If anyone can dish about how to keep your social media game on point, it's Michelle Phan [1]. The beauty vlogger reaches more than seven million followers on YouTube [2], is the author of a hugely popular book [3], founder of the video channel FAWN (For All Women Network) [4], and owns a line of beauty products called EM Cosmetics [5]. Naturally, she has thousands of fans who adore her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and now Meerkat [6]. During SXSW, she sat down with us to talk about her top dos and don'ts for social posting. Ready to memorize 'em?
- Don't feel pressured to post pics just to get validation.
- Do have fun . . . if you start feeling anxious or insecure because you're not getting enough likes, it's not fun anymore.
- Don't ever post a belfie [7]. No one needs to see that, and it perpetuates self-consciousness.
- Do experiment with the latest apps — like Meerkat.
- Don't post something you wouldn't want your grandparents or kids to see. (ie. the belfie shot.)
- Do take a break from social media [8] regularly, like on the weekends, and realize when it's consuming your life too much. If you're someone who needs to have a constant social presence online, schedule posts when you're offline through services like Tweetdeck [9].
The only rule that really matters though, she says, is to stay genuine and real. In a world where people try to show each other up with the best "look at how cool my life is" photos, that's simple but solid advice.