Top: Zara (similar here and here); Jeans: Levi’s; Shoes: Miu Miu (affordable option); Coat: Topshop (similar here and here); Hat: Club Monaco (similar here and here)
This post is for my fellow content creators. Instagram has been making ongoing changes for the last few months, which has led to a decrease in visibility and growth for all of us. Every time I speak to a fellow Instagrammer, we discuss how the algorithm has changed, yet again. So in a time when the platform we rely so heavily on is changing, what do we do?
Let’s face it, social media is an ever-shifting landscape. I mean, look at what happened to Snapchat. With the drop of a hat, Instagram released its story feature, and Snapchat was never the same. So these changes within Instagram, however difficult to accept, are hardly a surprise. As content creators, we need to find ways to grow our personal brand in spite of this challenge, so here’s what I’m doing:
1. Focus on my blog
Instead of fretting over a situation that’s out of my hands, I’m focusing on something I do have control over – creating quality content for my blog. This website is my little piece of internet, and I want to drive as much traffic here as I can. That means better pictures, better article, and covering a variety of topics.
2. Branch out
Speaking of a variety of topics, I’ve started focusing on beauty and interiors lately. Since it’s new, I have a ton of ideas, which motivates me to create fresh content that I’m putting a lot of thought into. Exploring a new topic always inspires me.
3. Explore new social media platforms
For the longest time, I’d been afraid to start a Youtube channel. I had a lot of ideas and tips I wanted to share, but I was nervous about being in front of a camera. However, I committed to it and just dove in head first. I’m still nervous – I suck at editing and I’m not the most comfortable in front of a camera. But you know what, just like anything else, it takes practice. I decided to delve into Youtube because I was sick of focusing all my energy into Instagram. I wanted to do something new, exciting, and challenging.
I love the casual look 🙂 The hat is nice touch x
Laura
Pink Frenzy
Love everything about this look ! Can’t wait to discover your YouTube channel 🙂 !
Have a fabulous day !
Nina
xox
http://www.thecrispylipstick.com
You look gorgeous! Been loving your hair lately by the way. I totally agree with you. I have been trying not to stress out about Instagram and instead focus on my blog.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
LOVE how you put the outfit together! so pretty!
have a wonderful day!
Wow, this outfit is just perfect! Love it.
I would love if you’d like to check out my out of today! XO Bella, http://nouw.com/bellss
Great points there girl and by the way this outfit is great.So casual, comfy but just perfect.
http://sophieatieno.com
Wow this is such an awesome look 🙂 but not only the look great but also your strategy. I wish you all the best 🙂
Love
Sassi
Oh Instagram has been the worst for months! It is such a frustrating situation as we really have no control over it! I totally agree that focusing on the blog and other avenues is the best approach! That’s one of the reasons why having your own blog space, that you can control, is so important!
x Emily
http://shedoes.com.au
I love this post and tips! You look gorgeous a little more everyday with an effortless and so elegant style!
http://violettedaily.com
you look so cute! I love those ballet flats! I also think about how to expand with different platforms too, ig is making me mad lately! lol
http://www.prettyinleather.net
You definitely offer so many great tips regarding social media strategy. Love those shoes by the way… the buckle detail is gorgeous! Would LOVE for you to check out my new Mother’s Day post! 🙂
XO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/fragrance-favorites-for-mothers-day/
Great photos and outfit. Your hair is flawless!
xx, Cinthy Kwok
This was really motivating to read, you should defo start a channel!
Habba x
http://www.heimisdottir.co.uk
Hi Siffat, I admire that you started videos. I find it so complicated and I shy in front of camera as well. Will you share your videos with us soon?
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Author
Hey Miri! You can actually find my first Youtube video in my previous blogpost (called YSL CC Creme). You can also visit my channel if you click on the video icon on the top right corner of my profile (where it says ‘Follow Me’). xo
Thanks for your thoughts on social media! I agree that focusing on your own blog is a great idea. Love this chic look and I adore the hat and shoes.
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Sooo soo chic! how cute are them shoes babe!! The extra long coat is divine!!
xxx
Ashley
http://www.missgunner.com
I really enjoyed this post. You’re so right! It’s hard not to get caught up with instagram sometimes.
Thanks for sharing. You look lovely in these photos too!
Lyndi xo
http://www.stylecalling.com
Thanks for the great post and for sharing your ideas and thoughts on the topic!
Xo,
Serene
I used Snapchat for a while until Instagram released the Instastories. And now, I have not used Snapchat since then lol
http://www.thequinoxfashion.com
Great post! I definitely gave up on Instagram and I think it’s important to not put all of your eggs in one basket. The blog is something you own and should be a priority!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Well, all social media platforms always changes algorithm, that’s why it’s really advisable to not just rely on one social platform but also try something else. As a suggestion, you may want to work more on Pinterest. It’s a visual platform so it really suits well for you. You can upload your daily outfits and you’ll see some significant change in your traffic.
And btw, I’m loving your overall look! So simple yet so cozy. Those comfy coat is a must-have!
Such a amazing outfit and picures!! You have a lovely style!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: CITY OF STARS
My darling Siffat thank you so much for this post! Instagram has been so challenging for us small bloggers as well. With the new algorithms the growth is minimal to nearly unnoticeable.
As you know I started my Youtube about two weeks ago, I uploaded my second video on Monday. I was so shy and still am but at the end I went for it.
My warmest wishes for the new beginnings. I’ll find you on youtube as well.
Thanks so much for the inspiration.
Love from https://tbymallano.com/
I’m loving your entire outfit, girlie, especially the hat and shoes, they look so good paired together! I hear you, it’s been a constant adjustment. I don’t understand why they’re fixing something that isn’t broken. Ever since Facebook bought Instagram, it hasn’t been the same. They changed the way we see shared content, based on the amount of times we engage and now they only feature us in hashtags when we have enough engagement from our followers, not those who may be discovering us from other accounts or the hashtags themselves, which defeats the entire purpose of the platform. I believe it’s intended for us and larger brands to purchase ads to be discovered by more people. Anyway, regardless of their intentions, I agree with what you’ve shared here, to focus on what you CAN control and that’s our blogs. At the end of the day, apps and platforms can change for the worst, but we have sole control over our content and that’s what we should primarily focus on for sure. Thanks for sharing, babe, and I hope you’re having a great week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Girl, I thought I was the only one finding Instagram frustrating! It’s uncertainty and constant unfavorable changes are a put off. This post is spot on, as I’ve decided to do a few of these also.
It’s nice to have shared your thoughts on this.
Funmi xx
http://www.funmialabi.co.uk
Siffat, my dear i’m totally with you in this topic. Instagram is making it too hard for us bloggers, and i led to the same conclusion as you: focusing more on my blog content, creating better pictures and better texts.
After all, the blog is the only platform that is truly ours. And even if we have seen a lot of people going to instagram i believe sooner people will be coming back to blogs.
Anyway, i haven’t tried youtube yet even if i really want to. Even if i believe that people who see videos are from a younger age as one can’t see it at work. It takes time to watch a video (it’s pretty different from reading a blog post, in my opinion).
However i find it really hard to edit videos, but i’m trying to figure it out. What editor tool do you use?
The digital world is in constant change and we truly have to adapt ourselves in order to don’t sink.
Have a great day.
lefashionaire.com
Okay so first, I really love your look. Pale pink & navy are one of my fav combos!
Second, I really like this post. I hate the IG changes, but I’m trying to just go with it, since, well, there’s really no choice.
I think it’s great that you’re going to start a YouTube channel. I hope to do the same in the future.
Editing is my enemy too though haha.
Good luck & looking forward to seeing it come to fruition.
http://www.thekaragon.com
Thanks for sharing your tips on social media. I agree that it’s a good idea to focus your efforts on things you can control and I love how you”re branching out in your blog and have started a you tube channel.
Secondly, I love this outfit – you look so gorgeous as always!
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
I’m so happy you brought this up. Instagram is driving us all nuts and I had the conversation with some blog friends the other day. That perhaps it’s time for a platform that actually cares about the followers? As for now, I’ve paused IG. I’ll update every now and then and not “sink the ship”, but I’m done trying to gain followers and engagement. IG doesn’t care about your growth, they care about their own possibilites to earn money. So the past weeks I’ve had more hours each day to focus on my blog, which have actually made me feel more engaged and excited in a long time. So I’m happy to put my energy on what I can control! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
love your little ballet flats!!
I know how challenging it can be to start a YouTube channel…it’s a lot of work, and you’re putting yourself out there in a much more personal way than a blog does. So congrats and giving it a chance!
http://www.luellapearl.com
Caitlin
Wonderful look and great article! Thanks for sharing!
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
You look so cool and your hair is pure perfection in these photos. Fantastic styling and photography xxx
ALittleKiran | Bloglovin
I love IG but either don’t know what to post or struggle with growing my audience! I can totally relate to your feelings on the topic of social media; it is ever changing 😉
Blessings,
Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.com
First of all, i really love your look. Pale pink & navy are one of my favorite combos!
Secondly, I really like and enjoy this post. I hate the IG changes, but I’m trying to just go with it, since, well, there’s really no choice.
I think it’s great that you’re going to start a YouTube channel. I hope to do the same in the future.
Editing is my enemy too though haha.
http://www.couponorcode.com