OP3 – Shanks

In the last three week,s with the BCM readings and content mostly out of the way, I have refused my energy on making content for my DA Where 2 Cop. Types of content created

Types of content created

The main format of content created for my DA was in the form of Instagram stories, a continuation from early into the DA process. However, what did change during this period was that I now only post the outfit of the day, instead of a number of other formats depending on the day of the week. The primary reason for this was that it resulted in the most interaction with audience and was easier to complete. It was here where I re-visited the value of FIST and posting one outfit each day was both fast and simple when compared to my old highly structured posts format. I also began to focus on a wider variety of styles of outfits and my audience assisted in this by frequently sending in specific outfits which I could research the clothing worn and post to the page.

Blog re-opening

A key change during this period was that I returned to making and uploading blogs posts to the W2C blog page, with a corresponding Instagram post which linked my audience to the content. This was done for a few main reasons:

As Angus suggested, my audience probably likes the idea of clicking on website links and seeing where to purchase the product rather than just a list on an Instagram post. This is because people like the idea of shopping, even if they never intend on purchasing the product and evidence of it can be seen by the number of people who clicked such links in comparison to the number of people who viewed the blog.
A second reason was so that I no longer have to deal with Instagram’s annoying formatting and can instead say ‘for more information check the link in bio’. Although this seems minor, it was a frustration in the making stage which affected my motivation to post as well as slowing down the content production process.

Using big pages to interact with and gain followers

I began to utilise a new method of engagement during the making period, one which in hindsight I should have started much earlier. It involved answering individuals questions and queries on major Instagram pages including Footlocker and Nike about shoe releases. As these pages don’t have the time to respond to every individual, I am able to make a personal connection with the individual, and also show them my knowledge with the hope that they check out my page. This was done several times across a few pages and although it led to only one follower, it would likely lead to more if done at an increased rate.

Facebook ads / posts on groups

An issues I ran into during the making stage was with the moderators of the Facebook page The Kickz Stand, particularly in that they told me they can only accept well thought out posts or selling posts on their page. This made it more difficult as I was expecting to post all of the content I was making, and instead I had to wait for releases which I have a wide variety of websites to purchase from, or a significantly hyped product.

Interaction in the comments section

It seems obvious, but my audience seemed to enjoy the level of interaction when they commented on my page, with many conversations spanning a number of replies. I prefer this type of conversation rather than DMs as it allows for other members of my audience to become involved in the conversation, or at the very least be able to see that my page is approachable and has its own opinions behind the facade of being a ‘page’.

If I were to redo my DA

I would work as part of a group: https://twitter.com/shanks_toby/status/1189764142439157763
I would likely change my idea to a more specific or niche interest, something with less social utility. I considered an indoor plants page or perhaps a page outlining my journey learning sewing (something I have wanted to do for a long time).
It is difficult to be motivated about something for 13 straight weeks. I had several weeks where I failed to produce enough content, and felt overwhelmed with running my page. I was letting down my audience by not posting, but felt that I would also do a dis-service by posting as I had nothing interesting to say at the time.
I would have my DA centred around something which does not rely on any outside factors. In this instance, when a shoe is going to release or when more information comes out.
It is difficult to compete with large companies with hundreds of employees. How can 1 person be expected to update their information with the latest source with the same speed or rigour of several paid employees?
Overall, I enjoyed the DA process. It was a rollercoaster, but a fun one.