I’ve Been on Every Social Platform So You Don’t Have To: What Actually Works for Artists

Georgina Fiske
May 15
3 min read

Updated: May 25

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I really need to be on every platform to grow my career?”

Here’s the truth. You don’t.

I’ve tried it. I’ve been deep in Substack, Discord, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Reddit, mailing lists. Sometimes all at once.

It’s not always fun. It’s rarely easy.

But it’s taught me exactly where artists should focus their energy, and what actually builds momentum.

This isn’t about being everywhere. It’s about being intentional, so you can create real connection and growth without burning yourself out.

Social Platforms Are Tools. They’re Not Your Strategy.

One of the biggest mistakes artists make is thinking the platform is the plan.

But just showing up doesn’t mean people will care.

It’s not where you post. It’s how you show up and why.

Every platform has its own rhythm.

What works on TikTok won’t work on LinkedIn.

What builds loyalty on Substack probably won’t land on Instagram.

But each one has its place, if it fits your goals.

Here’s What I’ll Break Down in This Series

I’ve spent the last few years experimenting across all of these platforms:

Substack for long-form storytelling and building deep trust
Mailing Lists for direct, reliable reach that doesn’t depend on an algorithm
Discord for hosting a genuine fan community
Instagram for visuals, light updates, and connection
TikTok for reach, discovery, and low-barrier creativity
Reddit for brutal honesty, niche feedback, and unexpected connection
LinkedIn for career momentum, networking, and showing your brain

Some platforms were helpful. Others, I left behind.

But all of them taught me that growth doesn’t come from showing up everywhere.

It comes from showing up well in the right places.

Ask This Instead: What Do I Actually Want From Being Online?

Instead of asking “Which platform should I be on?”

Start with this:

What do I want people to know about me?
Who am I trying to reach?
How do I like to communicate?
What kind of energy am I willing to bring consistently?

Your voice is what matters.

The platform just carries it.

When your content feels aligned with how you naturally share, you show up more often, more honestly, and with way less resistance.

The Realest Thing I Can Tell You

You don’t need to post on five platforms a day.

You don’t need to hit every trend.

You don’t need to go viral.

You just need to make decisions that fit your goals, your energy, and your career stage.

There are artists who have built real communities using just one platform well.

There are musicians who only post once a week and still sell out tours.

You are not behind.

You’re just ready for a strategy that fits you.

Questions You Might Have After Reading This

Q1: How do I know which platform to focus on?

Think about your goals. If you want depth and creative freedom, start with Substack. If you want reach, TikTok is still the fastest-moving tool. If you’re ready to connect with industry people, LinkedIn can be powerful. Start small and build from there.

Q2: What if I’ve already posted inconsistently and feel like it’s too late?

It’s not too late. It’s just a reset point. You can shift the way you use your platforms at any time. You’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting with experience.

Q3: What if I want a digital presence but don’t want to be online all the time?

Then let’s build something sustainable. Focus on one or two platforms you actually enjoy. Repurpose your content. Use automation where it helps. The goal is momentum, not burnout.