Deciding Whether to Use Your Existing Instagram Account or Start Fresh for Content Creation: A Professional Perspective
Embarking on a new content creation journey can be both exciting and challenging. One common dilemma faced by aspiring creators is whether to leverage an existing social media presence or establish a new account from scratch. This article explores the key factors to consider when making this decision, based on a real-world scenario of someone contemplating the optimal approach for their Instagram activity.
The Scenario
The individual in question has a personal Instagram account with approximately 300 followers—comprising friends and acquaintances from their personal life. Their goal is to begin producing and sharing content actively, with a focus on personal branding. The initial plan was to utilize the current account, as it provides an existing audience and easier momentum-building.
However, a complication has arisen: the account’s “About This Account” section indicates that the username has been changed five times. While only one of these changes was significant and intentional, there was a period during which multiple username modifications (four in a month) occurred as the user experimented with different options. This has led to concerns about possible perceptions of inconsistency or inauthenticity among followers and the broader audience.
Key Concerns
- Perception of Inconsistency: Frequent username changes might signal instability or lack of focus, potentially undermining credibility.
- Audience Trust: Fresh followers or casual viewers might question the authenticity of an account with multiple username shifts.
- Content Authenticity: Since the content will feature the creator’s face and personal identity, overt concerns about inauthenticity are somewhat mitigated. Nevertheless, perception matters in personal branding.
Decision-Making Options
Option 1: Continue Using the Existing Account
Advantages:
– Built-in audience of 300 followers.
– Momentum and familiarity are already established.
– Less effort required to rebuild or promote a new account.
Disadvantages:
– Visible history of multiple username changes.
– Potential perception issues among followers or new viewers.
– Risk of being labeled as inconsistent or unprofessional.
Option 2: Establish a New Account
Advantages:
– Clean reputation with no history of username changes.
– Opportunity to brand anew and present a consistent identity.
– Reduced risk of negative perceptions based on past account modifications.
Disadvantages:
– Starting from zero followers.
– Requires effort to grow the audience from scratch.
– Loss of existing social proof and engagement history.
Strategic Considerations
When deciding, consider the following:
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