Using Instagram For Business: Interview with FashionyFab

Welcome to the final post in our Instagram Interview series!

If you missed the previous interviews with the talented illustrator Melinda Cooper you can catch up here and with photographer and mum boss Mallika Malhotra here.

This series is a companion to our Instagram course, in order to give you some real life case studies of how Instagram can be used for business.

[The course is currently not open to new students]

But, back to today because I have a super, special surprise for you!

Today I am so excited to introduce you to one of the loveliest branding designers in the business world and one of my business besties: Maru of FashionyFab. I am delighted that Maru was kind enough to pop over to the blog and share her Instagram wisdom with us today, but first I’ll let Maru introduce herself!

Question One: Please tell us a bit about yourself, so we can get to know you!

 

 

Hello! I’m Maru the owner of Fashiony Fab, a design studio focused on providing branding and web design with style for bloggers and entrepreneurs.

I’m 27 years old, just had my birthday in August (yay!). I love coffee, mystery novels, watching series after a long day of work (usually Gilmore Girls) and I’m also a stationery addict.

 

Question Two: What is your business all about?

 

I focus on web and graphic design. I absolutely love working next to other creatives, helping them grow their brands. From a logo, websites, stationery, social media graphics, everything needed to maintain a cohesive style.

 

Question Three: What inspired you to start your own business?

 

I graduated from college with a degree in Psychology, but didn’t feel 100% happy in my job. That’s when I created my first blog, sharing posts about fashion and lifestyle.

 

I started getting involved in web design, changing the look of my blog and realized I loved spending time designing. That’s when I decided to make a career change. Went back to studying and learning everything I could about graphic design, and finally launched Fashiony Fab as a design studio almost 2 years ago.

 

So, let’s get into the nitty gritty of why we’re here. Let’s talk Instagram

 

Question Four: How long have you been on Instagram and what made you decide to join the platform?

 

 

 

I don’t exactly remember when I first opened my Instagram account, but it was way later than my other social media channels. I’m not a natural when it comes to social media and sharing photos on Instagram was a big challenge at first.

But I decided to try it when I noticed most bloggers and business owners where hanging in there.

 

Question Five: What was your biggest Instagram struggle and how did you overcome it?

 

My biggest struggle was reaching my target audience. I tried every tip out there and they worked for a while, but I decided to invest in a course by Alex Tooby and that’s when everything just clicked. She is a genius on Instagram!

 

Question Six: What do you think is the best way to grow your Instagram (with engaged followers)?

 

 

I think that providing valuable information to them is the best way to keep your followers engaged and reach more and more each day.

 

The moment I started really thinking about not only the photos I shared, but the captions as well, that’s when my account started growing faster.

 

Now I think about my Instagram account as a mini blog, where I can share tips and information from my blog with my followers.

 

Question Seven: What program/tools do you use to create your posts?

When I first started my Instagram account, I used to take my own photos and edited them with VSCO and Afterlight (great apps!). But as my business started growing, I struggled a lot to find the time to take quality pictures.

 

I started changing my strategy, purchasing stock photos and using Photoshop to add my own work. I also love posting quotes about design, blogging and inspiration. I create these with Illustrator.

 

Question Eight: What’s your favourite app to use for Instagram?

 

I’m in love with Buffer for Instagram! It’s the best tool to schedule your posts. If you struggle with planning your content and finding time to actually upload it, then this is for you.

 

Question Nine: How does Instagram help your business?

 

Because I share my work all the time, I get a lot of new clients that find me on Instagram. I always try to focus on not just promoting my brand, but also add some value to each photo I share. That way you are growing your community and make sure you get the right engagement.

 

Question Ten: What is your number one tip on creating content for Instagram?

 

I would love to share three tips, if that’s OK.

 

• The first one is that defining a style for your account is key, making sure of course it’s in tune with your branding. Choose the filters you want to use, the colors, layout, make sure you tell a story with each photo.

 

• The second one is take advantage of your captions. If you are a blogger or business owner, make sure you share something of value with your followers. Maybe a quick tip, a part of a blog post, a story about your products. This will help make true connections with your audience.

 

• And the third one, don’t be scared to use stock photos. I know, Instagram is about sharing your own story, I felt weird using them at first. But let’s face it, not everyone out there has the time to take photos or the equipment to do so. Invest in quality stock photos and make them your own!

 

I love adding my work in them, using them to share an important message. Make your own rules in that space.

 

And finally….

 

Question Eleven: If you could give one piece of advice to a business owner looking to grow their Instagram, what would it be?

 

Research your hashtags. Take some time to learn what hashtags your target market is using and make sure you add them in all your photos. That’s the way they can find you!

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I hope you will join me in thanking Maru for all of her wonderful Instagram tips. If you need anyone to give you a helping hand with your design work, I one hundred percent recommend Maru who is as lovely as she is talented.  You can check out her design portfolio over on her website here or over at her Instagram.

You can also join The Fab List and get access to Maru’s Library here.