Dreaming of going full-time as a social media content creator? It’s exciting but can feel like a rollercoaster.
One viral post can boost your fame, while a misstep might bring backlash or a drop in income. Managing social media without losing yourself, or your sanity, can be tough.
To help you thrive, we spoke to social media expert Janice Johannes, clinical social worker Lezel Molefe, and influencers Tara Courtené Cannon and Boni Xaba.
They shared their best advice on staying authentic, protecting your privacy, and maintaining your mental health.
1. Stay True Without Controversy
Tara’s approach: “One of my biggest challenges? Handling trolls and negative comments. I’ve learned to block them and keep it moving. For me, it’s about being real, no filters, just raw moments.”
Boni’s strategy: “I focus on education and avoid controversy. I plan my TikToks in advance to ensure clarity and maintain a solid reputation, especially with sensitive info like payslips.”
Janice’s tips for authenticity
- Know Your Audience: Create content that resonates without alienating them.
- Stick to Your Values: Don’t chase trends that don’t align with you.
- Fact-Check: Avoid spreading misinformation.
- Avoid Polarising Topics: Stay away from politics and religion unless central to your niche.
- Be Transparent: Share experiences, but don’t force your opinions.
Lezel’s take: “Authenticity is about sticking to your values. Focus on engaging, fact-checked conversations, not division.”
2. Balance Privacy and Engagement
Boni’s boundaries: “After 15 years in PR, I separate my personal life from my content. My followers know they can’t ask personal questions. I share professional insights only.”
Lezel’s advice: “Set clear boundaries from the start. Share only what feels comfortable. Keep personal and work accounts separate and use scheduled posts.”
Janice’s tips for privacy:
- Limit Family Exposure: Keep personal details private.
- Use Privacy Tools: Turn on comment moderation and account verification.
- Secure Your Accounts: Enable two-factor authentication and change passwords regularly.
3. Guard Your Mental Health
Janice’s boundaries: “Set work hours and stick to them. Use ‘Do Not Disturb’ to disconnect when needed.”
Lezel’s self-care tips:
- Practice Mindfulness: Meditation and exercise help manage stress.
- Schedule Detox Days: Take regular breaks from screens.
- Lean on Your Support System: Talk to friends or a therapist.
- Join Creator Communities: Share challenges with others.
Boni’s grounding approach: “I stay out of the hustle. Living in a small town surrounded by nature keeps me grounded.”
What You Should Know
Mastering social media doesn’t mean sacrificing your well-being. Set boundaries, stay true to your values, and prioritise self-care to thrive without burnout.
Ready to get started? Plan your content, set privacy boundaries, or take a digital detox. Success is all about balance, not burnout.
Words: Fame Frenzy
