Should I have a separate business Instagram than my personal account?

I've been planning on talking about this for some time now, but simply haven't because… lack of confidence 😆

I'm always coming up on opportunities to self-coach through lack of confidence, so if you need tips, hit me up 😜

Let's talk about Instagram!

I've been asked this quite a bit:

should I have a separate business profile than my personal account?

I have two separate accounts, and I don't recommend it.

I have gone back and forth about merging my accounts into one, keeping my photography page only as a portfolio.

Reality is, many of my photography clients over the years have found me first on my “personal” page, learn I am a photographer, and end up hiring me down the road.

That reality in and of itself PROVES being personal while branding is important.

I'm also an author, blogger, speaker, + podcaster (in addition to being a branding photography expert + social marketing strategist!).

The things I write + am typically interviewed about are usually around grief, divorce, adoptive or foster parenting, and purity culture / deconstructing faith.

Running two accounts consistently, creating multiple different genres/specialty content pieces each week…it is A LOT.

As much as it makes sense, I now post things on both accounts (thanks for that feature, IG!) so that I am more of a whole person online.

If we are breaking down what personal branding is… it typically isn't having a business profile with only still-photos of houses you sell, or lashes you've done, or events you're speaking at, or graphics of your products, or whatever your biz is.

When we break down personal branding…it gets personal.

The Brand starts with you: the person behind the business.

Your business is so much more than the service or product, it is unique beause of YOU.

Listen, listen, listen.

I know the voice inside your head is screaming, “How self-absorbed!!”

But that's not it.

It's about bringing your unique experiences, personal knowledge, expertise, and heart + soul into what you're offering.

It's about YOU SERVING with your gifts, skills, talents. And yes! You have tons of those things!

SO: at the end of the day, the question is

"Should you have two separate accounts?”

My first answer is: No, keep it personal, intertwine you into your business so it becomes a brand, show your face, show your family (if you feel comfortable), share your likes + dislikes, your lessons.

My next, nuanced answer is: Sometimes I see there is a need for two separate accounts. For the most part, I will likely keep mine separate, but I can see more and more how the two overlap and I will continue posting to both as it makes sense :)

That's all for now :) Let me know your thoughts or ask any questions!