Hi friends! I got so many great questions last week from Instagram Stories that I wanted to answer a few more questions today! I’m answering how I got started with blogging, my favorite/least favorite parts of blogging, and a few tips to grow your Instagram account. Enjoy!
Here is part 2 of my Instagram Story Questions & Answer Round Up:
Instagram Story Questions #1: How did you know you wanted to be a blogger?/How did you get started with blogging?
Asked by: @annie_eatsfood @laurapjanis
In 2014, I was a senior at the University of Washington. I made the conscious decision that I wouldn’t pursue a job in the fashion industry. To be honest, I was looking at the average salary of assistant buyers and comparing them with what a business analyst or sales person would make in aerospace, consumer goods, and tech. And I was shocked at the $10-$20,000 salary gap between starting out in the fashion industry and these other industries.
So in fall of my senior year, I was in the final rounds of interviews with PepsiCo, Google, and Boeing. I was excited about my next step into the real world but I knew I would need a creative outlet. I’ve always loved styling, shopping, and clothes, so I decided to start Emma’s Edition to share my love of fashion.
Instagram Story Questions #2: How long have you been blogging?
Asked by: @kaatwalks
Technically, I’ve had a blog for four years. But I didn’t start taking blogging seriously until two years into it. I shared a blog post maybe once a month or every other month when I was in undergrad and also in the first year in the real world.
It wasn’t until I landed an American Eagle Campaign in summer 2016 when I realized my voice mattered in the fashion industry. That campaign helped jumpstart my confidence, drove more collaborations, and inspired me to create better content on the blog.
Instagram Story Questions #3: What are your favorite parts of blogging? What are your least favorite parts?
Asked by: @xoxolovelaura @simplyjulieee
Favorite parts of blogging:
I absolutely love creating new content – writing has always been a passion of mine and I also love taking photos! I get SO EXCITED when I get to take photos with Holly, Karya, or get to work with any other photographer.
I also love connecting, learning from others, and passing on my ideas and lessons in life! Even if people don’t’ necessarily agree with my opinions or can’t relate to my life experiences, I try to share a different perspective.
And lastly, I love fashion, new trends, and new clothes/shoes/accessories. I’ve always played dress up so I really enjoy styling and incorporating trends into my wardrobe.
Least favorite parts of blogging:
Hmm I think the most challenging thing to me about blogging is an internal struggle about numbers. I have always remind myself that numbers aren’t equal to my worth as a human being. I have to remind myself that the fashion, the blog posts, and everything else delivers value to my audience and that is far more important than the follower count.
Instagram Story Questions #4 What is the best way to grow your following?/ How did you achieve your IG growth? Sometimes it seems impossible to grow!
Asked by: @theheilstyle @jaemiesures
“How did you achieve IG growth?”
I probably get this Instagram story question whether or not I post an “ask me a question” Instagram story. As someone whose taken blogging/Instagram seriously these last two years, I understand the challenge of growth. Blogging and Instagram are both oversaturated markets which means it’s a little harder to stand out in today than it was in 2010 when there was less bloggers in the market.
Honestly I could teach a whole course on growing your Instagram but for the sake of time and answering this question, here is how I grew my Instagram over the past few years:
1. I defined by brand on my blog and Instagram.
What’s my mission statement for Emma’s Edition? “Inspiring the modern woman with fashion, career, and life tips”
By defining my brand as a young, professional woman who loves sharing fashion, career, and life advice, my audience and potential readers understood who I am right off the bat. You can find blog posts around summer trends to look out for, college internship tips, and even a behind the scenes of a blogger photo shoot on Emma’s Edition. By creating content around my defined mission statement, I eliminate any confusion around my personal brand.
2. I created a colorful, bright, happy aesthetic on my Instagram.
It took me a while to figure out what type of theme or vibe I wanted to go for my Instagram. I realized that I wear a lot of color and I’m attracted to colorful spaces. You’ll finds either colorful clothes or a colorful background on my feed. You’ll also find a feminine, fun, everlasting spring/summer style.
By defining my brand and creating a consistent Instagram aesthetic, I’ve been able to communicate a clear point of view. So if you love color, bright, happy vibes, hopefully you enjoy my feed!
If you want some tips on creating a consistent Instagram aesthetic, you can check out: 7 Tips to Help You Determine Your Instagram Aesthetic.
3. I run my blog/instagram like a business.
When I decided to commit to building my blog, I knew I couldn’t post on the blog just once a month. I majored in business (sales & marketing) and knew I could apply the lessons I’ve learned in school and in my career to my blog.
I defined a mission statement, recognized the value I bring to brands and my audience, and invested in working with photographers to create quality content. I embraced the concept that the service I deliver to brands is bringing to life their campaigns with my unique perspective, my writing skills, photos with my audience (this helped me negotiate more paid campaigns). Additionally, I know I have the opportunity to inspire other women – whether they’re in college, taking the next step in their career, or thinking about refreshing their wardrobe.
If you want some tips about how to run your blog like a business, you can check out: 6 Business Concepts to Apply to Your Blog.
Here are a few other blog posts for anyone trying to grow their Instagram:
10 Blog Post to Help You Build Your Blog & Instagram!
10 Everyday Tips You Can Use to Grow Your Instagram
4 Pieces Advice for the New Blogger
5 Instagram & Blogging Secrets of Emma’s Edition – Part 1
5 More Instagram & Blogging Secrets – Part 2
Shop a similar look:
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I hope you enjoyed this round up of Instagram Story Questions and Answers! I hope to create blog posts like this at least once a month but if you ever have questions, feel free to email me!
Thank you for reading! Thank you to the lovely ladies for sending their questions in!
You can follow them on Instagram:
Annie:
Laura:
Kat:
Laura:
Julie:
April:
Jaemie:
Love,
Emma