Is it important to follow back everyone who follows me on social media?

No, it’s not important and it’s an outdated practice. In the early days of social media, people expected follow-backs, but that’s no longer the case. What is valuable is starting conversations with new followers. When someone follows you, send them a direct message thanking them and asking a question—like what drew them to your work or what their favorite piece is. Most won’t reply, but some will, and those conversations can lead to real engagement and even sales. Personal outreach is far more effective than a follow-back.

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Asked by a photographer growing their following · Answered by Juan · Office Hours · 2026-09-03