Instagram stories … We all know we need to show up and attempt to connect with our ideal customers on them.
But unless you’re a natural born performer, odds are, you feel incredibly uncomfortable showing up in stories on a daily basis as an entrepreneur.
Nothing is worse than taking a video of yourself for all the world to see, messing up and redoing over and over again. Well, nothing is worse except, not showing up in stories at all. (Get to know me over on IG!)
If you are trying to scale your business and you use Instagram for lead generation, you NEED to be on stories regularly. Sorry sister, but that’s the truth!
Are there faceless accounts who swear you never have to show your face? Yes. But, what those accounts forget to tell you is that they are selling aesthetics – that’s why their faceless reels look so beautiful and perform so well.
But when it comes to growing your business, you need to be on stories to build authentic trust with your ideal customers.
If making Instagram stories makes your palms sweat and your heart race, I’m going to give you 3 tips to overcome those feelings and become a pro.
Face the Fear
Why are you so afraid of doing stories?
Is it because you feel uncomfortable? Or is there more to the story? I have worked with enough clients who are terrified of making stories that I have started to see a theme behind their feelings: fear
- Fear that they are not attractive enough (or too old, too young, too overweight, too unprofessional)
- Fear that they will fail/mess up
- Fear that no one cares and no one will watch
- Fear of what strangers will think
- Fear of what that one family member will think
It all comes back to fear. Sweet sister, I don’t want you living with that burden! Fear is a horrible, cruel master that keeps you from taking the risks and doing the work you are meant to do.
Since I am a Christian business coach, I’m going to remind you of a biblical truth: 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Fear isn’t of God, sweet friend. Fear tells lies that keep us from living the lives we’re called to. Do the hard work and unroot the lies fear keeps whispering to you.
(Psssst … here’s a post on overcoming Imposter Syndrome. You’re going to love it.)
Use filters (and other tricks)
I know, I know! Use a filter after that big speech of facing fear? YES! Face your fear, uncover what lie you have been believing and then use a filter if you need to.
The fact is, if a simple tool like a filter can give you confidence (while you continue the work of developing your own) then use that tool! I love natural filters like Honey and Lime.
I like to think of it as you on your best day! It’s not distorting your features or making you appear like an entirely different person. A soft filter just helps you feel your best so you can SHOW UP!
Another trick I recommend is filming stories in natural light. A simple way to do that is film your reel while facing a window. You need to be within a couple of feet of it. I promise, this will help.
And have you ever seen the beautiful lighting you can get in your car? Try it!
Practice, practice, practice
You knew I was going to say this, right?
After you have faced your fears and found a few tricks that work for you, you just have to start. (Here’s my favorite Canva hacks).
I’m in my stories everyday and don’t even think about it any more but when I started? Well, I basically cringe every time I think about them! It was mortifying! I was soooooo awkward.
Now? I WISH I could be in stories all day, every day. I LOVE them!
What changed? I was in a challenge over the summer. We had to show up in stories (our face, our VOICE! – no b-roll). I felt like a complete fool. But I don’t back down from a challenge so I did it. And the most amazing thing happened … I got more comfortable and I got better! By the end of the challenge, I actually started to like Instagram stories!
If you want to learn how to show up on social media with confidence, how to always have ideas for content creation and how to truly speak to your customer, you need to join The Success Squad!
Doors open again fall 2024 – CLICK HERE to join the wait list. Space is extremely limited. Those on the VIP wait list get first access, 24 hours before everyone else.
Disclaimer: While Kelly is a certified business coach this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as financial advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace legal or financial advice. Always check with your own legal or financial team before trying or implementing any information read here. As an Amazon Associate Kelly also earns from qualifying purchases.
