Short answer is, it depends.

This is actually a very common question that many people struggle with when planning to create a content-focused social media account. Deciding whether to start fresh or use your personal account can be tricky.

Starting a New Account:

1. Brand Consistency: If your current account lacks a cohesive theme related to your upcoming content, starting fresh can benefit your branding.
2. Target Audience: If your current followers aren’t interested in your upcoming content, a new account can attract the right audience and make the algorithm right.
3. Clean Slate: A new account gives you a fresh start without old posts or associations that don’t align with your upcoming content creation and marketing goals.

Continuing with Your Old Account:

1. Existing Followers: If you already have a decent following, it’s easier to leverage them to kickstart your upcoming content journey.
2. Established Identity: If your current account reflects your brand and content, it saves time in building a new following.
3. Engagement: If your current followers are engaged, it’s beneficial to continue growing your influence on the same account.

When considering a change in content creation direction for your existing account, here are some questions to ask yourself before diving into the content game:

(1) Why am I changing my content direction?
What are the reasons behind the shift, and what do I hope to achieve?

(2) Is my new content direction aligned with my goals and values?
How does the new direction fit into my overall vision for my account?

(3) Who is my target audience for the new content?
How will this change affect my current followers, and will it attract a new audience?

(4) How will I transition my existing audience to the new content?
What steps will I take to inform and engage my followers during the transition?

(5) What changes do I need to make to my content strategy and branding?
How will I adjust my posting schedule, content style, and visual branding to reflect the new direction?

(6) How will I measure the success of the transition?
What metrics will I use to track the impact of the change, and how will I know if it is successful?

(7) Am I prepared for potential challenges or resistance from my audience?
How will I address negative feedback or concerns from followers during the transition?

(8) What resources or support do I need to make this change successfully?
Do I need to collaborate with others, seek advice, or invest in new tools or skills to support the new content direction?

When starting a new account, here are some questions to ask yourself before diving into the content game:

(1) What is my niche?
What specific topic or area do I want to focus on?

(2) Who is my target audience?
Who am I creating content for, and what are their interests and needs?

(3) What is my unique value proposition?
What makes my content different or better than others in the same niche?

(4) What is my brand identity?
What tone, style, and aesthetic will I use to represent my brand?

(5) What are my content goals?
What do I want to achieve with my content (e.g., brand awareness, engagement, sales)?

(6) How often will I post?
What is a realistic posting schedule that I can maintain consistently?

(7) What types of content will I create?
Will I focus on photos, videos, reels, stories, or a mix of these formats?

(8) How will I engage with my audience?
What strategies will I use to interact with my followers and build a community?

Last but not least, here are a few other factors that could help you make your decision:

-Having many “friends” doesn’t mean they’re right as your new audience.

Having a personal social media account with many friends who aren’t interested in your future posts can hurt your algorithm. Some people follow me for personal updates and may not engage in certain posts. Starting new accounts prevents uninterested followers from seeing your content, making space for engaged followers who may become clients. Despite having over 10k followers, most aren’t my friends or acquaintances. I use an 80/20 rule, with 80% of my content focusing on my influencing adventure and 20% on personal updates, as this account originated as a personal one.

-You’re a small business owner with a personal brand

For small business owners with a personal brand, consistency across all platforms is crucial. Your profile is often the first thing people see. If you want to keep your personal and business brand separate, opening a different account is wise.

Your followers will understand if they see two different handles, recognizing some overlap. Although this may seem inconvenient, it’s beneficial considering the number of people on social media looking for services/products. Being searchable and distinct is key.

-Mental Wellness, Detox & Freedom

Separating your personal account from your personal brand or business account can be beneficial for mental wellness, detox, and freedom purposes. It allows you to create a clear boundary between your personal life and professional endeavors, reducing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, having a separate business account can provide a sense of freedom, allowing you to express your brand’s identity and values without the constraints of personal relationships or opinions.