The question of ALLLLLLLL questions. Like, seriously. If I had a dollar for everytime I have been asked this exact question, I’d have more money than I’d know what to do with (LOL).

Without further ado… let me explain my FULL theory on this semi-controversial topic.

ONE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT OR TWO?!

Should you combine your personal + business Instagram accounts… or keep them separate? So many entrepreneurs and business owners struggle with this when they begin branding. Unfortunately, there’s not one black and white answer… so here’s what worked for me!

My strategy, and hundreds of entrepreneurs/biz owners strategies, is to create ONE account and infuse it with your personal life, personality, and business. Let’s be real, your goal shouldn’t be to just build a business, but it should also be to build a community surrounding your brand. Building a community without showing up as you?? Almost impossible. Human connection creates a bond with your brand unlike any other.

Now I’m not saying you need to stick with the same brand pillars or topics 24/7. Your interests may change. Your business goals may change. But when your followers have a connection to you, they will be ready to follow you in whatever direction you’re headed on that account they chose to follow.

A personal brand allows for more streams of income. It allows for larger pivots. Ultimately, it opens the door for a more diverse biz and a following who’s ready for all of the above!! (kinda a dream as a business owner, right?!) The goal is to build a community of people who feel invited and are drawn into whatever you’re doing– business or not. You want them to connect and engage. You’re providing them valuable resources before they ever make a purchase. Ultimately, people buy from who they trust. Cultivate that trust by having an account that shows what your business is AND who you are.

Letting your personality into your brand isn’t unprofessional, it’s connection. It’s necessary if you want people to trust in you. Show up with the highest level of excellence in your business, but be personal in what you say and how you say it.

Personally, I hate the word “professional”. I think it needs to get away from the business world. Professionalism, in a business sense, looks like you have it together. Picture perfect. Always keeping your brand image. I think it should be redefined as “excellence”. Your brand is allowed to be you. Moments will be imperfect. Mistakes will be made. But you are waking up daily and making the choice to show up to your followers. You’re choosing to be authentic. You’re consistently striving for excellence. THAT is how you build your community.

So you’re probably thinking… “Evie, why can’t I do this with two separate accounts? I can still infuse my personality with having another page!” 

Why do I think this makes it harder?? When you have two separate accounts, you tend to separate your personality and interests on your personal account and keep the business side of things on the other. When you’re trying to sell a product or service separately from YOU, there’s no hook. There’s no personal attachment. There’s less value. (And you’re constantly wondering what to post on which account? That’s no fun!!)

ANDDDDDD, this is a conversation in itself: managing an account is a lot of work. Why multiply that if you don’t have to?!

Now don’t get me wrong, there are business owners who run two separate accounts and they run them really frickin well. It is possible. It IS an option if that’s what you feel is best, based on your personal life OR the nature of your business. Usually this is done by showing up personally on both accounts. If you plan to run multiple accounts, be prepared to infuse them all with the incredible voice that is… you!!

One account or two, you’re killing it!!! Tell me, have you struggled with this dilemma?!