The word “influencer” is new, but the concept behind it isn’t.

Word of mouth has always been one of the most powerful forms of marketing because it comes from someone we trust and whose opinion we value.

What has changed is that the world has gotten so much bigger because of how the internet connects us that one person’s opinion can now reach thousands and even millions of people.

After the era of flamboyant commercials, we are all craving media that is down to earth and real.

So I gathered up some influencers ranging from 11K-143K followers who were willing to spill their top instagram secrets on how they grew their following and started making money as an influencer.

The influencer with 11K followers created her first sponsored post recently, the influencer with 143K followers ALSO created her first sponsored post recently, which goes to show that it’s not just a numbers game.

Their advice is actionable, relatable and the best part is: it’s totally doable!

If you qualify to be added to the list below, please email ladybossblogger@gmail.com your answers to the questionnaire below. If you know someone else who qualifies, please refer them to me! I guarantee it will make their day!

Check out my influencer spotlight interview below on YouTube to learn my approach to influencer marketing.

Before I dive into the influencers responses, I would like to also answer the questions myself. I personally have 8K followers right now @elainerau and have worked on loads of sponsored posts.

I want to show you that if I can do it with 8K, you can do it too! And I started when I was at 6K.

@elainerau

1. What strategies did you implement to reach 8K followers?

I started my account back in 2013 so it’s taken me 5 years to get to 8,000 haha!

However I didn’t start treating my account like a personal brand until February 17th, 2018 and when I did, new followers and engagement exploded.

Instead of posting pictures of my friends and I, my strategy was to inspire people every single day. So I paired my every day photos up with inspirational quotes and started showcasing products I liked.

2. How long did it take you to reach your first 10K followers?

I utilized the same strategies above, aka my desire to inspire, to grow my business account @ladybossblogger to 18K followers in 1.5 years.

3. What is your daily Instagram routine?

I post one picture every single day at 6PM CST then proceed to respond to every single comment I get on that picture.

I then send 25 DMs a day to new followers asking if they would like to be interviewed on my blog for female entrepreneurs.

The link I send brings them to my email subscription landing page. If they would prefer not to subscribe and simply get interviewed, I send them another link.

By simply interacting with people every single day both via messages and comments, my engagement has grown tremendously – as well as my email list!

4. Where do you find your sponsored posts?

I am involved in lots of blogging and social media influencer networks. I would suggest joining some Facebook Groups such as the ones below to get your feet wet.

This will help you see what types of brands are looking for influencers and instead of pitching them, you know exactly what they are looking for and if you fit their requirements.

• Instagram Influencers
• Instagram Influencers Collaboration
• Influencer x Brands
• INFLUENCERS

There are also blogging networks you can join if you’re looking for sponsored blogging opportunities, one great example is Valued Voice. I’ve made a lot of money with them. They generally pay $35-50 per article.

I would also suggest getting acquainted with affiliate marketing networks such as ShareASale where brands are just waiting for you to become their brand promoters!

If a brand is on the network and you like their product or service, you can promote them and earn a commission for your efforts. I’ve made hundreds of dollars by promoting the social media scheduler I use called Tailwind… and I just started last month!

I highly suggest promoting services over products because that way you can get recurring commissions each month they pay for their service, which leads to what they call ‘passive income’.

I learned everything I know about affiliate marketing through this course. Check it out!

5. What sponsored post was the most fun for you to create and why?

I am going to share with you the story of when I worked with Revive Light on their Anti Aging Red Light Therapy wand as an affiliate instead of a sponsored post. You’ll see why at the end of my answer.

If you scroll back up to the image on the bottom right hand corner of my profile, you’ll see what product I’m talking about.

This is how I ended up working with them.

1. I found the brand looking for influencers in one of the Facebook Groups I listed above.
2. I messaged the owner on Facebook.
3. He checked out my profile and said “Hey there Elaine, thanks for reaching out about our products. I literally love your IG feed, very well done.” (Hehe! ?) Then he said “We’d love to work with you. May I have your email? I’ll send you info first thing Monday!”
4. I had to do some paper work to get into their system, then they sent the $100 product to me to try for free.
5. Within 2 days of promoting it with my personalized promo code “VIPLADYBOSS” (for 30% off) I had already generated thousands of dollars for them.

THAT is what brands are looking for when they send you free product. How you monetize from it is by becoming their affiliate and getting a commission for your efforts.

That is also the best way to start because if you can prove to brands that you have generated revenue for other (non competing) brands, you can price yourself much higher because you now have the stats to back up “what you’re worth”.

6. How much do you charge for an average post?

I always send them to this Influencer Calculator so they can calculate how much my Instagram is worth. If they are interested in working with me, they will reach back out. I generally follow up with them once, if they aren’t interested or don’t get back to me, I move on… to promote their competitor (JK)! ?

7. What is your pricing strategy when working with brands?

I list out the things I can do for them such as;

1. Post a giveaway
2. Post insta pic with product
3. Post insta story with product
4. Write a review
5. Interview your CEO – however we only feature female founders
6. Become an affiliate
7. Send email to my list
8. Guest post

They choose the items they would like in the realms of the content I create and we start our partnership!

8. Have you ever turned a brand down before? If so, why?

Yes, lots! I’ve gotten requests from all sorts of brands wondering if I would post about gambling or marijuana on my blog. I’ve also gotten lots of requests from brands that don’t align with my brand at all and are clearly sending mass emails to influencers.

One that I get a lot is help to promote sanitary napkins or tampons… sorry but I use the one and only Daisy Cup.

9. What do you blog about?

• Female entrepreneurial stories via interview
• Resources to help people start, grow, and scale their businesses
• Blog about blogging in my advice column
• Product/service reviews

10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on Instagram?

I am a huge advocate of not focusing on just one channel, but growing them all together. I was able to work with the giant brand @intel on my Twitter account because I had about 8K followers there too and Intel was only looking to work with Twitter influencers for that particular campaign.

I was paid $100 FOR ONE TWEET.

Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many channels if you can only focus on growing one though, it’s better to have one amazing channel than 3 bad ones. If you only chose one, Instagram is definitely the best way to go.

1. To start, I would look at other brand accounts that you personally follow and ask yourself what qualities do they possess that make them follow-worthy?
2. Then niche down. Your niche can be broad (ex; lifestyle), but you must have a target audience in mind.
3. Then go out and start following, communicating and making friends with everyone within that niche via DM, start leaving thoughtful comments on their posts, and you’ll start to attract your own following.

But please also invest in an email service provider so you can keep in contact with your all of your followers (especially when the next big social media platform comes out), it would be a shame to loose contact with them after all the hard work you put in to retain them.

Having an Instagram account IS NOT an asset, having an email list and a blog that YOU OWN, are.

@lmonitz

1. What strategies did you implement to reach 30K followers? 

Sorry to break it to you, but there’s no silver bullet on Instagram – it’s just time and dedication.

I was very disciplined and devoted a solid two hours a day to identifying and engaging with copycat audiences much like you would on Facebook.

2. How long did it take you to reach your first 100K followers?

It took me 1.5 years of actively Instagramming to hit 100K.

3. What is your daily Instagram routine?

Back when I was trying to grow, I would spend an hour right when I woke up and an hour right before bed doing audience development. This means obsessively researching hashtags, liking, commenting, and following other travelers.

I generally post about three times a week (more than that is hard with my travel schedule), and actively engage with commenters for about 30-45 minutes immediately after.

One of the biggest rookie mistakes you can make is posting a picture and then walking away. You have to get likes and comments right away as it’s a signal to the algorithm that the post is popular, which means it will be shown to more people.

Once I hit 100K, I switched my attention from growing my Instagram to growing my blog traffic so lately I’ve been much more focused on writing new posts, optimizing articles, and trying to crack the Pinterest puzzle. There’s just not enough hours in the day to do it all.

LadyBossBlogger note – read 43 Most-Asked Pinterest Marketing Questions Answered Directly By Pinterest then read How To Get 100 Pinterest Followers In 7 Days.

4. Where do you find your sponsored posts?

A variety of places. Some brands reach out to me, some I find through influencer networks, and some I proactively pitch.

5. What sonsored post was the most fun for you to create and why?

I’m currently working on a really cool project with U.S. Bank and Pandora where I’m curating a mixtape that represents Denver which we’ll promote through the ‘gram. I like partnerships that go beyond the standard product placement shot.

6. How much do you charge for an average post?

For a single post on Instagram the general rule of thumb is around $100 per 10K followers, but that can fluctuate significantly depending on your engagement.

The real money is in integrated campaigns, which means creating articles, blogs, stories, and videos for a single brand so there’s not really a per-post cost per say, but a package deal for x amount of content deliverables and promotion.

7. What is your pricing strategy when working with brands?

Every brand is different so I try to be as flexible as I can. That said, I generally offer three tiers – an entry level package to get their feet wet working with influencers, a mid-level option, and a higher tier that includes more added value.

8. Have you ever turned a brand down before?

All the time if it doesn’t align with my personal brand. I’ve been pitched everything from edibles to organic tampons (spoiler: no one needs to see that).

9. What do you blog about?

Offbeat adventures and foodie fun close to home and around the globe.

10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on Instagram?

Obsess over what makes you unique. The market is so oversaturated. You need to stand out from the noise and give people a reason to follow you.

I go into this in much more in depth in my e-book, “How to Make Yourself an Influencer” and truly believe with the right drive, anyone can do it. But at the same time, don’t put all your eggs in the Instagram basket.

Yeah, it’s popular now, but it’s just one channel. Focus on creating a killer brand across platforms that companies are clamoring to partner with.

LadyBossBlogger note – read How To Turn Your Social Media Followers Into Subscribers.

@runninginrockstuds

1. What strategies did you implement to reach 33K followers?

The biggest strategy in growing an account is producing strong content and having a vision for your blog. The best way to think about it is a brand.

• What do you hope to do?
• What type of topics do you want to cover?
• You don’t have to do everything, but in the long run will that limit you from who you work with?

Having questions written down and seeing how you would answer them shapes what type of account you want to create. The way I grew was seeing what content stuck, what content got regrammed or what content felt the most natural.

LadyBossBlogger note – successful influencers all have blogs and websites. Read How To Build A Credible Blog And Stand Out From The Rest then read How To Make Money Blogging: The Most Comprehensive List Online.

2. How long did it take you to reach your first 10K followers? 

It took me about 8-9 months.

3. What is your daily Instagram routine?

I usually post in the morning depending on what my schedule is going to be that day. Besides being a blogger, I have a full-time job in Public Relations.

Whenever I am not busy or traveling to an event, I will engage with my followers. I also plan out my posts a week or more in advance so I’m not scrambled.

LadyBossBlogger note – read How To Auto Post On Instagram WITHOUT Paying For A Social Media Scheduler AND Find The Best Hashtags.

4. Where do you find your sponsored posts?

I usually work with brands that I have used before. I will DM the person or draft an email and show what I have produced already. I get various emails about sponsored posts because they came across my account, but you have to think them through before accepting.

5. What sponsored post was the most fun for you to create and why?

That is so hard! I did a sponsored post with Dunkin Donuts and it was so fun. I created a really cool story for Instagram that night showing an event I had attended and it was fun to do a shoot with donuts.

I also had a lot of fun with ShopBop for their Pam & Gela college pants they debuted last year. I went to an old high school where I grew up and used cheerleading pom poms. While I was doing the shoot there was football practice and I was so tempted to get them into a shot.

6. How much do you charge for an average post?

This really depends on what type of content they are looking for. If it’s a flatlay or is it on location. Adding in all the fees of transportation, a photographer and if there are any additional items.

The cost also depends on the deliverables; a blog post, how many posts, do they want to approve before posting, how much time is the brand giving you. All the requirements add to the pricing.

LadyBossBlogger note – read How To Monetize Your Blog: The Secret Is In The Foundation.

7. What is your pricing strategy when working with brands?

If it’s a brand I want to have a long relationship with, I usually approach it with a cheaper price and a longer contract proposition. If it’s a one-time photo deal the cost depends on how long I think it’s going to take me to get the shot.

If it’s a flatlay that might take me an hour and if it’s a shoot with me in it, the price could be higher. I usually do a bundle for a blog post + 1 Instagram post, a separate fee for insta stories and a lot higher for a video, since I know I will have to hire someone to edit it.

8. Have you ever turned a brand down before?

Yes. I learned from other bloggers I have followed for years that have said to only accept collaborations if it’s something you actually like and pertains to your brand.

Also if it’s a brand that doesn’t apply to me or isn’t something I would talk about with friends, it’s a no. You don’t want to have one of those accounts where all the sponsored posts seem crazy.

9. What do you blog about?

I blog about fashion, beauty, home interiors, travel… you name it. Running in Rockstuds is always evolving, you never know where it could go next.

10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on Instagram?

The best advice I would do is have a plan.

When you launch, I would keep 6 photos ready to go after. I am one of those people who visually wants the whole grid to look good. I spend a little more time on that. But in all honesty I think a cohesive grid shows you care, you took the time and are actually putting in the effort.

I knew I wanted to have a blog eventually but I started Running In Rockstuds just on Instagram. I was testing the waters. I said to myself after I reach 10K, I will launch a site. I didn’t want to spend the time and money investing in a site if I didn’t have any followers. It’s also time consuming to crank out blog posts.

I am still trying to figure out if people still want to read blog posts each week or if doing them sporadically is better. Creating an Instagram account is something you already know how to do, its free and you should just go for it. Everyone has to start somewhere and you never know where it could lead you.

It’s important to use instagram to connect with other bloggers and make friends. Blogger friends are the best part about blogging. You have someone to get feedback from, teach you a few things and crash events with (only joking). ?

LadyBossBlogger note – read 5 Stone Walls Every New Blogger Runs Into (And How To move Past Them).

@taylor_lovee

1. What strategies did you implement to reach 33K followers?

I think the most important strategy is being consistent! I post nearly every single day and spend so much time engaging with my audience. I mainly focus my time on Instagram on forming community with my readers and followers.

I also think that spending time commenting back to every single comment and DM is incredibly important. My Instagram community is a really cool group of girls interested in the same things I am and I love chatting with them everyday!

2. How long did it take you to reach your first 10K followers?

I believe it took me about 8 months.

3. What is your daily Instagram routine?

I’m on it constantly so it’s hard to say! It’s a full-time thing for me.

4. Where do you find your sponsored posts?

I find sponsored posts through blogger networks or brands I genuinely love and already use. Sometimes I’ll reach out to them and vice versa.

LadyBossBlogger note – read How To Become An Instagram Influencer to find blogging networks to join then read 12 Most Profitable Niches For Making Money Online to find brands to work with.

5. What sponsored post was the most fun for you to create and why?

I recently worked with Whole Foods which was a DREAM! I worked with them to promote their recent Beauty Bag and it was a really cool milestone for me because I am so obsessed with Whole Foods.

6. How much do you charge for an average post?

It really depends on the package/timeframe/scope of work!

7. What is your pricing strategy when working with brands?

I have a set rate and then I go up and down from there! I still accept some unpaid partners to form a relationship but I also think it’s so important to know your worth and then add tax.

8. Have you ever turned a brand down before? If so, why?

Absolutely! I turn brands down everyday. The most important thing to me is forming authentic partnerships. If a brand reaches out with a product I wouldn’t ever use, I don’t accept.

No amount of money is worth compromising my audience’s trust. After all, I blog to share my genuine opinions with my readers!

9. What do you blog about?

Wellness, beauty, and healthy lifestyle!

10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on Instagram?

DON’T compare yourself to others! Also try not to get discouraged.

It’s taken me two years to get where I am and it’s important to remember that behind every pretty post and blog there is SO much work that has gone in.

@emilygellis

1. What strategies did you implement to reach 89K followers?

I think the key to Instagram today is creating consistent content. From what I understand about how the algorithm works, you need to be posting everyday to have your account be seen! The more engagement and activity you are able to achieve, the better, and posting every day gives you the best chance at achieving that.

I recently watched a vlog of Aimee Song interviewing Eva Chen regarding how to be seen on Instagram and Eva compared it to having a baby, and feeding your baby! As an influencer, Instagram is your baby, and you have to feed your baby everyday!

2. How long did it take you to reach your first 10K followers?

I would say it took about 6 months to reach my first 10K followers. The beginning is tough!

3. What is your daily Instagram routine?

I spend a lot of time on Instagram! I look at so many accounts that inspire me and also try and constantly engage with my peers on the platform. I love seeing people’s outfits and trips all around the world, it’s so fascinating and inspiring! I personally post 1-2 times a day.

4. Where do you find your sponsored posts?

Sometimes there are brands I really admire and I reach out to them, and sometimes they reach out to me. Just depends.

LadyBossBlogger note – read How To Get Brands To Notice, Collaborate And Pay You As An Influencer.

5. What sponsored post was the most fun for you to create and why?

I recently did a sponsored post for Patchology rejuvenating eye gels and I really enjoyed featuring the product. I tried it for the first time on my Instagram story and did a series of posts thereafter because I just loved using them!

My excitement about my new discovery was very clear to my followers through my facial expressions and I think they really enjoyed watching that and were very inspired to try the product as well.

6. What is your pricing strategy when working with brands?

I can’t really quantify these two because it completely depends on the project and what the client is looking for, also how many posts they want. It depends if they want just static posts, or Instagram stories as well.

There are different ratios used to calculate a starting point. There is a calculation between number of followers and how much you charge but it also depends on the reach you have. Many different factors come into play. Once you are the industry for about a year or so it all starts to make more sense.

LadyBossBlogger note – check out this Instagram Influencer Sponsored Post Money Calculator to help you price yourself!

7. Have you ever turned a brand down before? If so, why?

I have certainly turned brands before. I really only want to share products with my followers that I’m genuinely interested in and actually use. Otherwise, you are not being authentic, and that is an influencer’s recipe for disaster. Once you go down that path, it is hard to come back.

8. What do you blog about?

I focus on fashion, travel, fitness, and beauty.

9. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on Instagram?

Just keep hustling! Like anything else, it takes a little time to figure out exactly which direction you want to go and what your following is most receptive to.

You have to combine that with being true to who you are. If you are able to achieve those three in unison you have a recipe for success. Also, I would advise people to follow and engage with accounts they love! Send people direct messages, get to know them better.

The more real relationships you are able to form, the better off you are all around!

@babybri_x3

1. What strategies did you implement to reach 143K followers?

I honestly just love taking pictures of things that are going on in my life everyday! Also my YouTube channel helps out a lot!

2. How long did it take you to reach your first 10K followers?

I was on Instagram for years with only 2,000 followers and then I started collaborating with social media influencers and my followers skyrocketed!

3. What is your daily Instagram routine?

I go through all of my comments and look to see what people liked or didn’t like about the picture, and things they want to see in future YouTube videos and instagram posts. I also look through my DMs where I interact with all my followers!

4. Where do you find your sponsored posts?

I am a part of Apex Drop Influencers. However, I usually contact the brands I want to work with.

5. What sponsored post was the most fun for you to create and why?

So far I have only had one and it’s been with PatchMD. However lots are coming in the near future!

How much do you charge for an average post?

1. It really depends on what type of content they want. I have to add in the transportation fees if it applies, how long they want it up there, if I have to hire a photographer, if I get to keep the product, and any additional fees.

7. What is your pricing strategy when working with brands?

I am still learning the best way to price my posts.

8. Have you ever turned a brand down before?

Not yet!

9. What do you blog about?

My everyday life and things my followers want to see!

10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on Instagram?

Follow your heart and you’ll know what to do!

LadyBossBlogger note – read How To Start Working From Home Today.

@alwaysmeliss

1. What strategies did you implement to reach 18K followers? 

There are SO many, and not just one thing works. I started off by watching tons of youtube videos, reading influencer blogs, and just interacting with other influencers on Instagram.

I’ve been fortunate to develop some amazing relationships, and with instagram I’ve learned you truly get what you give.

I leave a ton of comments, but not just “cute shirt”, like real genuine sentences that actually have meaning. It’s helped me grow a ton!

2. How long did it take you to reach your first 10K followers?

Just about 5 months.

3. What is your daily Instagram routine?

It’s pretty much work super hard on the weekends and nights! I have a full time job as well, so I wake up super early (like 5am early) to post and go through my feed.

I love searching hashtags that I love (like #styleblogger or #ootd) for inspiration, and then I meet tons of other influencers this way! I do all of my IG posts once or twice a day, typically before 8am and after 5pm.

4. Where do you find your sponsored posts?

I’ve been fortunate to have tons of companies reach out to me! However, it didn’t start off that way. I started off by reaching out to small brands and collaborating with them to start. I also signed up for some affiliate networks, which has helped.

5. What sponsored post was the most fun for you to create and why?

I just did a campaign with NYX Cosmetics, and it was a highlighter campaign. I honestly was just obsessed with the products!

However, I live for this, it’s seriously the most fun “job” ever and I’m so fortunate to be a part of this world! I have fun doing all of them. If I find I’m not excited, I don’t accept the collaboration.

6. How much do you charge for an average post?

It ranges, but typically around $175 to $250 per post.

LadyBossBlogger note – read How To Pitch A Collaboration With Brands.

7. What is your pricing strategy when working with brands?

It depends on the ask and expectations of the brand, and how much effort/time will go into the post on my end.

8. Have you ever turned a brand down before?

Absolutely! I only believe in working with brands that are true to who I am. I don’t want to be “spammy” and just appear to be an everlasting commercial to my followers.

No one likes that and it takes the fun out of posting! Even if it’s a paid post, if it’s not a fit, then we shouldn’t work together.

9. What do you blog about?

Fashion, Beauty, Fitness, and I’m getting into travel. I LOVE to travel.

10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on Instagram?

Be YOU and just dive in head first! Some of your friends are going to unfollow you, but who cares! Just have fun doing it and stay true to who you are.

@tristaannmarie

1. What strategies did you implement to reach 11K followers?

I’m honest about my life: the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly, and people seem to really respond well to that. I post consistently and make sure I’m engaging with my followers because they are pretty cool!

2. How long did it take you to reach your first 10K followers?

I believe it was a little over 2 years.

3. What is your daily Instagram routine?

I’m not sure I have a routine, but I definitely devote at least 40 minutes a day to engaging and posting.

4. Where do you find your sponsored posts?

Brands will often message me, and if it’s consistent to my own lifestyle I’ll collaborate, or if I love a brand I’ll email them.

5. What sponsored post was the most fun for you to create and why?

I don’t think I can pick just one! I’ve done everything from perfume, clothes, to house decor and food items, and each is so fun.

6. How much do you charge for an average post?

I’m honestly new to doing paid posts, so I don’t have an average. Often a brand will send me something for free and if I like it I’ll post about it or do a giveaway because it’s really cool to support good brands.

7. What is your pricing strategy when working with brands?

Definitely still figuring this out.

8. Have you ever turned a brand down before?

Yes I have, if it’s not something that fits my own lifestyle. If I wouldn’t use it, I’m not going to recommend it to my followers.

9. What do you blog about?

My faith, my outlook on life, being environmentally friendly, my chronic illnesses and how eating well transformed my life.

10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on Instagram?

Be genuine! There are a lot of accounts out there just trying to get “insta famous”, and if that’s your end goal you’ll never feel like it’s enough.

Share about what makes your soul soar, talk about what is hard, and connect with the incredible people out there that this platform gives us access to.

@eatingbirdfood

1. What strategies did you implement to reach 92K followers?

I’ve been blogging since 2008 so I started all my social platforms as a way to promote and drive traffic to my blog. Through posting regularly and really engaging with my community I have been able to grow the platform over the years.

In terms of specific strategies, being consistent, getting vulnerable and sharing real-life personal challenges and having a clear brand message have been the most helpful in terms of growing.

2. How long did it take you to reach your first 10K followers?

Gah! I honestly don’t remember. When I first started using Instagram, 10K wasn’t the “magic influencer number” that it is today so I don’t remember when it happened.

3. What is your daily Instagram routine?

I post to my feed least once or twice a day and anywhere from 0-10 stories a day, unless it’s the weekend and I need a social media break. I try to stay on the app for at least 20-30 minutes after I post something to my feed to engage with my community — like, comment, reply to questions, etc.

4. Where do you find your sponsored posts?

Brands will usually reach out to me (on Instagram) or through email. I prefer email.

5. What sponsored post was the most fun for you to create and why?

This post with Kroger was so much fun. My photographer is awesome so photoshoots are always a blast and I think the EBF community was really surprised to learn you could get cute workout gear at Kroger!

6. How much do you charge for an average post?

It depends on the campaign requirements, the timeline, etc. but 1K is my minimum rate.

7. What is your pricing strategy when working with brands?

Again, it really depends on the campaign requirements, but my rates are based off research.

I focus on quality over quantity when it comes to sponsored content and only take on campaigns that I’m really excited about so my blog and social platforms aren’t full of sponsored content.

My rates may be a little higher than others but I think this quality over quantity approach is valuable to me, my audience and the brands that I decide to work with.

8. Have you ever turned a brand down before?

All the time. I only work with brands that are aligned with the EBF brand!

9. What do you blog about?

Healthy eating, recipes, fitness, travel and lifestyle.

10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on Instagram?

Pick a niche, be consistent and engage. Focus on building a community rather than worrying about the number under your name.

@theerochellemonique

1. What strategies did you implement to reach 50.1K followers?

I started to pay attention to what my followers liked to see from me. I also started to engage more using Instagram stories and live videos.

2. How long did it take you to reach your first 10K followers?

It took me a year to reach my first 10k followers.

3. What is your daily Instagram routine?

I post different content on different days. On Monday’s and Tuesday’s I post weight loss content, throughout the week I post about fashion. I’m also very active on my story. I normally share my entire day on Instagram via stories.

4. Where do you find your sponsored posts?

Every company that I’ve done sponsored posts for have either reached out to me or my team based on my content.

5. What sponsored post was the most fun for you to create and why?

I loved to create for Pantene. I had to think outside of the box and was able to have creative control.

6. How much do you charge for an average post?

Prices start at $175.

7. What is your pricing strategy when working with brands?

I determine my price based on the level of the company. A big company like Target would not have the same fee as a small business. I also determine price by the content they would like posted.

8. Have you ever turned a brand down before?

Yes, I have.

9. What do you blog about?

I blog about healthy living and fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on Instagram?

To decide whether you want to use Instagram as a business or not. If so, stay consistent with posting, engage with followers and make sure your pictures are high quality. I also recommend establishing a brand, and have you page model that.

So, what did you learn?

Comment with the next steps you’re going to take in order to make your Instagram dreams come true! 

If you have any questions about becoming an instagram influencer or making money online, feel free to reach out to me at ladybossblogger@gmail.com, and I would be glad to answer any questions you may have!

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*Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in this post, but these are all products I highly recommend. I won’t put anything on this page that I haven’t verified and/or personally used.