Since my previous blog post, I have continued to develop and release content on my digital artefact @itsjamesmct on Instagram.
I have reframed my project slightly to more of a travel and landscape photography collection than a weekend roadtrip ideas account. Due to my regional status, the demand for such content still exists as there isn't as much focus on these areas compared to more populated and condensed areas like Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, etc.
After monitoring the performance of each of my posts, I noticed a clear link between quality of content posted and engagement. To be certain, I created an experiment where I put less effort into one of my weekly reel and landscape images (little - no transitions, poor colour grading, non trending audio).
The results speak for themselves...
As mentioned above, due to more frequent posting, my audience activity times had changed. To maintain human-centered design, I adjusted my posting schedule from Monday at 6pm to Friday at 6pm. Ensuring that i'm shaping my project around my audience. The change was extremely successful, with posts on my new schedule performing 95% better than previous ones.
Each new post is a new feedback loop, providing me with a chance to implement new iterations of my project. Making audience observations, viewing my account analytics, and other indicators to understand their motivations and needs. Resulting in a series of development, from my first post, which used trending audio and the same zoom transition between every clip, to now colour grading my footage, picking music that is popular but has lower use on Instagram reels. (Making it easier to get to the top of the reels page for that sound), using more transitions and adding sounds from the landscape into the reel and also giving users a short breakdown of the location in the caption of the post.
Also having one of my weekly images featured on the Editorial Feed on Unsplash.com, reaching over 200,000 users, which directed more users to my instagram account.
Last update, my followers had reached 2023, which was an increase of 71 accounts since I began my project. On the day of publishing this 2nd blog, I have 2054 followers. Showing evidence of account growth.
In order to continue this growth and ensure it doesn't plateau at some point, my content will need to continue to develop and evolve. One way in which I'm developing my content is by increasing production value. In my most recent reel, for Barrington Tops, NSW I trialled using 4k camera footage from a DSLR Camera, as all my previous videos have only included aerial footage from my DJI Mavic Air 2s. The results were great and allowed for some more detailed shots of things like moss on the bark of a tree and sunlight shining through the pine trees.
Regular posting schedule will ensure that my users are engaged and aren't bored of following me. Alongside this, my content will need to be dynamic and always evolving with social media trends.
To diversify my social media revenue streams, I opted to create an online store to sell my photographs as framed prints.
Since my last update, I had my first sale!! I have been using BigCartel for my website as its completely free for up-to 5 items. Learning all about the backend of an e-commerce website has been extremely interesting. My store is connected through Stripe which allows me to accept Credit Card and PayPal payments. Also using AusPost MyBusiness to create shipping labels and send products to my customers.
Although this is the final update for this Online Presence / Reflective Blog assignment, my posting schedule will remain in motion, posting each week and making new iterations where deemed necessary. I will send out another survey for followers, including new followers, to continue to gain better, more detailed understanding of my audiences motivations and to ensure my project fits their actual needs.
