Podcast Summary: "Should You Quit Instagram if You're an Illustrator?"

Released on March 21, 2025, "The Good Ship Illustration" episode delves into the complexities of using Instagram as a marketing tool for illustrators. Hosts Helen Stephens, Katie Chappell, and Tania Willis share their diverse experiences and strategies, providing invaluable insights for image-makers navigating their creative careers.

1. Navigating Instagram: Strategic vs. Organic Approaches

The episode kicks off with Katie presenting a listener question from Ailie, who inquires about effective Instagram strategies for illustrators. Ailie wonders whether the hosts use scheduled posts and strategic content planning or if they engage more spontaneously.

• Helen Stephens [00:39]:
  "I used to have strategies back in the days when strategies worked or was useful in any way. Not anymore. Willy nilly. Now that's my philosophy."

Helen emphasizes a shift away from rigid strategies, advocating for a more organic, spontaneous approach to using Instagram. She highlights the diminishing effectiveness of traditional strategies in the ever-evolving social media landscape.

• Katie Chappell [00:57]:
  "Yeah, it's like, we know Zuck Daddy, whatever you're calling him is bad. I don't even want to consume content about how bad he is, as I just want videos of silly things."

Katie echoes Helen's frustration, expressing a desire to focus on lighthearted content rather than engaging with negativity surrounding Instagram's administration.

2. Frustrations with Instagram and Social Media Saturation

The discussion shifts to the general discontent with Instagram and social media platforms. The hosts lament the pervasive negative sentiments yet acknowledge their continued use.

• Tania Willis [01:08]:
  "I did find a good TikTok that taught me this week how to turn off all the advertising in Facebook... But I still can't get myself off Facebook. So there's three. No, I've actually got about eight Facebook accounts."

Tania humorously details her extensive use of Facebook accounts, balancing advertising responsibilities with personal usage, illustrating the tangled relationship many illustrators have with social media platforms.

3. Managing Multiple Social Media Accounts

Helen and Tania discuss the complexities of managing multiple Facebook accounts, each serving different purposes from business groups to personal expressions.

• Helen Stephens [02:48]:
  "Our money on Facebook. Well, I left in a big flounce of I hate Facebook years ago. But then when we started Good Ship and we decided to put the private members groups on there..."

Helen explains her return to Facebook for hosting private member groups essential for their community, showcasing the platform's continued relevance despite personal grievances.

4. The Role of Community and Authentic Interaction

Katie emphasizes the importance of community in maintaining an online presence, even amidst frustrations with social media.

• Katie Chappell [06:37]:
  "I didn't see anything because... I saw an interesting thing that I thought was quite interesting. They were saying, like, you know, you need community more than ever in situations like this. And if you're abandoning your community, even if it is online, is that a good idea?"

Helen concurs, highlighting the meaningful connections and friendships formed through their online interactions.

• Helen Stephens [06:58]:
  "I do really like the chats I have with everybody, especially since we started the Good Ship. People messages all the time on our own accounts and Good Ship. And I've made proper friends in real life from those connections."

5. Balancing Personal and Professional Content

The hosts discuss the delicate balance between sharing personal content and maintaining a professional illustrator profile.

• Helen Stephens [07:20]:
  "But yesterday I got told off by my teenager for posting a January roundup."

• Katie Chappell [07:36]:
  "But like, yeah, for silly things like that. It is fun and annoyingly is a way to socialize in the modern times."

They acknowledge the pressure to maintain an engaging social media presence while respecting personal boundaries and the perceptions of their immediate social circles.

6. Social Media vs. SEO: Driving Client Engagement

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the mechanisms through which illustrators attract clients, weighing the roles of social media and Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

• Katie Chappell [07:58]:
  "It's complicated. I think the traffic that social media sends to my website tells Google and it's bots and spiders that are crawling. It tells the Internet that my website has got something on it that people want to look at."

Tania adds, emphasizing that while social media provides context and visibility, SEO remains the cornerstone of effective client acquisition.

• Tania Willis [08:22]:
  "So it gives you fluffy context. But the SEO is doing all the heavy lifting. Exactly."

7. Practical Tips for Instagram Usage

The hosts offer actionable advice for illustrators aiming to leverage Instagram effectively without succumbing to burnout or outdated strategies.

• Katie Chappell [08:40]:
  "I would say, like if you were starting out, it's definitely better to plow your energy into SEO, getting your website optimized and making sure that's working. And it's nice if you've got a social media channel, but don't. I wouldn't put all your getting work. Egg baskets. Eggs into that basket."

Helen supports this by stressing the importance of a visually appealing and publisher-friendly Instagram feed.

• Helen Stephens [08:47]:
  "As a picture bookmaker, I think it is good to be putting your work on Instagram. So if you've got an Instagram account, don't fill it all with your food and your dog and everything. Sprinkle that about a little bit."

She advises illustrators to showcase their best work, providing a gateway for publishers to discover and engage with their portfolios.

• Katie Chappell [09:20]:
  "If you listen to this, go on your profile now or any social media. And make sure, go edit profile. Make sure you've got your link to your website on there or a link to your portfolio."

8. Enhancing Profile Visibility and Authenticity

Further emphasizing profile optimization, the hosts discuss the necessity of having identifiable and authentic profiles to facilitate client connections.

• Helen Stephens [09:36]:
  "That's the number of people who have done our courses and I really love their work, but I only know them by a made up Instagram name and I don't know their name. So I think it's really, really useful to have your name on your Instagram account."

They encourage illustrators to ensure their real names and portfolio links are prominently featured to enhance discoverability and trustworthiness.

9. Flexibility Over Rigid Schedules

Rejecting the traditional mandates of consistent posting schedules, the hosts advocate for a more flexible, intuitive approach to social media engagement.

• Katie Chappell [10:50]:
  "I think if you were starting out on Instagram, you had loads of energy, you'd be well up for that. But I'm just over it."

Helen reflects on long-term engagement, suggesting that while initial efforts in creating a cohesive and attractive feed are beneficial, ongoing rigid scheduling may no longer be necessary.

• Helen Stephens [11:13]:
  "Maybe if you were starting out now, I would really be making my Instagram account look lovely. I don't know that I would pick a day of the week and post regularly to that day, but I would make sure Quite quickly I had a nice selection of images on my feed that a publisher could scroll through."

10. Conclusion: Integrated Marketing Approaches

The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating the multifaceted nature of client acquisition, underscoring that while social media plays a role, it should be part of a broader, integrated marketing strategy that prioritizes authentic engagement and professional optimization.

• Katie Chappell [12:10]:
  "We really go into that in the business course, don't we, about how all of us get our clients, how clients find us."

• Helen Stephens [12:28]:
  "This is real. This is not an AI. So it's going to be a bit noisy and clunky while you get the next question, like ASMR log."

The trio wraps up with light-hearted banter, reinforcing their camaraderie and commitment to supporting illustrators through practical, no-nonsense advice.

Key Takeaways:

1. Flexibility Over Rigid Strategies: Traditional, scheduled posting strategies on Instagram may no longer be as effective. Adopting a more spontaneous approach can lead to authentic engagement.

2. Balance Social Media with SEO: While social media provides visibility and context, SEO remains crucial for driving client traffic to professional websites.

3. Optimize Your Profile: Ensure that your Instagram (or any social media) profile contains clear links to your portfolio or website and uses your real name to enhance discoverability and authenticity.

4. Curate a Publisher-Friendly Feed: Maintain a visually appealing Instagram feed that showcases your best work, making it easier for publishers and potential clients to discover and appreciate your illustrations.

5. Community is Key: Despite frustrations, maintaining an online community offers valuable connections and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

For illustrators contemplating their social media strategy, this episode offers a balanced perspective, encouraging a thoughtful integration of platforms like Instagram into a comprehensive, multi-channel marketing approach.