In the last couple of years I’ve had more than a few mom friends start businesses or passion projects. Whether it’s a side hustle or your full-time job, there has to be some amount social media involved. As a parent (or anyone) and entrepreneur, figuring out your social media balance can be tough.

Every time we open a social media app, we’re bombarded with filtered photos of the most pristine homes. Perfectly dressed children. Moms who somehow have it all together. We all know life doesn’t actually look like that, but it’s hard to remember that when you’re being inundated with photos that tell a different story.

As an entrepreneur it can feel like everyone else in your industry has all the followers and gets all their clients in the same place you’re trying to find yours. The stress of navigating both worlds can feel like too much, but opting out isn’t really an option. 

It’s important to know that where you find your client is not always where you find your community. I consider myself lucky in my work to have both. If your personal life, meaning friends and family, don’t exactly meld with your work life, meaning the clients you’re seeking or the followers you hope to gain, you should have a personal social media account separate from your business. Staying connected with family and friends via social media can be extremely helpful (or maybe you just need that personal account to browse remodeled homes, if that’s your thing).

As a 30-something, I’d love to believe I’m knowledgable about social media and the latest forms of technology, but I’ve come to accept that as a lie. I rarely create reels, I haven’t downloaded TikTok, and I had ClubHouse for all of a week before I was tuning out during the meetings. Not every social media platform is for me, and that’s OK! While it’s unlikely that I will go cold turkey from social media, for the sake of my business and family I have to find balance. Social media does help drive business, traffic, and interest in every field, but it also helps drive competition and spurs a little anxiety if you’re a small business owner like me.

I recently decided to take some of the stress out of social media for myself, and I’m hoping this can help another mom-entrepreneur too. Here’s how I’m managing my social media time and stress:

1. Stick with what you know — and do it better.

Find the formats and platforms that work best for you and your business, and stick with those! Read into your insights and analytics — they’ll help guide you in making the most impact when you do choose to post and engage. 

2. Plan ahead.

There are so many plan-ahead applications and resources. These social media platforms understand that you’re using them for business and enjoyment, and they have created methods of separation for you! I’ll be using the plan-ahead features for work and save the browsing for fun.

3. Don’t stress over the competition.

It’s OK to look at the other people/accounts in your field, but don’t focus on what they’re doing or how they’re doing it. There are so many doulas, and while I admire them, I can only aspire to be the best me

4. Stay tapped into reality.

I have my favorite mom-influencers, but I also follow my regular mom friends and friends who aren’t parents. I happily watch the ways they travel and take care of their children. Seeing how people you know live and take photos is reassuring that we aren’t all taking the “perfect” picture or getting only the best moments. If that doesn’t help you feel better, remember that even mom-influencers have crumbs in their couch cushions! 

Dashanna Hanlon
Dashanna was born in Michigan and raised between there and Virginia. She moved to Massachusetts in 2011 after getting a bachelor’s degree in English and gender studies from the University of Pittsburgh. She married her favorite Massachusetts native (Tom) seven years ago. Together they have two sons, Lucas and Isaiah, born in 2018 and 2019. Becoming a parent ignited a passion for supporting others, and Dashanna became a doula before the birth of her second son. She is now the owner of Caring for Mamas, working with families all over Massachusetts and New Hampshire. She loves fresh-squeezed lemonade, good music, and helping and supporting families.