Faithfully Me Media

Nowadays, Instagram is proving to be the must-have social media platform for businesses, brands, and influencers alike!
It's the go-to platform for game-changers in most sectors, and is quickly proving  to be a great tool for improving your Personal Brand and get recognition - Fast because we all recognize the value that Instagram provides, particularly to bloggers who want to be influencers in their blogging niche.

Now, I'm guessing  you're reading this because you're also hoping (or planning) to get your Instagram Branding down to a "T"  and reap the associated benefits because your blogging biz needs it,  amiright?!

BENEFITS OF A WELL-BRANDED INSTAGRAM 

Great, because here's what happens when you get your Instagram Branding Right,

1. You start to get recognition from your fellow bloggers
2. You start attracting your ideal clients and followers
3. You start to look professioal
4. Your Instagram Following starts to increase
5. Most importantly, Brands start to recognize you as an influencer and may be propelled to want to collaborate with you on Brand Sponsorships.

And all of that is fantastic news and more reason for you to brand your Instagram and improve your Personal Brand.

So if that's what you want, read the 4 tips below on how to brand your Instagram.

1/4 DECIDE ON YOUR BRAND STORY.

By Brand Story I mean, that underlying narrative that you'd like your Instagram to portray to your followers.
So decide what message about yourself or your brand do you Want to portray on your Instagram.
Do you want to be seen as a keen traveler? A style maven? An influencer within the blogosphere? A fashion maven? Or an amazing foodie?

Whatever it is, decide upon it first and foremost as that is one of the criteria that inform your Instagram's branding because creating a memorable brand is all about the message and rhetoric behind someone  and that's exactly what amazing Instagrammers seem to know.

They first decide on what they want to be known for and they craft their Instagram message and branding according to that. That's the best way of creating an amazing Instagram brand story

2/4 DECIDE ON YOUR IDEAL TRIBE

You obviously joined Instagram to socialize with  and reach  a certain type of individual(s) be it to further your business or personal goals. So identify your tribe and the ideal people that you'd like to reach through your Instagram.
Who do you want to reach through the your Instagram - is it new clients? Or like-minded individuals as yourself? foodies? fit people? bloggers? Deciding on your ideal followers will help solidify your brand and set the tone and message of your Instagram feed

[RELATED ARTICLE: The 6 Personal Branding Principles Fashion Bloggers Use In Order To Stand Out]

3/4 DECIDE ON THE VALUE YOU WANT TO PROVIDE

What value do  you provide? Yeah that's right! Instagram is no longer about posting selfies non-stop without any clear message behind them other than: "look at me, I'm pretty!"
It has since evolve into a platform where brands, bloggers and social influencers provide value to their followers, and rightly so, because if someone's gonna follow, you should at least provide some sort of value in one way or another 

So, what do you want people to visit your Instagram for? What value will you be providing through it? Will it be insightful tips?
For example, if you look at our Instagram Profile,  there's always a post that provides value in one way or another. Like this Post where we shared  blogging tips on the 5 Ways To Excel at being a newbie blogger. or this post where we shared #Tips on How To Get A Job Without Any Related Previous Work Experience.
We shared these on Our Instagram and linked the full blog post in our bio as a way to give anyone who didn't see our post another chance to read it, but most importantly, our aim was to provide value to our readers.

[RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Styling Hacks To Create An Epic Instagram Photo]

4/4 PICK AN AESTHETIC 

When it comes to cultivating an amazing online brand, aesthetics matter big time!
The best way to brand your Instagram is to pick a look that defines you as a brand and one that will prove to be appealing to your ideal tribe.
For example, if you look at Our Instagram, we've picked a Monochrome color pallet with hints of green here and there! Reason being black and white is that colour combination that is classic, timeless, and identifies with power, completeness, and authoritativeness  because our aim for our Instagram is to position ourselves as thought-leaders amongst millennials.

So, when it comes to picking an aesthetic for your Instagram Branding, this will originally be guided by 1) the message you want to send out to your followers; and 2) who your intended demographic is.
Let's say you want to attract foodies, then your Instagram feed could have a colourful and eclectic aesthetic., or if its blogging biz ladies, then perhaps your Instagram Brand Aesthetic could be light, bright, using hints of soft pinks where possible. Do you see where I'm going with picking an aesthetic?

So there you have it, put these Instagram Branding tips into place, and  you'll be well on your way to improving your own Personal Brand, as well as having an amazing Instagram Profile that's going to position you as an influencer and help you gain your ideal tribe.

[RELATED ARTICLE: 7 Insta-Worthy Accessories For Your Desktop]

P.S. Don't Forget To Follow Us On Instagram.

If you're new to blogging, I bet you've seen seasoned bloggers sharing their monthly income reports and wondered: "How do they do that?"  Well, we've done a little digging into the matter and have since found out that part (not all) of their income comes from joining and using Affiliate Marketing Programs and earning commission from them.

Now, if you're a relatively  new blogger, chances are, you've never really heard of the term "Affiliate Marketing" or you have, but you're not quite sure what it is or HOW to use it! Which is why we're bringing you today's post as our aim is to take away the mystery, and hopefully help you get started making money from your blog using affiliate marketing programs like all the other successful bloggers out there! 

Does that sound good?!

Good! Because here's what you'll learn in this quick guide...

So let's get to it!

In order to have affiliate links on your site, you have to partner with companies that offer an affiliate marketing program, and this post is going to show you exactly HOW to get started and patner with an affiliate marketing program, and crucially, how to insert those links in your blog and start making a commission from that partnership ASAP!

The good thing about affiliate links is that even absolute beginners like you can use them. 

As you get into your affiliate marketing endeavors, you'll begin to come across a few acronyms and terminology time and time again, so to save you the hassle of having to look them up , we've compiled a list of the terms you really need to now.

Merchant/Advertiser/Brand: The retailers and companies that are on the Affiliate Network (such as  Nordstrom, Topshop, ASOS, H&M, etc.).

Publisher/Affiliate: You, the blogger or website owner.

Cookie Duration: When someone clicks your affiliate link, they get a cookie. The cookie will expire after a specific length of time, which means your affiliate link will become invalid. So if the Cookie Duration is 24 hours, you get a commission as long as a purchase is made within 24 hours, after which the cookie expires.

SID: The site ID (SID)

CTR: This acronym stands for Click Through Rate.

EPC: Earnings per Click. This metric is usually obtained by dividing commissions earned by the number of clicks (clicks-throughs) which generated these commissions. For example, if you insert an affilliate link in one of your blog posts, and that link receives 1000 clicks (click-throughs) and consequently generates $5.00 (or €5.00 in you're in the EU) commissions, then that means the EPC rate would be $0.50 (or €0.50)

AOV or AOS: Average Order Value or Average Order Size.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. For more info on this, head over HERE.

3 OF THE BEST AFFILIATE MARKETING PROGRAMS FOR NEWBIE BLOGGERS

1/3  SHAREASALE

BRANDS YOU'LL FIND ON SHAREASALE

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR ShareASale AFFILIATE PROGRAM

1/3   VIGLINK

The second highly recommended Affiliate Program for Newbie Bloggers definitely has to be VigLink!
It is one of the easiest tools that bloggers use to monetize their content!
The one good great thing about VigLink is that you won't need to sign up for all the individual accounts on all the networks - VigLink tracking will take care of all of them! How awesome is that?!

Simply put, VigLink will act as the midleman between you and all the brands you love advertising for on your blog so you don't have to sign up for each program (brand) separately.

The huge benefit with VigLink is it's way of saving you time in that it will look for any links in your blog, even preexisting links, and turn then into money-making links for you so you don't have to go through your content and generate links for each individual item or brand you've linked, which, obviously is a huge plus!

If there's one convenient Affiliate Program to use, VigLink is definately the one! Also because it host so many recognizable brands that will be perfect for fashion, lifestyle or beauty bloggers!

BRANDS YOU'LL FIND ON VigLink

• Asos (from 5% to 7%)
• JC Penny (3%)
• The Body Shop (11%)
• H&M (7.4%)
• Mango (6%)
• Oasis - listed as Oasis Fashions Limited (5%)
• Forever 21 (4.8%)
• Nordstrom Rack (4%)
• Topshop (from 4% to 8% for the UK, and 15% for the US)
• River Island (from 5% to 7%)
• Marc Jacobs Beauty (10%)
• Charlotte Tilbury (8%)
• Bobbi Brown Cosmetics (10%)
• Amazon (from 1%)
• Benefit Cosmetics (9% for the UK, 7% for the US)

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR VigLink AFFILIATE PROGRAM

3/3 SHOPSTYLE 

Shopstyle  is another great affiliate program for newbie bloggers for sure, and it's very similar to ShareAsale in that it has huge amounts of brands all under one program for bloggers to choose from.
The good thing about Shopstyle is that it's particularly optimized for fashion bloggers because a huge majority of the listed brands/merchants are fashion retailers.

The super amazing thing about ShopStyle is that: unlike a lot of other fashion focused affiliate programs out there, shopstyle pays per click rather than paying per sale or commission. Which is super amazing because it means, as a newbie blogger, you can pretty much start earning money from your blog as soon as you've signed-up to Shopstyle because each time a reader clicks on one of the shopstyle links, you'll be making money!
The other benefits of choosing and joining Shopstyle's affiliate Program is that 1) Shopstyle you don't necessarily need to have a huge following to start making money from it, as every single click you get is guaranteed to be monetized, and 2) it's easy to join and quick to get the hang-of.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR SHOPSTYLE AFFILIATE PROGRAM

[RELATED ARTICLE: The 6 Personal Branding Principles Fashion Bloggers Use In Order To Stand Out From The Crowd]

OTHER AFFILIATE MARKETING PROGRAMS YOU COULD JOIN

1. Amazon Associates : Love this program because any blogger can easily find something to advertise from Amazon on their blog because Amazon has tons and tons of advertising opportunities. The downside to amazon though is that the start-off commission rate is as low as 1%, which can be disheartening. But it's great because it's one of the best platform for newbie bloggers to start monetizing their blogs. So it's definitely worth a try. Click Here to sign up with Amazon.
2. Ratuken Linkshare : The good thing about Ratuken (formerly known as Linkshare) is that it's one of the oldest running affiliate marketing programs out there. So when you join them, you know you're in good hands. Plus, they usually have good commission rates, from 8%-10% and even upwards, depending on the merchant (brand).
3. CJ Affiliate : CJ Affilliate is another one of the oldest running affiliate programs out there. So it's super dependable too, plus it's got a ton of merchants/brands for newbie bloggers to choose from for advertising opportunities. Click Here to sigh up with CJ Affiliate
4. FlexOffers
5. LinkConnector
6. Impact Radius 

HOW TO FIND AND JOIN ADVERTISING PROGRAMS

HOW TO GET AFFILIATE LINKS TO START EARNING A COMMISSION

NOW THE ADDED BONUS!

HELPFUL TIPS TO REMEMBER:

• Monetizing your blog and seeing any sort of real rewards is going to take a bit of time and a lot of work form you, so be patient, your efforts will eventually pay off.
• Remember to remain your authentic self, so stick to promoting brands and products that you believe in, and ones that will benefit your readers
• If you want to use affiliate links within a post, it's always good to remember to write informative, helpful posts that will give your readers a wealth of information
• Stick to promoting companies and products that will benefit your audience

SO, WAS THIS HELPFUL?

If so, don't forget to Pin this post, Share it on Facebook or tweet it Twitter -Thank You! 

If there was ever a time to start planning your Autumn/Winter wardrobe,  (and ensuring sartorial success) I'd say now would be the time!

Yes I know the idea seems rather preposterous given that we're currently in the height of summer, but nevertheless, Winter Autumn  is coming, and now is quite frankly the most perfect time to do a little bit of a sartorial edit and see what it is you might need for your Autumn/Winter wardrobe, especially since you can get most of these items at a hugely discounted price tag!

Here's our top picks to get you started..

Faux Leather Pleat Midi Skirt,  €59.00 €20.00 from Oasisstores.com

Black Gingham Print Tie Top €56.00 €30.00 from River Island

Suede Moto Jacket €168.67 €112.96  from Nordstrom Anniversary Sale,

6/7 THE TAN ESPADRILLE WEDGE HEELS

Tan Embroidered Trench Coat €260.00 €120.00 from River Island

Don't Forget Follow Us On Facebook & Instagram to check out what we're up to!

Getting fit is one thing, but looking fit is quite another!
And that's why when it comes to ladies sportswear, H&M's got it all down to a "T"! Ever since their official launch into sportswear, H&M seems to deliver time and time again when it comes to providing active wear that caters to the gym bunny in you, or indeed, the girl on the go by providing sports wear that seamlessly combines   functionality,  style, AND... Comfort all in an exquisite range of athleasure gear, and best of all... at an affordable price point!

And that's probably because the high street giant has it all sussed that working up a sweat has never been so hot, and to that end, they've done it again and provided a sportswear collection that packs a punch in the style stakes while being budget friendly.

Don't Forget To Catch Up With What We're Up To On Instagram &  Facebook

Anyone on Instagram will attest to the fact that capturing the perfect insta shot for your Instagram feed is a meticulous affair that usually entails agonizing over weather or not the light conditions are optimum, or if your camera angle should be high or low, or if whether clarendon is a far better filter over lark filter! 

I mean, taking thee perfect Insta shot is nothing shot of an art form, which is why the accessories you choose for the scene can either make or break the entire look of your Instagram picture, let alone, your Instagram feed!

That's why today we're sharing 7 insta-worthy office accessories for your desktop.

1ST ACCESSORY

THE MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE

2ND  ACCESSORIES

XO  DAILY  MOD PLANNER

This XO Mod Planner is an perfect choice of accessory for any Instagram worthy #workspace! It's stylish, vibrant, and not to mention, practical for achieving those daily #goals!

3RD ACCESSORY

THE  BADASS COFFEE MUG

You obviously need a badass coffee mug to store that much-needed morning coffee - also known as fuel for the day! Which is why this sassy "Rise and Grind Sunshine" Coffee Mug is our favourite and the perfect addition to any instagram shot scene.

Get it for $18.00 from Haven Grey Kids.

4TH ACCESSORY

GOALS JOURNAL NOTEPAD

Of course every insta worthy #workspace needs a notepad to not only help make your desktop look amazing for those instagram shots, but to also help you keep track of those #goals of yours!

I'm loving this Kikki.K Goals Journal from johnlewis.com, it's perfect for bringing you cloer to a better tomorrow!

5TH ACCESSORY

THE DISPLAY FASHION BOOKS

Wanna showcase the #stylista in you?

Easy! 

Stack 2 or 3 Fashion Books like these Chanel, Vogue or Dior books, because, this, my friend,  is a surefire way to show off your style credentials whilst elevating those desktop Instagram shots to the next level!

6TH ACCESSORY

THE SCENTED CANDLES
These Dyptyque Baies Scented Candles are an absolute must-have not only to achieve  that perfect insta worthy #workspace, but for giving-off that luscious blend of black-currant leaves and Bulgarian roses while work away in your desk.

Get these Baies Scented candles for €48 from Brown Thomas

7TH ACCESSORY 

 FRESHLY CUT BLOOMS

Yes! I'm not sure if you've noticed but no #workspace instagram shot is ever complete without fresh blooms as an accessory.

Go for magnolias for more of a classic touch to your desktop!

[RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Styling Hacks To Create An Epic Instagram Photo ]

So tell us, which of these insta worthy accessories was your favourite?

Leave your comment in the comment section below.

P.S. Don't Forget To Check Out Our Own Instagram Feed HERE!

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Wouldn't it be lovely to grow up in life, go to school, and finish college knowing exactly what it is you intend to do with your life?! To have a plan in place to guide you through your school subjects, interests to pursue, hobbies to nurture, and skills to hone?!

I mean, that would just be the most ideal situation ever to go through life because that way, you wouldn't have to second-guess yourself weather or not you've picked the right school to attend, chose the right course to study, or  worry about what career path to choose, because you'd have it all figured out from the get-go!

But of course, you and I both know that that's not how life works out sometimes.

So what do you do then if you're still wrecking your head over which career path to pursue?

Well, you can start by asking yourself these 4 questions to uncover the best career path for you.

[RELATED ARTICLE: How To Create A Job Hunt Plan In 4 Simple Steps]

QUESTION 1:

What do I enjoy doing?

This may be a  straight forward question, and perhaps, may be silly too, but determining what it is you enjoy doing is key to unlocking the path to your ideal job.

So list all of those things that always bring out the most joyful you!

QUESTION 2:

What are my key strengths?

Knowing  what you're good at should make it easy for you to choose an ideal, if not, suitable career path for yourself.

So take  note of those things that you're good at or that everyone keeps praising you for because they may be the key to unlocking the path to your perfect career!

QUESTION 3:

What do I have experience doing?

Even though you may have experience in something totally unrelated to what you eventually want to do with your life, considering your past work experiences is still very much important as it will help you see if there are any transferable skills  you  could  use on taking a leap from your part-time job straight into a proper career.

scroll down below for question 4 & 5...

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QUESTION 4:

Based on my interests, key strengths, and previous work experience, what career path is there for me to follow?

Amalgamating your strengths, interests, and previous experiences will help guide you to a possible career path you might really enjoy.

So list all the possible career/jobs you could apply for and see which ones jump out at you the most.

[RELATED ARTICLE: How To Apply For A Job Without Any Related Work Experience]

QUESTION 5:

What additional skills or requirements will I need to launch my new career path?

After determining what sort of career path you'd like to pursue, the final thing to do is to determine what, if any, are the additional requirements needed for working in your ideal career.

So determine if whether or not you'll need a 4 year degree, or a portfolio of works, or would hard core experience suffice in order to work in your ideal job, because there's no point in going for a job you're not fully qualified in practicing.

[RELATED ARTICLE: The Top 6 Skills That Will Get You Hired In 2017]

Don't Forget to Fill in your email address to get the FREE Access To Our  "How To Get Your First Job Without Any Related Previous Work Experience" Email Course

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