If you find using Social Media overwhelming, you’re not alone. With new platforms popping up every day and ever-changing trends, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. Amanda Winkelmann, founder and CEO of Keep Social Media Social, is here to help creatives and small business owners by providing valuable insights on keeping social media fun and effective.
Amanda Winkelmann: A Background Rooted in Creativity and Connection
Amanda grew up in Wisconsin, surrounded by nature and deeply involved in social activities like 4-H. Her passion for connecting with others eventually led her to explore the world, most notably Paris, where she spent six transformative weeks. Amanda’s fascination with Paris began with family trips she couldn’t join, deepening when she studied abroad in Spain and took a weekend trip to the French capital. That experience ignited her deep connection to the city. Now a frequent visitor, Amanda has even integrated her love for Paris into her professional and personal life, further solidified when she got engaged in the city of lights.
The Desire to Create
Every artist and creative professional shares a fundamental urge to channel their imagination into tangible forms. This innate desire to create is a universal gift that can be nurtured with the right tools and inspiration. With social media now playing a pivotal role in how we share our work, it’s crucial to use these platforms effectively to expand our reach and impact.
The Importance of Keeping Social Media Fun
Amanda emphasizes the necessity of keeping social media engaging and enjoyable. “Social media is most effective when it’s fun,” she says. If managing your accounts feels like a chore, the content will reflect that lack of enthusiasm. Instead, find ways to inject your personality and passion into your posts, whether through creative visuals, interactive stories, or behind-the-scenes snapshots of your art process.
Consistency Over Intensity
A common mistake small business owners and creatives make is inconsistency. Amanda notes, “People often go from zero to a hundred, putting in a ton of effort for a few weeks before dropping off entirely.” Instead of these sporadic bursts of activity, aim for a steady, consistent presence. Just a couple of authentic posts each week can have a more sustainable impact over the long term.
Choosing the Right Platform
With so many social media platforms available, deciding where to focus your efforts can be daunting. Amanda offers two pieces of advice: First, select a platform where your audience is most active. Second, choose a platform you genuinely enjoy using. “If you feel like you’re pulling teeth to use a platform, it’s not going to be engaging,” she explains. For many creatives, Instagram remains a versatile and visually compelling option that offers multiple ways to connect with your audience.
Embracing AI as a Tool
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of social media content creation. Amanda encourages creatives to view AI as a neutral tool that can enhance, rather than replace, their artistic vision. For instance, using AI art generators like Midjourney can spark new ideas and creative directions, making the process of content creation more efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools Beyond AI
In addition to AI, there are numerous other tools that can aid creatives in their social media journey. While many are familiar with platforms like Canva, Amanda also recommends diving into books that offer deep insights into the creative process and business growth. Titles such as “Art and Fear” by David Bayles and Ted Orland, “The E-Myth” series by Michael Gerber, and “On Writing” by Stephen King provide valuable lessons on overcoming creative blocks, setting realistic goals, and persevering through challenges.
Auditing Your Creative and Business Practices
A key strategy Amanda advocates is conducting regular audits of your creative life, business activities, and social media practices. This involves assessing what you’re currently doing, identifying what’s working, and making necessary adjustments. By doing so, you can refine your strategies, eliminate unproductive habits, and introduce new, effective practices that align with your goals.
Defining Creativity
To Amanda, creativity is about seeing the world differently and recognizing the potential in the mundane. It’s about relentlessly pursuing your heart-driven goals and having hobbies that are purely for joy and self-expression without any financial pressure. Maintaining a balance between monetized creativity and personal artistic activities ensures long-term fulfillment and sustainability.
Amanda’s insights remind us that while social media is a powerful tool for creatives, it’s essential to approach it with the right mindset and strategies. By staying true to your passions, maintaining consistency, and utilizing available tools wisely, you can harness the full potential of social media to grow your creative business sustainably. If you’re ready to integrate these strategies into your routine, Amanda’s company, Keep Social Media Social, offers audits and services designed to help you maximize your social media presence strategically and authentically. For more information on their services, visit keepsocialmediasocial.com.
