A beginner's guide to Instagram blogging

My bio on Instagram begins with these words, "Real English teacher, and pretend fashion blogger." They feel right. When I started my Fashion Blog 1 month ago today, I was shaking in my non-designer boots. I didn't have the paycheck for this, the photography skills for this, or the self confidence to post selfies for strangers. I remember my first comment, and awkwardly replying back to it, feeling self conscious, like the new girl in school. (did that back in high school - not fun!) Things have grown and changed in the last month...and I wanted to share 5 things I've learned with you all, whether to learn from yourself or just to giggle over. I don't know it all. In fact I'm so new I don't even know what I don't even know, but i hope you enjoy it anyway. So here they are, the 5 things I've learned!

1. Be a human being first, blogger second:

Disclaimer- This one I'm still working on, and it's a tough one. Do you ever find yourself in a store or looking online and thinking about how great it would be to blog about it, rather than how much you love it and where you would wear it to? Have you ever worried more about how something would look on camera than how it feels in real life? 

I don't want memories to pass me by because my head isn't in the right place. I still want to have time to cook dinner for my precious husband, and spend time with my friends without feeling the urge to check my social media or blog. It's slow coming, but I'm finding balance. 

2. Hit the post button:

Yes, the photo sucks. The lighting is awful. You're on your back porch- still. Oh my gosh, the neighbors are now out on their back porch. "Okay, act casual." But I digress. Hit the post button. No one else will see it like you. We are our own biggest critics! And if they do, they're too nice to say anything. I love the super sweet Instagram community! :) 

3. Speak up:

I don't know much about growing a following. But the best relationships by far for me come from responding to others comments on my photos and actively going out and finding interesting photos to comment on. Finding people who share your style, your religion, your way of life, whatever is key! If you go to their page and "like" a bunch of stuff you don't actually like in real life, chances are they won't like your stuff either!! I know you could get lots of followers by following loads of people without discretion, but your Instagram feed should inspire you and be something you're actually interested in. So basically, my advice won't help get a ton of followers, but it will make your following more organic and meaningful. Which to me is far better. 

4. Consistency: 

This goes along with 2. Post regularly, but not constantly. Nobody has amazing photos 29 times a day. Except maybe Brighton Keller. Hahah! Jk. Comment regularly and like other people's photos consistently too! It's a community! Not your universe! ;)

5. Weekend vs Weekday:

Don't be discouraged if your numbers don't move at all on the weekend. People are out enjoying their lives!! And going back to #1- so should you! Hit it back up Sunday night and Monday when people are back to the grind. :) 

Please comment below if any of this rings true for you, or you have better advice! I'm legitimately curious!!

Xoxo,

Victoria