will be easier if you follow these seven guidelines for writing B2B technical content.
Anything I've enjoyed reading recently
Feminist economics: the obstacles US women face under capitalism
Guardian US’s new series reveals the dilemmas women face in a nation in which parity in pay, political representation and more remain out of reach. [FYI this is a series intro, there are more stories already posted.]
The Era of Antisocial Social Media
[HBR freebie gated] Young people’s behaviors are changing. How will businesses adapt?
What It's Like to Never Ever See Yourself on TV
Growing up Charles Yu never saw himself on TV. Now his kids don’t see themselves either. Yu asks what an American looks like.
An update from my container garden!
My mixed succulent planter is loving its new home. You can't tell from this above photo, but there's a very pleasing height difference between them all. I think it turned out well!
What'd you think?
Feedback, questions, or fist bumps 👊 – send them my way by hitting the reply button. Also happy with the 👍 at the end. Or find me on the social networks @thejennchen.
If you'd like to work together on writing, photography, or marketing consulting, click through above.
By Jenn Chen
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