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As you already know, social media is all about being… social! We’ve interviewed Work Your Closet about her insight into social media and she’s sharing some top tips with you!

Tell our readers about yourself and your blog

Hey, South Street & Co. – I’m Jamie, a local lifestyle blogger, here in Winter Park. I’m a California girl at heart with a kinda laid back casual cool style that comes along with it. I’ve been doing the blogging thing for a super long time now and it’s always been a passionate outlet for me. I share my style and my life and it’s continuously grown with me in a really cool organic way. I work part-time, I have a two-year-old and an amazing husband, so it’s not that I have nothing to do. Hope you take a minute to check me out – see what I’m about and stay awhile.

Tell us how you first got into blogging.

I was working at an ad agency at the time and my fellow colleagues took interest in how I would put outfits together. Back then, just out of college, I had like no money but needed to dress professionally but with my own personality so they asked me to start a blog to document my looks. I’ve never looked back.

How did you establish your “theme” or brand?

I knew immediately it was going to be fashion centric – basically re-working or restyling items that I had in my closet already in new cool ways. Of course, I would still shop, but it’s always been about pushing my outfit combos a bit more out of the box. Trusting my gut and doing my best to work high priced items with low price items. When I was pregnant, I did the same thing. How to not have to buy a ton of maternity clothes! Who wants that? So my blog and content definitely adapt to my lifestyle, which in itself is a really cool story.

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

Over time I’ve found a rhythm. I’ve been doing this for almost 10 years now and it’s been a lot of trial and error. But I’ve come to learn that consistency is critical and having an authentic voice (being relatable) has never been more important in a competitive blogger environment. I have an editorial calendar that I stick to. I edit my photos the same way. I’ll post one or two photos of me and then I share what inspires me. It’s about transparency. I know to pay attention to analytics more than ever, so I post during peak times and I’ve noticed that has helped with overall engagement.

Where do you find the inspiration for your blog posts?

I could easily spend hours on Pinterest, but I’ve been a serial Instagram image saver, too. I love going back to what I pinned or saved and share it someway. I find inspiration from interiors, to fellow bloggers, or even a simple color pattern. I notice when I get back from trips or vacations I’m extra motivated – seeing new places and meeting new people is a constant state of inspiration.

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

Whatever your most successful / highly engaged social platform might be – push traffic to your blog that way. I’ve also learned that labeling images in your posts are critical and pin your little heart out.

What’s your favorite social media platform?

Instagram – it’s just simple. It’s quick. It’s kinda a one stop shop with sharing, communicating, searching. Stories are so fun! I’m a total fan.

How do you gain followers?

I search for new hashtags or I’ll make a real effort to just discover new accounts. It’s not one sided, you know? You want followers and engagement, but so does everyone else. On occasion, I’ll join a loop and offer up a cool giveaway. You’re not paying them to follow you, it’s an incentive sure, but it’s a cool when a new mom wins! It’s like giving back to the community in a sense.

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

Sometimes I’ll ask questions or share something personal that I think the majority can relate to, but usually, I’ll share pretty things that in the end we all kinda want to see.

How many times a week do you post?

Instagram the most – 2 to 3 times daily. I blog 5 days a week and Facebook is a place where I share it all.

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

It’s part of my strategy. I post on Instagram during my top 3 peak times and I share my blog posts on Facebook every morning first thing.

What are some misconceptions about social media?

I think everyone worries about oversharing and I agree that can obviously become an issue, but in a day where families, friends, and colleagues are so spread-out, it’s a cool place to share. But I will say this – good passwords, people!

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

A majority of my photos now are done professionally. She’s the sweetest human and I’m so grateful that I get to work with her as often as I do. Abby is a total dream and has been by far a huge part of my success.

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

Lighting and a good photographer are kinda no brainers. But my big thing is to not overthink it – be comfortable, move around and wear what makes you happy. If you’re uncomfortable, it’s going to show.

What’s your favorite location to take photos?

Winter Park (it’s where I work, play and live)

How do you find relevant hashtags for your photos?

I look at accounts similar to mine and see what they post. I have a notes tab on my phone with all these different hashtags I use for certain content and just constantly update them. Having them all in one place really helps.

What are your top 3 favorite emojis?

Pink hearts, coffee mug, and stars

How do you keep your website updated & relevant?

Well, to be honest, I think it could use a new face-lift. It’s been this template for over 3 years now. But with a project management background in web development, I’m pretty picky. My next site update will be big but it’ll take time. But for now, I update the side bar content regularly, I’ll add featured content when brands share my stuff and I post 5 days a week. Always something new at workyourcloset.com

What apps would you recommend to our followers?

Planoly (for Instagram tools) and rewardStyle (for those looking to use referral links)

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

Never be afraid to ask questions. Seek a mentor. Follow what inspires you. And if you’re like me – you’ll never give up.

Need help with your marketing? Let’s chat!