Lifestyle

5 People you definitely know in Lockdown!

So we’re coming towards the end of May and we’ve been in Lockdown now for what feels like a year or more, although in reality it’s only being 2 months. I know. It shocked me too.

Time is flying by. It’s passing at quite a rate.

For some this time might be considered a wake up call. For others it’s changed their way of life and what they would consider their version of normality, if that truly exists at all.

Now I’m not the most observant person in the world. My friends have come to me in the past with all new haircuts, body jewellery or been in new relationships right in front of my eyes and I’ve been completely oblivious to them all.

Yet even I have noticed the changes in people I know and even in myself since Lockdown began.

Here are my top 5


Since all this began how many of your friends and family have jumped onto a Social Media platform due to desperate need for something to do, even if just to pass a small amount of time?

We all know someone who has recently upped their game on Instagram (#ME) or started a TikTok account just to entertain themselves but maybe ended up making content which went viral for no reason.

Don’t worry. I appreciate the grind my friends. You’re making lockdown FUN for people.

Talking of, I finally joined Facebook. I’d always gone back and forth about the idea but as a Marketer I can’t deny the value it holds and with some changes on the horizon for me and my family, it seemed necessary.

You can follow my page here – Life as Chloe Lauren.

Unfortunately staying in, although beneficial, has lead to a lot more packets of biscuits and tubs of ice cream to be opened and downed.

Before all this I was a calorie counting nut. In a way I still am but, I’ve definitely eased off on my own rules. Why not?

It’s not the easiest time to deal with and being bored has lead to some extra moments of eating. I’m both proud and ashamed. No judgement please.

Moving on from the random snacking, did you know people are also now branching out to cook/bake more of their own food? I know. I was shocked also.

It’s been a tough time for many without McDonalds and Wetherspoons being open. I don’t know how some coped. Somehow we are all getting through it through and we will be stronger for it (SARCASM DETECTED!).

At the beginning of lockdown it was toilet paper everyone was fighting over, but once that had calmed down, we noticed a new obsession had kicked in to play…baking.

This became obvious when suddenly flour was almost scarce in every shop, even the smaller corner shops. My mother, who was an avid baker before all of this occured was both livid and confused by this change in events.

After the wine had settled, she’s was ok. Just kidding. Sorry, mom!

All food talk aside, just for a second because there is a sharing bag of maltesers eyeing me up right now, but something I have been pushing a lot more than I already did is exercise

I’d have to say I definitely fall into this category and happily so.

At the start of lockdown we were obviously only entitled to an hours outdoor exercise. I made sure to walk everyday for a minimum of 40 minutes and when home I’d dance in my room or just move about as much as possible to rack up the steps on my pedometer app.

I possibly need to ease up a little though. I’ve found myself critiquing myself, if I don’t do enough in the day or if I eat too many biscuits and I need to compensate for those calories.

I feel like i’m one starjump away from becoming a Drill Sergeant.

Finally, we have those who can’t help but pass through their favourite film franchise or with the discovery of a new TV series which sparks their interest.

I guarantee at least 90% of the people reading this right now have an account with either Netflix, Amazon Prime or the latest release, Disney+. It’s even likely you have all 3 just like I do. If so, welcome to the couch potato crew.

However if you don’t, please let me know so I can properly apologise for assuming. But if you do, you know what I’m talking about.

During this time I did something I NEVER thought I’d do. I started watching Glee.

I’d always put it off, thinking it would be terrible but thought I have time on my hands so let’s just give it a go and see. I’ve just started on season 3 today. It’s been a bumpy ride when it comes to my real thoughts towards it, but what I know for sure, I love Brittany. The girls a legend.

What are my fellow ‘Boxset Binge-watchers’ watching at the moment? I’d love to know!


Anyway, there you have it. The 5 types of people we definitely all know during this time. Have I missed any? Do you agree with my list? Let me know in the comments.

In the meantime…

Let the virtual insanity continue,

Chloe Lauren

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Digital Marketing

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.


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.


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.


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.


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

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Digital Marketing

4 FREE Save and Share ‘Stay Safe’ Inspired Stories Templates!

At the moment things seem uncertain and up in the air.

We’re unable to see family members, or keep up with our friends in person.

Not that I really kept up much as it was.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t still stay connected in some way, right?


Social media has given us all the tools we need to stay in touch and up to date with those we love and care for no matter where in the world they are, even if that is just down the road from where you are.

In a way, it’s like our real life friends are now becoming part of our online friendship groups and community which I have no problem with. Some of my favourite people and most valued friendships started online.

My point is, we are not fully shut out nor are we as isolated as it may feel.


One way many keep up with each other is through the use of Stories, whether through Instagram, Facebook, or for the fun, and definitely not sad people like myself, the infamous WhatsApp status.

This gave me an idea.

Why not create and share several templates that you all can use with your friends and family…and for FREE. Who doesn’t love that?

So below are 4 templates (more to be added) that you can save and use right this very second, tag in accounts you want to interact with and get the conversation started.

I guess you could say…it’s no one’s day, their week, their month or even their year, but with this, I will be there for you.

Now today’s Friends reference is out the way, take your pick and enjoy!



Stay safe out there peeps and don’t forget to…

Let the virtual insanity continue!

Chloe Lauren

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Digital Marketing

COMING SOON: Beginners Guide To Social Media Marketing

Hi all,

Do you see the same value in Social Media as I do?

Working as a Digital Marketing Executive, and dealing face to face with clients on a daily basis, I still notice a notable apprehension to the idea of using Social Media as part of a businesses ongoing marketing strategy.

I mean, it’s 2019. If you’re not active on Social and interacting with the audience you wish to reach regularly, I have to ask, do you even business though?

Don’t worry I do get it. Many people see the dark side of social, including the scandals that have arisen over the past couple of years as well as the obvious trolls you may get from your posts. They really can put you off.

However, that does not do justice to the other, more prominent side of it, which is nothing but good.

Used properly, Social Media can truly enhance a business, putting them at a real advantage because…

  1. More often than not, your competitors will already be there
  2. It allows you to speak directly to your customer or client
  3. Captures your companies real personality
  4. You become part of a wider conversation and community
  5. Expands on your business reach
  6. Works as part of your SEO strategy

And so on. I could really go on and you know what I will.

To celebrate my blogging return, and to give people more insight into the world of Social Media Marketing, I am bringing you a full series based around what I have picked up over the last couple of years.

In between I will also be shedding light on other Marketing based areas to get you up to speed in your business or even blogging life.

Ready to take on Social? I am!

Chloe Lauren.

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