Closed mouths don’t get fed!
Why Actors Needs Social Media Wether They Like It or Not?
It's a question that actors and performers alike have wrestled with over the past several years as we've moved further into the digital age.
There are generally two schools of thought:
1. Pre-Social Media Mindset (Artist-Forward)
"I don't want to play the social media game. Let my work speak for itself."
2. Social Media Era Mindset (Product-Forward)
"I understand that visibility is part of the business, and social media is one of the tools available to help me build my career."
Regardless of which school of thought resonates with you, as an artist, you must think strategically about your product - the business of you - and its longevity.
Where do you want your career to be in 1, 5, 10, 20, or even 30 years?
The business side of the industry often sees you as a product first, talent second, and artist third.
Until artists begin thinking like CEOs of their own businesses, they won't fully reap the benefits of owning their art and running their business.
Actress and entrepreneur Keke Palmer (start at 26:00min)has spoken extensively about this idea - that artists must learn to understand both the creative and business sides of their careers. And if you're still not convinced, look at creators such as Quinta Brunson (creator of Abbott Elementary), who used Instagram, and Issa Rae, (creator of Insecure), who used YouTube. Both leveraged digital platforms to create opportunities for themselves before Hollywood came calling.
More recently, filmmakers and YouTube creators like Kane Parsons and Curry Barker are continuing to challenge traditional industry pathways, proving that artists can build audiences, create demand, and generate opportunities on their own terms.
Some common objections from artists include:
"Posting my work on social media feels cringe."
"I don't want to be perceived as an influencer."
"I want to be taken seriously."
While those concerns are valid, artists should ask themselves:
Why do I feel that way?
What narratives have I been taught that caused me to believe that in the first place?
Social media, like anything else, is simply a tool.
The question is:
Are you using it, or is it using you?
As the title says, closed mouths don't get fed.
So let's challenge some of those old narratives and limiting beliefs.
Think of yourself as a business. An entity.
Then ask yourself these questions as they relate to you and your product:
Do I have a clear and unique value proposition?
Do I have a well-defined target audience?
Do I have a strong and consistent brand identity?
Do I have effective digital marketing strategies (social media, SEO, email marketing)?
Do I offer a high-quality product or service with clear value?
Actors are, in many ways, personal brands - much like companies.
Just as a business identifies its unique product, an actor defines their type and brand.
A successful business markets its product to the right audience. An actor markets themselves to casting directors, agents, managers, producers, and audiences.
Businesses advertise to create awareness and demand. Actors use headshots, reels, websites, and social media content to stay top of mind.
Businesses engage with customers. Actors engage with audiences, industry peers, and decision - makers.
Businesses network with partners and clients. Actors network to build relationships that lead to opportunities.
In short, thriving businesses and thriving actors both rely on strategic visibility, relationship-building, adaptability, and the consistent delivery of value.
The business-minded questions continue:
Do I consistently engage with my audience and community?
Am I adaptable to industry trends and market shifts?
Do I have efficient systems and processes in place?
Am I managing my finances and cash flow responsibly?
Am I committed to continuous growth, innovation, and improvement?
These are just some of the questions actors should be asking themselves if they truly want to operate as the CEO of their own business.
If you need still more convincing, here are some performers who have used special media to amply their careers further:
Sean McManus
Cara Rose DiPietro
Mona Swain
Erin L Morton
Amber Ardolino
Eleri Ward
Kacie Craven
Chris Olsen
Brentman Rock
Joy Wood
Rickey Thomas
Britney Broski
Benito Skinner
J.J. Nieman
Kaisha Huguley
The gatekeepers still exist - but increasingly, so do alternative paths to success. Social media work comes more easily to some than to others. Some chose not to put their energy into that sort of advertising. And that’s fine, and they can book work through all the traditional routes. But for those who do engage with social media just an additional way to book work.
In Closing
Wouldn’t it be nice to have the CAREER you WANT, simply because you have the INFRASTRUCTURE you NEED in place?
The purpose of this blog, this podcast, and the Business Literacy for the Artist community is simple: guiding artists towards Ownership, Strategy, and Longevity so that they can start reaping the benefits of their intentional steps
For more, go to the website and sign up for your FREE Clarity Call so you can start ‘Owning Your Art. Running Your Business.’