5 Expert Tips to Legally Protect Your Blog

Blogging and working as a social media influencer is an in demand career path and shows no signs of slowing down! But what do bloggers need to know about their legal liabilty? Every small business has legal considerations they need to know. I chatted with a lawyer, Courtney of Courthouse Couture to get her expertise. Keep reading for 5 tips you need to know to legally protect your blog!

5 Expert Tips to Legally Protect Your Blog

Disclosure: all statements made are my personal opinion and do not reflect the opinion of my employer. No statements made establish any form of an attorney client relationship.

1. Tell me about yourself and your background/experience as a lawyer and Influencer.

I am a lawyer and have been a practicing attorney for over 10 years and I currently do commercial real estate transactions. However I have experience in criminal and civil litigation as well. I joined Instagram in 2014 however, I thought of my IG/Blog name probably 2 years before that. I officially launched my blog www.Courthousecouture.com in 2018.

2. What are some mistakes most Influencers make when it comes to legally protecting their business?

Influencing is ultimately a business and I would suggest doing some basic research on taxes and business entities. Each state is different and based on each individual’s personal situation different business types may provide more tax benefits. Legal zoom may be able to walk you through the process but if you are starting to earn lots of money I suggest a consultation with an attorney and accountant.

If Influencers are creating products or have a unique name, they may need to seek the assistance of an Intellectual Property lawyer to figure out how to protect themselves and/or their product.

Influencers should also be cognizant of disclosing when they are receiving sponsored product or gifted product. Here is a quick primer from the Federal Trade Commission. Often brands will ask an influencer to use the proper hashtags but it is the influencer’s ultimate responsibility to be knowledgeable. If you are confused, ask an attorney.

3. Contract negotiation never gets easy! What are some major red flags a new Influencer should look out for in a contract for a brand partnership. How can influencers protect themselves from scams and being taken advantage of?

I think common mistakes with contracts are not fully reading the contracts received, even for gifted items. Hidden provisions on usage of photos, non-compete clauses, and penalty for non performance are just a few examples of things to look for in a contract. If someone doesn’t understand a provision, they need to ask for at least 24-48 hours to review and see if they can consult with an attorney who handles influencer contracts. They can also ask the brand they are working with but it is not the brand’s legal responsibility to protect them.

4. Do you see any legal trends emerging as the influencer industry grows

I think influencer trends we will continue to see are influencers working together in teams to leverage their collective following when pursuing brand partnerships. I foresee Instagram, and brands, wanting to use the Instagram platform for people to buy merchandise instead of users going on outside programs ie: LIKEtoKNOW.it to purchase product. And I think that brands are going to continue to rely on influencers during the pandemic because it lowers the cost of their overall marketing budget. And they may not pivot after the pandemic. The influencer space provides a place for honest feedback in real time. Something large expensive marketing campaigns can’t provide.

5. You posted an interesting story about influencers being sued for promoting counterfeit products. Some influencers have also been sued, fined, or just downright shamed for failing to disclose or promoting questionable brands/events (Fyre Festival and sponsored pharmaceutical posts for example). What do influencers need to know about their responsibilities/liabilities?

Over the past year I have seen more Influencers using and linking products that are copies of branded items. For example, wearing a bag with Louis Vuitton logos that is not a Louis Vuitton bag but an exact replica of one. This is not the same as wearing an item that looks substantially similar to a designer item but does not use a brand logo. An influencer was sued for promoting these copied items and I think that as brands get smarter they may go after influencers who keep promoting these types of products. LIKEtoKNOW.it has already sent a letter to influencers asking them not to use the word “dupe” or copy in captions. They suggested using phrases like “the look for less.” We will see if people continue to promote these items but I wouldn’t do it to be safe.

Influencers should be mindful of what they promote, and the ramifications of promoting something without having full details on what they are promoting. If you are not sure on the details, feel like something is wrong, or don’t like the direction of something don’t accept payment or move forward. It is better to say no to a project than to say yes and ruin your personal brand by attaching yourself to something like Fyre festival for example.

About the Contributor

Courtney is an attorney in Houston and the creator of courthousecouture.com, a fashion blog and lifestyle brand where she discusses fashion, life, and her journey as an attorney. Follow her on Instagram for more!

11 Mistakes Influencers Make and What to Do Instead

If you’ve been an influencer for a while, you already know the basics. You know how to grow your Instagram audience. You know that as a social media influencer you need to avoid scams. You know you need to consistently create content and focus on your social media engagement. And you definitely know you need to disclose any relationships you have with brands, according to FTC guidelines. But what other mistakes are you making? In my years as a blogger and marketing executive there are a few things I’ve learned to help ensure continued success as an influencer! Keep reading for 11 Mistakes Influencers Make and what you should do instead.

11 Mistakes Influencers Make and What to Do Instead

Not Writing Your Email in Bio

I talked about this in my Instagram caption recently! One of the biggest mistakes influencers make is not listing their email in their bio. Yes, anyone can contact you on Instagram by clicking the contact button. But that only works when you are on the Instagram app. Most PR and marketing people are researching influencers from their desktop computers, so if your email is written in your bio they can easily copy and paste. Making someone take 3 steps to contact you when other influencers only make them take one puts you at unfair odds. Yes, it only takes a few extra minutes, but when they are researching and emailing dozens of social media influencers, that extra time adds up and gets annoying fast. As a social media influencer, the easiest way to get ahead is to make the brand manager’s life easier. Don’t make one of the typical mistakes most influencers make and keep yourself hard to contact.

Not Adjusting Your Rates

Making money as an influencer is pretty high on the priority list. If you are still struggling to monetize your blog, and get started making money as an influencer, check out my e-course on how to get started. But if you’ve been turning a profit as a social media influencer, there is another mistake you might be making – not adjusting your rates. Of course you should raise your rates depending on a number of factors. But social media influencers also tend to make the mistake of not lowering their rates as well. Hear me out! Making less money sucks, and you never want to feel devalued as a content creator. But sometimes it’s best business practice for a social media influencer to keep their rates fluid. Marketing budgets are not fixed year round – some brands spend heavily depending on their peak season. And pretty much every brand’s marketing budget took a hit due to covid. I personally keep my rates dynamic based on a number of factors – everything from the brand’s desirability to how busy I am that month come into play. Don’t make the classic influencer mistake of keeping your rates fixed when the influencer marketing industry is so dynamic.

Using Link in Bio or a Third Party App

This tip is more important for bloggers than it is for social media influencers that only use Instagram. But another big mistake influencers and bloggers make is using third party apps for recent links. All you are doing is giving a third party more of your valuable traffic! You can very easily fix that classic influencer mistake by setting up a landing page on your site that is a collection of your recent posts. You work hard to create content and increase your engagement and you should keep as many of your eyeballs on it as possible.

Not Sending Campaign Recaps

If you are not a new social media influencer, you have probably worked with a few brands by now. But how many times have you sent a campaign recap? Not sending a recap is definitely one of the biggest mistakes influencers make! Of course, you’ll send screen shots if the brand asks. But a professionally curated campaign recap will make you stand out as a social media influencer. Your brand partners will not only be impressed with your professionalism – you will get the opportunity to spin anything potentially unfavorable. If you’re social media engagement was lower than average, come up with an explanation. Maybe you got less likes, but more saves or DMs about the product. Share that information with the brand in a professionally designed format and you’ll look like an influencer rock star!  

Not Periodically Reviewing Your Contracts

This is another thing most influencers forget. But another mistake many influencers make is not periodically reviewing your contracts to remember what you agreed to. I actually just reviewed some contracts from an agency I work with and found a little surprise – an auto-renew term on their usage! The agreement specified 1 year usage, but I overlooked a section later in the contract that said usage rights would renew automatically every year unless the influencer requests termination in writing. I am pretty careful about contracts as a social media influencer but I still missed that. Another common mistake influencers make is not reviewing contracts for potential conflicts. For example, you may be in a contract with one brand that prevents you from working with certain competitors for a set period. But most people won’t remember the dates in question! Take a peek at your current and expiring contracts periodically so you don’t have any slip-ups.

Agreeing to Any Term That Says Perpetuity

Influencers get a lot of crazy contracts with a lot of crazy details. One that a lot of brands try to sneak in is the perpetuity clause. There is a lot to say about usage rights and terms, but generally speaking, how the brand intends to use the content you create is something that should drive up your price. However, I always avoid agreeing to any term that specifies the brand can use my content in perpetuity. That essentially means forever, and no social media influencer wants to have to give that away. What if 10 years from now you find that post really embarrassing? What if you end up getting an amazing ambassadorship with a brand that is their competitor? One of the biggest mistakes influencers make is not carefully controlling how their likeness is used. If you see that term in any of your contracts, try to negotiate it out before signing!

Not Negotiating Usage with Your Photographers

As I discussed earlier, usage rights are a big deal! Most photographers that shoot with social media influencers understand that you will use the images on your social channels. However, if you are a content creator that let’s brands use your images, you need to ensure you have permission from the photographer. Photographers still retain copyright of the images they shoot – you do not have a legal right to license usage of those images without their permission. One of the biggest mistakes influencers make is not paying attention to legalities of content creation. If you book a professional photographer for your photo shoots, have them sign a waiver giving you and “your affiliates” permission to use the imagery. Problem solved and potential law suit averted!

Not Boosting Your Own Posts

Every social media influencer complains about low engagement, but there is actually something you can do about it! If you are a content creator with a Facebook business account, take advantage of Ads Manager to boost your own posts. You can setup your own ad campaigns to help expand your reach, increase your social media engagement, and even grow your Instagram following. One of the biggest mistakes social media influencers make is not using advertising tools to their advantage. As I said earlier, you put a lot of effort into your content creation, so make sure people are seeing it.

Not Using 2 Factor Authentication

I know so many social media influencers who got hacked in the past year! People are seriously taking advantage of influencers these days. Don’t be an influencer that makes the mistake of not prioritizing your accounts security. I have all of my accounts protected with 2 Factor Authentication, and it takes less than 2 minutes to setup. Some social media influencers depend on their channels for their livelihood and put years of efforts into growing their audience. You definitely can’t afford to compromise that. Plus, if someone gets access to your accounts they can do more than delete your profile and cost you your followers. Hackers can be dangerous and can compromise your entire personal life too! Not protecting yourself online is one of the biggest mistakes influencers make. Make your account security top priority!

Over Using Geolocation Tags

This is another huge one for safety. I love using geolocation tags on Instagram; they help increase engagement, grow your audience, and get more views on your content. All of those are major goals for any social media influencer. However, one of the major mistakes influencers make is not taking their safety seriously. You should never share your live location, especially if you have a large audience. If I’m posting on Instagram Stories and using geotags, I never actually post from that location until after I leave. Social media influencers need to take their safety seriously, and it can only take one stalker situation to ruin your life. It’s fun to share with your audience, but influencers can never be too careful.

Only Having An Audience on One Channel

This is another huge mistake influencers make! Everyone focuses on Instagram these days, but a content creator can’t only rely on one channel. Tiktok has become the new popular kid on the block, but even Tiktok is at risk of being banned now! Social media influencers have to diversify their audience if they are going to be successful long term. I know it’s difficult to create content and grow your audience on multiple platforms, but it’s a huge mistake for an influencer not to. In addition to this blog, I leverage Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest and Twitter for social media content. Every social media influencer should be aware of the fact that a social network can get banned, shut down, or just close your account for any reason. Keep your business from being compromised by diversifying your channels.

I hope these tips help you slay as an influencer, and not have any regrets! Follow me on Instagram for more of my tips!

4 Tips You Need to Know to Get Free Travel

If you have been following me on Instagram, you already know I recently had a press trip to Catalina Island! The island is stunning and we had so much fun. I have been blogging for a few years now, and have been lucky enough to get a few sponsored press trips. Even without a huge following, I’ve had complimentary stays in several cities! People always wonder how influencers get complimentary travel, and in some cases, actually get paid to travel. It’s tough and competitive, but if I can do it so can you! I got my first complimentary hotel stay when I had less than 10k followers, so it is definitely possible for microinfluencers to get travel collaborations. Keep reading for my tips on how bloggers and influencers get sponsored travel!

How To Pitch A Complimentary Hotel Stay As A Blogger Or Influencer

The question on everyone’s lips is how can I travel for free?! Well, it starts with the right pitch strategy! The art of the pitch is one of the most important tools in a blogger’s arsenal. You should have a pitch draft master template that you tweak with details for each brand or business you are trying to work with. It should include basics like who you are, info on your audience, what you have to offer, and what you want in exchange. You don’t want to low-ball yourself, but be generous with your ask. A hotel likely will not give you a free stay if all you offer is 1 Instagram post. Be prepared to offer multiple posts and stories over the course of your stay, as well as a blog post! Blogging is pretty important for travel brands since it helps with SEO, so that will be a huge plus.

Keep a few things in mind when you pitch a hotel or tourism board for a free stay.

1.       Find the right contacts.

You can always use the generic info address that is easy to find, but your pitch probably won’t end up in the right person’s hands. Look at the contact email on Instagram, or even send a dm to the account and ask the best way to get in touch for a social media partnership. I also like to look up recent press releases or news articles since they will usually have a media contact listed at the end.

You can also start by researching PR firms that specialize in hospitality, since they will usually have several hotel clients listed on the website. If you are interested in any of those properties, get in touch with the agency to pitch your collab idea. PR firms are usually more used to working with influencers than independent boutique hotels, so this strategy works to your advantage. And some properties, like the Starwood in Hawaii, are even publishing “Influencer Request” Forms on their website to make it easier to get in touch.

2.   Be flexible with your ask.

Usually I will include a preferred window of travel in my pitch, but also mention that I can be flexible on dates depending on their occupancy levels.  A hotel will never give away a room for free during a big event or peak season. You probably will have zero luck trying to get a free room in Miami during Art Basel, but a mid-week stay when things are less busy may be possible.

And keep in mind – free hotel rooms are not the be all and end all!  If they are unable to host your stay, ask for a discounted media rate, resort credit for meals/ activities. That kind of stuff can add up on your trip, so getting it complimentary or discounted saves you money and ensures more content opportunities!

3.   Do your research to perfect the pitch!

Look for recent news or press on the hotel and brainstorm ideas for how you can create a relevant story. If they just opened a new restaurant, focus your content on that new update. If the area is recovering from a natural disaster or other issue, focus on how your content will highlight the return of tourism to that area. Keep your pitch unique and creative to make it compelling .

Be sure to include past examples of your travel content or past collaborations. If you don’t have a lot of great travel content, you absolutely need to step your game up before you try to pitch brands for travel partnerships. The next time you are planning a trip, be prepared to create content focused on the hotel and travel to that city. You want to be able to have examples of your work to show off. If you don’t have any trips coming up, see if you can have a staycation in or near your city! Book a hotel for the night and use it to shoot some content.

You also want to understand the demographics the hotel wants to target and see if your audience is even a fit. I once got a very nice rejection from a hotel because my audience is mostly US based and they focus their marketing on European clients. Not everyone will take the time to explain that, but just know there is always a reason why you may not be a fit with them.

4.   Stay safe when travelling.

As a woman that often travels alone, I take precautions on any trip – whether it’s sponsored or not. I never share my exact location while I’m there, or advance details of my itinerary. And while hotel room tours are common among influencers (and usually expected when working with a hotel) I never tag the hotel I’m staying at until after I Ieave. Safety is paramount and don’t compromise that.

Stay persistent and positive. The simple fact is hotels and tourism boards get more requests from influencers than they can accommodate. It’s highly likely that if you pitch 30 brands/hotels, you may only hear back from 3-4 of them. Travel blogging is competitive, especially when you are a small influencer. Keep a positive mindset and keep trying!

Managing Backlash as a Travel Influencer

Even though pitching brands as an influencer is part of the job, there are still a lot of businesses that are hostile towards influencers. Maybe they just don’t understand why influencers get free stuff, or how legitimate the influencer industry is. We’ve all heard stories of influencers getting dragged online – from private conservations being published to downright rude and nasty responses from business owners. It’s incredibly unfair how influencers can be treated by people that don’t understand or respect the nature of our work. Working as a social media influencer is a legitimate career, despite that some people think.  Brand partnerships are an essential piece of business as an influencer. You should never feel ashamed or embarrassed of trying to secure a brand partnership, as long as you do so in a professional manner.

If you get backlash or negativity, try to keep a positive outlook and stay focused! Always stay professional, even if the other party is not behaving the same. And make sure you spend the time researching potential partners that may be more open to influencer partnerships.

Hope these tips help! Now is a great time to start working on travel partnerships and securing some free travel as an influencer. Hotels are at the lowest occupancy levels in years, and everyone will be looking for content and press around the reopening of tourism. Take advantage of the times, but travel safely!

20 of the Best Tools for a Winning Blog Strategy!

I’ve been blogging for several years now, and have really stepped up my social media game in the last 2-3 years. It has been a great way to express my creativity, write about things that matter to me, and of course - make money! If you’ve been thinking about starting a blog, there really is no better time! We all have a lot more time on our hands since Covid-19 cancelled our social lives. Plus, if you are able to use this time to build your audience and grow your blog traffic, you’ll be in a great position to maximize your earnings when things get back to normal.

I’m outlining some of the tools and resources I rely on to run my blog. These have been my go to resources for managing my business, staying on top of my content, and getting support on the areas that are not my expertise.

Tools You Need to Get Started Blogging

It may seem obvious, but the first thing you need to get started is your website! I purchased my domain through GoDaddy and setup my site on Squarespace. Wordpress is another pretty popular option for bloggers, but I find Squarespace much friendlier to work with. They have lots of templates and design features that are easy to use yourself, and their customer service is readily available. Wordpress is great if you are a little more tech savvy or can invest in a developer. If not, I recommend Squarespace. Once your site is up and running, be sure to integrate Google Analytics to get data on your visitors and top performing content.

You may also want to set up Dropbox for storage. Bloggers use a ton of photos and you need a system of keeping it organized. Mine is organized with seasonal fashion content and an assortment of stock imagery that fits topics I frequently post about.

How to Find Free Stock Imagery for Your Blog

Stock imagery is a blogger’s essential. In my first year of blogging I tried to create every image I posted. That meant shooting and editing full body, lifestyle, and styled flat lay imagery all on my own. It was time consuming, exhausting and expensive! I started using stock imagery more in the last year and it has been a savior. You can subscribe to a stock image service like Adobe, which is my personal fave. They are a little pricey, but way less than trying to style, prop, and shoot all your own images. Pexels, Haute Stock and Ivory Mix are also great for getting a variety of stock images for free!

Essential Apps for Editing Blog and Instagram Photos

You will of course have to create some original content, especially for Instagram. I create content using a mix of professional photographers, self-portraits, and just making my husband do it! Professional photographers usually edit photos for you, but you want to make sure your look is cohesive. Presets are the easiest way to edit photos and keep the overall look from clashing. That is a major key to building a beautiful, stylish Instagram feed. I use 123Presets and stick to the same group at least for the season. I started using them about 6 months ago and it has made such a difference in my feed! Presets also save a ton of time when photo editing, since it’s usually one tap instead of a series of multiple edits.

I also regularly use FaceTune for beauty imagery and making a product or detail pop and Snapseed for removing objects and basic adjustments. If you are trying to create more video, I recommend checking out Vimeo pro! They make creating stylish videos a breeze, with lots of different options for templates and a library of music. Use the 30 day free trial to get started.

Free SEO Resources for Bloggers

SEO is a pain but it is essential for any website to succeed. This is still an area that I struggle with, even after several years blogging! I have spent more time working on my SEO skills since I’m spending more time at home due to coronavirus. When I first got started, I had a consultant help me with the basics, and now I rely on a few free tools for SEO maintenance. The Coscheduler Headline Analyzer helps you write blog titles that will rank, and SEO expert Neil Patel has a host of free SEO resources to help you boost your traffic and rankings.

SEO is pretty complicated so don’t stress out if you don’t ace it right away. Spend some time educated yourself on SEO best practices, monitor your traffic sources and best performing content, and update old posts periodically to keep them fresh.

Affordable Freelance Help for Bloggers

Remember, running a blog is the same as running a small business and no business owner can do it all alone! There will be times you need to enlist the help of a pro to keep things running smoothly. My go to for affordable freelance help is Fiverr. I’ve found everything from SEO consultants to Photoshop pros for complex edits. Everyone charges different rates, but there are a ton of people offering similar gigs so you can easily compare prices and reviews. E-lance is another great platform for finding freelancers and consultants.

I’m also a member of a few blogger Facebook groups that are amazing! It’s a great way to connect with other bloggers, share resources and get inspiration. Check out Boss Girl Bloggers and browse similar groups in your niche .

Hope these tips help! I know blogging can be a very time consuming side hustle, but has the potential to turn into an amazing full-time career. If that’s your goal, stay focused and invested in your audience and your content. One day it will pay off!

5 Steps to Creating the Perfect Work at Home Workspace

It’s my second week working from home since LA is still on shelter in place orders! It’s been nice having more balance and being able to focus, but I’m also actively resisting the cabin fever that is building up. Since I’m new to the work from home game, I enlisted Lauren Brantley of Lauren Ashley Designs, an expert on the subject! Lauren has worked from home her entire career, and has moved 4 times in 3 years, so she has it down to a science! Keep reading for her tips on creating a stable workspace in any environment and maximizing productivity when working remote!

I have been working at home for my entire career and have moved 4 times in 3 years. It can be hard when working from home to have a consistent workspace. However, the conception of the stable workspace is important because not only does it set boundaries within your home but it makes you more productive. Your workspace doesn’t have to be grand or Pinterest ready, you just want to make sure follow these 5 steps and you will be able to conquer your at-home business or job in no time!

First, choose your ideal placement for the workspace

 Now, this may seem obvious to some but where you place your workspace is probably the most important part of creating a productive space. If you have an office space you may be thinking oh I can place it anywhere! NO, you need to think about what kind of person you are and what you like to do when you are working. Let me ask you a few questions to help you decide:

Do you like to listen to music or like background noise? Well, then an office space might not be for you. You may want a small writing desk where the rest of the family is. People that like the background noise can often get the most work done in high traffic areas. Small discloser: This work arrangement would not be ideal for those working in a customer service position. Customer service jobs often require a quiet office space. If you still like the background noise and you work as a customer service agent I would suggest investing in a sound machine or playing music in the background of your office space.

What view do you like when working? When I say view I mean behind your computer think about what you will be seeing throughout your 8hr workday. I like to have either beautiful imagery or windows. Being a creative person, I need inspiration for my clients. Having the imagery or window view enlightens my creativity. I have had many friends however that love to have their office set up where clients can come to sit so they are looking at a client set up when working, it is up to you!

Next, Think About What Your Job/Business Requires via Storage

When I think about office storage space for my clients I always try to consider their profession. For example, a customer service rep wouldn’t need as much storage as an at-home law profession for various books and files. When considering this, it helps the client think about storage options for their specific needs. Also, it will help prevent you from overcrowding your office space wherever it might be with unnecessary furniture.

 If you have trouble thinking through this, I suggest taking inventory. It doesn’t have to be an in-depth inventory by no means. Just look at all the items you are wanting to include in your office space and consider how much storage you would need. Sometimes laying it out on the floor helps. Lay all the items out on the floor and attempt to categorize them by the types of furniture they go on. Once you have everything organized, you will be able to visually see how many pieces of furniture you need.

 Here Comes the Fun Part! Choose Your Pieces!

 Now if you already have your furniture pieces that is fine! Consider the questions I asked earlier in step 1 and think about re-organizing them in a way that better suits you! Also, take inventory of the items you have in step 2, you might have too many pieces. The most important thing when choosing office furniture is durability and ergonomics. Why do I say durability? Well, when you work from home you are working in the furniture for roughly 6-8hrs give or take. The furniture you buy must have the ability to work for you, not against you.

I find that with any at home job or business you need to find a desk specifically that has drawers. You can find a writing desk that has beautiful sleek line drawers that won't take up a lot of space if you don’t have the space to sacrifice.For your chair, the ergonomics is what is important not the style. I bought my chair off of Amazon and it has been a LIFESAVER!

For storage, let's go back to what we took inventory of. Do we need extra storage in addition to our desk that we have chosen? If so, let's determine what storage we need. Once we can determine those 2 things we are on the right path. I have found a common struggle when choosing storage pieces is that my clients love a storage piece that isn’t the same wood tone as the desk they have chosen. Here is how to remedy that: 

 When mixing wood tones it is important to create a continuous design. Just be sure to pick a dominate tone to be the focus of the room, play with contrasting colors and elements to create a modern cozy feel, and finish the room with a playful, stylish rug. The perfect rug will be an added layer to help visually separate your space and tie together the other design elements.

Finish the space with additional decorative elements. A plant or two can brighten your mood and bring a sense of life to space while you are working, and some inspirational signage can help you stay motivated throughout the day.

Can’t wait to see how your work spaces come together! Let me know in the comments or tag me and @lashleydesign on Instagram to show off your space!

Lauren Brantley Bio

 I am Lauren Brantley, Owner/Blogger of Lauren Ashley Designs. I am a wife to an amazing man, mama to a beautiful baby girl, and a sweet fur-baby! I am a graduate of Liberty University with a BS in Interior Design. Ever since I was a little girl I guess you would say I have had a “knack” for design. When I was seven I would draw up makeshift floor plans of my dream house, doorways and all! Once my parents bought me my first drafting table at thirteen I thought my world was complete. However, my design talents were truly manifested once I stepped on a college campus. My sophomore year of college I started Lauren Ashley Design as a blog to post updates and design tips for followers. In the past year, the small blog has become much more. Lauren Ashley Design has become a platform for others to find easy access to design through e-design. I truly am living my childhood dreams as an e-designer.

6 Tips You Need to Know to Explode Your Blog Traffic Now!

I realized that I’ve been blogging in some way, shape or form for 10 years now! I started mostly contributing to other publications before dabbling on my own site. and finally really starting to take it more seriously just a few years ago. Social media and blogging has been absolute whirlwind this decade, and the market is more saturated now than ever before. It’s a jungle out there guys! Becoming an influencer is more competitive than ever. Especially since you will be competing with influencers that buy followers and likes. And while it may seem like it’s near impossible to be successful as a blogger, there are just a few tips you need to know to build your audience! Keep reading for my tips on running a successful blog in 2020!

Find Your Audience & Cater to Them

The most important thing to know about being a blogger or social media influencer is that you have to serve your audience. If you think about your role as a content creator as essentially being in customer service, you will find it much easier to attract an audience! 

People follow influencers and read blogs because they want information and inspiration that will enhance their lives in various ways. Think of how your voice and content are unique and what you have to offer. It doesn’t have to be highly specialized, in fact, you want to remain approachable. But you do need to establish what role you are playing as a figure in someone’s life. The most successful influencers are able to connect with their audience in a way that builds loyalty. It’s tempting to fall into Instagram trends and follow what you see other successful influencers do but it be authentic and you can’t keep up a façade forever!

Develop a Content Strategy for Your Blog

Content strategy is what makes managing a blog and social platforms possible without going crazy! Start in the spirit of the point above, catering to your audience. Go over your social media demographics to examine what types of people follow you. Think about things like gender, location, and even household income. I used to include more luxury items and high-end travel in my content before I realized that most of my followers were not luxury consumers! Based on analytics about my audience’s average income, I decided to focus more on affordable fashion and content that was aspirational but still accessible. 

This is also where you decide what types of content you cover and what you don’t. Even if you focus mostly on fashion, you need to define a niche that you focus your content on. It can be red carpet, fast fashion, shopping guides, celebrity style, or something that feels authentic to you! Determine your style guidelines and what platforms to focus on as well. I would never be the person to do a dance video on TikTok even though that’s what goes viral. But I have found that my hair videos are my most successful types of content on the platform so that is where I focus. 

You also need to think about your style and visuals. Do you like neutral tones or pops of color? Detail shots or everything pulled out and far away?  Establishing some framework on your visual style will be hard at first but will only make your content creation process easier down the road. And you can pivot if something is no longer working for you! I used to love manually editing my photos but recently started using presets and they are amazing. They make it so much easier to maintain a consistent feed and I’ve already seen a boost in engagement! 

Set an Operating Budget to Invest in Your Business

Running a business costs money! While it may be a challenge to shell out money for something that isn’t turning a profit, you won’t be successful in any business venture without investing in it. Set up a budget with what you can reasonably afford to invest as a total, then allocate from there. At a minimum you need to cover your site hosting and domain and any costs associated with creating content. 

If you do outfit posts and street style shots that can mean a photographer that you work with. That can add up pretty quickly, but you can subsidize your costs by teaming up with friends or other bloggers for shoots, or booking via platforms like Snappr or SweetEscape that match you with an affordable photographer in your area. And you can also master the art of the self-portrait! This is pretty much my go to strategy for last-minute campaigns when I don’t have time to enlist a friend or the brand wants complicated usage rights so I need to own the copyright.  If you are confused by that sentence, check out this post on 

Your niche may allow you do leverage stock imagery instead of having to shoot all your content, so your cost would be investing in a subscription to a stock site. 

You will also need to allocate some funds for things like social media ads, tax prep (business expenses make it way more complicated than a traditional return), and additional support from consultants when needed. I’ve purchased courses on driving traffic and have outsourced some content updates to SEO specialists to help increase my traffic. While you may think of running a blog as a one woman show, never be afraid or embarrassed to enlist help! You can’t excel at everything and it’s unreasonable to put that much pressure on yourself.

Budgeting gets easier as you start monetizing your blog, so focus on getting over the initial hump. Once you start landing paid campaigns you can dedicate a portion of each to reinvest in your business. 

Manage Your Time Like an Entrepreneur

Time management is essential! I manage my blog, have a full-time job, and am planning a wedding, so trust me I am a pro in this area! If you work full time, carve out time in the mornings and evenings to focus on business. I have gotten in the habit of getting up an hour early so I have time to work on my blog or social media before I have to head to the office. I also dedicate at least 30-45 minutes a night to blog work, and usually half a day on weekends. That time is allocated between working on current content, shooting and editing for brand campaigns, and pitching for new projects. I try to avoid spending time at work on personal business, but if you have more flexibility take advantage! It will get in the way of your social life a little, but after you establish your routine it will all fall into place. You can also think about incorporating time with friends or your significant other into your work flow. My fiancée and I had our first photo shoot together, where we shot 3 looks in different locations then had drinks at the last spot. If you are planning a brunch date with friends, pick a place that is Instagram friendly so you can get someone to take a few snaps of you. 

Make use of apps like Evernote to draft blog posts or social captions while you are commuting or waiting in line. You will learn how to optimize your routine to be efficient in running your business. And if you can allocate more to your budget, think about what freelance help you can enlist! I often turn to consultants for SEO because it’s essential but I don’t have the time to dedicate to an SEO course for bloggers or training. 

Don’t Fall for Hacks That Promise Instant Success

It can be really tempting to focus on hacks to gain more followers or easy tips and tricks to boost your blog traffic. You can definitely hack your way to some short-term gains, but you can’t hack your way to long-term success! I get emails and dms almost every day about services that will help you boost your Instagram and get more followers and engagement. These services almost always rely on tactics that are banned or frowned upon by Instagram and brands that work with influencers. Do yourself a favor and focus on the path to organic, authentic success. It will take longer but be worth it in the long run. 

Stay Focused and Be Persistent

Remember that success as a blogger or influencer is a long-term goal! Most people do not have overnight success in any of their ventures. Instead of comparing yourself to other influencers with huge followings and a ton of brand deals, think about how you can stand out from the pack and gain your own success. Remember that it’s a marathon not a race, and getting their will take time, effort and strategy on your part. Try to stay focused and engaged in what you are working to build, and not get discouraged.

Free and Cheap Resources for Bloggers

If you are looking for resources to support you in your goals, check out the links below!

Fast & Affordable Photographers in Your City

Sign up for Snappr with code vXJ2J8NQ to save $20!

Get $10 off your first photo shoot with Sweet Escape!

Free & Cheap Stock Imagery for Bloggers

IvoryMix

Pexels

Canva

Haute Stock

Adobe Stock

Ways to Connect with Other Bloggers in Your City

Find blogger groups on Meetup!

Join groups like LA Blogger Babes and NYC Brunch Squad

Find other bloggers you love in your. city through hashtags and geolocations and send them a DM!

Affordable Fashion For Outfit Photo Shoots

Sign up for Rent the Runway to have access to an unlimited wardrobe! Use code RTRMALIKAH to save $100 on your first month!

My E-Course is Live! How to Make Money as a Microinfluencer!

One of my most popular posts last year was all about how I make money as a microinfluencer. I gave you guys an overview of all my tips for working with brands and getting paid, and I got a ton of follow up questions after that post. I decided to really dive into some of the questions that were asked the most, along with some of the things I thought were super important to know. I’m so happy to announce I finally launched my first ecourse – The Ultimate Guide to Monetizing Your Blog! 

 This guide is designed for microinfluencers to help you maximize your earning potential and start working with your dream brands. I started working on paid brand collaborations when I had less than 5k followers so I’m spilling the tea on how you can too! I am also writing this not just from my perspective as a blogger, but also from my extensive background as a marketing manager. I have worked with huge brands and small and managed influencer and celebrity campaigns at pretty much any level you can imagine.  So I know what I’m talking about when it comes to this stuff, and I’m here to help you with your road map to blogging success!

 Here is a chapter by chapter breakdown of what’s you will see in the course!

1.      Branding Yourself as an Influencer

This chapter is all about how to position yourself as an influencer, define your niche and the type of content you want to create. 

2.     How to Grow Your Audience

Here we go into several different approaches to growing your audience across platforms and how to diversify your platforms for maximum impact.  

3.     Partnering with Agencies vs Brands Directly

In these 2 chapters I explore the differences between working with agencies/influencer networks and brands directly. I also share feedback from decision makers at several of the leading agencies and brands I’ve worked with on how you can succeed as an influencer and nail your campaigns. 

4.    How to Negotiation an Influencer Contract

The more business you bring in, the more versed you need to be in negotiating the best deal. In this chapter I go over how to interpret an influencer agreement, common terms and what they mean, and tactics to make sure you are getting the best rate. 

5.     Other Ways to Generate Income

And finally, I go over some ideas and strategies to maximize your earnings through other streams of income, not just sponsored posts with brands.

 I’m releasing this just in time for the holiday season, which is when most brands activate influencers for campaigns so it’s the perfect time for you to get started earning those coins! My course is live on Teachable and you can access the Basic Edition for only $20! If you want more personalized support the VIP Edition is yours for $75 which includes the course and a follow up strategy call. In the call I’ll give you the opportunity to address any pending questions or areas you need more support with to get started. 

Check it out on Teachable if you are ready to get started! 

Don't Get Got! Common Instagram Scams and How to Avoid Them!

A few days ago a familiar meme started circulating on Instagram. It was full of pretty odd fake legalese telling users to post this message or a similar one to prevent Instagram from being able to publicly share their content. It went viral pretty quickly, with celebs and influencers posting it an encouraging their followers to do the same, before being debunked as a hoax within a few hours. Stuff like this pops up periodically, duping celebs and every day users, so I decided to do a quick post on how to recognize some common social media scams and how to keep yourself from falling for them!

The Repost This to Save Your Rights Meme

As discussed above, this makes no sense. Posting a piece of content on an app does not suddenly make you exempt from the app's terms and conditions. It's an unfortunate reality that most people do not read the T&C of the apps and services they use. If an app changes their T&C they notify all users. If you read the update and decide you disagree with any terms, your only option is to cease use of that app. Continuing to use it means you agree to those policies, and posting some fake legal jargon does not make you exempt. If you are concerned about how apps are using your data, take a second to read the terms and conditions, do some research on any language that you find confusing and make an informed decision about whether or not you agree and want to keep using it.

The DM Us Let's Collab Comments

On almost every single picture I post, I get a few comments from someone claiming to rep a company I've never heard of, telling me I'd be a great brand ambassador and should DM the main account and tell them so and so referred me! When I first started blogging and was looking for brand partnerships those comments were exciting! They seemed like a great potential opportunity to work with a new brand and build my business. However what inevitably ensues after you contact them is absolutely not legit! These companies typically launch into a long winded explanation of how they will give you a promo code for a discount on your purchase and after you post and share or generate a certain amount of sales you may get a bigger discount or free product. That is absolutely not how most influencers work, and if you need a refresher on negotiating brand deals, click here for my tips on making money as a blogger!

First of all, any legit brand or business that wants to work with you as an influencer will contact you directly, either through email or them dming you. And they will probably get in touch from the brand account or at least a PR agency, not a random individual. Don't worry too much about these guys though- they can be annoying but are usually not a flat out scam

The Mysterious Click Bait DMs

Hacking has become a big problem on Insta. I have heard several stories from influencers who have been hacked, including 4 in the last month! But regular users are vulnerable to hacking as well. I got a DM from a photographer who I shot with last week, with a link to something he said he put together for me. Ordinarily I would have clicked it, but I had just heard my friends nightmare story of getting her account hacked so I was on high alert. It came from someone I knew so didn't want to look crazy, so I responded normally but didn’t click it. He wrote back a few hours later saying that his account had been compromised and to not click on any links from him. Luckily I didn’t click it! This is a tough one because friends send each other files and links all the time so you never know if it’s something you can trust or not. Use your judgement and immediately enable 2-Factor Authentification on your IG!

Let me know any other social media scams, tricks or other annoyances and how you deal with them!

When Did Influencers Become Public Enemy Number One?

Being a digital influencer is one of the most talked about new career paths of the past few years. As social media exploded and brands began directing significant portions of their budgets towards influencer marketing, more and more people began entering the industry with hopes of becoming Insta-famous. The market is so saturated and there is so much competition, not unlike other highly in-demand fields. However it seems that no other legitimate profession is met with such vitriol.

It seems like every day there is another negative news story about influencers. In the past week you may have seen headlines about “influencers” taking inappropriate photos at Chernobyl, but when you read the articles and click on the photos in question, it’s obvious the photos were taken by normal tourists, not influencers. When Payless had a marketing stint pretending to be a high-end boutique “Palessi,” so many headlines focused on how influencers were duped into wasting money on cheap shoes. There was almost no mention of the fact that influencers in attendance were invited and in some cases paid by the brand for their participation! They were just independent contractors doing a job they had been hired for, yet the mass media ran with the negative coverage. Instead of focusing on the brilliant event that Payless threw, it became all about how silly and shallow influencers are. And not to mention Marissa Fuchs’s “surprise” proposal, which went viral for all the wrong reasons. In my opinion, she came up with a brilliant way to create some fresh content that hadn’t already been done to death, and professionally pitched the business opportunity to brands. I find it hard to imagine a world in which marketing professionals would publicly share and make fun of a pitch deck that had been sent to them confidentially by a media agency or other brand. Why should an influencer (especially one with legitimate reach and a highly professional pitch and marketing strategy) be treated differently?

One of the biggest examples of influencer hate came out around the Fyre Festival scandal, and resurfaced with the Netflix and Hulu documentaries this year. So much focus was on how influencers promoted the event and convinced their followers to attend, but none of the drama was their fault! They were presented with a paid opportunity that many of their colleagues were also involved in. All of the influencers that posted were managed by big, experienced teams that would vet any potential partnership. The only mistake made in many cases was that some of the influencers failed to disclose that they were paid for the promotion.

However, the Fyre Festival case really only proves that influencer marketing works! The goal of tapping talent in a coordinated effort was to sell tickets, and that is exactly what they did. A consultant or independent contractor wouldn’t necessarily have access to the logistics and details of the event, and their obligation ended with them posting when asked.

I’m not a full-time influencer and don’t aspire to be, but I can’t help but notice the amount of hate and criticism directed at people that are essentially entrepreneurs building their own personal brand. Yes, there are a lot of influencers with loose ethics that are dishonest with their audience and brand partners, but is there any industry that is completely free from corruption?

If you are someone that loves to hate on influencers, I would LOVE to know why that is! And if you are an influencer and feel like you get a lot of unfair criticism and hatred, let me know why you think that is and how you handle it!

Photo Shoot Fresh: How to Get Perfect Travel Photos

Instagram has definitely had an impact on how people travel and document their adventures. There are Instagram hot-spots all over the world, with hundreds of tourists being inspired by (or downright copying) their favorite travel influencers. It’s easy to understand! Travel bloggers have feeds full of gorgeous imagery from far-flung, exotic destinations. I have definitely made efforts to elevate my travel content over the past year. It takes a bit more planning but I think I’ve got a formula down that helps you get gram-worthy photos without compromising your vacation time.

Find an affordable professional photographer

I know it sounds like diva behavior, especially for a normal tourist, not blogger. But pro photographers are fast and know the best locations! I have found that in spending 1 hour shooting with a pro, I can get enough content to last at least a week, if not more! That means I never have to worry about bugging my friends for photos, or spend time editing while on the go. I’ve worked with professional photographers in Savannah, and most recently in Paris and it was amazing. My photos were way better than anything my friends or bf would have taken, and because pros can be faster than the average person, I was able to squeeze in multiple outfits and different locations. I usually shoot the first or 2nd day of the trip just to get it out of the way, and because the photographer may take a few days to send the pics. AirBnB Experiences is a great place to jumpstart your search, and I’ve also had luck on Groupon Goods when browsing in the US!

Plan Your Outfits Accordingly

Instagram photo magic doesn’t just happen! Half the battle is having the photographer, and the other half is the person in the picture. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing something glam or eyecatching when traveling, just bring extra photo shoot outfits so you can change just for pictures. If you are shooting with a friend, try to coordinate but not 100% match, and don’t forget to finish your look with the right hair/makeup.

Practice Art Directing Before You Have Someone Shoot You

If you can’t find a pro or don’t think it’s worth the cost, you can still get amazing travel photos from your friend/travel buddy or other tourists if you are alone. In most touristy sites, you’ll see people or couples taking pics of each other or trying to take selfies. I usually offer to take one for them, then ask them to take one for me. Before I hand them my camera, I demonstrate exactly how I want the image framed and place it in their hands at that exact angle. I know it’s nitpicky, but that ensures I get the image I want, instead of someone’s random interpretation. Half the time they nail it, and half the time they move the camera and miss my angle, or something else goes wrong and I hate the picture. In that case I politely thank them, wait a few minutes until they leave, then try again with someone else. This can take a few tries, but I’ve really never waited more than 10 minutes at a popular tourist site to get the perfect photo.

Pack Your Tripod and Shoot Yourself

I love playing with self-portraits! I always pack my tripod when I travel solo, mostly for cute hotel room shots or if I’m staying at a resort with lots of good photo ops on the grounds. Before you pull out a tripod in a public area or tourist spot, double check the rules. A lot of places, especially rooftops don’t allow them, and you also want to make sure it’s a safe place to set it up. Use your judgement on that front! I usually prefer to pull it out in areas that are quiet enough that I can get a good shot without people staring at me like I’m crazy, but still have a decent amount of foot traffic so I won’t worry about anyone grabbing my camera. Again, use your judgement before trying this approach, and above all make sure it is safe!

Let me know how you guys get travel photos where you are off to next!

France Lookbook and What to do if Your Luggage is Lost!

Travel is an adventure and sometimes the craziness starts right at the airport! My trip to France started perfectly normal. I had packed a selection of fun outfits and product for collaborations all edited carefully so it would fit in my carry on. I knew that I would be moving in between several cities over the week so wanted to pack light enough to make all the travel easier. 

However I couldn't get around the weight limits imposed by Norweigan! Most low cost airlines have pretty strict requirements on size and weight for carry on bags, and even though my suitcase was fine size wise, it was about 4 pounds over the weight limit. Their weight limit is only 10kg, which equals around 22 pounds. And that has to include both your carry on and personal item! The gate agent made me check it and I wasn't too worried since it was a direct flight so less chance for it to get mixed up or delayed. Little did I know, there would be some major logistic issue with the baggage carousels. When I landed in Paris, an agent at baggage claim informed me that over 150 bags from the LA flight had been misplaced!  Normally, if I plan to check luggage, I would have an extra outfit or 2 in my carry on. But since I was rushed and made to check last minute I didn't take anything out of the suitcase. Big mistake, I know! So there I was in Paris with the clothes on my back. Luckily I kept my toiletries and makeup in my carry on so I could still keep my face and hair together!

Making the situation even worse, our flight was an hour and a half late, which meant that by the time I could get from the airport to the city, all the stores would be closed. I only had one day in Paris before heading to Nice so my boyfriend helped with the missing baggage report and as soon as I landed in Nice I needed to shop! At that point I had spent 2 days in my airport leggings, crop top and dad sneaks and it was starting to get funky. 

If you didnt know, airlines are responsible for reimbursing you if you need to purchase replacement items when your baggage is delayed or lost. The exact amount and procedure for filing a claim varies, but in the European Union, airlines can be liable for up to 1300 euros! At that point I assumed my bag would be retuned in 2 or 3 days, but I also knew this was my only chance to shop. After Nice I would be spending 3 days in the French countryside, with plenty of vineyards but no malls! I decided I needed to get clothes for 3 days and 1 dress that was glam enough for a night out in Monaco. And I hoped that my luggage would be sent to the residence in the countryside no problem. 

Remember, just because the airline is liable for reimbursement, that doesnt mean you get to go crazy.  Skip Gucci and shop sensibly! I opted for Zara, H&M and Mango. Check out some of the looks I pulled together below! I was able to find a lot of the exact items on the US site, luckily, and included some alternatives as well!

Pretty good choices right? I also picked up some basic undies from H&M and the tote bag was necessary to use for travelling the rest of the week, since I couldn't lug around shopping bags. However my luggage did not arrive in the country as expected since the Courier said it was too far from the main city and they needed a 3 to 4 day window for that region (which was 2.5 hours from Paris, 30 minutes from the local airport in Bordeaux so go figure). So I had to handwash and line dry a few pieces country style and wear them again as I headed back to Paris! My bag was finally delivered to my hotel on the last day of the trip!

So if you find yourself in a missing baggage situation here are my tips for getting through!

1. File your claim asap - the representative at the airport can give you the necessary paperwork so they can start tracking the lost luggage

2. Learn your rights - they vary depending on the origin/departure city but check out what the carrier says and go a quick Google search. Norwegian's website obviously wouldn't say the max they can be held liable for, but researching "delayed baggage compensation in Europe" turned up loads of info from European regulatory sites. If you file a claim and the airline tries to underpay or claim they arent responsible, you need to know your rights to fight for your money 

3. Shop reasonably - remember it is time to purchase replacement items for your trip, not go on a luxury shopping spree

4. Save your receipts! And take photos just in case you lose the originals

5. Include all your expenses - i didn't have to buy toiletries since I had those in my carry on, but if you lost those include them as well. If you have to make international phone calls every day to follow up with customer service, add in the roaming charges! Think about the little things and make sure they are all included

6. Leverage social media - the Norweigan customer service center was so not responsive or helpful, even though they had English speaking representatives. But when I started blowing up their mentions on Twitter I got more attention. And not just me! I looked at their Tweets/Replies and saw different users airing their concerns and getting responses as well. Help your complaint stay stop of mind by making it visible!

I’ll keep you guys posted once my claim is processed on what the final result is, but let me know in the comments or on Instagram if you have questions in the meantime!

Why I Stopped Working with Photographers

What’s the main tool every blogger needs - photos obviously! In order to create content and maintain your schedule you need a reliable way to get photos for your blog and social media posts. I’ve been blogging for about 3 years now and over the past year I have seriously reduced my reliance on professional photographers to generate content. In this post I outline all the reasons why my content strategy shifted, the pros and cons of working with a professional photographer, and how I maintain my content. Keep scrolling, and check out the photos chosen for this post. They are some of my favorites that I created and edited on my own!

I decided to reduce how much I work with professional photographers for several reasons, but it really all boiled down to one thing - wanting to have more control over my content. I looked at the influencers I admire most, like Asiyami Gold, Mossonyi, Tezza, and Tina from Of Leather and Lace. One thing they all have in common is they are all content creators. Even when they are not taking the photo, they have full creative control over every element of the photo and the final editing process. If you can’t create content without having a pro photographer at your disposal, your creative will always be limited.

Plus the only way to truly maintain a consistent aesthetic is to be in control of all of your visuals. For example, below is a side by side of my feed now, vs in a month when I created and edited all my own images, without using any professional photographers.

The left is all original work, shot mostly with friends or other blogger girls and edited by me for consistency. And on the right is my most recent look. As you can see, things got a little disjointed! I worked with a few different street style photographers for pictures in between shows, then peppered in some original work for a sponsored project, and then pics from my trip to LA. I’m hoping to get my look back on track in the next few weeks, so will be going back to more of my own work.

The only way to really keep a consistent look and work with a pro is if you always use the same one. Plenty of influencers have a photographer on retainer, which can get expensive! If it’s not in the budget and an Insta-Hubby isn’t an option, take it into your own hands by working with friends or other bloggers in the same situation.

Creating your own content becomes especially important when you begin doing more brand work. Negotiating sponsored posts with brands can mean they also want rights to use the photos, which technically the photographer would have the copyright to. If you want to truly own your photos and be able to license them to brand partners, you need to either have your photographer sign off on that, or you need to own that content!

I anticipate this year I will create about 65% of my content on my own - enlisting a pro really only on travel when my friends pics may not cut it, or when the wardrobe/location calls for one. And even then I plan on being super vigilant about color, lighting, editing, etc to make sure the my visuals stay consistent no matter who is taking the final shot.

If you are a blogger let me know how you handle getting pictures, and if you plan on taking more content creation into your own hands. And for those who want to take the DIY approach, check out my post on mastering the self-portrait!

How to Beat the Instagram Algorithm Like an Expert!

Ever since Instagram implemented the algorithm, there have been countless posts about how to beat it. From quick and easy hacks to complicated, time consuming strategies, everyone is trying to find a way to beat Instagram at its own game. As an influencer, part of your success depends on your reach and the engagement you get on your posts so performance is critical. I’m far from an Instagram expert, but I have learned a few things on my journey as a microinfluencer, so I’m sharing some of my tips for how I’ve managed to maintain my account, get decent engagement, and keep the algorithm from making me crazy!

Focus on Instagram Engagement

Engagement is everything! You can’t control who sees your posts anymore, and you definitely can’t control who likes or comments on them. Since this post focuses only on things you can control, when I speak of engagement I mean how you are active and engaging on the platform. You can’t just post once a day, disappear, then expect your account to get traction. I spend about an hour a day on Instagram, engaging with new accounts and people that follow me. Yes, I go through my followers list and like, comment, watch and Insta-story or something to let my followers know I pay attention to them! If you are engaging with their accounts they are also more likely to see your posts in their feed and engage on yours!

Create Compelling, High Quality Content

There are so many influencers and brands posting on Instagram these days it’s impossible to stand out if your content isn’t up to par. Focus on creating content that is in line with your aesthetic, is eye-catching enough to make someone pause on your pic not just scroll past, and has an interesting caption. I admit I am not the best at captioning! I typically schedule my images so the visual flow makes sense, but I don’t caption in advance so I usually end up posting on the fly. I’m challenging myself to work on better captions because I firmly believe they help with boosting engagement and beating the Instagram algorithm.

Collaborate with Other Bloggers in Your Niche

Collaborating with other influencers isn’t just for fun! It can help organically expose you to a new audience and help you create new types of content that engage and excite your followers! I had a blast shooting with some of the Exclusively Social babes around NYFW and I hope to do more partnerships with other bloggers to have fun and help each other grow!

Have Fun and Remember Why You Started

I started my influencer journey to have a creative outlet when my corporate job felt stifling. It became my personal passion project, a place for me to challenge my creativity, make new connections, and post about things that excited and inspired me. So whether I’m posting from far-flung destination or frolicking in a tulle dress in a Brooklyn studio that rivals a Victorian mansion, this is my place to create what I want. Think about what you want, and how you can find other people that want to see what you create!

Instagram can always change their algorithm, and probably has by the time you read this post! By remembering the things that motivate you, inspire you, and challenge you as an influencer will make the journey all worthwhile.

Let me know how you are surviving Instagram and your life as an influencer!

Secure the Bag! How to Make Money as a Small Blogger

So this has been a highly requested post that I was saving for the end of the year! I am going over all my invoices and making sure my accounting dashboard is up to date, but so far it looks like it’s been a pretty good year for the blog! If you are a new blogger or have been struggling to monetize your blog here is what has worked for me as I’ve established myself. I’m still working on it, so please take all of this as inspiration or my personal tips. You should definitely develop your own strategies and test them as you go on your blogging journey.

Have a professional media kit and rate card

Before you can start making money, you have to look legit! Make sure you have analytics for your blog set up, and all of your social networks are Business Accounts so you can get insights. Then design a stellar media kit and rate card. I use Canva since the templates are so easy to work with. You should also do your research on what is a reasonable rate for you to charge based on your following/blog traffic.

Join Every Blogger Agency/Network

There are dozens of influencer networks/agencies that you can opt into. Most of them require you to make a profile and connect/authenticate your social profiles. Then you will either be in their database so they can include you in lists when their brand clients request influencers for a campaign, and some even show you a list of sponsorship opportunities you can apply to. It makes getting your profile and pitch in front of brands so much easier, and they are usually clear about the deliverables and guidelines, so you know what will be expected and when.

Here are a few that I have signed up for:

Social Fabric

Activate

Hashtag Paid

Fohr

Collectively

Clever

StyleHaul

Some have different requirements to join so check out each website and get to applying! The beauty of these programs is they connect you to brands that are their clients, and are super streamlined and easy to work with. There are several brands and retailers that I’ve worked with through these platforms on multiple occasions, so it gives you a library of content that you can use to pitch the brand directly! I do a good amount of my business through Social Fabric and Clever and they are super easy to work with. There are some tips and tricks you’ll need for a successful application in these networks, so stay tuned for a follow up post on that!

Use Affiliate Networks to Drive Sales

 Affiliate networks are a great way to generate revenue from your blog. Companies like RewardStyle, ShopStyle and Amazon all have influencer affiliate networks. The process is pretty simple – once you join the network you can create trackable links to use for products you post about. If someone clicks the link and makes a purchase, you get a small commission on it. If the customer returns the item within a certain window, usually 30 days, your commission goes away. The commission you get on each sale is pretty small, around 3-15%, but the awesome thing is you get commission of their entire order, not just if they buy the one item you had in the post! So if you start out clicking on an eyeshadow palette I had in a Sephora beauty post, but end up buying $500 worth of skincare, I get commission on the $500 total! So when you have good traffic , spendy followers, and post regularly in can start to add up.

For example, here is a shopping gallery where you can see the items I’m wearing in the images above. When an item is sold out or no longer available, like the Manolo sandals I’m wearing, I link to something similar.

If you click the slip and go shop on Savage x Fenty, I will NOT get a commission because that brand is not in the affiliate network. But I still included it because I love the brand and think you guys should check it out! However the jacket and shoes are from in network retailers so I will get a commission. This is not a very big stream of income for me just because the payouts are quite low and I never link to things I don’t actually like. 

Not Every #Ad is a Paid One, and That’s ok!

The fact is not every partnership is going to be a paid one, but free stuff is fun too! The fact is a lot of brands do not have influencer budgets, or only spend on bigger influencers or celebrities. However some companies do very generous gifting or products and experiences! I’ve gotten amazing skin care and beauty sets, clothing, complimentary salon and spa treatments, access to exclusive events, and even free travel! If you are new to brand partnerships, working in exchange for product is a great way to get experience creating branded content. It also really helps to offset the amount you spend on things you will use anyway. Plus there is always pressure on a blogger to have new items to post about or review, so having connections to brands that will gift will enrich your content and expand your reach and experience. If you are still struggling with pitching, here are some networks that specialize in getting you freebies!

Influenster

Octoly 

Bzz Agent

Pitch Brands Yourself 

Once you have your banging media kit and successful examples of brand work from agencies or free collaborations you may feel ready to start hitting brands up yourself! The art of the pitch is really something that deserves its own post, so more to come. However, the best way to negotiate your projects and payment on your terms is to work with the brand directly. Typically when you get a gig through an agency, the brand went to that agency with a total campaign budget that also included agency fees. If a third-party isn’t taking a cut, you can definitely get a higher rate! I usually send an introductory email with my stats attached and a description of the project or concept and ask if they would like to work together. I usually pitch about 4 to 6 weeks out, so started holiday in October, Valentine’s Day right after New Year’s and am now working on ideas for Spring Fashion in March. The timing gives me time to get my pitch list and concepts organized and ready to go. Plus, you need to get in front of brands before budgets are allocated! Most brands have an influencer marketing budget that they break up seasonally, so you should get on their radar before plans are locked-up and other influencers cast. 

 Create a Product You Can Sell

A lot of bloggers and influencers also earn money selling products. The most common ones I’ve seen are presets for photo editing or e-courses. Some also do merch like mugs, t-shirts, etc. If you feel like you have a service to offer that your audience would be interested in think about selling it on your blog. I’m personally debating putting together an e-course, so let me know in the comments if you’d be interested! 

And Remember - It’s ok to Say No!

Just because you are new to the game and trying to secure more partnerships does not mean every opportunity is right for you. It could be a question of timing, deliverables, the pay being really low, or it not being a brand you vibe with. Personally, I say no to a lot of projects if the I feel what the brand is asking is taking advantage. Because of my background in marketing and my experience in campaign production, I can easily call bullshit when a brand asks for certain terms. I have said no to brands asking for an unfair exclusivity term, image usage rights I was uncomfortable with, and when they ask me to not disclose our partnership. Every influencer and brand knows the FTC requires disclosure so it’s a dishonest practice that will get you fined for not obliging. Evaluate every offer carefully, and do some research in blogger groups or influencer platforms to get a better idea of what is and is not standard to ask in a partnership.

If you are a new blogger or influencer reading this and are hoping to start cashing in, I hope these tips helped! I’ll be continuing this series with posts like the below: 

• Contract Negotiations with Brands so you can get the most out of all the sponsorships that will be rolling in!

•  Tax Tips You Need to Know for Your Blog

•  Content Creation Strategy

•  Double Duty – Managing a Blog and a Full Time Job

Is Rent the Runway Unlimited Worth It?

Ever wonder how bloggers seem to have an endless assortment of designer clothes and accessories for the perfect #ootd or glam night out? Well the secret isn’t necessarily an unlimited budget! Rent the Runway has been one of my go to sources for formal events or weddings for years, but I recently decided to give an unlimited membership a try. I was gifted a code for a free month after attending one of their events at WeWork, so decided to give it a test run in December. My schedule was pretty full between holiday parties, photo shoots, and traveling to Art Basel. I definitely needed a collection of Instagram worthy looks at my disposal but was absolutely not going run up my credit card bill for the gram. Here are some of the looks I rented and my thoughts on whether or not Rent the Runway Unlimited is worth it, and getting the most out of your membership!

Rent the Runway Unlimited isn’t technically unlimited! You can have 4 items out at a time, and you are encouraged to return multiple items in one shipment to reduce the environmental impact. However you can swap out items as often as you want! The processing time is super fast - usually my items were received the next day and I could order my next round. And if you order before 2pm and ship to store they usually arrive the same day. For the looks below, I ordered them a few days before I had my holiday shoot scheduled and shipped them back when I was done.

The membership also came in super handy before my trips to Savannah and Miami. All my summer clothes were packed away for the season, so renting was a perfect option. Here are some of the fun looks I rented for travel to warm weather destinations.

Plus they have more than just formalwear and fancy dresses! I rented this statement coat because I was bored with my winter rotation, and this casual sweatshirt for weekend brunch.

So is Rent the Runway Unlimited worth it? I say yes if you are someone who goes to a lot of events on a regular basis, or if you are a blogger and always need fun items to shoot! It’s also great to activate your membership during busy times, like for wedding season or during the holidays when you have a lot of parties. Then you can freeze or cancel for the months when your schedule is lighter and you don’t need to rent as much.

Let me know if you try it, and here are links to the items I had in rotation!