THEO SAT BESIDEBARBARA,studying another radio station’s Instagram account.“I’m not sure anyone would want to see the inside of my recording studio.”
“You’d be surprised.Instagram’s platform is focused on photo and video sharing.When you get home, look at what other radio stations have uploaded.”
“How many people use Instagram?”
“About a billion.”
Theo thought he’d misheard her.“Did you say a billion?”
Barbara looked up from the computer and smiled.“It’s probably a lot more by now.You aren’t the only business owner who wants to connect with new followers.Most of the big brand organizations are using Instagram to feature videos about something that resonates with their customers.”
“And people will follow a small, independent radio station in Montana?”
“You won’t know until you try.But the main reason we’re using Instagram is to show potential funders what you do.If you attract a fan base it will be even better.”She opened the Instagram account she’d created for him.“Do you want to upload something now?We could add a video of you introducing yourself.”
Theo ran his hand around his neck.“Wouldn’t it be better if I show people my radio station first?”
“You could do that, as well.But telling people who you are will create a sense of familiarity and build trust with your audience.If people are comfortable with someone, they’ll buy their products, or listen to their radio station.”
“Do I need a special camera or microphone to record what I want to say?”
“Not really.As long as you have a fairly new cell phone, you’ll be okay.”
Theo cleared his throat.“What would you say if I told you I want to keep a low profile?”
Barbara started to smile, until she saw his serious expression.“How low are you talking?”
“Enough that my face doesn’t appear on any posts.”
“I don’t see how you can promote the radio station without letting people know who you are.Does anyone else work with you?”
“No, I do everything myself.”
Barbara frowned.“Do you have a cat or a dog?Even a hamster will do.”
“How would they help?”
“Some people use their pets to promote their business.Think Yogi Bear crossed with Bugs Bunny.If you do it right, it could be a fun way of getting more views and comments.”
And his face wouldn’t appear on Instagram.However appealing the dog or cat direction was, it wouldn’t help him.“I don’t have any pets.”
“Not even a goldfish?”
Theo’s eyebrows rose.“Is that a bad thing?”
A soft blush appeared on her cheeks.“No.It’s perfectly normal.You just seem like the type of person who’d have a dog running after you.”
He had no idea why she’d think that.“If it makes you feel any better, I had a pet turtle when I was younger.His name was Arnold.”
She grinned.“That’s an interesting name for a turtle.”
“The secondTerminatormovie was my all-time favorite.I used to dream I was Arnold Schwarzenegger, sent back in time to save John and Sarah Connor.”He closed his mouth before he told her about the action hero toys he’d collected and the fan club he’d joined.
“I likedThe Lion King.My sisters used to gang up on me so I didn’t play the movie all the time.Why don’t you want to appear on your Instagram page?”
The swift change of topic almost had him blurting out the real reason.
A white lie hovered on his lips.He didn’t know Barbara well enough to tell her the truth and he wasn’t prepared to take the risk of his past catching up with him.All it needed was for someone to link him with the story that almost sent a mayor to prison, and his reputation in Sapphire Bay would be worth as much as it was in New York City.
