Instagram as a Business Q&A

About a week ago I decided to put up an Instagram Story asking if anyone had questions about running an Instagram account as a business. I figured I would put up a few story slides answering the questions that came through. To my surprise, more than just a few questions were asked. I thought it would be more helpful if I wrote a blog post answering your questions. This way, you can always refer back to this page. Some questions were repetitive - I just condensed them into one question. Please note, I am answering all of these questions based on my own personal experience. Are you ready now? Let’s do it!

Q: Do you spend a specific amount of time engaging each day?

A: I typically post a photo in the morning, engage for about 30-60 minutes as soon as I post and engage every couple of hours throughout the day.

Q: What’s the hardest part and what gets you through the hardest parts?

A: There are a variety of challenges just like any job. I LOVE what I do and it can be hard to turn off “work mode.” I don’t really have a day off because my mind is constantly rolling and I always want to think of the next great piece of content that I can put out. I am learning how to take breaks and remember that it is important to step away especially considering the creative process. When I take time to myself, I come back refreshed, ready and excited! Additionally, I think the lack of consistency can be difficult. I don’t have a set salary like a regular job. Some months I make more than others. I am learning that it all balances out in the end. Being thankful that this is my full-time job is what gets me through any challenges. Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I think of 5 things I am grateful for. This trick honestly helps with any obstacle in life.

Q: What is the best way to gain a following?

The best way to grow a following is not to worry about the following. This was never meant to be my job. I created my account to share healthy recipes and lifestyle tips with others. If you are true to yourself, provide useful content and consistently post and engage, you will gain a following. It won’t happen within days or months, but I promise if you do those three things, people will gravitate towards you. Remember to always put your audience first.

Q: How to plan and execute a giveaway?

If you are planning a personal giveaway, meaning you are giving away product that you own, shoot pictures of what you are giving away and set a time frame and rules for the giveaway. If you are working a brand on a giveaway, you will need to discuss rules with them as well as connect about the content creation to promote what is being given away. If you are being paid for the giveaway, pricing will also need to be discussed with the brand.

Q: How do you know how much money to charge for content creation?

A: This is a very difficult question because everyone is different and everyone has something special to offer. There are sites online that say to charge 10% of your following for an Instagram post. I would use this as a baseline and think about all that goes into creating the content such as the creative process, products needed, photography etc.

Q: Do you typically work with a brand directly or a marketing agency?

A: I would say the majority of my partnerships come from agencies. In my experience, most brands don’t have an in house social media team. Some do, but not many.

Q: How do I create a media kit?

A: Use a simple template and outline your following, engagement and audience demographics. It doesn’t have to be complicated! This website is a great resource. https://bizmavens.com/media-kit-examples/

Q: How do you transition from product for post exchanges to paid collaborations?

A: When you feel you would like to charge for your content creation, explain that you are charging for your services to the brand. It takes time to create beautifully curated content and you should be paid for your work. No shame in asking for payment!

Q: How did you know when to make your account your full-time job?

Personally, I was working all day, long hours and my commute was two hours each way. I was beginning to get paid partnerships and I was unable to keep up with the content creation. I didn’t want to say no because I knew my potential if I was able to fully devote my time. I knew in my heart I had to take the leap otherwise I would never know.

Q: How do you choose brand partnerships without diluting your brand?

A: I am picky with who I work with and I don’t work with any brand that I don’t personally use. I have turned down money plenty of times when I felt like the brand didn’t align with Frozen Bananas. I want to be real and transparent with my audience and share only brands that I believe in. I have noticed that there is some shame in brand partnerships and I am not sure why. I think it’s awesome to be paid by a brand that you align with and I cheer on fellow bloggers when they obtain brand partnerships. I don’t believe brand partnerships dilute your brand. Think of it this way, if I am going to make cookies with almond flour and an almond flour brand asks to pay me to use their brand of almond flour that I adore, what’s wrong with partnering with them? I would make those cookies either way.

Q: How do I share recipes with my followers?

A: If you don’t have a website, no big deal! Just throw your recipe in the caption of your picture to share with the world.

Q: How do you get people to share your website?

A: It takes time as it takes time to grow a following. Once you build trust, your followers will want to advocate for you. I would share your website through posts and stories as much as possible as well as update it constantly. If you are providing content that your followers will benefit from, they will definitely be willing to share your website. Someone is always watching. Even if you have one loyal follower, that loyal follower will share your website with their friends.

Q: How do you monetize your Instagram account?

A: This would be a very long answer, but luckily, I have another blog post that I think you will find very helpful. Check out How To Start!

I hope this was helpful for you and feel free to message or email me if you have an additional question. I am not an expert, but I am happy to offer any guidance that I can!

Here to help! <3