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Social Media is no easy feat. So we’ve interviewed the best of the best to share their social media secrets and successes!  

Kristie and I met a couple years ago for the first time at Tonya Walker’s event, the Art of Fashion. Since then, we’ve kept in touch here and there, but mostly through Instagram, viewing all of her amazing shots. Her fashion sense is AMAZING. I’m so thrilled to have her guest blog for us and to share some of her best-kept secrets!

Tell our readers about yourself and your blog

My name is Kristie Cohen. I am the CEO and author of the blog IF THE CHOO FITS. It’s a personal style blog that focuses on fashion and beauty.

Tell us how you first got into blogging.

I started blogging a few years back. I tell people that I had been blogging in my mind for the past twenty years before blogging was a thing. When I discovered the community I was hooked.

How did you establish your “theme” or brand?

I have always loved high-end bags and shoes so I knew that would be a focal point of branding for me.

For your theme or brand, do you have things that you do consistently?  

I just try to be authentic to what I would wear. Sounds simple but it’s true.

Where do you find the inspiration for your blog posts?

I love Net-a-Porter and a few international blogs. They really inspire me.

What do you think is the best strategy to get more traffic to your blog?

Pinterest and Instagram

What’s your favorite social media platform?

Instagram. I love the snapshot in time and the aesthetic of the grid. It tells a linear story.

How do you gain followers?

Marketing and networking.

Once you have the followers, how do you keep them?

I try to post relevant content that inspires and I also respond to comments on IG daily.

How many times a week do you post?

Six days a week. I take Sundays off.

Is this a part of your strategy to keep gaining followers or do you post at random?

No, I schedule all of my posts and they are focused around the most active time of the day.

What are some misconceptions about social media?

That it isn’t time-consuming or that it’s easy.

Do you have photos taken professionally or do you take them yourself?  

Both. I am fortunate that my daughter is a professional please check out her Instagram. (IG: @sara.j.photography) When she isn’t available to shoot pictures, my husband does.

What are some tips you can give in order to take a good photo?

Lighting is everything. I also tend to prefer cleaner backgrounds with some textural element.

What’s your favorite location to take photos?

We like to shoot downtown Winter Garden but many times just take pictures wherever we are.

How do you find relevant hashtags for your photos?

I do research on the hashtags that are most relevant for the item I’m posting. Most ootd looks will be the same hashtags. If I’m doing a collaboration or sponsored content it’s a little different.

What are your top 3 favorite emojis?

The Heart, Heart Eyes, and the Gold Stars.

What apps would you recommend to our followers?

Planoly and VSCO

What else do you want to add to help small business owners?

Being a female digital entrepreneur isn’t easy. Many hats to wear but reaching out to others in the same industry has been my greatest help. The fashion blogging community is so amazing. We all lift each other up and share tips to succeed.

Need help with your marketing? Let’s chat!