Building a Local Instagram Account vs. Personal Instagram Account

Alright kids, it has been about a month since I updated on the progress with Dallas Love List so I thought I'd come back with a few new points of interest. I know a few of you are following along, or have even started your own local Instagram account recently. 

For those who don't know, I'll give you the quick rundown. I started Dallas Love List - a local Dallas-based Insta account on June 2nd.

I have two posts about it

1. How to start and grow a local instagram account

2. Growing a Local Instagram Account, What Works What Doesn't

The account is currently right about 5,100 followers in just over 4 months, which is fantastic!  There are though, a few things that have been eye opening and somewhat strange when you compare it to a personal blog account.

1. I realize I'm not just rolling, elbows deep, in 30k followers or anything, but I've made peace with the fact that I don't foresee getting paid for anything I do on this account.  

I don't think cash money is in the cards with this account, and I'm oddly ok with that. It is all about what is worth it to you. Free dinner, entertainment and drinks is worth it to me. Just keep in mind, monetization on local accounts may be quite difficult. Invites, though, will be prevalent.

2. I didn't realize most events would be with strangers. 

Maybe this is dumb thinking, but I assumed that CB and I would just get invited to dinner on our schedule. 

For example, I assumed I'd get emails that said something like this, "We'd love to have you in for dinner one night, just let us know when you are free!" 

That is NOT the case. The majority of invites, thus far, have been to what's called a media dinner. A media dinner is basically long tables and giant group seating. Everyone gets the same meal, same drinks, same desserts. 

You sit at a table with strangers. For example, my first dinner I sat at a table with people I'd never met before. We all had to make small talk for two hours. Meh, I'm not sure how I feel about this side of things. 

Now, of course, I'm starting to see a lot of the same faces over and over again. I guess the point is to make new friends, but currently, I can't say I'm enjoying sitting for hours with people I know nothing about. 

It also feels a bit competitive, seeing as we are all going for the same Instagram market. 

3. You'll get to hook your friends UP! 

This is my favorite new realization so far. I got an invite to go to a free Soul Cycle + Brunch class last Friday. I was SOOOO pumped until I saw it was Friday morning at 9:30am. I don't have a flexible schedule, and I was broken hearted to decline it. 

Then a lightbulb went off, could I send a friend in my place? They said they would love that, and I sent my friend Heather who has a flexible schedule. She loved it, I got a photo for the gram, everyone won! I've since gotten to hook my friends up with free beer, food and even beauty events that I was unable to attend. 

I've stopped saying no to events, just because I'm not in town or have a prior commitment. Here are some photos my friends took at various events for me... not bad right???

A local instagram account is so different from your personal blog account, but I absolutely recommend starting one. You'll have so much fun exploring your own city and trying new restaurants. 

If you have any questions at all about starting or building a local instagram account, just leave them in the comments below! I'd also LOVE to hear any success stories or tips you have found on building your instagram account!