A Beginner’s Guide to Insta-blogging

A Beginner’s Guide to Insta-blogging

Coat: Topshop; Pants: Urban Outfitters; Bag: Cult Gaia; Shoes: Aldo (similar here and here)

You’ve heard it. I know I’ve said it. It’s no big secret: Instagram is a saturated space. But which creative industry isn’t saturated? Be it acting, singing, art, the list goes on. However, just because it’s a saturated space doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of it. You just need to have a vision.

One of the most common questions I get asked is tips for new bloggers/content creators. While I don’t have a magic formula, I can tell you, from my experience, certain things that work. Realistically, I’ll probably end up doing a few more guides because there are so many tips I can share, but this is a good place to start.

If you guys have any more questions you’d like answered, or any other topic you want me to cover, please email/DM me/leave a comment below!

Focus
Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, find your focus. If you’re really passionate about fashion and beauty, focus on those things. Or maybe it’s travel! Maybe it’s food, or monochrome, or bright colours…the list goes on. Point is find your niche. Of course, this takes a bit of experimentation, but once you find your sweet spot, keep at it!

Edit
While I’ve created presets for myself on Lightroom which I use to edit, you don’t need to start off this advanced (unless you’re an Adobe whizz). Some of my favourite editing apps are VSCO and Snapseed. Figure out the filter you like on VSCO and use it to develop a uniformed look. My personal favourite is the J series.

Consistency
Posting regularly is something I cannot stress enough. Stick to once, maximum twice a day. I would stay away from posting several times a day because you don’t want to bombard your audience. The Instagram algorithm also favours people who post consistently, not to mention, it’s how you build a readership.

Engagement
If anyone tells you that they just woke up one morning with a huge audience, feel free to call them out on their bullshit. Instagram is a space in which you get what you give. Engage with people and build a community. It’s one of the best parts about the app!

Disperse
Maybe you feel like Instagram is totally your vibe – that’s awesome! But if you’re thinking of making a career out of content creation, you need to spread yourself out on as many platforms as you can. Most importantly, you need to have a website. The thing is, while Instagram may crumble at any given time, your website is forever. It’s the only thing you’ll ever own and have full control over.

Ethics
Though you may or may not choose to pay heed to this one, I’m going to say it anyway. Your numbers on Instagram are a product of hard work. But even if you work your ass off, you’re not suddenly going to have a million followers overnight. These things take time. Don’t get frustrated and decide to buy followers. Even if you never get caught by the brands who approach you, you will lose respect from your peers and isolate yourself. One of my favourite parts about blogging is the friends it’s allowed me to make. Don’t resort to unethical measures, because once people find out (and they will), you won’t have friends in the industry.

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20 Comments

  1. November 26, 2017 / 3:10 pm

    Sif!
    Thank you for this post and the helpful tips!
    Please do another one!
    I absolutely love this color palette on you- absolutely stunning!
    Xo
    Britta

  2. November 26, 2017 / 7:26 pm

    Thanks for yet another honest and useful post Siffat! I do feel the industry and Instagram are a bit saturated, but you gotta do you and hope that it will resonate with people. It’s a bit frustrating to find so many accounts with a fake following (now it’s much easier to notice these things), but that still get to collaborate with amazing brands and have more opportunities than a smaller blogger who works her/his ass off *sigh* Patience has never been my forte but oh boy I am learning to be patient and let the good things happen in due time 😉 Love your cozy outfit btw

    Saida | She talks Glam

  3. November 27, 2017 / 4:24 am

    Great post lady! I’ve been loving all your posts lately from Copenhagen. I love all things Hygge, and its just THE cosiest there!
    Safe travels and Happy Holidays xo
    Lyndi

    http://www.stylecalling.com

  4. November 27, 2017 / 5:05 am

    Dying over that Cult Gaia! What a dreamboat! Also majorly failing at the Insta game. I gave up many months ago and can’t seem to get back into it.

    Sxx
    http://www.daringcoco.com

  5. November 27, 2017 / 11:24 am

    Thanks for this great and helpful post, as for your outfit I adore how cozy and stylish this look is !

    Nina
    xox
    http://www.thecrispylipstick.com

  6. Julia R
    November 27, 2017 / 2:39 pm

    I love this cosy, stylish look, Siffat. You always have the best coats!
    Thank you for sharing these great tips! I totally agree that a website/ blog is so important as it will always be your space
    Julia x
    http://www.thevelvetrunway.com

  7. November 27, 2017 / 4:29 pm

    I wish I had you to guide me when I first started cause you are KILLING IT on the insta blogging sphere!

    -Didier
    http://www.didieryhc.com

  8. November 27, 2017 / 4:47 pm

    Uhm this outfit is genius!!! Love love love the monochromatic styling and mix of elements. The contrast between the boots, bag and coat is so good. Love this one babe! Xx

    http://www.thefashionfolks.com

  9. November 28, 2017 / 2:09 pm

    I totally agree that it takes time to build an audience, and ethics is the first principle to follow. I admit it is hard to resist the temptation when there are instagrammers out there with millions of followers, but I truly believe that it is not a method anyone should stick to. Everything you can get out of bought followers is fake, and it does not last, it is like a soap ballon.

    xo Corina
    http://unbouquetdamour.com/dress-for-job-interview/

  10. November 28, 2017 / 5:40 pm

    You are right, consistency is the key. Failure to failure without losing enthusiasm results to something good. I know a few, but these all helped.

    StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova

  11. Natalie
    November 28, 2017 / 10:18 pm

    Great post! Do you have a post on how you edit your Instagram photos?

    Natalie Gennaoui

    • siffat.h91@gmail.com
      Author
      December 17, 2017 / 7:21 am

      Hi hun! No I don’t. I created presets on Lightroom which I use to edit all my photos. I’m actually thinking about either doing a giveaway or selling them, so watch out for that on Instagram 🙂

  12. December 1, 2017 / 10:18 am

    Really good tips as always hun 🙂 xx

  13. December 3, 2017 / 12:29 pm

    Lovely read dear, and I couldnt agree more, especially on the topic of Ethics. There’s no magic pill in blogging, it takes hardwork and consistency. BTW, your booties are lovely!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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