Instagram Transformed My Blog.
Ok, I know that sounded super dramatic but I’m not kidding. Last January, I got serious about building my blog’s brand on Instagram, and as you can see from my traffic below, that this decision was a huge catalyst for my continued growth.
While I consider Pinterest one of my biggest traffic drivers, Instagram is by far the biggest community builder. I’d take community over traffic in an instant.
Why?
Community is your blog. Community is who you create your content for. Why would you work so hard, doing all you do for just “hits,” “traffic,” “numbers.” What does that even mean? You can’t help a number, you can’t inspire a piece of traffic. However, you can impact a member of your community. Someone who purposefully goes to your blog because they trust and care about you and want to learn from you.
Instagram is an incredible tool for building community because people use it, they love it, and they want to interact with their network. For brands and bloggers alike, Instagram boasts some of the highest organic engagement rates hands down. You go on Instagram to see what people are up to, get inspired, say hello to friends, get ideas from someone you trust. It’s not cluttered so people don’t get overwhelmed. You actually have their attention… which is SO rare. Don’t get me wrong, Pinterest is a really great platform but it’s not a community builder. You don’t interact with people on Pinterest. It’s a great visual search tool.
Instagram is the gateway for big opportunities
Oh and let’s talk really quick about opportunities. 9 out of the 10 sponsored opportunities I’ve had, have been directly as a result of my Instagram presence. So many brands search for influencers using Instagram. So if you’re looking to transform your hobby into a business, Instagram can’t be ignored.
Hour for hour, Instagram has had the highest return on investment when it comes to opportunities like sponsored posts or networking with fellow bloggers. Some of my best blogging friendships have been forged through an original connection on Instagram.
[Tweet “How to Transform Your Blog Using Instagram – Why this platform is a game changer”]
I want you to kill it on Insta
When I realized how important of a platform this was, I wanted to share everything I knew with my fellow bloggers because I truly believe the better we all do, the better we all do.
I set out to create a simple 1-page how-to guide for creating better Instagram images, but next thing I knew I had written over 4000 words. I realized this was bigger than I had expected.
People ask me all the time, how I grew my Instagram (from 200 in January to over 10,700) and it’s simple:
- Using photography principles
- Utilizing my unique style
- Leveraging the power of community
29 pages, dozens of real life examples, step-by-step edits, photography principles and best-in-class studies later, I’m finally ready to announce a project I’m incredibly excited and proud to share with you:
The Blogger’s Guide to Instagram Photography:
How to create remarkable images & build your tribe
Think about this:
For the cost of a green juice or 2 lattes (aka how I measure every cost) you can learn how to transform your Instagram, which will translate into so many opportunities like being able to connect with your favorite brands (and actually get paid).
Oh, and bonus –> you’ll get the warm and fuzzy feeling of supporting my dream to teach bloggers how to grow their brand and share their message through social media. Thank you, seriously. You rock.
Who this book is for:
- Bloggers & Instagrammers looking to grow their community
- Anyone looking to improve their photography using just their smartphone
- Bloggers & Instagrammers trying to create a unique brand and stand out on a crowded platform
- While I use a variety of examples, this book is especially geared to food & healthy living bloggers
Who this book is NOT for:
- Anyone looking for spammy growth hacks
- Professional photographers
What’s Inside: Sneak Peek
Here’s a sample of 2 exerpts from different chapters
a Final Note:
I really think you’ll get a lot of value out of this ebook. I want to be 1000% transparent with you, the reason I decided to charge was because, some day I’d love to make this blog even bigger than what it is today (which will mean I need to invest). This ebook took me almost a month of long nights and weekends to create and I really think it will give you the tools to grow your Instagram which will pay you back so much more!
You ROCK! PS: I had the most ridiculous chocolate chip scone from Bartlett’s on Friday…OMG it was amazing-balls. Sorry I know that is totally off track with this post…Happy Monday friend! XOOX
Haha scones are ALWAYS relevant
If anyone knows about Instagram it’s YOU. You have a social media gift!
Thanks girl! <3
Georgie this is so awesome!!! I’m so excited this is out, and I know you’re going to help so many people with this (me included ;). Thanks for sharing your skills with us!
Thank you Les! Let me know if you have any questions after reading!
Totally buying this ASAP! I have always been so impressed with your Instagram profile and how it has not only grown in numbers, but grown into a community. Can’t wait to dig in!!
Thank you so much Brie! It’s a pretty fun place over there 😉
I actually think you could run your entire blog off of Instagram. It’s a powerful tool!
Right?! I see a ton of straight up Instagrammers who have such powerful presences they don’t need much of a blog
You are a total Instagram CHAMPION! That’s how I found you! I love that you’ve leveraged that into a book. Good work, girl!!! 🙂
D’aww thanks Ashley – it’s helped me grow my blog so much, so I definitely wanted to share
You’re amazing. That is all <3
<3 <3 <3
You’re so right about Instagram being an amazing platform for growth of a business/blog and establishing connections. I even met one of my now closest friends on instagram! She commented on one of my photos, we both found out we lived in the same area, we met in person…the rest is history.
No way! I love that – seriously something about this platform is just so dang awesome. It’s my favorite way to stay connected on a daily basis with my favorite bloggers, that and the Facebook group!
This is awesome! Great job girlie! Totally bought it within moments of reading, I’m hoping my insta can take off like yours did, thanks for all your constant positivity and blogger support 🙂
Wow! Thank you so much Meg, let me know if you ever have any questions!
Congrats on this big achievement! I’m so happy I found your blog and you actually inspired me to finally get an Instagram account this past week 🙂
Thank you Alyssa! So glad you got your insta – if you ever need a good place to start this guide is it 😀
Meant to comment yesterday… you’re a rockstar!! If someone asked me ‘who’s reeeeeeally good at Instagram?’ “Georgie” would be my first answer. You’re going to help so many people with this book!
Aww Erin thank you! <3 Your support means so much to me
Georgie, you are the QUEEN of IG!! What a great idea 🙂 xoxo
Thanks so much Jess, I really had so much fun putting it together
Yay so exciting!! Instagram is definitely my favorite! And absolutely you should charge! Can’t give it all away for free, right??
Next you will have to share how to make and sell an ebook! 😉
Aww thank you Amanda. I had a ton of fun dusting off the old design skills for this bad boy and it turns out programs like Gumroad are so awesome for selling ebooks. If you ever have questions I’d love to share/help
CONGRATS you hard workin’, awesome bloggin’ girl!! Book looks great 🙂
Thank you so much Liz!
This is very intriguing! I love your style and your recipes, so I’m sure it is totally well worth it! On my list for next project to tackle 🙂 XoXo
Thanks so much Natalie. Instagram has been such a game changer for not only the opportunities I’ve received but how I think about communities and creating a strategy.
Just bought my copy! Can’t wait to dig in and take my Instagram efforts to the next level. Thank you so much for putting this together!
Yay! I can’t wait to hear what you think Kellen <3