There is no playbook on how to grow your social media following or work with brands. When I started my blog 4 years ago as a hobby, I had no idea that I could make money on my passion project or that I would actually grow a following beyond family and close friends.
Last year was a big year for me. I worked with brands like ClassPass and Modcloth, I doubled my blog traffic, went on my first Press Trip, and grew my Instagram to 5,000+ of the most amazing, supportive humans. While I still have quite a long way to go I’ve learned a few tips and tricks along the way and have found a love for sharing my knowledge with you. Last year I created a page on my blog to share all things Blogging 101. I shared my first post, The Power of Pitching Yourself + Landing Brand Collaborations and it’s been a goal of mine to continue creating posts that help you. Since sharing that first blog post, I’ve received dozens of questions about blogging – most of them asking the same sorts of questions. “How do you grow?” “How do you consistently post while still working full-time?” “How do you get brands to reach out to you?” The list goes on.
There are so many misconceptions when it comes to blogging/Instagram but today, I’m sharing my top ten secrets.
Contents
Secret #1
On photoshoot days, I take 3+ outfit photos in an hour
This wasn’t always true. When I first started blogging, I was lucky if I could get 2 outfits shot in an hour. Over the past year and a half, I’ve started to learn my angles, how to use better light, how to make the most of my time and just have fun during shoots. Now I can shoot 3+ outfits in an hour with a little planning before shoot days.
Secret #2
I spend most of my time behind a computer
This always surprises people when they find out that I only spend about 5 hours (max) a week shooting content for my blog – and that’s a good week. Most of the time I’m behind the computer responding to emails, editing photos, negotiating contracts, or writing blog posts. Some days I’m in my pj’s all day and don’t leave the house. A typical blog post takes about 4-5+ hours to write, not including the time it takes to brainstorm ideas, upload imagery, write SEO, etc.
Secret #3
I use a photo planner
I found that I was stressing out about which photo to post, when, and how it would look with my feed. Planoly has been a game changer for me. It allows you to upload your photos in an IG like format and move them around so you can see where they’ll look best. I try to plan out photos 2-3 days in advance depending on what my week looks like and what I have planned. I like to have a general idea of what I’ll share that week but still allow for real-time moments.
Secret #4
I don’t use a scheduler
While automation definitely has its perks, I like to be present and write my captions in real time. Sometimes I have an idea of what I’m going to say when I’m taking the photo but I like to be in the moment when I’m posting. The algorithm also rewards engagement, so I like to be more active during times I’m posting.
Secret #5
I spend time organizing my looks
A few days before I plan to shoot, I spend time laying out my outfits and thinking about what I’m going to wear. Sometimes. I write it in my notes so I can remember which shoe goes with which outfit. I also try to be strategic about which outfit I wear first and the ease of changing in public (which is necessary). For example, on a shoot I did recently, I started with my bathing suit and a pair of denim shorts, then I was able to change into a dress and slide off the bathing suit without needing to change in a restroom. When I’m traveling, I tend to create more organic content that’s in the moment and less planned.
Secret #6
Brand collaborations – 80% I reach out to them, 20% they reach out to me
I spend around 15-20+ hours a week just doing outreach. Read more about that here. It’s time consuming and something that has started to change a little bit over the past few months, but I still rely heavily on outreach. I know that if I keep creating content and writing about things that you want to see, that eventually, the brand deals will come. Doing so much outreach has been amazing and has landed me some really incredible opportunities, but I need to be more disciplined with my time. My philosophy with brand outreach: we all have a different perspective/voice and it’s important to share that to the brand. What can you offer? How will your audience resonate? I have been saying no to more brand deals than ever – some of them are great money too, but I always want to stay true to myself. I only work with/promote brands that I’m truly excited about, believe in, or use in my everyday life.
Secret #7
I’m a planner. And since I plan my photos days in advance, I try to think of captions too. Pinterest is also great for this. I write caption ideas in my notes and have a few different sets of hashtags that I use depending on the situation (travel, fashion, etc). I like to have everything planned and just copy and past once I’m ready to post. While lately, I have been posting more in real time I still have relevant hashtags that are always ready to go.
Secret #8
I still struggle with acceptance
I’m naturally pretty outgoing but I still struggle to talk on Instagram Stories. It’s something I hope to get better at this year, but the thought of a thousand people watching me talk on stories makes me a little anxious. The moment you put yourself out there, you’re opening yourself up to criticism. Thankfully, I haven’t had too many mean comments but you have to take the good with the bad. I have so much content that I spend hours creating and never publish because I’m too nervous about what people will say. I’m trying to be better about this by asking you what you want to see on the blog.
Typically, if I’m creating content it’s because I was asked the same question multiple times and feel that it may be relevant to a larger audience. For example, I will never claim to be a beauty expert, but I do love all things skincare. I get asked tons of questions about makeup products, what skincare products I travel with, what mascara I use..but have never created content specific to this because I was too nervous to post it. Spoiler alert: all of the above is coming soon! 🙂 Truth is, there will always be people that are better than you. But, there will also be people that look up to you. You can’t please everyone so you might as well do whatever it is that brings you joy.
Secret #9
I hardly post stories in real time
I never want to ruin a moment by being on my phone. While it may look like I’m on my phone ALL the time, I’m very strategic about how and when I post to stories. I take photos/stories in the moment, save them and then put my phone away to post later when I’m at home, in an Uber, or have some alone time. Setting boundaries like this helps me enjoy the moment instead of just documenting it.
Secret #10
I’m always ‘on’
Even on my recent vacation, I don’t feel like I can ever completely disconnect. I’m always thinking about the brands I need to shoot for, new blog ideas, emails, my to-do list, etc. I’ve learned that disconnecting is so important to avoid burnout and by setting boundaries it allows me to stay creative. I’ve been able to create some balance by planning working hours. Typically, I’m online in the morning for an hour or two and then again in the evening. On one of my recent trips to Mexico, I created a ‘shot list’ of brands I needed to create content for during our trip and having that list was beyond helpful in helping me stay organized. I also hired someone to join me about a month ago and it’s been so amazing having her onboard – I’m so excited to see what we do!
I hope these ‘secrets’ give you some insight into the blogging world. It was so fun to write about some of the questions I often get asked and some of the misconceptions around blogging. I always want to be as transparent as possible and share everything I can. Let me know if I missed anything! I’m excited to build on this series and continue sharing with you.
Thanks for reading! xx
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