Blogger Guide To: Twitter Chats

A Twitter chat is a live conversation where a host who creates a series of questions or a theme for the chat, and of course a coordinating hashtag. The hashtag serves ad a way for Twitter users to keep track of the chat and stay connected. Twitter is the most conversation friendly social media outlet, and so it is a great way to connect with, bloggers, brands, and companies.
Twitter chats have numerous benefits to them, such as increasing traffic to your blog, as well as provide a great networking opportunity with other bloggers and professionals in your field. Building relationships with other bloggers is so beneficial and can lead to future collaborations, and just some great friendships with people that get the whole blogging thing. Like anything worth doing in life, sometimes it can be challenging and sometimes hard to get encouragement, so having some blogger friends is seriously the best thing you can do for you, your blog, and your brands future.  

A lot of Twitter chats have a casual tone to them and are a lot of fun, but keep in mind that you should still act semi-professional. Twitter chats are a great way to get your brand, blog or business out there, but it don't spam the other tweeters. Let the conversations & questions about your brand happen organically. You'll get the opportunity to talk about yourself at the beginning of the chat when introductions typically take place. The rest of the Twitter chat is meant for learning about particular topics, and gaining insight from fellow bloggers.
When the moderators ask questions (Q1, Q2, ect) you typically reply with your response in the same format (A1, A2, ect, so others can easily follow along) It's also a good idea to retweet or quote the tweet you're answering so your followers know what's going on too.

It depends what niche you're in and what sort of things you would like to learn about, but I have gathered some of my favorites below.

Monday

Who: @Calliegisler
What: #CreativeCoffeeHour discusses different social networking strategies.
When:  Every Monday from 6-7PM PST

Who: @TheYoungHopeful
What: #CollegeCoffeeHour gathers college bloggers to discuss relevant collegiate topics.
When: Every other Monday 6-7PM PST

Who: @Ambitionista
What: #Ambitionista is a chat for dream-chasing women who want to share ideas and networking opportunities.
When: Every other Monday 6-7PM PST

Tuesday

Who: @ChelseaKrost
What: #MillennialTalk is a weekly discussion of various millennial topics and concerns.
When: Every Tuesday 5-6PM PST

Who: @PRStudChat
What: #PRstudchat creates conversations between PR students, educators, and professionals.
When:  Every Tuesday 5:30-6:30 PM PST

Who: @PopCosmo
What: #ChicChat features weekly topics about blogging, social media, and networking.
When: Every Tuesday from 6-6:30 PM PST

Saturday

Who: @GalPalGirlGang
What: #Galpalchat is founded by three young bloggers in hopes to create a place were bloggers can connect and inspire.
When: Every Saturday from 8-9AM PST

1. Use Tweetdeck
Tweetdeck is a customizable dashboard that you can organize into columns. For Twitter chats, I set up my columns for the home stream, @ mentions (which filters all tweets that mentions your Twitter handle), notifications (to keep track on favorites and retweets), and one for the Twitter chat's hashtag (which filters the tweets that include the hashtag).

2. Nail your into 
It's just like your elevator pitch, except instead of fitting it into 30 seconds, you have to fit it into less than 140 characters, because of the hashtag.  It's definitely a challenge getting all you want to say in less than 140 characters, but when you do master it, copy and paste it into your computer for other Twitter chats.

3. Participate 
Make sure all your focus is on the Twitter chat, because they are fast-paced, worth it conversations. Don't worry about trying to take notes, just retweet or favorite key takeaways which will relieve a lot of stress on your part.

4. Don't Stress
Twitter chats can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first one. It moves so fast but they are so much fun. So don't stress, just have fun and meet other creatives like yourself, and always remember that you can try it again next week.

Have you participated in a chat before? What are your favorite ones? 

Instagram Photos + Editing 101

Instagram was one of the very first apps I downloaded when I got my first iPhone. 

In fact, I got an iPhone because I wanted to take good quality pictures in college, since I didn't bring my Canon with me. As I started to learn more about aesthetics and themes, I was immediately overwhelmed with all the options. But I have finally narrowed it down and am working on one that represents me and what I like. I eventually want to get it to a white, black, gold, marble filled feed.
This post was actually highly requested, and since this blog is to inspire you, without further ado here are my not so secret editing tips. 

What Do I Shoot My Instagram Photos With? 

 I shoot, edit and upload all of the photos on my iPhone 6S, I use the camera's regular photo mode. Occasionally I might upload a pic from my Canon, but I don't like to get in the habit of doing that because I'm all about trying to keep consistency, and photos often differ from the iPhone and Canon.

What Kind of Photos Do I Post? 

I post a variety of pics, mainly fashion, coffee, and general life shots. I like the bright, clean, and simple style. But I also like posting unique inspiring shots, so I have become more selective in what I post. Of course by doing this, you are no longer just posting photos of what you're doing in your day, but sometimes more posed and scheduled shots. This is the main reason bloggers especially have two accounts, one personal and one for the blog.

What Editing Apps Do I Use?  

I start out by using Facetune to make the photo whiter. Since I'm going for a white clean looking theme, Facetune is AWESOME for getting the background, flooring, or whatever that is in the picture whiter. By using Facetune, you create consistency in your photos if you are wanting a theme. 

Before and after Facetune

How Do I Edit My Instagram Photos On VSCO Cam?

This is the combination I use for pretty much all my pictures, but sometimes you might need to adjust slightly, either the exposure or saturation to again, make all the photos consistent. 

I want to see YOUR feed, so go ahead and follow here if you want to see more pics edited like this.

What are some of your editing tips? 

How I Edit My Insta Photos

Before I even take the picture and start editing it, the most important step to the perfect picture is LIGHTING. You want to make sure there is enough light in the picture, that way the editing is easier AND you get a consistent Insta theme. Thumbs up for an "on-fleek" Insta. Hehe, sorry I had to say that. ;) Okay now on to the editing steps. I use an app called Afterlight for ALL my editing. I believe it's 99 cents.

 Step 1 || Saturation. I usually turn the saturation up a tad to make the photo look a little more alive.

Step 2 || Brightness. Love this part! I will almost all the time do it to 100% and sometimes a tad more. I like my pics bright and fresh looking.

Step 3 || Sharpening. This is an important step if you want you pictures looking clean and fresh. It will do exactly as it says, sharpen the picture surface.

Step 4 || Light clouds. This (like all the others steps) is super important to getting that bright fresh look to your photos. I always use filter #4 & 12 on my photos. Adjust it to whatever softness you want.

Step 5 || White frame. The last step that in my opinion will enhance your already bright and fresh photo is adding a white frame. You don't even have to leave the app because Afterlight has that ability as well. Pretty snazzy I know!

Okay so those are the steps I do all the time for my Insta feed. I hope you enjoyed getting to know the secrets to my feed. Just kidding there's not really any secrets. ;)

Social Media Saturday // 5 Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following

This is my first ever Social Media Saturday post! YAY! 

I'll be posting every now and then on Saturdays that have something to do with social media. I thought this series would be pretty appropriate since I am going to be a mass communications major. 

Today's topic: Instagram! 

Insta is a lovely obssesion of mine. I think it is so fun coming up with different feed themes, and trying to capture that unique angle that will stun you Insta friends. There are so many talented people on Instagram. So today I wanted to share a few of my favorite Insta ladies out there.

*drum roll please...*

@cmcoving

Caitlin, from Southern Curls and Pearls, has such a classic chic style. 

Her outfits always put a smile on my face.

@brookexbeauty 

Brooke is a preppy Youtuber who makes fashion and lifestyle videos.

Seriously love this girl!

@mjengelman

Mandy blogs at The Quirky Conservative. Three words to describe her: sassy, preppy, quirky. Yep gotta love her.

 @daniellemarieyt

Danielle Marie is a Florida based Youtuber who makes inspirational videos. She has a mixture of preppy, boho chic, and trendy.

@thepreppyqueenbee

Caroline, from The Preppy Queen Bee, is a classy and sassy fashion + lifestyle blogger.

Her Insta is filled with all things preppy! Oh and of course I have to mention that we will be going to the same college!

Who is currently your favorite Instagram account to follow?

What I've Learned in Nine Months of Blogging

Wow, nine months have flown by since sitting down and pressing that "new blog" button. Blessed is She has taken on a whole new meaning since the original idea and is still growing into what it is meant to be. I wanted to reflect on the 5 best things I've learned about blogging!

1. Stay true to yourself. There is no point setting yourself unrealistic goals or trying to blog about things you aren't passionate about. To love blogging, you have to love what you're blogging about!

2. Networking is amazing. Don't be afraid to contact some business's like Etsy shops. They love when you do, because they in return get free publicity. I have gained so many incredible contacts and key people in so many places. I feel incredibly blessed.

3. Bloggers are the nicest people you will ever meet. They are unbelievably supportive of one another! These are just some of the lovely bloggers Abbey, Mariah, Gabby, & Grace.

4. Being a blogger isn't 'easy'. Bloggers do not live a glamorous life and become internet sensations over night. There is an incredible amount of hard work that goes into every single post and picture. But I love it!

5. A little bit of kindness goes a long way. Ask any blogger... It can really make your day when someone takes just a little bit of time to acknowledge what you are writing about and leaves a lovely comment on your blog. I am so grateful to every single person who reads and comments on my blog.