In today’s world, especially in industries like photography, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring success by social media metrics. We’ve all done it—checking our follower count, analyzing the likes on a post, or wondering if we’re keeping up with others in our field. While there’s nothing wrong with using social media as a marketing tool, it’s important to step back and ask: Does this actually reflect the success of my business?

For me, I’ve had to remind myself that the number of followers I have isn’t what keeps my business alive. It’s about the clients I’m serving—those who value my work and are willing to invest in it. Whether that’s five clients a month or fifty, it’s the quality of the service I provide that matters.

As photographers, our job is to create something meaningful—whether it’s a family portrait, a senior session, or a set of headshots that help someone land their dream job. Our value doesn’t come from our follower count but from the trust and satisfaction of our clients.

A thousand followers won’t guarantee you a single booking, but five happy clients can lead to glowing reviews, referrals, and repeat business. Instead of chasing likes and followers, we should focus on delivering exceptional service, perfecting our craft, and ensuring that each client feels their investment was worth every penny.

So, if you’re a business owner, especially in a creative field, don’t get caught up in the numbers game. Build connections with your audience, yes, but don’t let those numbers define your success. Success is the quality of your work, the clients you serve, and the relationships you build along the way.

It’s not about reaching everyone; it’s about reaching the right ones.

                                                                Bee Larios