Promoting the modern journalist

Ah social media, finally a place were you can socialize, edit your mistakes, make your life look like a movie set and put a filter on anything that looks out of place — all in the comfort of your own, well,  wherever you are. Having social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at the tap of your iPhone sure does make life rather instantaneous. It also can be quite invasive, but that's a topic for another time.
As an individual, I find social media to be a bit of a sad replacement for a social life as some may use it. As a journalist, it's the best method there is for promoting the stories you've just poured blood, sweat and the tears of your sources into. I used to work as an intern at a alt-weekly newspaper in San Luis Obispo county and I'll never forget the staff meeting where the top editors told their writers, that they would have to start posting their stories on social media platforms to raise readership. I'll never forget the groans that came from all sides of the room. I was confused. What's not to love about posting your "hot off the press" article on Facebook and having every person you've ever known read it and comment little heart emojis?
Personally, my favorite platform to post my articles on is Instagram. It's easy, just snap a picture either of the print version of the story or take an interesting photo from your story and post it up. Well how will that help promote an article, you ask? Just wait. Simply include your lede, a few hashtags, tag your sources and the publication, and write "link in bio." Then place the link for your most current story under the website option when you go to edit your profile. Just don't forget to change it. After that, the likes should roll in like hotcakes. Yeah, you're welcome, fellow social media newbies. I was once lost too.