How Instagram can become your best friend during Lockdown

Lockdown is here and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere at this moment, a bit like a younger sibling who just won’t leave you alone.

I should know. I’m the youngest. So trust me on this one!

It is proving to be a testing time. Call me Chris Traeger from Parks and Recreation, because it’s going to feel as if there is literally nothing to do.

For content creators, it may even feel like you are going to run out of viable ideas you can push out to your audience without rehashing the same information everyone else is.

You’re probably also questioning whether you are able to keep to your usual style, tone of voice and all whilst keeping that entertainment factor at the forefront of what you do?

Let me tell you something now. Yes. Yes you can!

Things are bad enough for people as it is. This is not a time to forget who you are and what your content is about. If anything, it’s time to turn it up a notch. Let the flames roar. It’s time to go full content Ninja on everyone.

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For this, you obviously have the pick of several social networks, all of which provide a great home to connect with your audience and build your community. However, right now, I wish to hone in on just the one…

INSTAGRAM!

I bet you all thought I was going to say TikTok there, right? Ha. NO!

Well…maybe another time.

Why do I say Instagram? Well as a Digital Marketing Executive and someone who runs campaigns for clients, I am aware of the benefits the platform currently holds for creators.

Sure, TikTok holds a similar creator to audience value, but it’s still in the initial growth stages and doesn’t quite have the same popularity Instagram has become known to have.

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Over the last month or so, I have used my time on Instagram much more wisely. If you follow me you will know. If not, you can always make the right decision today and follow here – @lifeaschloelauren.

I have been meticulously testing different times of posting to see when my audience are online, have gone from irregular posting schedules to a post every other day as well as surfing relevant hashtags to better define my audience.

You may even notice I have mixed the content up, between photos of me, scenery, as well as videos on both my main feed and stories. It’s all about personality and mine just so happens to involve humour, whether good or bad!

Since implementing this strategy throughout Lockdown, my Instagram following has grown by 63% and my engagement rate has increased to 11.28%.

Even GaryVee, who’s content marketing tips I raved about (here) spends about 80% of his time on social media, just on Instagram, then divides the rest of his time on all the other platforms.

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People still have the mentality that if they jump on the platform now, it’s too late to grow or gain any real results without paying for ads.

They are wrong. Plain and simple.

All it takes is a little effort on your part and community in your heart.

That’s all it’s about.

Don’t go in initially hoping to get likes on likes on likes. It doesn’t work that way. Over the last month, my average likes have gone from 30 per post to 55. Small achievements that will continue to build.

It builds over time, just like when you first started blogging and the numbers may not have been what you initially wanted there, yet you kept working and working. The same can be said in this instance!

One thing to keep in mind with Instagram is to engage, just as much as others engage with you.

Follow and start a conversation. Don’t just follow for a follow back!

For every follower I’ve received recently, I have sent a message to with a simple thank you and positivity for their day. I’m even glad to say the response rate has been quite high. I’d say 9/10 have responded to me. It has opened the chance to correspond with one another, build your network and join forces with people who may have opportunities for you in the future.

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Please don’t forget that right now, it shouldn’t be a numbers game, but the more you grow on Instagram, the more you can impact and help others in times to come.

Now I am going to go and jump back on there myself. Always work to be done!

Let the virtual insanity continue,

Chloe Lauren

The Ultimate Blogging Tool Every Blogger Should Know About!

Hey Guys,

Want to know a secret? Something which will enhance your Blog Marketing in a matter of minutes?

Sure you do!

You will be able to say goodbye to Content and Social Media Management struggles forever, because I have just for you, a solution which is going to completely rid you of that hindrance and make your life 100 times easier.

Now, doesn’t that sound inviting?

I know what you’re all thinking, what am I going on about and why am I seriously excited about this?

Firstly, I know how this probably looks, and no, this isn’t sponsored by the company, but hey, if after this they want to send some promotion this way, my emails are always open! Hint hint. Wink wink.

Let’s be honest though, that wouldn’t happen, but it’s a truly nice thought that I will hold dearly for the next five or so minutes!

The real reason for my excitement, is I know how beneficial this can be first hand. Since beginning my Apprenticeship, this was one of the first things I found out about and I can not stress enough how much of a help it has been when it comes to my work, so much so that I have brought it into my own blogging life.

So… What is this tool and why should you be using it?

Have you ever wondered what Content you should be pushing and when or who you should be following based on any of your shared interests with others?

Well… with CROWDFIRE, this get taken away.

Crowdfire is classed as a Social Media Management Tool and is easily accessible to you via the App or through any Web Browser. The best part is, it’s FREE and only takes five minutes out of your day.

Saying that we are awake for an average of 12 hours each day, that is virtually nothing.

In those five minutes, you are able to go through a selection of tasks, these include:

• Showing you your most recent Blog Posts, and allowing you to choose a time and date to post each, as well as giving you the opportunity to edit the post before it goes out.
• Showing you other posts by other Bloggers, which you can also share. Spread the love and help them grow too.
• Options to connect other Social Media Platforms.
• Adding or altering certain details to do with your Blog to help source Content and People who match what you talk about or are interested in.
• Follow people who maybe follow other accounts like yours or who are talking about similar

There is also an option to unfollow those who don’t follow back or who are inactive/no longer use their accounts but this tends to be personal preference on whether you go for this or not. Don’t feel pressured to use this just because it is there.

I tend to use this to decide on which of my latest blog posts to share and to schedule them ahead of time, otherwise I do tend to forget due to being preoccupied in other areas.

Yeah, I am really that bad, but Crowdfire hit me up anyway!

If you want Social Media Management made easy. This is the place to go. Check out the Website/App now and make Blogging a walk in the park!

So, what do you think? Will you be using this tool? Not too sure?

Let me know!  

Chloe Lauren x