If you’ve been following for a while, you may remember the last hot topics blog I created featuring two friends that are real estate agents. If you missed it, go back and read Hot Topics – Real Estate Questions Answered!
While it may have many titles (Blogger, Influencer, Content Creator), I’ve learned quite a bit about having an online presence. I’ve learned through other bloggers and google (lol). So, I wanted to share and be completely transparent with what goes into creating my blog and posts on Instagram. This week, I opened up a question box on Instagram and asked my followers what they wanted to know. I’m answering the 7 questions YOU the reader sent in.
While I can’t answer for others, there are THOUSANDS of content creators who do this full time, 9-5, with teams of people behind them. I have a gist of what goes on behind the scenes. Let’s get into some questions!
Q & A on Influencing & Content Creating
Q: What’s a typical schedule look like?
A: Like I said above, I can’t answer for the creators who are doing this full time. For me, I do what fits best with my schedule. I wake up at 5 a.m. five days a week and either create the collages you see on my shop LTK page, edit photos, or write my blog post. From 6-7 a.m., I’m researching on Instagram. And by researching, I’m checking out other creators Instagram pages and stories to get inspiration.
Archie goes down for a nap from 12-2:30 p.m. This is when I’m typically focused on the blog since it’s a big batch of uninterrupted time.
He’s in bed between 7-7:30 and after we finish bedtime, I may be posting an Instagram or wrapping up anything from the day.
After the weekly wrap-up goes out on Friday morning, I’m checking my email and planning my content for the following week. I keep a notes app on my phone and save ideas!
Q: How do you decide when to post and publish?
A: Analytics! I’m an amateur for sure, but after several google searches, I’ve learned the basics. Having an Instagram business account opens your world to a plethora of data about your posts and reach. I’ve learned most of my Instagram followers are on between 6-8 p.m. with a drop by 9 p.m. So, posting after Archie’s bedtime just sets me up for more followers seeing my post.
The LTK app suggests posting twice a day. I post once in the morning and once at night. They also say the app is the busiest over the weekend. I post every other hour on Saturday and Sunday (they’re not new posts, I auto schedule so I can be off my phone on weekends). Google analytics says most people check their emails on Wednesdays, which is why I try to get the blog out on Wednesdays during the week.
Q: Do you ever feel like you have to “keep up?”
A: Sometimes. Especially with new items like Instagram Reels and Tik Tok. I try to remind myself though that social media is forever evolving, just like anything else. If I were in any type of profession, I would still be learning new ways to expand on the job.
I also try to remind myself that I’m doing this to ENHANCE my life. The recovering perfectionist in me always wants me to be better than I was last week. In what I lack in competing with others I gain in competing with myself and I’m trying to work on that!
Q: Do you get mad when people unfollow you?
A: Ok, this is a strange one because the emphasis that is placed on number of followers is interesting. The more followers you have, the more people will see a certain product or post, the more brands and others will want to work with you.
In the very beginning, I started noticing other people following me and unfollowing me if I didn’t follow back. I wouldn’t use mad, but I would use interesting. It’s an interesting workplace dynamic?
For others that I personally know, no I don’t get mad at unfollows. I was one person online and now I’m another. Just because we’re not friends in the online world, does not mean we can’t be real world friends <3.
Q: How do you make money?
A: I personally make money through the LTK app. Each person that clicks on a link I post and makes a purchase from that link, I get a percentage. This is called an affiliate link and it’s typically about 10-15%, but it depends on the brand.
Others make money through blogs, sponsorships and ads on Instagram. I’ve done a few, but I mostly make money through the LTK app.
Q: Do you ever receive negativity?
A: Someone told me it looked like I had a nice house and proceeded to ask me why I sit in a room with nothing in it on my Dad’s old computer chair? Maybe that’s a backhanded, negative compliment lol. But no, I’ve been lucky so far. About 80% of my followers I’d say, are friends and family and everyone has been super encouraging!
Q: Other influencers to follow?
A: Too many to count! I’ve followed others for years now and I think their profession is pretty cool. @stylinbyaylin is great for neutral home decor, @courtneyshields is great for beauty, @dressupbuttercup puts together some pretty cute outfits and so many more!