*Outfit Details with affiliate links: Two Piece Dress (Shein), Gold Clutch (Steve Madden)
I was debating whether or not to write about this subject, but it has been on my mind recently and I wanted to address it and get your feedback as well. Since Instagram changed its algorithm, a lot of bloggers have found it difficult to grow and get noticed since Instagram created some type of formula that affects how your post appears on other’s feeds. I don’t know who or how support groups and pods were created, but it was a way to combat the algorithm in hopes of generating increased engagement (likes and comments) on a photo in real time. I have been in many supports groups and I have been invited to several, left a few and I am currently still in some. There has also been rumors that these support groups actually affect your engagement negatively so they have moved these groups to Telegram, which is a messenger app that basically has the same function as Instagram groups except it holds larger amount of members.
Over the last year or so, I’ve gained observations with these groups and I have compiled a simplified pros and cons list.
PROS:
- I’ve made some best friends over these Instagram groups because we have supported each other since day 1
- Some of the people in the groups genuinely support you, follow you and leave meaningful comments on your post
- It actually does help with engagement because the people in your group are willingly opting to like and comment on your photos
CONS:
- Not everybody in the support groups even follow you so I question do they even genuinely support me?
- Some of the comments are generic and I can tell they didn’t even read my captions since their comments are about my outfit rather than my message
- It can get a bit catty and too much drama as some people like to monitor when you post, if you missed their post, etc, etc
- This can be extremely time consuming especially if you are in multiple groups and sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I have to catch up on everybody’s posts
As you can see, there are more cons than pros and I am seriously debating on leaving all support groups because I think the original idea behind it was smart, but now it has become this high school mafia. I am not saying that all my groups are like that and I actually love some of the people that are in my group. However, I don’t think I need to be in a support group to still show my support. I think the main question to ask yourself is that if you weren’t in these pods, would you still like, comment and follow the people in it? If the answer is yes, then you know you are in the right group and it’s ok to leave it because you’re still a fan of their accounts. On the other hand, if the answer is no, then you should evaluate why you’re even in it because in a way, I feel like for appearance purposes, you look like a supporter but in reality, you’re not and feel obligated to show support because it’s one of the “rules” of the group.
I would love to hear about what you guys think. I know some people think leaving support groups have helped their engagement while others owe their engagement to these support groups. Where do you stand?
12 comments
For me, it started with just one Instagram DM pod, which wasn’t too hard because it was only 15 ladies. Then I added on a few more, and then came the Telegram groups. That’s when things got crazy. I started realizing that I wasn’t even logging onto Instagram to enjoy seeing people’s outfits or lives anymore, but rather to fulfill this duty of liking and commenting on photos of people who didn’t even genuinely care about who I was as a person. I eventually gave up all my Telegram pods, and went back to just the one pod on Instagram, filled with girls I’ve become good friends with over the past few years. I’m much happier with that, and it keeps my Instagram work so much simpler and more fun. I’m really glad I made the decision to ditch the pods!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts because I know it’s a topic that so many bloggers don’t want to talk about but feel the same way to a certain extent. I am trying to figure out what the best move is for me but so glad you are happier with what works for you!
I sort of agree there might be more cons than pros BUT I have also met lots of cool people through groups and even met some in person. I think it’s the quickest way to make blogger friends from around the globe! Gorgeous set up btw!
http://www.samanthamariko.com
I definitely see the positives in comment groups and you’re totally right about the connections formed from these pods. I am referring more to the ones that aren’t as effective or genuine which makes me rethink of how to use my time more effectively.
So good to hear a new perspective on comment pods! It’s incredible,and kind of terrifying for everything evolved from a handful of people in a group, to some with even hundreds – eeek!
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/06/29/The-Necessity-of-the-Everyday-Bag
I’ve just realized that I don’t really have time for all of that. Removing myself from some has taken a burden off my shoulders!
Because IG has changed the timeline of my feed, these groups actually help me keep up with people’s posts that I genuinely would support and want to see. I’ve made friends with lots of other bloggers in these groups and also have met them in person which is nice. The other thing that is beneficial is that we can bounce ideas off of each other and support each other in ways other than just liking and commenting on photos. xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
I definitely see the pros in support groups. I think the only downside is being in groups with members that don’t genuinely support you. I’ve decided to remove myself from those groups and remain in the ones that I love, and of course you’re in one of those pods! I am extremely happy that we met through Instagram 🙂
There are definitely pros and cons for those support groups. My biggest challenge that I face is I found those support groups to time consuming and it’s stressing me out to go through all those groups before I make a new post. I have disengaged a lot and only staying with 1-2 groups that have a nice community and vibe.
xx, Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/shenkin-hotel-tel-aviv/
Thank you for your input! I was always curious to know what others felt about the support groups and it’s nice to know that we agree on the pros and cons.
Despite the cons, I’m still interested in trying one. Where do I find a pod to join?
You can definitely ask around!