Salma

40 posts

Content creation tools that help you create engaging content.

Instagram Growth

Canva

Canva. Holy snap if you have been following me, you would think Canva is sponsoring me for always talking about them. They’re not, but Canva is where it’s at!

I use it to create proposals for prospective clients and content for Instagram. They also have animated templates and story templates for Instagram. The dimensions to create content for Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram are already set, so you don’t have to worry about those details.

Pinterest

I look for inspiration here to see how images and quotes are created. I try to create images that are different from what you normally see floating around the internet. Remember you want your content to stand out, so you have to see what’s already out there. You don’t want to create content that people just scroll by.

Mojo app

Omg this app will take your stories to the next level. Instead of just slapping a fat sticker on your Instagram stories that says New Post or Tap Here, use Mojo. This app will create beautiful animated stories and most of the templates are free. You can also use the StoryArt app as well. If you are an android user, look into Spark Post.

Creative Market

This is a paid resource. They sell Instagram highlight covers, quotes and much more! They sell content for other platforms like Facebook, Snapchat and Pinterest as well. Click here to check out some of the paid Instagram templates.

As you heard Instagram is getting rid of likes in more countries and the amount of hashtags used is also changing. Check back next week to learn about all the changes happening and how you can still stand out despite the changes.

If you need more profile visits on your Instagram account read this quick post.

How to increase profile visits on your Instagram account.

Instagram Instagram Growth

Create shareable content

-Quotes

Create your own post quotes using the website canva.

-Share tweets that your followers can relate to so they reshare onto their Instagram stories.


– Repost your audience’s content on your Instagram stories.

  Only repost content that your followers will benefit from. Once you repost, chances are they will repost you and new eyeballs will be on your Instagram.

Remember to mention them and do not add music.  If you add music the person you mentioned will not be able to repost to their stories.

Share your Instagram post on Pinterest

When someone repins your post they will know it came from your Instagram account and you will get credit for it. You have a higher chance of someone visiting your Instagram account.

You will first have to claim your account on Pinterest. The screenshots below will show you how.

Click the 3 dots on the top right section of your Pinterest page. Click on “Edit settings”

Claim your account on the left hand side.

Scroll down and you have option to claim your website, Instagram and YouTube account.

Engaging with niche hashtags

Leave comments in the recent posts of your niche hashtags.  For instance I go into #socialmediacoaching hashtag.  It is not a huge hashtag that has over 50 K posts, so I leave meaningful comments in the recent posts.  When you comment in recent posts, the person most likely returns the favor.

If you need some content ideas when you have nothing to post, click here.

If you want to know why you’re not getting a follow back on the gram read this post.

Content ideas when you have nothing to post

Instagram Growth

Vulnerable story 


Let’s face it, Instagram is usually full of happy faces 🙂 We normally see perfect lives depicted on our favorite social media platforms.

That’s why sharing a struggle or a personal experience is a great idea. People will empathize or your story will resonate & encourage someone going through a similar challenges.

Content ideas:

The struggles of owning a start up business

Story of failing your first 4 businesses

Share more about yourself

People are nosy/curious and want to learn more about their Instagram icons or followers.

Things you can share:

  • What you do as a living
  • How did you start your business
  • How did you meet your significant other

 Knowledge  

Teach your viewers something that provides value.  If you are a social media coach or even a content creator, you can share:

3 types of apps to take your Instagram story to the next level

Strategies to grow organically on Instagram

How to properly record a video for IGTV

Once you have your content idea locked down read about how to write a caption that gets you the most amount of engagement here

The art of having someone follow you back on Instagram

Instagram Growth

Hey welcome back!


Did you guys have a good weekend?


Save this blog post link because it’s great to refer back to.


Today I’m going to teach you two ways you can have someone follow you back on Instagram.  Before we start, here’s a quick checklist:


1. Make sure the person is in your niche (mommy blogger, Lifestyle blogger, pilates instructor, daycare owner and etc.)


2. Your bio has to be fully optimized.  Meaning if  a stranger comes on your Instagram account, they will understand what category you fit into.  Maybe you are a mommy blogger, chef, photographer, or a makeup artist. There is a link down below that will help you further understand how to fully optimize your profile.


3.  Don’t follow anyone that has more than 5K followers than your own following.  (This doesn’t pertain to you if you have over 100K followers)

Ok, once you’ve checked off these items above,we get to the fun part… finding your next IG community member.


Once you found someone in your niche, you are going to leave a meaningful comment on their latest post and like 5-6 of their photos. Lastly, you will then hit the follow button.  
Usually, this should work but say the account has over 10 K followers. Chances are they just didn’t see your likes or saw that one comment you left.


If you don’t get a follow back what you are going to do is turn on post notifications for their account, so whenever they do post again you have another chance to write a meaningful comment.  I realized asking a question relating to their caption or image works better than a compliment.

How to turn on post notifications


Once you have left a second meaningful question you are then going to slide into their DMs.  You are going to take the convo off the newsfeed and ask them another question or you provide value to them.  Read my example below.


I want a social media coach to follow me and I see she is traveling to New York.  Let’s name this girl Sarah.  After I leave a public comment, I will DM Sarah restaurants that she should check out. 

Sarah will appreciate the list I have sent her and the discount specials only a local would know.  Sarah will then check out my IG and realize oh this girl Salma is in my niche and we share similar interests!

Sarah will realize Salma has been supporting her lately and Sarah will follow Salma back. Sarah realizes that Salma will be an active community member who engages with her content.


BAM! There you go.  That’s two ways to have someone follow you back.  


Just a reminder as a business, it doesn’t matter how many likes you have but the income that is coming in.  Building a community is important and you should work on it at least 3x a week engaging with new people and nurturing your current followers.

DM me to let me know what I should help you with next?

If you’re still not getting a follow back after following the above steps, read 5 reasons why you’re not getting a follow back on Instagram here.

If you aren’t seeing comments and likes on your Instagram post check out this quick blog post I wrote.

Thanks!

Why you’re not getting a follow back on Instagram

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So you are following people and you’re wondering why they aren’t following you back 🤷🏽‍♀️


5 reasons why you’re not getting followed back on Instagram:

1. Different Niche


Your profile is a different niche than the user visiting your profile or they can’t tell what your Instagram offers.  People want to follow you if you’re providing value.  Unless you’re some trainer or a hot model, no one really cares about your selfies or your gym routine.

2. FUGLY feed


Your Instagram feed is ugly.  Yes.  I said it.  Your photos are blurry, there is no flow or aesthetic and you’re using different filters for each photo.


3.Your captions are not telling a story


What story are you sharing with your audience?  People are nosy and bored on Instagram so you have to give them something to stop scrolling and read your content but also something to remember you by. You sharing your thoughts and experiences makes it personal and memorable.   


4. Authentic and transparent


Be vulnerable and share something that you are going through so people can relate.  When everyone is posting perfect squares and “living their best life” show your human side.


5. Ghosting your Instagram account


Ghosting pretty much means you have stopped posting. If a user stumbles upon your account and the last post was dated 3 months… why would they want to follow you if aren’t even active on the gram? They already know you won’t be contributing to the engagement so it doesn’t benefit their account to follow you.

Next Monday I’ll be sharing the Art of having someone follow you back.  Until then read about how to boost your Instagram post organically here.

Instagram captions that get you comments/likes

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So you finally chose a picture for the gram but you have no idea what caption to write. Maybe you should leave a few emojis? NO. DON’T EVER JUST PUT EMOJIS.

Personally I don’t follow accounts that don’t provide me any value.  Depending on your brand and service your caption should benefit the reader.

Ready to write easy to read captions that get you engagement?! Okurrr (If you know, you know)

HOOK/headline

So let’s start off with the hook. That is the first few words your followers see when scrolling.
Make sure you hit them with something enticing and exactly what your caption will be discussing.

Here are a few examples of some great hooks/headlines.

Yesterday I was in Target and the lady behind me…

I lost 40 lbs in 6 months…

I grew 50 followers in 2 days

SPACING

Example of a BAD no spaced caption. ⬇️

Do you see what a headache this is to read? Exactly, so no one will read that mumbo jumbo, and some may even unfollow you.  I’m guilty. 🙈

GOOD Caption example:

Try to write your paragraphs with space.  It just makes it easier for the reader and your message just flows.

Use www.pretty-caption.com a website that easily creates empty white spaces. After typing your caption on pretty-caption’s website simply copy and paste the text straight on to your Instagram post.

CTA (CALL TO ACTION)

The Call To Action is literally the action you want your followers to take. You have to tell people what to do sometimes.

If you are selling something your CTA can be “buy now,” “register now,” or “click here.” The most common is “link in bio.”  

You can also have a fun CTA by asking a question to your audience. I love learning about my followers because I realize how much in common we have.

See the example below where I asked my followers what’s their favorite drink and so much of my community engaged. I got 173 likes and 63 comments.

On my next post I’ll be sharing how you can get reposted on top accounts and get more traffic to your Instagram account. Read this post on how to organically boost your Instagram post for more likes and comments.

Social Cafe Group + Food bloggers brunch at Sproutz restaurant.

Food Social Cafe Group Things to do

Social Cafe Group connects influencers with brands. We collaborated with Sproutz restaurant in Sunny Isles beach, Florida.

A group of South Florida food bloggers connected over some mouth watering dishes, an Instagram growth session and networking.

We were treated to Sproutz, a restaurant that creates a health-conscious community by education and delicious delights. The best way to educate is through food; Sproutz provides fresh and delectable dishes that are full of natural benefits, flavors and nutrients.

There’s something for everyone to love and all of our foodies that attended had happy tummies and indulged in instagram worthy food (scroll down to see for yourself-and try not to drool too much). Take your “pic” of poke bowls, cauliflower pizza, organic açaí bowl, natural juices, smoothies, wraps, salads, protein plates and paninis. Gluten free and vegan options as well. Check out their full menu here.

@Nomscooks reaction when she sees Sproutz’ menu
Cauliflower pizza: Homemade cauliflower crust (made from only cauliflower, mozzarella cheese, eggs, basil & garlic) topped with cheese, cherry tomatoes, arugula, shaved parmesan and a choice of tomato or pesto sauce. Photo credit: Lesly @CubanBabiix2
Photo credit: PixMi Studio
Refreshing smoothie made from actual fruits. Photo credit: PixMi Studio
Freshness you can see. Photo credit: PixMi Studio
Passion fruit smoothie: Passion fruit pulp, with water and honey. Photo credit: Johana @letsbefoodie

Sproutz is located on 17100 Collins Avenue, Ste 110 Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160

Organic Brazilian Acai blended with banana, mango & topped with banana, strawberry, pineapple , coconut flakes granola and honey. Photo credit: Hellen @maniacticbites
Photo credit: Lesly @cubanbabiix2
Naomi from @nomscooks. Photo credit: PixMi Studio
Homemade powerballs made from baked black beans, brown rice, kale and served on a bed of arugula with side of homemade sriracha mayo, coated with almond crumble. Photo credit: PixMi Studio
Mayra @ieatz305. Thanks @Popthefizzshop for the customized Tumblr. Photo credit: PixMi Studio
Tuna poke bowl. Choice of brown rice or quinoa, arugula, pineapple, edamame, ginger, avocado, cucumbers, carrots, sesame seeds, scallions, crunchy onions with spicy mayo & unagi sauce. Photo credit: Hellen @maniacbites
A blogger party isn’t complete without a group selfie. Photo credit: PixMi Studio
Naomi @NomsCooks and Salma @SocialCafeGroup. Photo credit: PixMi Studio
Kierys co-founder of PixMi Studio with Salma @SalmasPalette.

Upcoming events:

August: Digital Marketing Crash course in Wynwood, Miami.

If you are a food blogger, business, lifestyle blogger or an aspiring influencer join us in Wynwood for a digital marketing crash course if:

  • You are not growing followers
  • Not sure how to monetize your social media accounts
  • Stuck on what to post and having a hard time consistently posting
  • Have random businesses and bots following you
  • Zero clients or slow/no foot traffic to your business or website
  • Your comments section…not full of comments

We are going to learn and network over brunch. 8 seats remaining for early bird general admission tickets! Click below to reserve your seat.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/digital-marketing-crash-course-networking-brunch-tickets-64638574717

Get a taste of what you will be learning by clicking here I teach you how to organically grow your Instagram account.

September: Food blogger event

October: Mommy blogger/ Mompreneur

Please send your full name and social links to salmaspalette@gmail.com to be considered for an invite.

************************************************************************

Event was photographed by PixMi Studio (Based in South Florida)

Contact PixMi Studio for all of your photography and videography needs. They specialize in portraits, lifestyle and events.

Founded by, Keirys Pena and Ashani Salmon.

Business phone: (704) 345-4345

Email: hello@pixmistudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixmistudio/

a girl in a coffee shop with brown hair in a pony tail with a laptop and iced coffee open.

Organically boost your Instagram post engagement by doing these 5 things

Instagram Instagram Growth

Many people just post and wait for the likes to happen. In the words of Brittney Spears you better WERK. I understand creating that post took time but trust me you want to make sure you leave just 30 minutes after you post to ENGAGE which helps boost your post organically. Instagram will push out your post out to more people depending on how much engagement your post is receiving the first 30 mins it is live. The following steps will ensure you have boosted your post organically.

Instagram story

This is the first thing you should be doing after sharing your post. Tap the airplane icon on your post (which is found below your post). Once you tap the airplane, it gives you an option to send it in a private message or make it your story. Make sure you add the gif “tap here” So people actually tap on your story which takes them to your post. I advise adding music or an image covering your post so people are curious to see what it’s about.

Reply to your comments

I really don’t understand why some users do not reply to their comments. People are busy and they took time out of their day to write to you. Not only is it proper social media etiquette to write back, but it also boosts your engagement. If you get 15 comments on your post and you replied to each once individually then your post has quickly shot up to 30 comments. This increase in engagement will signal Instagram to boost your post further.

Like and comment in the hashtags you just used

In your post you should have already used niche hashtags. Go into at least 10 of your hashtags you used for the post and comment on 10 recent photos that have uploaded. Please make sure it is at least 4 letters and not just emojis. Going into 10 of your niches and leaving 10 comments each means you would have left 100 comments. This number might scare you but it’s possible to do this in 20 minutes. People that have recently uploaded are more likely to return the favor by either liking or commenting your photo back. If you want to learn how to engage with hashtags daily be sure to check out my 20 20 20 engagement rule that I quickly teach here.

Ask a question in the comments section

Switch it up sometimes and have your call to action (CTA) in the comments. CTA is when you direct or ask your audience something.

Analyze your data

Did you ever wonder what content is getting you followers, website clicks, who is sharing your post via story/DM, and how many people saved your post?! If you have a business profile, click the “view insights” under your post. Once you tap “view insights” swipe up to see the full insights. You can see all this info and so much more.

Analyzing your data gives you important metrics for future content, like how many people your hashtags attracted, or how many people followed you based on that post. You then want to continuously post content and use hashtags that bring the most engagement in.

Instagram post answer: You can’t view who exactly shared your post in a DM/Story. You can breathe again 😂

7 people shared this post to their Instagram stories.
15 people saved this post.

Feel free to shoot me a DM if you have any questions regarding your growth on social media.

a girl on her phone in a restaurant

How to choose a profitable Instagram niche.

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How to find your Niche?

Before finding your niche you have to understand what it is.  Niche is a segment of your market that caters to a specific group of people.  For a longer definition read the glossary at the end of this blog post. ⬇️

Industry: Health & Fitness

Niche example : Workout clothes [product] for moms who breastfeed [target audience] 

Make sure you put your niche statement in your Instagram bio, so your audience understands who you are and what solution you provide.

Bad example of a niche statement on Instagram:

I am a trainer that helps you lose weight and get the body you always wanted.
⬆️ This statement sounds gimmicky and is full of fluff.


Good example of a niche statement on Instagram:

I’m a certified trainer that specializes in exercises specifically for mothers that have diastatis recti (seperation of abdominal muscles) after giving birth.

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