Posting on social media is an art… but one I learned through trial and error. If I could talk to the Andrea of a few years ago, who posted selfies with bright filters and meaningless hashtags, I would lovingly say, "Friend, you're trying, but there are better ways."
At first, like many people, I just wanted to share beautiful things. There was no strategy, content pillars, or a clear idea of what I wanted to achieve. I let myself be carried away by what was trendy. I even made funny videos that had nothing to do with me, just because I thought they would help me grow. But I didn't feel like myself. And it showed.
One day, by chance, I uploaded a reel with a long dialogue, almost unedited, where I told a story. To my surprise, it had a lot of retention: people stayed to watch it in its entirety. Instagram recognized it as valuable content and promoted it. And that's when I understood something key: it's not about what looks "cool," but what connects.
Today, I would do many things differently. I would give more importance to content than aesthetics. I would focus on carousels and short videos with a clear structure. I would sit down and define my brand pillars and build around them. And yes, I would organize my bio and create a posting calendar (even if it's pretty with pastel colors, hehe).
Consistency is also something I learned to value. I had periods where I posted a lot, and then, due to work and studies, I stopped. And, of course, that affected engagement. Now, I understand it's not about posting every day but rather doing it with purpose, order, and meaning.
If you're starting out or feel lost on social media, I would tell you that you don't need to do what everyone else does. I would like you to do what represents you. And if one day you make a mistake, it's okay. You learn, adjust, and move on.
The most valuable thing I have to share isn't a perfect aesthetic. It's my story. And no one else can tell that.
