Blogger 101: How I Used Twitter to Grow My Blog

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Twitter is one of my favorite places to "hang out" when I am not working on my blog. It is also the best place to promote my new or old posts due to the interactive nature of the website. Aside from being able to share your links or posts, you can discuss trending topics using hashtags, and also reach out to a wider audience that you probably haven't connected to before. The concept of using hashtags, specifically, started off on Twitter that makes it easier to interact with other users around the same topic. The use of hashtag became so popular that it has now been adapted by other social media sites including Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. 

I do not have a major following on Twitter, although I have come a long way with almost 900 followers. If you want to follow me there, you can check it here. 

Here are some of the strategies I've used for growing my blog following with the help of Twitter:

I use hashtags when updating my tweets. This is important. Unless you have a huge Twitter following, you have to leverage hashtags for other Twitter users to see the content you're sharing. 

Research on the most relevant hashtags. The tip above will provide futile if you do not use the right hashtags. It is best to look around the website in search of the top hashtags that authority accounts are using. That way, you can use the same hashtags for when you update your tweets. 

Time your posts well. Just like any other social media sites, you need to know the best times to update your tweets. There are certain times within the day wherein people tend to check their social media accounts or are active on these sites. 

Introduce variety in your posts. When you keep tweeting posts with blog links, people will become disinterested in your feed. Try to vary it up by posting images or retweeting other interesting content you find on your own feed. The more varied your posts are, the more interested others will become because they do not know what to expect from you.

Connect with tweet sharing accounts. There are several Twitter accounts created mainly for sharing tweets focused on a particular niche. Make sure to connect with these accounts and mention them on your posts so you can get retweeted. The more retweets you can get, the higher the possibility of your posts gaining exposure on the site. 

Have you used Twitter for promoting your blog? You can find out other Blogging 101 posts here. 

 

Easy DIY Hairstyle Tutorial: Beach Waves

In my work as a professional hair care and hairstyle blogger, I have written countless of articles relating to hair care and beauty. However, I have never done my own hairstyle tutorial. Please forgive me if this does not prove much help. But I'll try to show you how I did this little trick that I do with my hair all the time. 

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If you love styling your hair or watched hair tutorials on YouTube, you probably know about beach waves. It is a highly sought after hairstyle that exudes that effortlessly chic look seen in super models, think Gisele Bundchen or the Victoria's Secret angels. These women have texturized hairstyles with loose waves at the ends making them look like they spend some time on the beach. At the same time, the soft curls make the hairstyle look natural and easy to do. 

Check out these tips to create your own effortless beach waves:

1.) Start with freshly washed hair. Use a texturizing spray like sea salt spray or dry shampoo to add grip and texture to your strands. 

2.) Start forming a three-strand braid from the mid-length to the ends of your hair. 

3.) Leave the braids on for several hours. Or, you can sleep on it overnight. 

4.) Remove the braids. This will reveal beautifully loose waves. Brush out the curls a little using your fingers to loosen them up. 

5.) You can spritz adequate amount of low to medium hold hairspray. This will make the curls stay for a long time without getting too stiff.

Here is how this hair styling trick looked on mine after:

Voila! Easy and relaxed beach waves... what I love most about this hairstyle is that you do not have to worry about perfecting it. The messier the look, the better!

What is your go-to hairstyle?

 

Blogger 101: Thoughts on Fashion Blog Opportunities

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In an ideal world, fashion bloggers wake up to tons of email every single day from companies offering us free clothes. Unfortunately, the real world is far from ideal. The world of fashion blogging (or blogging in general) is not nearly as glamorous as it is portrayed. Posing for photoshoots is not easy, either. And that is saying a lot given that that is the easiest part of the job (yes, I do refer to it as a job!). There is a lot more going on behind every single post before you can even hit the publish button. 

Hence, you can imagine the frustration that every fashion blogger feels when their email inbox is empty - not a single PR company or brand representative has taken the time out to even notice all of the hard work you've put in. It is more than just frustrating - it makes you question your decision to blog in the first place. Is this really for me? Do I have to re-think my decision to blog and shift my focus elsewhere? 

Don't get frustrated yet. I did have the same dilemma when I was starting off as a fashion blogger. I went on for months without anyone contacting me for a collaboration, etc. I just went on doing my usual round of posts, sharing things that I enjoyed. I tried to focus my attention back to my original intent of starting the blog. It's because I wanted an outlet for sharing my passion for fashion, and other related subjects. "I did not start out blogging to get free clothes or make money, right?" I reminded myself. 

When I adapted that perspective, it was only a matter of time until I got my first email and collaborative opportunity. When I entered my first year, more opportunities poured in. And this year, my second year of fashion blogging, I had more opportunities than I had the first year. I realized that fashion blogging is all about showcasing a part of who you are - your genuine personality. Eventually, brand representatives and PR companies will see through you. Brands will recognize that and find you a valuable representative for their brand online. Then, opportunities will come to you without you even having to look for it. I am not saying that it is guaranteed but if you can do that, you will put yourself in a much better position than when you first started. If you're working too hard to leave an impression, it will come off as unnatural. 

Hence, if you are starting out (say on your first year of blogging), don't stress yourself out over fashion blog opportunities. It will happen when it is meant to happen. Just do what you set out to do. Focus on making your blog a haven for other bloggers to get inspiration from, or share things that inspire you. Also, it is important to be genuine at all times. Your blog should represent your personality and style - not someone else's. 

I've read the London Beauty Queen's Blog Advice series, touching on this topic, especially on the area of jealousy. She raises an important point that I believe any new or budding fashion blogger must know: "I've experienced huge periods of jealousy, begrudging others' success when I really should be celebrating it - after all, someone has to pave the way and start opening doors!" I could not agree more. Unlike common perception, the pie is big enough for everyone. There is an opportunity waiting for you! But unless you are able to showcase who you really are, these brands can't see (and appreciate) that! Focus your energies on building your own site because that is where it's ought to be.

I hope you found these tips helpful. I am no expert when it comes to fashion blogging nor do I claim to have several opportunities to consider myself a major influencer in the field of fashion blogging. However, I felt the need to share my experience and perspective on the subject to help out those who were just starting out, because I know how it felt to be there. Don't get frustrated. Stay inspired and motivated. 

This is just the first of a series of posts that I am planning to write this new year to help out more bloggers in the community. I hope you stay tuned for the rest of this series. Or, if you have some questions or concerns, feel free to leave those questions in the comments or email me. I could possibly address them in a future post! Thank you! xo