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Get to Know Your Audience: Snapchat (Part 2-3)

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Snapchat is often one of those platforms that go overlooked by influencers, especially since Instastories hit the market. But here’s the thing…

Snapchat is still an extremely valuable tool, even more so than Instastories. Why?

Snapchat makes it easy for people to share other Snapchatter’s profiles with a simple tap of the finger. Not to mention, Snapchat’s algorithm has remained relatively the same which is great for bloggers and entrepreneurs (meaning people will actually see our content as opposed to Instagram – don’t worry we’ll discuss Insta in Part 3).

engaging an audience on snapchatPlus, the people who add you on Snapchat are your loyal, die hard fans who crave your content. Not for nothin’ but it’s a pretty involved process to add someone on Snapchat. They have to find your username, search it on Snapchat, double check to make sure it’s the right one, and then add you. If your audience is willing to go through all that… they’re really dedicated!

The only issue with Snapchat is that there isn’t really a clear way to track your results, but there are little tricks you can you which will give you a better indication of where your audience stands.

Ask for screenshots

Asking for screenshots is a really fun way to engage with your audience whether it’s a friendly competition, a recipe, a favorite outfit, etc. I’ve had my followers pick out my outfits on numerous occasions. I’ve also asked my followers to screenshot who was funnier (me or my boyfriend, giving my boyfriend a hard time is my favorite).

If you’re a fashion blogger, you can Snap your recent shopping hauls and have your followers screenshot their favorites. If you don’t receive any screenshots that means you should return everything (jk) or your audience isn’t interested in engaging with that kind of content.

Now, if you receive an overwhelming amount of screenshots, then you know you should be creating more of whatever it is that was screenshot. Make sense?

Sometimes your audience can be a little shy and it might take them a few times to warm up and actually screenshot things but that’s ok, be patient.

Watch your views

This is going to be a bit of a challenge because like I said earlier, there’s no actual tool to track your progress on Snapchat, but you still want to pay attention to your views. Do you notice a spike in views when you post certain things? Do some days get better views than others?

I’ve noticed that when I’m on a consistent posting schedule, my views are higher versus when I post on a “when I feel like it” basis (which I do not suggest). Like every other social media platform, Snapchat should be used strategically. You want to have a point to your Snap and always add value (i.e. entertain, educate, or inspire your followers). Do this and I promise your views (and followers) will increase.

Keep an eye on adds

Like your views, you want to also be keeping track of your Snapchat adds. When you ask your Instagram followers to add you on Snap, do you see an increase? Did you attend an event and then get a bunch of adds? Did someone suggest you to their followers and you got an influx of adds?

For example, when I spoke at a school recently, I received a ton of new adds on Snapchat which tells me that a. the students liked what I had to say and b. that’s where they’re hanging out the most. So for me, I’m going to continue to create Snapchat content based on when I get a spike in adds. It’s pretty logical and straightforward if you think about it.

Snapchat is an excellent indicator (if not the best) of how many of your followers are truly engaged and loving your content. Almost everyone has a Snapchat so if you’ve got a lot of people watching you, you’re doing something right. Keep the momentum going by asking questions, trying new things, and involving your audience in your journey/the process. They’ll thank you in views, engagement, and referrals.

Are we friends on Snap? Add me (notanothrblonde) and send me a message and I’ll come check out your content.

 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram YouTube Snapchat @notanothrblonde

 

You Should Also Read:

 

Snapchat – A Blogger’s Secret Money Maker
How to Use Snapchat to Build a Brand
How to Get More Snapchat Followers

 

The post Get to Know Your Audience: Snapchat (Part 2-3) appeared first on Zanita Studio.


Mother’s Day Gift Guide

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It’s officially May and it’s kinda scary how fast time is passing by.

Mother’s Day is already this weekend and we cannot let the day go by without acknowledging the primary reason we are standing here today: our beautiful mothers.

Back in Portugal, the only thing I always gave my mother is a huge thank you, a kiss, and a hug. Because her day is every day. As youngins, we never understand, but our mothers always have our greatest interest at heart. The best we can do is give back to them whenever possible – even when we don’t understand because we eventually will.

We wanted to prepare a gift guide for you to spoil, pamper, and show your mother the love she so deserves. I know mine, personally, is one of my best friends, and I couldn’t imagine a world where she’s not the first person I tell my deepest secrets to.

mother's day gift guide
 

But if I’m being really honest, my favorite gift to give, besides the hug and kiss, is an experience – even if that’s with product.

 

Or something my mother can definitely use/wear. My top 3 favorite things to offer would be a day at the spa, dinner at a great restaurant, or a care package with loads of great products.


 

What’s on your mother’s day list?

 

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

You Should Also Read:

How I Manage to Work From Home as a Mom
Mother’s Day Gifts That Will Make Your Mama Proud
A Last Minute DIY Mother’s Day Gift That Won’t Disappoint

The post Mother’s Day Gift Guide appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Get to Know Your Audience: Instagram (Part 3/3)

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A few weeks ago I talked about my blogger anxiety and in that post, I mentioned I was scheduled to speak to middle schoolers for career day. Well, I came, I spoke, I conquered (and had no anxiety by the way), and I even learned a few things from the kids.

Because I am a research junkie and I strongly believe in getting to know your audience (clearly), I asked these middle schoolers some social media questions. First, I asked what social media platforms they used the most (Instagram and Snapchat). Then I asked why (because they’re fun and easy to use).

However, the kids did say Instagram was their #1 which is why I decided to save the best for last.

So for the last post in this series, we’re going to focus on knowing your “Instagram fam” inside and out and building a trusting, long-lasting relationship which can be attained by doing the following:

Testing different types of pictures

There are SO many different angles you can use to tackle Instagram. And the best way to figure out what works for you is to test them. You have flatlays, full body shots, half body shots, sitting shots, boomerang shots, mini movies, detail shots, scenic shots, quotes… the list goes on. All of these different photo shots should be taken and experimented with on your Instagram feed.

In my personal experience, flatlays are poor performers, either because mine suck or my followers aren’t interested. So what do you do? You stop posting them! Simple enough, right?

New bloggers have an advantage because your audience doesn’t know what to expect from you so you can kind of throw out whatever you want to and see the results. The earlier you test things out the faster you’ll find a recipe that works for you so you’re able to build on that and grow, grow, grow!

instagramUsing Instagram live

I can’t stress the value of Instagram live enough! Oh man, I love me some Instagram live. It’s definitely scary at first because anyone can hop on at any time and troll the crap out of you (I’ve seen this happen a few times to other bloggers), but once you do it a few times it’s no big deal.

Instagram live is the best way to get the face time interaction with your followers, it doesn’t get more real than that! You can gauge how many people actually consume your content by the number of people that show up; plus you will know what type of content you should be creating by the questions and comments you get during your Instagram live. It’s a total game-changer.

Instastalking your followers

Another semi-creepy way to get to know your audience is by stalking them! Let’s be honest, we all do it to celebrities, our friends, our favorite bloggers, etc. so why not do it to total strangers? After all these strangers follow you for a reason so it may be a good idea to find out why.

Once you do a little stalking you’ll be able to see what types of pictures they’re posting, what their interests are, how old they are, etc. This will help you create content based on what they want and need.

Asking questions

Asking your audience questions is the best way to get to know them. However, you won’t get an answer all the time, and that’s ok. Even if you start with one response, one response is better than none so take that one response and run with it! Show extra love to the people who are engaging with your questions so other followers are enticed to join the fun too. 

Sharing the stage with your readers/followers is the most effective way to get them to care about your content because they see that you care about them by getting them involved in the conversation. Make sense?

Having your followers involved in your content creation and overall brand really speaks volumes. Keep in mind, there are a lot of other bloggers fighting for your followers’ attention on Instagram, so to go out of your way and ask for their opinion on something that relates to you and your brand, is memorable. It will keep them coming back for more. Trust me when I say reader/follower appreciation goes a long way.

What question do you have about Snapchat, YouTube, or Instagram? Ask us in the comments because next week’s post is going to answer all of YOUR questions with a special shout out to those who ask!
 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram YouTube Snapchat @notanothrblonde

 

Image source credit – Rebecca Laurey

 

You Should Also Read:

Get to Know Your Audience: YouTube (Part 1/3)
Get to Know Your Audience: Snapchat (Part 2/3)
The Secret Sauce to Growing Your Following

 

The post Get to Know Your Audience: Instagram (Part 3/3) appeared first on Zanita Studio.

You Asked, I Answered – Blog Tip Q&A

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Instead of dedicating an entire blog post to one question over the next few weeks, I figure I would knock them all out in one shot with a Blog Tip Q&A (if you like the idea of a Q&A post please tell me in the comments). A lot of you had similar if not the same questions regarding Instagram and growing your following so that’s what we’ll focus on today.

Also, for the future make sure you include your blog URL or Instagram handle when you ask a question, otherwise I can only shout you out by name!

Genevieve and Trisa want to know… Tips for growth and engagement on Instagram.

The #1 tip I can give you if you want to do things the right way is to have patience. If you want fast growth and success, it can be done but will only cost you in the long-run. You can buy followers, use a bot to comment on random people’s pictures, host loop giveaways but none of that can compete with the authentic engagement you get from growing organically. And in order to grow organically, you must have talent, strategy, and be interesting enough to keep people’s attention. Give them something they can’t get from anyone else.

blog tip Q&A

And in order to grow organically, you must have talent, strategy, and be interesting enough to keep people’s attention. Give them something they can’t get from anyone else.

I’ll also throw in the fact that the more you engage authentically with your followers and the blogging community, the more you’ll get it back, but again the key is to be patient. Insta-success doesn’t happen overnight.

Liza says… I’m really confused about Instagram! It seems that it isn’t just the pretty pictures or posting frequency that grows your following. Maybe it’s the overall look of the grid? Does it have to be styled in a certain way (edited with the same VSCO preset) or something else?

Growing your Instagram following is a combination of things as I mentioned above. It’s not so much about having pretty pictures as it is that these “pretty pictures” are high-quality and consistent. You can have the prettiest pictures in the world but if they’re blurry with a ton of different filters on them, unfortunately, no one will care.

I see a lot of bloggers take out of focus, foggy pictures and I can’t understand why! It takes 5 seconds to clean your lens and focus on the subject. Take the time to produce quality work and you’ll get quality results.

You also want to stay consistent with your editing beyond a VSCO filter. Your poses, the angle from which the picture is taken, your style, the background, the lighting, etc. should all be similar and flow together. So yes Liza, your overall grid aesthetic definitely plays a part in whether or not someone hits the follow button.

Anne Rita asks… How can I make people more interested in reading my blog?

Do you have interesting content? People aren’t going to want to read the standard, run of the mill content. They want to read something with a fresh perspective.

Reading a blog goes beyond good writing. Your blog has to have a clean, easy to use layout, with beautiful, high-quality images. That doesn’t mean you need to have a professional photographer on deck with thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment, it just means you need to do the very best you can with what you have.

There are tons of successful bloggers and Instagram influencers out there who use their iPhones to take blog photos. I actually think they deserve the most credit for building a brand on a budget.

You have to learn how to tell your story in a way that draws people in and keeps them coming back for more. Everyone has a story to tell, it’s just a matter of how they choose to tell it. Like Kelly Cutrone says, “Normal gets you nowhere.”

Jandrew is… interested in getting Pinterest to work for a fashion blog.

I’ll be honest with you Jandrew, I’m not a Pinterest expert. However, from what I’ve seen and read, it can be very beneficial for bloggers because of the platform’s easy sharing capabilities. If I were you I would post every blog picture to your Pinterest from your actual blog so when people share it, it links back to your blog and not some weird archive site. This will help increase your traffic and get you loyal readers.

But like any other platform, you have to have “pin worthy” pictures in order for people to share them. Do you have a killer outfit you need to share? Is the picture high quality?

Catarina says… I’ve tried beauty giveaways and sometimes I get a lot of engagement but is there something else that I should do to increase my Instagram following?

Giveaways are great but they are only super effective if you have a large audience, otherwise, it will be slow growth and, like I mentioned above, you will need patience. Then there are loop giveaway options – the ones that say “Macbook or $1,000 cash giveaway!” and then you have to follow 100 other accounts. Honestly, I consider them spammy and a desperate attempt at getting followers (this is my own personal opinion BTW). However, you could get a ton of followers from loop giveaways depending who is in the loop, but a lot of them unfollow you once the giveaway is over.

I also consider loop giveaways a form of buying followers since you have to pay to participate. I refuse to do it, but some bloggers really like them because of the fast growth. Keep in mind, it’s fast but it’s not authentic and eventually, your engagement will drop to what it was before. Nothing beats authenticity. Money can’t buy a genuine liking for your blog/brand.

I will recommend partnering with a brand or blogger who has a similar following to yours in a giveaway. This a more legit way to attract new followers and it’s less obnoxious.

Otherwise, keep creating high-quality content, post at optimum times, engage with other people in the blogging community, and use appropriate hashtags and you will grow. Good stuff is good stuff and with the right strategy in place, success is super attainable.

Stephanie asks… How do I get more activity on my Instagram stories? I love that I can see how many people view them but how do I get those numbers up and more interaction through the stories?

Keep posting. You have to be a consistent Instastory “poster” to get your numbers up. You also have to be an excellent storyteller and keep your audience intrigued with what you’re doing/posting about. You should aim for a mix of promotional content around your blog and documenting your day-to-day routine (aka storytelling).

The more followers you have the higher your views will be as well but don’t expect all of them to watch your Instastory. 10-20% of your followers will actually watch and engage. That’s the standard response rate for anything you do… even 20% is pretty high.

Rachel asks… Do you have any tips for getting your content/post in front of new readers?

Collaborations/features. And I don’t mean brand collaborations, though they are great too. If you’re a beginner blogger you most likely won’t have a ton of brands knocking at your door so you want to collab with other bloggers in your field. You can do a #followfriday on Instagram or a Snapchat takeover or a blog post interview exchange with another fellow blogger.

You can also search for accounts/websites that often feature bloggers and reach out to them about a feature. Sometimes you will have to pay, other times it’s the luck of the draw but either way, you want to make sure your content is high quality because that will increase your chances of being featured.

This was SO fun and I hope this was helpful to you all in some way!

Was there anything I missed? Asked your question in the comments below for our second round of Q&As!

 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram YouTube Snapchat @notanothrblonde

 

Image Source Credits – Cara Jourdan

 

You Should Also Read:

How to Know When to Quit Blogging (or Take a Break)
Why Only 4% of Bloggers “Make It”
2 Hard Realities Every Blogger Has to Face

The post You Asked, I Answered – Blog Tip Q&A appeared first on Zanita Studio.

3 Ways to Avoid Blogger’s Remorse

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Blogger’s remorse isn’t really a thing, but rather a thing I made up that is 100% relevant to how blogger’s think.

It’s similar to buyer’s remorse – where you buy something and instantly regret your decision.

Blogger’s remorse can range from your blog name to the actual content you put out. Basically, blogger’s remorse is when you doubt anything pertaining to your blog.

I’ve been blogging for almost 7 years now so you can imagine the amount of blogger’s remorse I’ve had… a ton! Had I known certain things back then I would have saved myself a ton of time and money. But you live and you learn and I’m happy to say that for the past 2 years I’ve been remorse-free. Looking at it from a positive light, if I didn’t have blogger’s remorse then, I wouldn’t be able to tell you what I know now, so there’s that!

So in all my years of blog failures, here are 3 ways I’ve learned to avoid blogger’s remorse:
blogger's remorse

Keep a “neutral” blog name

One of my biggest regrets was letting the trends dictate my blog names. At the time, I was thinking of a name for my second blog, and I was obsessed with Gabby Bernstein’s book, Spirit Junkie, so I named my blog Sheer Spirit. Obviously, that’s a very niche name and people got me confused with hair salons because of the word “sheer” as opposed to “shear” as in, cutting shears.

Regardless, that name wasn’t the best as about a year or so into it, my blog began to shift to more fashion and blogger based content. I had a serious case of blogger’s remorse because I knew I had to rebrand my blog… again!

So finally I went with Not Another Blonde which I consider a neutral name since it doesn’t have fashion or design or fit or travel in the name. The only thing you can assume is that it’s a blog about a blonde… which is true! I didn’t want to limit myself with a name like Not Another Fashionista or something like that. I can never be 100% sure where my blog will go so I choose to keep the possibility open with an “open” blog name.

Moral of the story is to keep a neutral blog name that can grow with you. Your own name as your blog name is a great idea because it never goes out of style. You could also use a name that describes your personality or physical appearance.

Research exactly what you need

… emphasis on exactly. When I first started blogging I used the wrong CMS (content management system), web designer, and camera. #bloggersremorse

Because of my mistakes that set me back years in the blogging world, I highly advise against going for the first thing you see.

Look at the bloggers you want to be like and either stalk them to find out what social media they have that you might need, what CMS they use (WordPress, blogger, Squarespace, etc), and what blogging equipment they use (camera, laptop, editing tools, etc.).

Keep in mind their stuff will most likely cost thousands of dollars in total so if that’s the case take things one step at a time. Buy a camera first, then a laptop, then the editing software, or however you prioritize it.

Best case scenario is you ask the bloggers you look up to their opinion on what you should get as a beginner. I would also ask them about the social media they recommend because if you jump on all these platforms at once it can be super hard to manage especially if you’re just starting out.

Bottom line is to research, research, research before you make any final decisions regarding your blog/business.

Don’t think, just do

This kind of goes against what I just said but instead of over thinking something, go with your gut and act on it immediately so you don’t miss the boat. If there’s a new trend, buzz-worthy app, or technique to create content, jump on it! Don’t worry about knowing what to do first, just do it and adjust along the way. Thinking too much prevents you from doing.

Another blogger’s remorse I have is not continuing my YouTube channel when I originally started it years ago. I was making regular Q&A videos until I decided they weren’t “good enough” so I stopped. Now that everyone is on YouTube, it’s much harder to get ahead than it was a few years ago.

Odds are, your first time at anything will never be the best. Your first blog post will most likely be your worst. Your first picture on Instagram will most likely be terrible and your captions will be pointless.

BUT, having something to improve upon is better than having nothing at all. Obviously, you don’t want to close your eyes and post whatever your finger lands on, but if you genuinely do your best every time, you’ll get better and better over time.

When you finally get the courage to do instead of thinking about doing, you’re at least moving in the right direction as opposed to not moving at all. And all movement forward is progress.

Final thoughts: Blogger’s remorse is inevitable but it can be kept to a minimum if you do as I say not as I’ve done! 

What’s your biggest blogging regret? Tell me in the comments below! 
 

Follow Me – Blog Instagram YouTube Snapchat @notanothrblonde

 

Image source credits – Vogue

 

You Should Also Read:

You Asked, I Answered – Blog Tip Q&A
How to Know When to Quit Blogging (Or Take a Break)
2 Hard Realities Every Blogger Has to Face


 

The post 3 Ways to Avoid Blogger’s Remorse appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Fifth Element Casting Call

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Style can be sentimental.

french connection

I remember when I first moved to Sydney – I was 19 and I didn’t have very much. I wasn’t really doing great at modelling (all a confidence issue) and though I was totally obsessed with fashion, I didn’t have anything cool to wear to castings – anything that made me feel confident. When I got my first pay check from my agency, I vowed to go and stock up on cool pieces I found on the high street – and this was around the first time I was exposed to French Connection. I remember I bought a blue linen dress and wore the damn thing all summer. It became like my armour. It had just enough personality to feel like ‘me’ but was simple enough to feel versatile and timeless.

It’s a trait that I love about French Connection still today. A brand that’s classic but still has spirit. I’ve chosen some of my favourite tran-seasonal pieces to share with you in this little NYC editorial. A good puffer that can be dressed up or down right now! It’s a new wardrobe essential. 

Hope you like! Thanks so much to French Connection for having me onboard to create these images.  Zx

french connection blogger outfitpuffer jackets cool

is essence essential | zanita studiois essence essential?
is essence essential | zanita studiois essence essential?

Look 1: Blue/Red jacket – Metallic pleated skirt – Silver sneakers – Red Handbag – White Tee
Look 2 (silver): Silver Jacket (coming soon), White Tee, Jeans, White Sneakers

 

The post Fifth Element Casting Call appeared first on Zanita Studio.

How to Create a Content Calendar

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Content calendars are something I thought were so overrated until this past year. Like, yeah ok let me plan out my content for the month… a little dramatic don’t you think?

Actually, it’s not dramatic at all and it’s completely necessary to stay ahead of the game and have a blog that’s cohesive for your readers.

Sure there are times when you have to go off the cuff, but for the most part, having your content planned will be one of the best decisions of your blogging career.

There’s really no right or wrong way to create a content calendar. As long as it’s saving you time and energy, you’re doing it right.

create a content calendarYou want a system in place that allows you to know exactly what’s supposed to be posted, when. A content calendar can refer to just your blog or your brand as a whole (i.e. what content goes on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc.). Usually, if you have a content calendar for your blog plugging content in for social media should be pretty easy.

Step 1: Create a weekly schedule

The first step in creating a content calendar is to create a weekly schedule. What I mean is you designate each day of the week to a specific topic. For example, fashion bloggers could do something like this: Monday = Shopping collage, Tuesday = Outfit post, Wednesday = Outfit video, Thursday = Round up of your week, Friday = Follow Friday.

Now, if you’re just starting out, that’s a lot of content. I don’t even post 5 days a week and I’ve been blogging for 7 years now. You probably don’t want to start out with guns blazing until you have a solid, loyal following who actually care what you have to say, otherwise you’ll be creating all this content for no one.

But, having a weekly schedule like the one mentioned above is a great way to keep you organized. You can also use that schedule as a guideline and alternate between your posts from week to week.

Maybe one week you post on Monday (shopping post), Wednesday (outfit video), and Friday (follow Friday) and the next week you post on Tuesday (outfit post) and Thursday (weekly round up). P.s. Posting this way is great for your analytics because it’s an A/B test where you’re able to see which content performs the best.

Having a weekly schedule down is the foundation for a successful content calendar.

Step 2: Brainstorm around holidays/events

After you’ve established what type of content you’re posting each day of the week, you can start to brainstorm exactly what that content will be by looking at the holidays/special events each month has.

For example, in December you have the first day of winter, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and New Years Eve. That’s a lot of holidays you can create content for. If you’re a fashion blogger and it’s Christmas time, you have at least 2 weeks worth of content between what you want for Christmas, what you’re getting people for Christmas, what you’re wearing for Christmas, etc. The list goes on.

Not to mention any events that go on during the month. Another example is fashion month which happens in February so you could create content surrounding NY, Paris, Milan, London, etc.

When you do this for each month it’ll make life a lot easier. Eventually, it’ll become second nature to you and you’ll never be stressed about content ideas again.

Step 3: Manage your time

At this point, you should be pretty well organized – you got your weekly schedule down, you have content ideas for upcoming holidays, now it’s time to actually create.

Most bloggers blog as a side hustle so we are very limited on time. We have a lot to balance and without managing our time accordingly, our side hustle can suffer. It’s easy to get off track and miss one day which turns into one week which turns into one month and then you’re back at square one.

In order to avoid this, you need to make time for when you’re going to write the post, when it’s going to go live, and what time you’re going to promote it, otherwise it might not get done at all.

Writing a post when you’re inspired and/or motivated can take about an hour, then you proofread, make some edits, add your pictures, share some links, etc. Now you’re up to at least 2 hours. So the question is do you have at least 2 hours a day to work on content creation? Can you carve out that time to make it happen?

Some people work well early in the morning, midday, or late at night. You have to find a system that works for you. I recommend working when you’re most productive which is different for everyone.

Personally, I’m at my best from like 6-12pm and then 7-10pm. It’s important you find your groove and take advantage of every second you possibly can that way you can stay ahead of the game for the most part.

It’s ok if you don’t get everything done the first day you try. Most people don’t have an uninterrupted full 6 hours a day to work on their side hustle. As long as you’re staying on track with your weekly blog post schedule, you’re fine.

I know blogging seems overwhelming at first and there are so many facets to it all but a content calendar is key, I promise. High-quality content is what will attract loyal readers and brands that want to work with you but in order to know what to create… you need a content calendar. I honestly don’t know how I blogged before without it.

Do you use a content calendar? What’s your process? Tell me in the comments below!

 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram YouTube Snapchat @notanothrblonde

 
Image Source Credits – Sophie Shoe Lover
 

You Should Also Read:

3 Ways to Avoid Blogger’s Remorse
Get to Know Your Audience: Instagram (Part 3/3)
The Real Deal With Affiliate Links & Why Bloggers Should Use Them


 

The post How to Create a Content Calendar appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The Art of Collaboration: Grow Your Audience In A Saturated Environment

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YES! I’m creeping back onto your screens…

Firstly by sharing this collaboration with Sophia Macks, the creative visionary behind Beyond The Mag. Sophia has taken the ‘fashion influencer’ model to an elevated position through her concept of curating ideas and working with brands to unite the two aesthetics into one vision. This is how you make a statement in a market overcrowded with snaps of cappuccino, avocado toast, and bouquets…

I’ve been a bit lost on creativity for almost a year now. Through personal setbacks and overextending myself on work, I’ve been left feeling burnt out. It’s challenging to forgive yourself for this kind of lapse, but totally integral to get yourself back on the good foot. I’m so thrilled to share these images with you and so grateful to Sophia for inviting me to help realise her vision. I’m finally getting settled in New York (for good!) and ready to begin a new chapter of self belief, striving to create new things to share with all of you. Going to be sharing more of that story in coming posts, including the challenges I’ve been facing with my mental health and ADHD in hopes that some of you can relate as well.

grow your audience

Much of my work these past 12 months has been Azalle focused – and I’m sure you might have caught up on what that is all about already from our posts here on Zanita Studio. We’ve just released a new course titled “Expanding Your Professional Network” – something I know too well. In the early days of my blog, collaborating with other bloggers was an excellent catalyst for growth. Nowadays, you can use the same strategies to expand your audience and grow your skills through connecting with brands – and these are valuable skills for anyone wanting to increase their network, not just for those dreaming of becoming a successful influencer. Understanding networking online can benefit almost anyone when you consider the possibility a potential employer is likely to google you before before you walk into an interview. Your network can be a great reflection of your place in the environment you strive to work in.

Right now you can trial Azalle for a week for free. I’m also sharing my Photography and Photoshop skills on the platform – and I’m among incredible company… We have superstar TV Host and Blogger Louise Roe sharing her experiences communicating and connecting with confidence, unparalleled creative talent Sonya Esmansharing how she speaks to millions with a genuine voice, and the flawless Jenny Cipolettispilling all she knows on multi-platform branding. I’m so proud of everything we have built and look forward to hearing your thoughts! Got so many amazing courses in the works too… Watch this space.

Been genuinely missing you all so much! It’s crazy how guilt can sometimes avert you from the thing that could really help. I’ve been averting my eyes from sharing in a genuine way in my struggle to be present in my day to day life. Going to strive to keep this up. I feel like I’ve said it before but I recognise this space as a kind of creative therapy – as it was when I first began – sharing was its own reward. Crazy how that can get lost over so much time – I’ve been blogging for nine years now!

Thanks for all of it xx

Beyond The Mag x Roberto Cavalli

Photography: Zanita Whittington

Model and Creative Direction: Sophia Macks

Hair: Edward Tricomi

Make-up: Juliette Perreux

Special thanks to Modern Vice Studios

 

You Should Also Read:

The Curious Case of The Missing Client
Fifth Element Casting Call
You Asked, I Answered – Blog Tip Q&A

The post The Art of Collaboration: Grow Your Audience In A Saturated Environment appeared first on Zanita Studio.


Taking Stunning Photos With No Photographer

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The one thing I often hear micro-influencers complaining about is that they don’t have a photographer.

Jumping between a full-time job, your blog, and housekeeping is no walk in the park, but we’ve all seen it done so we know it’s not impossible either. I often feel like finding the slightest bit of energy to be creative after a long exhausting day is my biggest battle. Ironically, that’s also key to taking stunning photos. So, what are we to do when we have no photographer and NO energy, but a backlog of content to produce?

I’ve learned quite a bit over the years while en route to the blogosphere – and have consistently poured my heart and soul into the photography and writing aspect of it. While I still have ways to go, I thought I’d share some tips to help you take stunning photos – or at least get you started.

take stunning photos of yourselftake stunning photos

– Pay attention to the light.

We often hear photographers talk about light, and that’s because it makes the picture! If you’re looking to shoot on a budget, natural light is your best bet; luckily, it’s summer in the states, which means longer days! We can shoot as soon as we get off work and achieve decent photos. But, note that NOT all light is equal. You’ll get better quality light some days over others. As you drive, pay attention to the way the light changes and how it affects the shadows around you. Once you study that enough, you’ll get a feel for what’s flattering and what’s not.

self-portrait by susan | Zanita StudioIn the photo above to the right, the sun was beginning to set after work. The softest sliver of light peeked through the window so I took advantage of it and snapped for only 10 minutes. Only one image made the shot, but sometimes, one is all we need.

– Get a tripod & remote.

You can’t expect to take self-portraits without a tripod. Sure, you can set your camera on top of stacked books and use the self-timer, but by the time you’re ready to snap, the light will wane off. Take the easy route and just get the tripod + remote. It’s my go-to setup along with many others.

– Start with portraits rather than full-body shots.

I began experimenting with head shots long before I moved to full-body shots. You’ll learn faster about your “better” side, angles, and framing. Don’t expect overnight results. It might take a few months to achieve something you’re proud of, but when you finally do, the entire process goes down hill from there..

– Pick your outfit carefully.

My one favorite lesson through the years of self-portraits is that what looks good in person doesn’t always translate nicely in photos. That means wear clothes that photograph well and pieces that really flatter your features (as in your skin tone, body type, and makeup). A photograph is ONE cohesive piece so all the elements need to work together to yield a beautiful result. Voluminous, oversized pieces are generally too overwhelming on my small frame, but it can work if you’re taller and leaner.

– Editing is the cherry on top.

I love playing with color and watching how it changes the mood. All the images here were edited in Lightroom & Photoshop – and you can see how they all evoke a different feeling. The key is to experiment and find something you like. Obviously I love shadow and contrast. I highly recommend Zanita’s Photoshop Cheats for a detailed lesson.

– Use the right lens.

For portraits, I recommend a focal length of 50mm and above so you can avoid distortion – an 85mm would be ideal but it’s usually more expensive. To achieve full-body shots in tighter areas (like your bedroom), a 35mm is extremely useful.

– Don’t neglect your product shots.

Great photographs don’t only come in the form of portraits. Practice perfecting your flatlays as they’re a great way to break up your content while pushing the limits of your creativity. Aside from the tips provided in that post, the best thing you can do for yourself is to practice!

Hope that helps & don’t forget to keep your requests coming!

P.S. Don’t forget to enter my amazing giveaway here!

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube SHOP

 

You Should Also Read:

What I Learned from Top Influencers Through Azalle
How I Manage to Work From Home as a Mom
How to Become Comfortable with the Uncomfortable

The post Taking Stunning Photos With No Photographer appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Father’s Day Gift Guide

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Father’s Day is already next weekend – can you believe how fast this year is going? Next up comes summer and the 4th of July!

Even though our lives are extremely busy (have you been following Azalle?), we still want to take some time to appreciate all the fathers – and father figures – in our lives. My father is one of my favorite people in the world and I could not imagine what life would be without him. He’s the one I call when I have exciting news or just want to talk for a bit. Huge daddy’s girl!

And while I’m away from him this Father’s Day, I always want to acknowledge the love by calling, sending a funny video or even a text. But because love can be shown by offering your dad something, we went ahead and gave you a helping hand – our curated Father’s Day gift guide.
 
father's day gift guide

SunglassesSuede Slides, Swim Shorts, Backpack, Hat, Striped Polo, Linen Pants, Carry-OnWatch, Notebook Set, Tie, Ballpoint Pen.

 

Gifts are always a nice way to give someone a compliment or tell them we love them. I go for the basics like, a nice shirt, a great notebook, a stylish hat (because dads can be cool no matter what age). Tell us in the comments what your favorite gifts are to give your father.

 


 

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

 

You Should Also Read:

How I Manage to Work From Home as a Mom
Man Of Today
All The Perfect Presents For Dad

The post Father’s Day Gift Guide appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Getting Ready for a Girl’s Night Out on No Time

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As girls, we naturally have a routine for everything whether that’s how we get ready every morning, prepare for a poppin’ occasion, or what we do right before bed.

But getting ready on a time constraint? That’s a whole ‘nother ball game. Part of the fun in prepping for a girl’s night out is the process itself! An after-dark situation calls for wine (or cocktails), party jams, and lots of eyeliner (or lipstick or highlighter – whatever your thing is). A hectic or unpleasant work day can often cripple the mood – or even the lack of time itself… But let’s be honest, you need it (and so do I).

In case you need some inspo, here’s how to prepare for girl’s night out the right way (when you just don’t have time)…

girl's night out

– Light some candles.

V important. Dim the lights and fire up a few candles. I just discovered these Context Candles from this quaint online boutique The Stell, and I’m in love! As silly as it sounds, candles really set the mood (especially if you have the right music playing).

– Put a mask on it.

Masks are the best way to prep your skin. While I love traditional hand-in-jar ones, I find sheet masks most effective when you’re pressed for time. These ones by BioBelle are really amazing and cut your prep time in half! They’re gentle, non-irritating, paraben free, and non-GMO. I took them in flight to Sydney and my skin felt so amazing after 20 hours! After that I was sold and promised I’d tell everyone about them.

masking before a girl's night outgirl's night out on a whim

– Skin prep intently.

By this point, you’d have masked already, but you need to seal those good ingredients in place with a moisturizer! I stand by my beloved Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich – you can get 20% off your first order by shopping through my link. It goes on like butter and keeps the skin feeling the way it should.

If you don’t have time to mask, that’s fine. Skip it, but apply this Mad Hippie Antioxidant Facial Oil. It’s a preservative-free antioxidant oil that helps hydrate your skin and keeps it glowing.

– Hair prep.

Hot summer nights necessitate tousled, wavy, texturized hair. Don’t forget to protect it with this Marula Oil Rare Oil Style Extending Primer for long lasting hold and damage prevention. This is my second bottle, and I just can’t be without it. Next, this new Fatboy Sea Salt Pomade is the perfect texturizer. It contains both coconut oil and shea butter, keeping the hair moisturized all the while adding the piecy texture I love so much. It requires no time to use either. Just rub through the ends and you’re good to go.

– Lips or eyes. Pick one.

Do both if you can, but if you can’t, do one. I’ve always been one to favor eyes over lips, but as of late, lips have kinda been my obsession. Gloss is all the rage, so if you’re going for that look, Tarte’s Lip Quench Rescue is amazing for long lasting moisture and Glossier’s Lip Gloss gives you that high shine without the annoying stickiness. For color, Tarte’s Lip Architect wins when it comes to convenience and – it’s a 2-in-1 lipliner and lipstick. Diva is the perfect deep red that’ll draw eyes to you instantly.

Be sure to let me know how you prepare on a time limit!

Shop the Post

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube SHOP

 

You Should Also Read:

The Lipstick We’ve All Been Waiting For
How to Put Your Best Face Forward for Fall
New Beauty Game Changers You Need to Know

The post Getting Ready for a Girl’s Night Out on No Time appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I Tried Laser Skincare for the First Time – Here’s What Happened

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the clinic

Hormones… Skin… Life… None of it’s been good to me…

Not at the same time anyway. After suffering a horrendous acne spell that left me scarred for life in 2013, I’ve taken extra care of my skin, changing my lifestyle, regimen, and diet completely… It lasted 7-8 months before I returned to some sort of normalcy. And just as I thought the battle had passed, my skin reverted to the scary hell hole I never thought I’d see again as we slithered into 2017. Since then, it’s been a never ending uphill battle. I’ve pondered the countless remedies I should bask in just to see what would work – specifically laser skincare treatments – but had no clue where to begin.

And then I went to Sydney, and The Clinic happened and I think I found my cure once and for all!

It’s been a good 3-4 weeks since I’ve had the treatment, but the results have been exponential. Kaye at The Clinic was so conspicuously knowledgeable and gave me a wealth of information, I couldn’t wait to share with you all.

ipl treatment - laser skincare

Kaye started with an analysis of my skin – specifically, its type based on the “Fitzpatrick Scale”, its current condition, my medical history, and lifestyle. Kaye said there are usually two parts to skin problems – the primary issue being internal (hormonal based), and then secondary comes from picking and bacteria. The first leads to the second. Other times, skin problems arise from stress, which often has us resorting to sugar and alcohol – and all of these things have a negative impact on the skin. For me, we knew my issue was hormonal (kids, et al).

The most surprising thing I learned in my visit was that you can’t just go in and get any treatment. This means if you decide to tap into laser skincare treatments, pick your specialist carefully. Kaye advised that the skin needs to be prepped appropriately before selecting a treatment, like IPL or Fraxel, because if you’re not careful about it, your skin could wind up worse than before!

So, here’s what we ended up doing: A Blueberry Peel followed by IPL Rejuvenation.

The Blueberry Peel is a clinical peel that contains 20% lactic acid combined with antioxidant blueberry extracts. It corrects dull, aging skin as well as acne and clogged pores. This was perfect for me because my skin was pretty congested. I didn’t find it painful or discomforting at all, just a slight tingle.

laser skincare by the clinic au

The IPL Rejuvenation Treatment that followed corrects pigmentation, discoloration, and redness – my biggest concerns. Before the laser went over my skin, Kaye applied a cool gel that felt very comforting after the peel. The laser application hurt slightly more than I expected, but nothing intolerable – nothing even close to labor. It felt like rubberbands popping on the skin, which I’m sure you’ve heard before – that’s a very accurate representation.

Afterwards, I was left with dark brown crusts sprinkled sporadically across my face. It was a little scary at first, but they disappear like magic within 2 weeks. I also expected peeling skin and a lot more redness, which I didn’t experience at all.

laser skincare - iplIPL

Before | After

 

the clinic - laser skincare

Now 3.5 weeks later…

My skin is noticeably brighter, clearer, more even, and softer! As soon as the brown crusts cleared up, the pigmentation underneath went away with it. Makeup sits much more beautifully on my skin and I just feel like I’ve regained the youthful glow I’ve lost all these years. I’m feeling much more confident these days as you can probably tell by the selfies on my Insta. I haven’t seen any cystic breakouts or annoying spots since my treatment – it’s seriously the best thing I’ve done for my skin yet.

Overall, I highly recommend the expert services at The Clinic. Everything Kaye has recommended and performed was the closest to miracles I’ve ever had – something that felt unattainable to me. You can tell what a difference it made from the before and after photos here. I can’t wait to share my skincare routine in another post!

Kaye emphasized that IPL and peels aren’t a be-all end-all solution. You still have to do your homework, which means moisturize and WEAR SPF! The treatment helps your skin rejuvenate at a much faster rate, but it’s not a permanent solution. Most people come back for a peel and laser skincare treatment every 6-12 weeks depending on their needs.

Key advice and lessons I took away from my visit:

  • My skin really isn’t that bad (lol, this was AMAZING NEWS for me), and I don’t have any deep acne scarring (which probably means most of you don’t either).
  • Hormone-based pigment (such as those from birth control) comes right back even after laser skincare treatments, and it could also make your skin worse; thus, investing in expensive treatments might not be worth it if your issues are related to the pill.
  • When your skin suddenly breaks out of control, your first step should be to calm the skin down completely rather than trying to treat it. Kaye advised stopping all treatments and just using an effective moisturizer. Moisturizer is never the enemy.
  • Asian skin like mine is naturally very prone to scarring and pigmentation… FML…
  • Mineral makeup allows the skin to breathe, so when your skin is inflamed or being treated, it’s the best to use. Kaye highly recommended Jane Iredale.
  • Cosmedix, SkinMedica, and Aspect (an Aussie brand) are all A+ skincare brands Kaye stands by – and I’ve become a diehard patron.

laser skincare by the clinic

Studio Photos by Nhieu Tang, Edited by me
For more from these shots, you can visit my blog here.

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube SHOP

 

You Should Also Read:

An Ode to Moisturiser, My Summer Skin & La Mer
Is Essence Essential in Your Skincare Routine?
5 Beauty Gadgets That Will Transform Your Skin

The post I Tried Laser Skincare for the First Time – Here’s What Happened appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The Ultimate Summer To-Do List

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Every time a new season rolls around, I feel energized and compelled to create a summer to-do list – not necessarily of chores, but things to do that make the season that much better.

Summer in New York is a thing of wonder. You’re sticky, sweaty, messy, but the rooftops and cocktails are great!

Ever since moving here, I’ve only spent one entire summer in NYC, and regardless of the immense heat, I always make a promise to get outside as much as I can.

summer to-do list

In honor of the (very) nice weather, we’re starting a series for summer: What to do, where to go, what to pack, and where to eat. You might be staying in or jetting off somewhere exotic, but take it from us: summer is all around!

Let’s start with my to-do list for the coming months:

#1 Summer is often a quiet season, so I take time to analyze the first half of the year and focus on goals I still need to achieve. Whether it’s finishing the courses at Azalle or decluttering, there are always chore-feeling tasks that need to be done.

#2 Research fun events in the city. While I’m going back home again for some time (wedding and beach season are on), I still enjoy the time I get in the Big Apple. In an effort to enjoy life to the fullest, I look for summer concerts, outdoor restaurants, amazing rooftops and fun events of the season – which will all be covered in coming posts!

#3 Replace dinner with a fresh salad. This might seem like a small task that belongs on the back burner, but nothing is more refreshing than a delish salad! I can’t take heavy/hot meals in the summer, so every year, I begin to scour the realms of the internet for fun new salads to spruce up dinner with. Last week, I made one with spinach, beetroot, avocado and farro, with a tea spoon of mustard.

Pro-tip: add a fresh cocktail! I’m loving gin and ginger ale with lemon – one of my favorites ever.

 

#4 Go for walks early in the morning. I’ve always been an early riser. But summer in the city makes it impossible for you to walk out between 11AM and 3PM. This is the first year I have a puppy, so early morning walks are mandatory. I always start the day with a walk through the neighborhood. Not only do you get to enjoy the fresh cool morning air, but you also start the day exercising.

#5 Rooftop season! Just last week, I went with my husband and some friends to an amazing rooftop in midtown. With a privileged view of the Empire, we enjoyed a few drinks before venturing into a restaurant to watch the Warriors VS. Cavaliers. Rooftops are hot this time of year, and it’s only a matter of doing a bit of research so you can hop one every night.


 

#6 Because beach season equals book season, I make a list of the books I want to read. I’ve been really bad this year and haven’t been reading that much. I’m more into podcasts now, but when I hit the sand, I always carry a book to read into the afternoon while tanning my legs.

#7 Throw a dinner party. Because summer nights are nothing without your friends, I always love to throw a dinner party with fresh food, drinks, and great music. Stay tuned for this year’s!

#8 Donate or sell those old clothes. While in the process of putting my winter clothes away and bringing out my summer ones, I always do a little closet decluttering. Whatever I didn’t wear during winter goes into the donate/sell pile. And the same with summer clothes. This way, I don’t feel guilty when I buy a summer dress or a cute romper.

Be sure to let us know in the comments bellow what your plans are for the summer!

 

 

 

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

 

 

You Should Also Read:

How Living Abroad Can Change Your Perspective On Life
Five Podcasts That Have Changed My Life
Five Brunch Spots I’m Drooling Over in NYC

The post The Ultimate Summer To-Do List appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The Ultimate Beginner Blogger Cheat Sheet

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WARNING: Long, in-depth blog post alert.

Starting a blog is extremely overwhelming, especially now with all the social media outlets and different choices we have. About 10 years ago when blogging first started to take off, you opened a Blogger account and you were good to go. Now you’ve got Wordpress, Squarespace, or Blogger mixed with Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. That’s like 10 different options right there that you have to decide whether you want or not. It’s a lot for sure but I always say if I can do it, so can you!

I spent about 5 years trying to get everything “perfect”, and I wish there was something like this that I could have referenced because it would have saved me a ton of time and money. But there was no one willing to give me the no BS version of how to start a blog so without being too cliche. I created the ultimate beginner blogger cheat sheet for you. If you can, print this out, bookmark it, do whatever you can!

Strategic blog name:

When picking a blog name, go for something that has longevity. If you’re taking blogging seriously, treat your blog like your child.

blogger cheat sheetYour blog name should be something that can grow as you grow. So you want to think about your long-term goals and go for a name that is in alignment with them. Don’t just settle for the first name you think of. Your blog name should make sense for you and what you’re trying to accomplish.

I changed my blog name 3 times before I got it right. Don’t be like me. Think strategy. If you want to turn your blog into a clothing brand think about what that name would look like in a tag. If you want to turn your blog into a healthy snack bar company, visualize the package branding. Do you like your blog name enough for either of those scenarios?

Hosting:

Next, you want to self-host your blog with a trusted site. The reason you want self-hosting is you have more flexibility to do what you want with your blog. Self-hosting means you own your blog entirely. You can grow it however you want, add multiple domains, and pay for site maintenance/support. It’s all under your control.

For beginner, to mid level bloggers, I recommend Bluehost because it has all the capabilities you could possibly need for a reasonable price. You won’t need unlimited bandwidth with 10,000 KBs of memory (I don’t even know if that’s the right terminology I’m just making this up right now). Plus Bluehost has outstanding customer support. You send them one email expressing your concerns and boom they email you back almost instantly. This is especially helpful if you don’t know what the heck you’re doing.

Social media:

Social media is obviously a major, major component to running a blog. It’s the most common way to communicate to your audience and reach new audiences so it’s absolutely necessary to have. Social media is such a general term that covers a variety of mediums, it would be crazy for you to try and master every single platform.

I do recommend making an account with every platform just so you have your username secure in case you do decide to tackle a new platform. You also don’t want someone else to snag your username because then you’re SOL.

The best social media channels to get on are Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat/Facebook. Snapchat and Facebook are tied for 3rd.

It’s obvious why Instagram is #1, it’s the biggest most used platform in the world right now. You have the potential to reach millions of people. This one is a no-brainer (more on Insta here, here, and here).

YouTube is another obvious platform you want to be on because of its ability to suck viewers in. You watch one video on how to DIY a shoe shelf and then you end up watching all of Aimee Songs’ home renovation videos. It’s a black hole for consumers which is great for you if you’re producing valuable video content. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, video is king. (Learn more about YouTube here and here.)

beginner bloggerEven though Snapchat’s stats have been down since Instastories, it’s still a valuable platform because of geofilters and the profile sharing capabilities. If your Snapchat friends find value in your content, they’ll share your profile with their friends. And if you want to reach new audiences you just create a custom geofilter with your blog name attached, (more on Snapchat here, here, and here).

Facebook ads are extremely valuable and Facebook has an entirely different demographic than Instagram which is incredible for your brand. You can get more personal with people on Facebook from the groups to messages to comments. I highly recommend having a Facebook fan page. (Check out more on Facebook here).

Content:

Probably the most important piece of the beginner blogger puzzle is creating content. All the social media followers in the world won’t be able to help you if your content sucks. What I mean by this is some people don’t know their blog strengths.

Some will write long personal posts but they’re not the best writers so that content performs poorly. Other bloggers will rely heavily on picture content but none of their photos are in focus or their style isn’t the best, but they continue using the same technique anyway. You won’t get anywhere in blogging if you’re not able to get honest with yourself and the quality of your content.

Your content should either entertain, educate, or inspire, and it should always be created to the best of your ability. Your content is ultimately what will set you apart from the crowd so it’s important you figure out what you’re good at and go full force with it.

There are so many other levels to blogging, this post is just cheat sheet for beginner bloggers that grazes the surface. Successful blogging takes time and patience – two things that are hard to acquire but are worth it to have in the end.

If you’re a beginner blogger I want to hear from you. Leave any/all questions in the comments below and I’ll do another blog tip Q&A and give you a shout out! 

 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram YouTube Snapchat @notanothrblonde

 
Image Source Credits – Bolig, Harper’s Bazaar
 

You Should Also Read:

How to Create a Content Calendar
3 Ways to Avoid Blogger’s Remorse
You Asked, I Answered – Blog Tip Q&A

 

The post The Ultimate Beginner Blogger Cheat Sheet appeared first on Zanita Studio.

From Day to Night in 5 Minutes with 5 Products

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It’s important to simplify and do more with less without compromising your single best accessory – makeup – as life gets busier.

And with your schedule piling up and products brimming off your countertop, it can be overwhelming to quickly decide what goes in the beauty bag and what stays. Lucky for you, we have what works.

When your only break consists of a quick cab ride or a bathroom stop, it’s best to have a day to night procedure – even better when that transition requires the least amount of products. Find out how to go from simple but polished to sultry in 5 minutes with just 5 products.

day to night look

day to night | day look

What You Need:

Charlotte Tilbury Brow Lift Pencil – The triangular shape of this pencil allows for foolproof application, and the built-in spoolie does an excellent job combing your brow hairs and buffing the color into place.
Glossier Balm DotCom – This multi-purpose balm is perfect for keeping the lips moisturized and adding gloss to the eyes and face.
Glossier Stretch Concealer – Everyone can use a little concealer to look more awake. This concealer blends right into the skin and covers imperfections in the most natural way possible.
Maybelline Baby Lips Balm + Blush – Innocent Peach – Quickly add color to your face with this two-in-one. The beautiful shade makes it perfect for eyes as well.
Zoeva Graphic Eyes – The best way to spice things up is with a creamy black eyeliner like this one by Zoeva. It’s blendable, glides right over the eyes, and stays put.

Now here’s how you can get this exact look for the day:

Step 1: Conceal any darkness or imperfections around your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Step 2: Next, lightly fill in your eyebrows and brush them up and out.

Step 3: Finally, swipe the Balm and Blush across your cheeks and eyelids, and dab some on your lips using your fingers.

To transition to night:

Step 1: Freshen up and cover any areas needed with your concealer.

Step 2: Then, define and darken your eyebrows further with the brow pencil.

Step 3: Next, reapply the Balm and Blush on your cheeks, eyelids, and lips – repeat as necessary to deepen the color.

Step 4:This is where the magic starts to happen. Take the black eyeliner and tight line your eyes, and then line your upper lash lid hastily. Close your eyes to bring some color down to your lower lash line. Smudge lightly with your fingers and repeat once more to create definition.

Step 5:Take the multipurpose balm and apply some to your lips, nose bridge, and cheek bones to add a highlight. Then dab some right over your eyelids using your fingers to create a glossy, lived in look.

And voila!

day to night | nightday to night | glossy lids

Remember that the slightest shimmer goes a long way – and that paired with sultry, glossy lids is a great and novel way to bring some drama to the night.

For more images from this shoot, you can visit my blog here.
 

P.S. Don’t forget to enter my huge giveaway!

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube SHOP

 

You Should Also Read:

An Ode to Moisturiser, My Summer Skin & La Mer
Is Essence Essential in Your Skincare Routine?
5 Beauty Gadgets That Will Transform Your Skin

The post From Day to Night in 5 Minutes with 5 Products appeared first on Zanita Studio.


Hot In the City: The New Boho Is Chic AF

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day to night | nightday to night | glossy lids

 

 

I’ve always found summer dressing the most challenging – being a fashion magpie of sorts, appreciating trans-seasonal ensembles and even my winter wardrobe for the way it lends itself to layering. Of late I’ve grown to appreciate bold statements done simply – and summer dressing is exactly that. Bohemian flowing lengths are so luxe, paired with a crazy earring or a statement piece like my fabulous Poolside straw bag (Spicy Margarita? Totally my summer beverage of choice). I feel like a hot weather bad ass in this ensemble. BRING THE HEAT!

 

I’m very honoured to have worked with Moda Operandi on this post, undoubtably the best online destination to fit out your summer wardrobe with effortless boho glam – mostly because it’s the place you can truly find pieces that are one of a kind.  Kalita is a actually a new discovery for me and I can’t tell you have fresh and cool I feel in these fine cotton layers. The yellow dress in the slider below is top of my must haves right now – cotton gown and sneakers? I’m about it.
Meanwhile catch me in this Solid and Striped bikini while in Hawaii – about to go down on my insta right now!

Photography by Eduarda Loureiro, Edit by Me

Dress, Kalita

Bikini top and bottom, Solid and Striped

Bag, Poolside

sneakers, Senso

 

This post was brought to you by Moda Operandi

The post Hot In the City: The New Boho Is Chic AF appeared first on Zanita Studio.

5 Ways to Tell You’re Making the Wrong Decision

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We’re usually oblivious to the poor choices we make that induce negative ramifications in our lives.

I know I’ve been guilty especially when trying to be “considerate” of other people’s feelings or “protective” of the pain I might inflict. I can name several occasions where I knew I was really unhappy in certain situations but was in denial about it. By the time I decided to be honest with myself and others around me, it was clear I fixated myself in misery for too long. I’m sure many of you can relate…

We blindly fall into habit and routine to the the point where we lose awareness of how it impacts us emotionally and mentally. If you’re like me, then you might even succeed at convincing yourself that it isn’t that bad, it could be worse, or you start to look for comfort in other things. It becomes a vicious cycle of rationalization and validation. The source for our unhappiness become everything else except for the actual matter at hand.

when you're making the wrong decision

This is something that’s become very real in my life as of late and I wanted to bring it to surface because I recognize how alone it can feel – especially when it seems like the world is against you. If you often find yourself making excuses, here are my top 5 ways to tell you’re making the wrong decision:

#1 Anxious feelings

I never knew what “anxiety” meant until I experienced it for the first time last year… Turns out the symptoms can be both physical and psychological, ranging from shortness of breath to restlessness and irritability. Whatever anxiousness you may be feeling, it’s probably time to take action if it becomes intense and persistent and starts to impact your everyday tasks. Don’t ignore the symptoms.

#2 Avoidance

Are you avoiding something? If it’s your job, you maybe calling out sick just because or maximizing your vacation days. If it’s a person (maybe your boss or significant other), you start dodging them by keeping yourself busy with other tasks. Regardless of what you’re trying to avoid, pay attention to how often you’re trying to “avoid” it.

#3 Dreaming sans [fill in the blank]

We’re all dreamers… Some more than others. I know I’m undoubtedly a dreamer and often visualize my future plans… When those visions repeatedly appear without someone or something, there’s a reason for it – and it’s probably indicative of your desire for change.

#4 Negative physical effects

When something starts to cause so much stress in your life, it creeps up on you physically. You might feel more tired than normal or even sleeping excessively… Your appetite might start to change causing unexpected weight gain or loss… Maybe it’s prevalent in your skin and so you’re breaking out or just looking dull and gray… When the effects become physical, it’s just not worth it. Never be afraid to take a stand for the sake of your health.

#5 Even others you trust question you

Tread this point carefully because we know how harmful it can be to listen to everyone around us. I limit my trusted circle to ~2-3 people…and I’ve learned that this trusted circle often recognizes when my actions don’t align with my values and my beliefs – especially when I’m confused. Allow them to call you out on it and assess the validity of their opinion with an open mind.

Making a drastic life change is always scary, but you have to decide what’s worse: your current [unhappy] situation or the unknown? I’ve learned now that I’ll almost always pick the unknown!

 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube SHOP

 

You Should Also Read:

What I Learned from Top Influencers Through Azalle
How I Manage to Work From Home as a Mom
How to Become Comfortable with the Uncomfortable

The post 5 Ways to Tell You’re Making the Wrong Decision appeared first on Zanita Studio.

A Day in the Life of a Micro-Influencer

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Though micro-influencing may not be as exciting as mega-influencing, there’s definitely never a dull moment.

In fact, micro-influencers should be hustling more than mega-influencers because they’re not quite established and are still trying to prove their worth – and this means they are always on their grind.

Every micro-influencer’s daily routine will be different depending on where they want their blogs to go and exactly what their end goal is. But for me, I won’t stop until I’ve built an empire, so here’s what a day of that looks like:

6-7am

I like to get a solid workout in to start my day. I literally jump out of bed, go to the bathroom to change, and then do my workout. If you follow me on Snapchat (notanothrblonde) you’ll know that I’m currently doing the BBG, which is incredible by the way. I’m not one of those wake up, hit snooze, wake up, hit snooze again kind of people. If I’m not out of bed immediately after my alarm goes off I’ll be behind schedule.

micro-influencerThen I’ll check my email and schedule my blog post for the highest engagement hour. I don’t answer emails because it takes too long but I’ll take a little peak so I know what I’m up against when I actually do have time to answer.

7-8am

Get ready for my day job and eat breakfast. Eating breakfast is KEY for me for fuel for the day. I’m the most productive in the morning so I need breakfast to get me started.

8-9am

At this point, I’ve left my house and I’m walking about a mile to the train (so glamorous I know). Then during my commute, I write posts for Not Another Blonde, Zanita, Azalle, or The Wonder Forest. In fact… I’m on the train writing this right now.

I’ve noticed that because I only have about 30 minutes (which is nothing when you’re writing), I’m so laser-focused and able to bang out at least one blog post per train ride. Plus I don’t get service so I’m not tempted to check Instagram or Snapchat every 5 seconds.

9am-12pm

I get in and check my personal email again and respond. At this point I’m at work and let’s be honest we all check our personal email at work so don’t judge me for this.

Then the rest of the time I’m working for my day job… like I said I’m super productive in the mornings so I’m able to bang most of my work out during this time. I’m in marketing which means there’s always something to do so I’m never lacking for anything to do.

12pm-1pm

I may or may not take a lunch break from 12-1 but I personally like to take smaller 10-20minute breaks throughout the day because my brain needs it. If I do take a lunch break, I’ll go to the park and engage with my community on Instagram, my secret Facebook group, or respond to blog comments.

I will respond to every single comment eventually; it just might take a while… or days (trying to get better at this). Keep in mind I have comments coming in from Not Another Blonde and 3 other blogs, so it’s definitely time-consuming but I love it. It’s actually my favorite part of the job.

1pm-3pm

I’m still doing my day job and dabbling with creating Snapchat content and Instagram engagement. For Snapchat I Snap my outfit, anytime I go outside, what I’m eating, my latest blog post, and/or any other promotional things that need attention (i.e. if I’m going on Facebook live or doing a giveaway).

I’ll post similar content on Insta-stories but for the most part, I am a Snap queen. I’ll also try and talk to my IG community a bit through comments or DMs.

brittany grace - not another blondeThe afternoon is always when I start to go downhill with motivation. I strongly, strongly believe 8-9 hours in the office is far too long and I think if they made work days just 5 hours or so companies would see a huge influx in productivity… but what do I know? (Comment below your thoughts on this!)

3pm-4pm

This is the best time I find for running errands or taking pictures. So if I don’t take my lunch at lunchtime IF I even take a full hour then I’ll take it from 3pm-4pm and do whatever I have to do.

The city is quieter at this time which is optimum for shopping/running errands and taking street style photos. Plus the sun is ideal at this time… not too harsh, not too bright.

4pm-6pm

At this point it’s hard for me to “get in the zone” but I still manage to pull it together somehow. I’ll wrap up anything that needs to be done at my day job and then slowly count the minutes until I can leave… just kidding.

I usually check my personal email one more time and answer anything and then it’s time to go.

6pm-7pm

I’m commuting back home. I walk another 2 miles while thinking about everything I have to do for my blog. Once I get on the train I listen to a podcast or read a book to get the juices flowing again for when I get home (Gary Vee, Him & Her, and the Time Ferriss Show are my favorite podcasts). I only listen to/read self-development and business stuff.

7pm-7:30pm

I eat dinner while checking Instagram and Snapchat.

7:30pm-11pm

I’m usually prepping my blog for the next week in addition to making proposals for brands or setting up NAB collaborations.

Currently, I’m in the process of revamping all my freebies so I’ve been working with a graphic designer on that and trying to get them perfect.

I’ve also been incorporating more YouTube videos which take up a crapload of time to edit so I’ll throw that in the mix as well.

My content calendar helps a lot to keep things organized and it lets me know what I’m supposed to be doing and when. I’m so OCD when it comes to organization and time management which helps me stay on track while balancing all the other things going on in my life.

What’s your typical day like? Tell us in the comments below! 

 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram YouTube Snapchat @notanothrblonde

 

You Should Also Read:

The Ultimate Beginner Blogger Cheat Sheet
How to Create a Content Calendar
You Asked, I Answered – Blog Tip Q&A

The post A Day in the Life of a Micro-Influencer appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Summer Essentials for the Fashion Girl

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In kicking off our summer series, it’s probably a good idea to share our summer 2017 essentials.

Especially for the fashion fanatic.

Take a cue from the it-girls and learn what they do this time of year. I, for one, do an immense wardrobe cleanse. Getting rid of things I don’t use anymore to make room for the essentials. I know it’s not an easy task as there will always be room for that skirt we bought and never wore. But take it from a girl who lives in a New York apartment with limited closet space – which I have to share with my husband. Decluttering becomes essential every season.

Without further ado, here are my must-have-summer-essentials list for every girl no matter where you’re going this summer:

Basket Style Bag: The basket bag is a must-have this season. Every girl is carrying some variation of it. And fortunately for us, there’s no need to go bankrupt to get a cute bag you can carry all summer.

Just take your pick!

Shop our favorites below:


Vintage SunglassesThis summer, you can hide all the hangovers behind cute and vintage-looking sunglasses. Whether you’re a cat eye lady, a retro spinner, or a colorful chap, there are a lot of different styles to choose from.

We’re back in the 80’s baby!

Shop our favorites below:


Tropical Prints: I was vouching for this day to come. The day when tropical prints leave the obscurity and become acceptable to wear in daylight. I love to combine prints and summer could not be complete with a palm tree shirt or a pair of cute little pineapple shorts.

Go crazy, mix and match and have fun!

Shop our favorites below:


Rompers, Jumpers, OnesiesSummer can be a dread with the days being so hot, which means strutting around the city can be uncomfortable, sticky, and sweaty. My best and greatest solution? One pieces! They are fresh, comfy, and come in all shapes and sizes.

From skirts, to pants, to shorts, it’s as good as it gets.

Shop our favorites below:

 

What are your summer essentials?

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

You Should Also Read:

This Is Millennial Pink
Hot In the City: The New Boho Is Chic AF
Fifth Element Casting Call

The post Summer Essentials for the Fashion Girl appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Best Rooftops to Hit Up in the NYC Heat

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Continuing our quest to have the best summer ever, I’m focusing on the best rooftops to hit when the sun goes down against the Manhattan skyline. I love a good sunset as much as the next girl – especially when Instagram-worthy. So I’ve been doing my research and trying out the best places in town for you to chill with a pint and some chips.

New York is one of the best places to be around summer. Quiet streets, empty subways, and almost no reservations needed. Of course the best places crowd up early, but there’s no reason not to be an early bird.

I’ve frequented 6 different rooftops this season and in no particular order here’s what tops my secret list:

Spyglass Rooftop

This little gem in Midtown is as cute as you can imagine. As soon as you enter the small lounge space, there are 3 huge window/doors, floor to ceiling that open up outdoors. Walk less than 10 steps and you can see the Empire in all its glory. Try the Moscow Mule – it’s amazing!

230 on Fifth

This New York classic is on every tourist guide – but there’s a reason. It was, in fact, the first rooftop I went to in the city. And a major go-to. Winter or summer, it’s worth going up the busy elevators to gaze upon an almost 360 view of Manhattan. Try their cosmopolitans or cool off with a Corona.

STK Rooftop

Sweet Meatpacking District. Have you ever been to that area? It’s buzzing with coolness, amazing restaurants and to-die-for rooftops. You can enjoy the most beautiful sunset over New Jersey with the best soundtrack and spot in the city. That’s a view you cannot miss.

The MET Rooftop Bar

Art with a side of cocktail? Sign me up! The MET is one of my favorite museums in the city, and it comes with a rooftop bar. It’s only open during working museum hours, but it’s worth taking the trip upstairs to enjoy the view with a – rather expensive – drink. It can get a bit crowded, but totally worth the squeezing.

Jane Hotel Rooftop Bar

A recent invite from Miss Z herself took me up the Jane Hotel into their rooftop bar. You can experience a tiny bit here and gaze upon 12th avenue and New Jersey. It’s a cozy spot where you feel like you could be in your apartment’s balcony.

1 Rooftop

The recently opened 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a major must-see-and-be. No other view is better with a cocktail in your hand and your camera in the other. It can get too crowded – being new and all – but it’s definitely worth enjoying. You get that beautiful sunset only New York can give us.

Any other places you recommend in the city? Leave your suggestions in the comments below, I would love to know!

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

You Should Also Read:

The Ultimate Summer To Do List
Summer Essentials for the Fashion Girl

Hot In the City: The New Boho Is Chic AF

The post Best Rooftops to Hit Up in the NYC Heat appeared first on Zanita Studio.

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