What happened to 2016?! It’s almost over! and in less than 3 weeks I will be turning 25 and sun bathing in Mexico ( that is the only part I’m actually excited about )
For the month of June I’ve loved so many things. As usual
Targus Tripod
First, the serious game changer, has been my Targus Tripod. Seriously. $10 on amazon and it changed my Instagram game. no more “selfies”. I now get high quality pics using my Cannon Rebel T5 and its self timer.
I point my camera where I want to stand, adjust the ISO and Aperture to match and set my self timer! I hope no one can see me running from my camera to my spot. They would probably think I’m crazy.
But, seriously.
This picture is the first picture I took using the tripod and self timer. It got my over 350 likes ( that’s a lot to me! ) and on many Top Posts of my selected hashtags. Which is the KEY to Instagram!
Also, the picture for my DIY Pallet Flag for 4th of July was taken using self timer and my tripod. It helped to get my pictures taken while i was “in action” so I could showcase myself doing the work instead of the work after it’s done.
It’s the best thing I’ve invested in thus far. If you can even call it investing.. it’s only $10 on amazon.
INSTAGRAM!
Holy amazing. I finally figured Instagram out.
With the help of Jenna Kutcher. I don’t know about you, but I am obsessed with TheEveryGirl.com. One day I was on the website randomly checking out the latest posts and stumbled on Jenna Kutcher’s bio. I saw that she was doing a 7 day Instagram Challenge, that duh, I signed up for!
For 7 days she gave you a daily challenge, made you open up to your followers and understand the ins and outs of Instagram. Needless to say, I fell in love with the way she works and her personality. I splurged on my first Instagram course – The Instagram Lab.
So here is a little bit of what I’ve taken away from it:
Tell a story! Let your readers know why they are looking at that picture, what is the story behind it, what can you tell your readers that will connect you to them?
Be Intentional.
Have a plan. How often are you going to post? What hashtags are you going to use? What is you going to say?
Quality over quantity.
Hashtag Optimization! Along with the above, the key to Instagram are the hashtags. The better your hashtags, the more people you are reaching, the better engagement you have, the more people will follow through to that link in your bio!
I have finally seen Instagram as a referrer in my analytics and have finally seen my picture in the Top Posts on Insta!
If you would like to know more about using Instagram to drive traffic to your blog through hashtags, sign up to receive my FREE list of hashtags!
One-Piece Bathing Suits
Finally, a thing..
I have been OBSESSING over one-piece bathing suits this month!
I especially love the ones that have a plunging neck line, a cut out back or cut out so the sides. They are all so CUTE.
Body Glove Smoothies Mona One-Piece Halter • Body Glove • $45.99–55.99
Nasty Gal Alina Swimsuit – Black • Nasty Gal • $78
ASOS COLLECTION ASOS Mesh Panel Cupped Swimsuit • Asos • $46
Topshop Plunging Mesh Inset One-Piece Swimsuit • Topshop • $40
Topshop Strappy Cross Back One-Piece Swimsuit • Topshop • $29.99
L Space Moda One-Piece Pool 8 Swimwear • L-Space • $159
17 Comments
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons
Love the instagram tips, as a newer blogger we need all of the tips we can get! Thank you!
June 30, 2016 at 3:14 pmTiffany C
You’re so welcome!
June 30, 2016 at 4:55 pmMelanie
I have been wanting to enter into the world of one pieces! I think it is about time! Especially with so many cute ones! Yet I haven’t gotten up the nerve to actually wear one. I own one and I put it on, but then take it off and trade it for a bikini (which is in no way as flattering as the one piece). I think part of me feels it is an admission to the fact the I turn 30 this year, as if a bathing suit can define how old I feel! Thanks for all this cute inspiration to help me just dive in!!
June 30, 2016 at 3:15 pmTiffany C
Oh my goodness girl my one piece makes me feel amazing!
June 30, 2016 at 4:56 pmShahla
Great tips! Thank you! Going to go to amazon and get that tripod!!
June 30, 2016 at 6:25 pmTiffany C
You won’t regret it!
July 1, 2016 at 7:40 amLaura
I also did the 7 Day Challenge and learned so much! Thanks for the hashtags, I’m always looking to add to my list I have!! I also need to get one of those tripods – great idea! Thanks!! 😘
July 1, 2016 at 9:52 amLouisa
Lot’s of inspired firsts there. Instagram is a powerful tool especially when work involves social media!
July 1, 2016 at 10:52 amNellwyn
I’m about to invest in a new camera and tripod to improve my blogging. Still doing research into what I should get but I’m definitely going to look into that tripod!
Nellwyn | http://www.thecardinalpress.com
July 1, 2016 at 11:51 amLiv
I haven’t mastered instagram yet. It remains elusive. Glad you’ve figured it out!
July 2, 2016 at 9:23 pmAmanda | Maple Alps
Great post! Love the Instagram tips and totally agree! I think the next thing on my list of things to get is a tripod for sure!!
July 3, 2016 at 8:21 amTiffany C
Totally worth it!
July 3, 2016 at 1:32 pmDana Ivy
Great post, lady! And I signed up for your hashtags! Woo 🙂
Xox Dana Ivy // http://www.iadorewhatilove.com
July 3, 2016 at 9:44 amTiffany C
I hope they work for you, too!
July 3, 2016 at 1:32 pmLisa @ Fun Money Mom
These are great tips and I can’t wait to get the hashtag list! One question (and I should probably know this but I don’t)…how do you know when you’ve made the “top posts”? Do you just check back to see?
July 3, 2016 at 11:14 amTiffany C
Yep! I just check back to see
July 3, 2016 at 1:33 pmJustine Y @ Little Dove
I hope you have such a great birthday celebration!
I have a tripod but for some reason I’ve never thought to take action shots of diy’s with it, what a great idea! And I love, love, love that “Why don’t you blog about it” tee, so funny!!
July 5, 2016 at 4:51 pm