14. How to Leverage Instagram Stories to Grow Your Brand

In Episode 16 of the Blogging, Unscripted podcast, we're taking a few steps back and tackling one of our most frequently asked questions: how do I start a blog? We'll dig through the most pertinent topics while cutting out the fluff:  Common Mistakes New Bloggers MakeFinding Your PurposeChoosing Your Blog PlatformSetting Up Your Hosting & DomainDownloading Key PluginsSelecting Your ThemeCreating Your Key PagesContent, Planning, Drafting & MarketingSetting Up Your Instagram for SuccessMonetizing Your Blog & Social MediaFor additional discussion and resources, visit our Blogging, Unscripted Facebook Group and come say hi on IG over at @daniellegervino!SUBSCRIBE TO EXCLUSIVE BLOGGING TIPS

In Episode 15 of the Blogging, Unscripted podcast, we're zeroing in on your e-mail marketing strategy. From choosing your e-mail marketing service provider, to building your lists through lead magnets and opt-in freebies and keeping your content flowing, we're taking a step-by-step approach to growing and maintaining your subscriber list.For additional discussion and resources, visit our Blogging, Unscripted Facebook Group and come say hi on IG over at @daniellegervino!SUBSCRIBE TO EXCLUSIVE BLOGGING TIPS

In Episode 14 of the Blogging, Unscripted podcast, we're chatting how you can leverage Instagram Stories to create connections with your community and foster growth for your brand. I'm sharing WHY my followers have made a major shift from in-feed content to Stories, and 8 strategies for utilizing Instagram Stories to foster growth. We'll also cover reach rate (how many views you should be getting as it relates to your following count), and Instagram Story partnerships.For additional discussion and resources, visit our Blogging, Unscripted Facebook Group and come say hi on IG over at @daniellegervino!SUBSCRIBE TO EXCLUSIVE BLOGGING TIPS

(3:51) Q1 I’ve been hearing about bloggers sending holiday gifts to their clients/contacts. Is this something we should be doing? A handwritten note is always appreciated but what kind of gift is appropriate? (5:28) Q2 Is there a way to tell which Pinterest group boards are bringing you the most traffic or are the most beneficial?(8:41) Q3 How do you grow your blog's page views? [Also see Episode 8](9:47) Q4 How do I conduct a reader survey so that I can make sure I'm publishing content that my readers want to see? (12:20) Q5 How can I use Pinterest to make money? I don't know what to say to brands when I send pitch emails.  [Also see Episode 9](13:28) Q6 How does one go about pitching for PR boxes? I’m on a budget and can’t keep buying new products to stay up to date on new products to share with my followers. [Also see Episode 6](16:16) Q7 Is it true that Facebook pushes posts for groups rather than business pages? I’ve heard that Facebook wants you to pay for booting you page posts so that’s why people don’t see them as much. I want to know which I should focus more on: my page or group.(18:40) Q8 I’ve listened to a lot of podcasts trying to execute all of the tips and tricks to get my posts seen more, and crickets. How do you grow your Instagram insights and the amount of people seeing your content?(20:32) Q9 How do you stay motivated to have creative and have a variety of content?(22:53) Q10 What camera do you use?(23:21) Q11 Do you enable the google ads on your blog? Is it worth it? (24:18) Q12 What does a day in the life of a blogger look like?(27:00) Q13 How do you turn a gifted offer to a paid offer?  [Also see Episodes 6 & 7](31:02) Q14 I know many bloggers use the LIKEtoKNOW.it app to get commission. However, when you’re taken to a direct link from a blog, do bloggers have deals with all those brands they are linking? Or is there some sort of way to get commission that I’m unaware of? (32:32) Q15 How do you land long-term brand partnerships? [Also see Episodes 6 & 7](38:41) Q16 I want to do more IGTV and videos in general. What are some editing apps for videos? where I can add music, filter, fast forward etc.?(41:20) Q17 Hashtag research tips. Do you have any? [Also see Episode 3](41:25) Q18 How is Pinterest used in marketing one’s blog to brands? What stats are they looking at, and what would be considered impressive numbers for those stats?How can I maximize The analytics in Tailwind vs. the analytics on Pinterest?(44:13) Q19 How do new bloggers manage to get new content (new clothes, handbags, shoes, accessories, etc.) without breaking the bank? What are some tips and tricks to keep costs low but new content rolling in. Is it normal to spend your own money when you start blogging?(46:25) Q20 How can I better reach my targeted audience? The content I'm publishing is geared towards women in their 20-30s, yet I'm struggling to reach them. [Also see Episode 3](46:56) Q21 What are the best apps for photo editing, Instagram posts, photo collages, story templates, video editing, etc.?(49:10) Q22 What is a great way to connect and/or meet local bloggers? I've love to collab, network and just have a like-minded person in my area that is in the same industry.(50:12) Q23 I’m just getting started; only a little over 400 followers (mostly family and friends). Where do I start?(50:34) Q24 What does the first month of blogging look like?(52:31) Q25 I am brand new to blogging. At what point do I create a media kit?  [Also see Episode 5]

In Episode 12 of the Blogging, Unscripted podcast, I'm equipping you with all of the strategies you need to effectively navigate holiday season as a blogger. We'll chat about the best practices for holiday content planning, holiday pitching & collaborations, and how you should be shifting your content during Q4 to set yourself up for success. NEW: Blogging, Unscripted Premium resources. If you’re looking to level up and take our episode content one step further, make sure to visit bit.ly/bloggingunscriptedpremium. Premium resources for this episode include a Holiday Pitch Template and a Q4 Timetable, including top-pinned content and buzzworthy topics of interest for October-December.For additional discussion and resources, visit our Blogging, Unscripted Facebook Group and come say hi on IG over at @daniellegervino!SUBSCRIBE TO EXCLUSIVE BLOGGING TIPS

In Episode 11 of the Blogging, Unscripted podcast, we're tackling organization and productivity. I'm quizzing you to find your personality type and sharing my tips for tackling the three stages of production: content planning, drafting and marketing. We'll also chat about keeping your content organized through digital folders and lists, and how to clean up your inbox.For additional discussion and resources, visit our Blogging, Unscripted Facebook Group and come say hi on IG over at @daniellegervino!SUBSCRIBE TO EXCLUSIVE BLOGGING TIPS

In Episode 10 of the Blogging, Unscripted podcast, we're chatting about one of the most elusive topics in the blogging community: the Instagram algorithm. We'll dissect the primary goal of the algorithm and what behaviors you can employ to meet that goal and maximize your exposure. We'll also chat about HOW the algorithm actually works and dispel a few common myths floating around! For additional discussion and resources, visit our Blogging, Unscripted Facebook Group and come say hi on IG over at @daniellegervino!SUBSCRIBE TO EXCLUSIVE BLOGGING TIPS

In Episode 9 of the Blogging, Unscripted podcast, we're chatting all-things Pinterest. I'm sharing my tips for using Pinterest to leverage your brand potential, from the necessary steps to prepping and priming your account, to pinning strategies and how to maintain consistent growth.For additional discussion and resources, visit our Blogging, Unscripted Facebook Group and come say hi on IG over at @daniellegervino!SUBSCRIBE TO EXCLUSIVE BLOGGING TIPS

In Episode 8 of the Blogging, Unscripted podcast, we're chatting tips and tricks for driving traffic to your blog. I'm breaking down my pre and post-publishing marketing strategy for every new post that hits the blog and how it has helped double, and even triple, my traffic from year to year.For additional discussion and resources, visit our Blogging, Unscripted Facebook Group and come say hi on IG over at @daniellegervino!SUBSCRIBE TO EXCLUSIVE BLOGGING TIPS

In Episode 7 of the Blogging, Unscripted podcast, we're covering 6 key negotiating strategies for closing your best brand deal. We'll chat about the importance of knowing your WORTH + your WHY when negotiating along with some quick and easy yet strategic responses for submitting a counteroffer in asking for compensation. I'm also answering your questions like what to do when a brand breaches contract or is late on payment.For additional discussion and resources, visit our Blogging, Unscripted Facebook Group and come say hi on IG over at @daniellegervino!SUBSCRIBE TO EXCLUSIVE BLOGGING TIPS