The social media roller coaster–inane, stupid content getting nocticed, important and useful posts getting absolutely throttled by the algorithm–can be frustrating, deflating, and confusing.

I can’t tell you how to beat the algorithm. I have no idea. But here’s what I do to handle the situation as best I can:

1. KEEP PERSPECTIVE. Your business is real life, even if social media isn’t (in one sense). Your art matters. But in the end, it’s your relationship with God that matters most of all, and your love for those close to you. Jesus wasn’t joking when he told us the build up treasure in heaven rather than here.
2. CHECK YOURSELF DAILY – EXAMINE YOUR MOTIVES AND WHAT YOU’RE POSTING. I mean this in a moral sense. Social media scrolling is fed by outrage, clickbait, fear-mongering, and all around nasty stuff. We may all feel tempted from time to time to jump into the fray in a way we will not be proud of later for the sake of clicks and reactions. Some temperaments will be more prone to this temptation than others. Regardless of how tempted you personally are by this, examine yourself regularly to keep yourself on track and accountable.
3. LIVE IN THE REAL WORLD. Take a walk. Go to the gym. Visit your best friend. Play a game with your kid. Step way from the phone for a bit.
4. JUST HAVE FUN. Try not to take it too seriously, post things that you want to post because you want to post them, engage with fun people, and enjoy yourself. You might as well!
5. EXPERIMENT WITH CREATIVE AND FUN APPS LIKE CANVA TO MAKE CONTENT THAT YOU FIND FUN. Creativity is always a plus, no matter how many people later on view what you made. Additionally, see number 3 above.

So, this is what I got. I can’t make social media fruitful or get you sales. But hopefully, these tips can help you handle the frustration.