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A Day in the Life: Palm Beach Edition

One of the hidden gems of South Florida is the manicured, clean and glamorous town of Palm Beach. Palm Beach is known for glitzy estates, upscale boutiques and shopping venues, stunningly clean beaches, lake trails for biking, and high-scale restaurants. If you want to visit Florida without having to deal with the masses and crowds that flock to South Beach in Miami, this is definitely a tranquil and glamorous alternative that makes for a great vacation destination.

Palm Beach isn’t known as the ‘billionaire’s destination’ for no reason. It is one of the wealthiest zip codes in the United States and holsters plenty of room for adventure and discovery.

For a glimpse into my trip to Palm Beach, see my checklist below:

Where to Reside:

1) The Breakers Hotel

2) White Elephant Palm Beach

3) Brazilian Court Hotel

4) The Colony

5) Tideline Ocean Resort

All of the above hotels and resorts are fantastic options for a lavish and comfortable getaway. One of my personal favorites is The Colony – the pink façade, frosé dispenser at the outdoor Bimini Bar, and palette of pastels makes for a Palm Beach mainstay.

Where to Shop:

1) The Royal Poinciana Plaza

2) Worth Avenue

It wouldn’t be a trip to Palm Beach without doing some serious shopping. A close second to the shopping experience at Worth Avenue are the hidden garden patios, statues and serene sitting areas that can go unnoticed if you don’t explore properly. However, if you’re going for a more edgy, hipster version of Worth Avenue, then definitely hit the Royal Poinciana Plaza. Here you’ll find more trendy restaurants, occasional Soul Cycle pop-ups, markets, and high-end boutiques.

Where to Explore:

1) Rent a Bike

2) Walk the Breakers Property

3) Drive down Ocean Boulevard

4) Have a beach day

5) Shop and dine on Worth Avenue

Have yourself a day! Palm Beach offers an incredible 5.5 mile lake bike trail as an inviting start to your day. If you’re like me and enjoy looking at pretty houses, definitely take a nice drive down Ocean Boulevard. Also, a beach trip is always a Palm Beach yes.

Grab a Cocktail:

1) Lola 41

2) The Circle @ The Breaker’s Hotel

3) The Honor Bar

4) Cucina

Treat yourself! Palm Beach is a great destination to activate during the day and reward yourself with a cocktail or two later on.

Grab a Bite – Lunch Spots:

1) Pura Vida

2) Sant Ambroeus

3) Coyo Taco

4) Bricktops

Dinner Spots:

1) Buccan

2) Meat Market Steakhouse

3) Palm Beach Grill

4) Café L’europe

Last, but certainly not least, get yourself some upscale, delicious meals at all the best restaurants Palm Beach has to offer. The fresh cuisine makes for a great morning, afternoon and evening experience. The restaurant scene is worth the high price tags, so go all out!

Title Suggestions:

1. How I Spend and Invest the Money I’ve Earned Wisely

2. How I Learned to Spend and Invest my Money Wisely

3. Learn How to Spend and Invest Your Money Wisely

4. How I Learned to Spend and Invest my Money in Ways that Contribute to my Self-Worth

We all tend to have one common goal in life, and that is to make enough money to live comfortably and support ourselves as well as loved ones. There is a lot of talk about making money, how to get rich quick, and lots of talk surrounding money-making, but where is the conversation about spending money? As someone who started investing in myself earlier in life, one thing I learned is how to spend wisely and to invest in myself, my business, and in areas that contribute to something of importance.

I became successful in my business at a very young age. When I was 16, I read the book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki and it changed my life. The book allowed me to look into my financial future, and I realized that people put themselves into boxes and fail to believe that they can be the ones to break through barriers in life. For me, I asked myself one simple question that changed everything – “why shouldn’t it be me?” Three years later, I find myself with a successful seven-figure business and a good idea of how to spend and invest in myself and my business to set myself up for future financial success.

What’s taught to us as a society is that we need to make money. It is drilled into our heads that making money is extremely important in life, however, what people fail to talk about enough is how to spend that money properly and invest in yourself. Part of the secret to my success and what I’ve learned so far is that common expression “you have to spend money to make money.”

Education is the Best Investment You Can Make

Warren Buffet once said, “The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself.” Investing in your education is investing in yourself. Knowledge is power, and you have the ability to acquire knowledge through educating yourself. Whether it be through books, courses, schooling, online YouTube tutorials, or through news publications, acquire knowledge and never stop.

Everyone also has different skills. As Albert Einstein said, “Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” The modern-day school system is throwing kids off course. If you are someone who has a more creative brain, and you are forced into taking science curriculum that doesn’t make sense to you, how is this bettering you and setting you up for a successful future? The answer is that it’s not. Everyone has genius in them, but genius comes in many forms. Just because you underperform in school does not mean that you are not smart.

Investing in your education means taking your education into your own hands and building on the skills you already have or are interested in learning. I believe that education is the basis of how most of the problems in the world can be fixed. If you can be educated on only the topics that you genuinely care about instead of what the school system is telling you that you should care about, then you will have more confidence in yourself to aim for the stars in life.

Never stop learning, and never stop investing in your version of education.

Invest Back into Your Business

You spend all your time and effort building a successful business, and now it is time to nurture it. Treat your business like you would treat yourself and invest in it. Building my business did not happen overnight and sustaining a business can be just as hard as getting started. When I saw that my business was taking off, I educated myself on how to best spend the money I was making, and the answer I kept seeing was that I needed to invest in my business.

The more you invest into your business, the better your business will run, and the higher likelihood that your business will sustain its profitability. If you have a team of employees who are working for you, and you are paying them fairly and offering them benefits and incentives, they will only work harder and be more satisfied and driven to push your business forward. Invest in your business, your employees and yourself, and your business will continue to thrive.

Invest into Cryptocurrency

One way to stay successful is to be forward-thinking and future oriented. Everyone should own some cryptocurrency – it is everywhere! Some businesses are even integrating cryptocurrency into their platforms and are using it to launch new products and services.

Cryptocurrency is the new number 1 thing to do to save your money. Right now, there is a good selection of cryptocurrency savings accounts to choose from. Cryptocurrency is becoming more mainstream, and it is a direct reflection of the advancements we’re making in the digital age. I highly recommend you educate yourself on the benefits of investing in cryptocurrency, and embrace the times we’re living in.

I became successful at a very young age because I was open to education, investing in myself, and investing in my future. I am open to all of the ways I can spend and invest my money wisely, and if you are open to it, you will become a successful spender as well.

The Coolest Places to Visit in Iceland, No Pun Intended

Wherever I travel, like most people I like to create a bucket list in my mind of places I’d like to go and sights I’d like to see. Iceland is one of those special pockets of the world with a multitude of opportunities to be stunned by what nature has to offer, which is something you definitely don’t find everywhere. If you’ve never been to Iceland and want to gain a better understanding of what it’s like to visit, be sure to follow along on my Instagram, and check out my list below of the coolest places you should check out while you’re there.

1) Blue Lagoon

If you’ve ever seen photos of people in Iceland, you’ve likely seen them visit the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon, not far off from how it sounds, is a geothermal spa with access to one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. The Blue Lagoon is so breathtaking and unique that National Geographic granted it the accolade of becoming one of the top 25 Wonders of the World. It is an international tourist destination that allows for you to book tickets in advance to bathe in the, on average, 39°C (102°F) temperature water – the most perfect bathing temperature. The water is said to have amazing benefits for your skin and is said to relieve symptoms of psoriasis. Since the Blue Lagoon has become such an attraction you have to pre-book your experience, so definitely plan ahead.

2) Black Sand Beach

The world-famous black sand beach on the southern coast of Iceland is called Reynisfjara, and it is like no beach you’ve ever seen. Reynisfjara offers stunning panoramic views, massive waves and it is truly a majestical place to experience. National Geographic deemed Reynisfjara one of the Top 10 Non-tropical Beaches to Visit in the world. On your way to the beach, you’ll also experience incredible sights such as beautiful waterfalls and glaciers.

3) Icelandic Ponies

As you journey around Iceland, keep your eyes peeled for Icelandic ponies walking on the side of the road. They are a beloved species that are notably intelligent and independent, as compared to other breeds of horses. You’re not supposed to pet, feed or ride the horses, but when you see them, you’ll understand why they made the list.

4) Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is one of the most photographed features in all of Iceland, and for good reason. It is incredibly breathtaking and extraordinary but prepare to get soaked! This waterfall is most commonly recognized from the pathway that stretches around it, making it even more picturesque. 5) Kerid Kerid is a volcanic crater lake located in Grímsnes in south Iceland, and its slopes are uniquely red in color, as opposed to the volcanic black slopes of other volcanic craters. This makes it a popular destination and an incredible photo op. The vivid colors are striking, making it an infatuating, unforgettable sight to experience.

How Accounts Payable Automation Helps with Remote Teaming

Working remote has become the new norm since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most offices have opted for remote work for its employees in order to promote social distancing and safe working conditions, but what a lot of companies are not talking about is how to transition from manual processes to automated processes for some aspects of business.

Accounts Payable (AP) typically rely heavily on manual processes, and in an effort of streamlining the workflow in a remote working environment, companies are promoting Accounts Payable Automation. Not only does this help automate a process that was once so tedious and untracked, but it also promotes a paperless AP process moving forward.

Below are some benefits of instituting accounts payable automation:

1) Remote Timely Approvals

Switching to an automated accounts payable solution ensures a timely payment of invoices by routing invoices digitally and routing them for approval based on the business’s requirements. Automating this process allows invoices to be approved at anytime from anywhere using any device. Operating in this capacity allows for businesses to avoid late-payment penalties, strained relationships with suppliers and disruptions in the supply chain.

2) Fewer Manual Obligations

Say goodbye to manual processes that require waiting in-person signatures, physical paper and high margin of error. Through automating the accounts payable process, this leaves fewer manual tasks for your team and promotes remote teaming for your business. Through using new technology and electronic invoices, the process is already that much smoother and quicker. It is also easier to correct any errors because most systems have tools in place to ensure fewer mistakes.

3) Real-time Metrics

Technology-based solutions also allows for real-time digital insights into the metrics that finance executives need to grow their businesses. Through automating the accounts payable process, organizations can better track their growth and the data that they input into these digital systems. This promotes a growth-centered mentality for business owners and for finance departments to track and manage moving forward.

4) Easy Implementation

Most systems can be implemented immediately and take little work to set up. Some systems are built to work alongside your existing accounting systems, and the only difference is that now these systems will be digitized and automated. The sooner you build this process into your business model, the more data you will acquire from digitally automated AP, and the more comfortable your team will get with working with these automated systems.

Companies that were able to adapt to remote work environments have played a major role in slowing the spread of COVID throughout the 2020 pandemic. As more and more companies adjusted to the remote work lifestyle and started implementing remote systems for their team to operate smoothly, it became very clear that remote capabilities are becoming essential for the future of how businesses are going to operate. The systems that companies are using today may not have been plausible options pre-pandemic, but now they are integral to a companies’ operation. Implementing accounts payable automation will play an integral role in business as we move into a more digitally integrated future of business operations.

Key Words: Accounts Payable Automation Remote Work Remote Timely Approvals Pandemic COVID

The Future of Business for the New Generation 

The world of business is ever-changing and constantly evolving based on our societal landscape, and in order for a  company to grow and thrive, it must change along with it. This transformation in business is nothing new – it’s  been seen time and time again, and those who ignore the transformative nature of business will always be left  behind. Pivoting a business model to adapt to a new generation will always be beneficial to the future of that  business. Forward-thinkers and adaptable mindsets will always come out on top. It is crucial for a business to grow  alongside new generations and implement digital solutions to appeal to the newer generation; however, this does  not entail alienating other generations by placing the importance on intuitive tech transitions. Conversely, it means  teaching other generations how to adapt to the newer business practices and encouraging people to implement  forward-thinking into their daily practices.  

With a New Generation Comes New Perspective  

The new generation, also known as gen z, is the most digitally competent, knowledgeable and savvy to date.  Although Millennials partially grew up with technology, gen z knows it no other way, therefore they have the most  positive relationship with it possible. gen z has not only grown up with technology, but they have also learned how  to manipulate it and use it to their advantage. 

According to Forbes, “gen zers are hyper aware of entitlement and working hard to forge their own path.” Forbes  bases these findings off a report from Adweek that reported that gen zers take matters into their own hands with  33% of them watching online lessons, 20% reading textbooks via tablets, and 32% work with their classmates  online. Given these statistics, the new generation has been born into the digital age and will therefore expect  digital services, which changes the landscapes of all lines of business and the future of these businesses.  

All answers lead back to digital solutions, and all businesses need to recognize that and adapt. With gen zers  forging their own lanes, the way in which society and business is structured cannot completely be maintained. Gen  z is a generation that singlehandedly managed to turn a brand-new digital app, TikTok, into a platform for stardom  and brand deals during a global pandemic and international recession. The power of the new generation is that  they are taking matters into their own hands, and the business world needs to recognize this power and adapt with it.  

Preparing the Next Generation in Family Business  

The concept of family businesses is also something that needs to adapt and set itself up for the future. New  management taking over a long-time, established business can be the refresher that some businesses need. Failing  to adapt with the times will leave your business in the past, and the newer generation won’t care. According to  Forbes, “Once the new generation understands the former business models, what worked and what didn’t work  and the logic behind it, they can present their vision and what they want to innovate.” 

Innovation is a vital concept for all businesses to adapt. The respect our society used to have for succession and  family business is no longer existent. People have a newfound respect for companies and brands that are built  from hard work and passion instead of power and lineage. Influencers are the new celebrities. Think about it – celebrities typically come from a long lineage of fame, and it has historically been one in a million to become well known and influential without succession. Now, with the rise of social media breeds a completely new version of  fame – the influencer. Regular, every day, hardworking individuals now have the opportunity to present  themselves in front of hundreds of thousands, even millions of people, and create their own line of success and  influence.  

The new generation’s way of thinking has a direct effect on family business and how it is going to be viewed in the  future of business. According to Forbes, “Each generation has its own way of doing business and will also have to  adapt to the ever-developing times they live in.” As long as a business is set up in a way where it welcomes change  and adaptation, generations can work together to close this gap and understand the different perspectives. 

Understanding each other is elemental to the success of the future of business, and we must work together in  order to see it all through.  

The Importance of Keeping Up with Ever-Evolving Technologies & Innovating for the Customers 

To be successful in business, companies must implement a digital strategy. Keeping up with the ever-changing  nature of technology may sometimes integrate easily; however, it may sometimes require a digital transformation.  By incorporating potential technological shifts into a business model, businesses are setting themselves up for a  successful relationship to its customers.  

Implementing digital solutions is not only useful for a business to grow and thrive, but it is also keeping the  customer’s best interest in mind. In innovating for the customer with forward-thinking technology and  implementing a digital strategy that appeals to how the new generation expects to conduct business, businesses  are setting the precedent that they are willing to adapt and meet the needs of its customers first and foremost. 

There are many different types of technologies on the market, and the key is to recognize the value proposition in  providing customers with a client-centric, convenient digital solution that not only improves their experience with  a business and brand, but also appeals to the way they use technology and how they use mobile apps.  Technological solutions that offer businesses the opportunity to experience a successful digital transformation and  be digitally resilient will improve the customer experience and promote customer satisfaction.  

In the age of the digital transformation, companies not only want to keep their customers satisfied and engaged,  but they also need to evolve with technology in order to stay relevant. Evolving with the new generation and  improving technologies in your business is going to help your company remain digitally resilient. The overall goal of  a business maintaining adaptability is to improve the customer experience, customer loyalty, client retention and  overall customer growth. By providing clients with a convenient customer experience, it offers them complete,  24/7 access to your company, which is not only the future of business, but it is the new normal.

Why you Should be Prioritizing LinkedIn for Your Business 

In business today, it should not be a question of if you should be marketing and advertising, but rather a  question of where your marketing dollars would be best spent. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and  forming connections with peers in the business world, however it can also be leveraged as a great means of  marketing for your business. Outlined below are a few evidence-based reasons why LinkedIn should be prioritized  as a marketing tool for your business. 

1) A Trusted Environment to Establish a Brand 

Business Insider rated LinkedIn as the “#1 most trusted social media platform’ for the past 3 consecutive  years. LinkedIn is a well-established platform for brands to build a presence and gain exposure, establish  notoriety and gain a sense of respect from business peers. According to LinkedIn Marketing Solutions,  member engagement on the platform is stronger than ever before. From March 2019 to March 2020, LinkedIn saw a surge of activity with regards to business marketing.  

According to LinkedIn Marketing Solutions: 

• 55% more conversations are happening between connected members from March 2019- 2020 • 60% more content is being created over the past year  

It is important to build your brand on a platform that is well-respected within the business community,  and therefore LinkedIn is a trustworthy place to do just that.  

2) Credibility Across all Industries  

There are over 700 million members on LinkedIn, spanning a multitude of verticals, industries and  professions. With the extensive array of verticals LinkedIn covers, it is no question that credibility for the  platform is not singular to any one vertical – it remains a consistent space for any and all industry types.  

• There are currently 706 million+ members on LinkedIn 

• LinkedIn is in 200+ countries and territories 

• 55 million+ companies are on the platform today 

3) LinkedIn Ads Work  

Investing in your brand is a no brainer; however, deciding where your marketing dollars should go is  something that requires some thought and market research. You want to advertise your business in a place  where people trust the content that is being put in front of them. Advertising on a credible platform in turn  makes your business more credible. Think about it – if Chanel didn’t establish Margot Robbie as a brand  ambassador to wear its clothing, would people still be as compelled to spend a large sum on Chanel? Maybe  that is too well-established a brand to be a good example but think about a new product that you recently  purchased simply because someone credible was representing it. Same concept – the more reliable the  source, the more reliable the product becomes to the consumer.  

LinkedIn Marketing Solutions Statistics below:  

• After their ads were seen on LinkedIn, brands were perceived by customers to be: o 50% higher quality 

o 92% more professional 

o 74% more intelligent 

o 59% more respectable

• In technology, LinkedIn has generated 2-5x higher ROI than any other social media platforms • In education, LinkedIn has been recorded as 2-4x as effective as any other display media 

The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Stand-Out Featured Image for Your Blog 

One of the most effective ways to build a brand image and captivate a loyal following is through consistent  blogging. Businesses of any size should be constantly providing their audience with interesting content that relates  to their brand, and this is widely accomplished through blogs. Since blogging is not a unique, original method for  captivating an audience in 2021, it is essential to make the blog post banner unique, eye-catching and completely  original.  

Creating a featured image for your blog can be difficult to maintain if you are not using the correct tools. Blogs  need to be updated frequently in order for your audience to remain interested in your brand. Having newly  updated, fresh content can be the difference between a one-time customer and a returning customer. Marketing  for your brand and the way in which people perceive your brand online can be detrimental to your sales and the  profitability of your business, therefore it is important to draw audiences into reading your blogs by providing  them with original, stand-out, high-res images that will constantly keep them coming back.  

Below are some tips on how to create unique featured images for your blog. 

1) Use Feature Illustrations 

Blogs that use generic images and stock photos are easy to pass-by. People are not going to read a post  that contains images they think they’ve already seen all over the internet. We’re living in a time where if  something does not catch someone’s initial attention, they will likely get bored and keep strolling. To  create something that captivates a viewer’s attention and keeps them there, you need to either use  original images, or you need to visit the best graphic design resource sites for original images such as  Canva, Shutterstock or Unsplash.  

Through the use of beautiful illustrations and captivating featured images, people will stop scrolling and  remain on your page. The ultimate goal in maintaining a blog is for people to actually stop and read it, and  original, bright and eye-catching images will be the first thing people see when they come across your  blog. 

2) Keep it Minimal  

Sometimes on the internet, less is more. You don’t have to go absolutely crazy with the featured image  and taking a minimalistic approach will help you focus on the article itself while choosing an image that  matches it. It is important to note, however, that minimal does not mean boring. Minimal simply means  

that you do not have to go overboard on graphic design to draw attention to your blog post. A stand-out,  stunning image will captivate your audience over an over-the-top, confusing image that has nothing to do  with the content of the article. People are going to be drawn in by a tasteful image, therefore try to keep  it minimal. 

3) Use an Image that Matches Your Content 

The featured image is incredibly important, not only because it helps draw attention to the blog post, but  it also prepares the audience for the content of the post. If the image has nothing to do with what the  blog is about, then the audience will be confused by the message of the entire post and will likely lost  interest and trust in what they are reading. Through using imagery that matches the content of your post,  you are preparing the audience for what they are about to read. Misleading the audience with an image  that does not match will decrease the credibility of the blog entirely.  

In order to find unique imagery that matches the content of the posts, there are tools available to you  online, or you can hire a graphic designer whose job it is to create unique images for your blogs. This may  cost a little extra, but it can be worth it to maintain a clean, consistent brand image.

4) Hire a Graphic Designer  

As mentioned previously, hiring a graphic designer for your brand can be a lucrative move for a company.  This way, all the imagery and graphics on your site are completely unique to your brand and will create a  sense of brand recognition and consistency when people are scrolling through your site. Your audience  will begin to recognize the unique, stand-out images and associate them with your brand, and through  implementing this on your blog it will only further draw your audience in. It is not a necessary step for all  businesses; however, it can definitely help take your branding and your blog to the next level. 

5) Choose a Unique Color Palette 

Another way to create and maintain brand recognition is through choosing a color palette for your brand  and using it consistently throughout your site. If you have a physical location and a logo that contains  specific colors, try and implement that color scheme into the featured images for your blog. If you have  not yet chosen a color palette for your website and do not have a physical location for your brand, start  by doing some research on similar companies and choosing something unique and different. It is all about  drawing attention to your brand and making it stand out in the crowd. Go bold and keep it consistent. 

6) Use Photography 

A great way to steer clear of stock photos and generic images is through using photographs that were  taken professionally. As long as you can take ownership of the photographs or have permission from the  photographer, this is an excellent option for the featured image on your blogs.  

There are several ways of acquiring photographs for your blog image headers, and some include hiring an  original photographer, utilizing websites where photographers post images, such as Shutterstock, and by  taking the photos yourself. Additionally, making sure that the photographs used are high-res, high quality  

images is also of the utmost importance. Blurry, low quality photographs are unacceptable, and you will  lose credibility instantly.  

Blogging is all about keeping content original, fresh, and high quality so your audience will consider your  information credible and continue coming back to view yours posts. Majority of the time, images are what  originally captivates an audience and keeps them reading. It is important to give people interesting things to look  at, otherwise they will choose something else to focus their attention on. Keep it minimal, unique, and use feature  illustrations, this way your brand image will be taken seriously.  

Key Words: Create a featured image for your blog, Featured image, Blog tips  

Ultimate Guide to Planning for a Brand Photoshoot

As you build your brand, there are a few key things that you need to plan for right off the bat. Once you have an idea of your brand image and how you want your brand to be perceived, it is important to invest in a brand photoshoot to allow that image to come to life. Without having a cohesive image for your business, it is that much more difficult for customers, clients, etc. to take you seriously and view you as a legitimate brand.

Having a brand photoshoot is so important because it is going to bring about a cohesive representation of your business across all of your platforms. Branding is all about creating consistency, and photos are an excellent way to make that happen. 

There are 3 simple steps when it comes to planning for a brand photoshoot, outlined below:

1. Choose a Photographer

Although this may seem simple, there are so many ways you could really go wrong when it comes to choosing a photographer to capture your vision. Picking a photographer without doing much prior research can lead to wasted time, money and energy spent. For example, if you choose a photographer solely based off price, get dressed, gather your team, spend an entire day shooting, and then receive images that are not even close to what you were looking for will just end up being really wasteful and will be a really poor business decision. 

When choosing the right photographer for your brand photoshoot, make sure you ask to see their portfolio in advance. This will allow you to see some of their work, potentially garner some inspiration for your photos and it will allow you to evaluate whether the photographer is right for you. You may find that a niche photographer that focuses on similar shoots to what you’re looking for might be more in line with what you’re looking for as opposed to a photographer whose work spans many different mediums. 

2. Plan Ahead

Although it is ok to not have an exact vision in mind for your brand, you should take time to map out some potential ideas for how you want the photoshoot to turn out. Planning your shots in advance will save you time and energy, and it will allow for the photographer to have some sort of idea of what you’re looking for from the start as opposed to running in their own direction. 

A good way to plan for your photoshoot is to create a mood board. This can incorporate different colors, energies and is a great way for the photographer to be able to align their vision with yours.

3. Dress to Impress

Keep in mind that these photos may be used for various purposes, such as promotion, press, social media feed and more. When getting ready for the shoot, you should have this in mind and dress accordingly. This also may call for outfit changes, so definitely plan your clothing out ahead of time and try to match it to reflect your mood board. 

Everything You Need to Know About the 2021 Instagram Algorithm Update

Anyone remember when Instagram feed was chronological? Nope, neither do we. The way people interact with each other and with social media is constantly evolving, and therefore the algorithm must evolve with it. New features are constantly being rolled out that may affect the way people interact with a post, and therefore the algorithm has to be updated to reflect that technological change in the product. A good example of this is the ‘save’ button on Instagram that likely just popped up one day without anyone realizing, but it is now an integral part of the 2021 Instagram algorithm change. 

The new Instagram algorithm affects a user’s experience in a few different ways. First, the algorithm dictates the order in which people see posts on their feed. Based on signals that the algorithm detects, certain posts are prioritized, and the ‘most relevant’ content is pushed to the top of people’s feeds. A good follow-up question to that is what constitutes as ‘most relevant’ in 2021? 

The New Order of Importance

‘Likes’ used to be people’s main focus when it came to measuring how well their Instagram posts were doing in terms of engagement. Not anymore! Instagram has made this abundantly clear with the way the algorithm favors specific posts. See below for the new order of importance for Instagram engagement:

  1. Saves

  2. Direct Messages

  3. Comments

  4. Likes

As we said, ‘likes’ are becoming a thing of the past. What this means is that when you post an Instagram, your post is going to be most favored on people’s feed if people are interacting with the post in a more meaningful way, aka through saving the post, sharing the post or by commenting on it. The more users that engage and interact with your post, the more it will be pushed to the top of other people’s feed. 

Using the New Algorithm to Your Advantage

There are some lucrative ways to work with the new algorithm instead of trying to ‘beat’ it.

1. Embrace the Latest Product Features 

It’s important to understand Instagram’s intentions as well as your own. Benefiting Instagram will likely benefit you. What this means is that Instagram is going to roll out new features from time to time, and it is important to embrace those features and utilize them. Instagram will favor posts that use their newest features because they want more people to start using them. If Reels isn’t your favorite new feature, it might be smart to try and use it to benefit your standing in your follower’s feed.

2. Create a Hashtag Strategy

Hashtags are still a meaningful technique for marketing and bringing new eyes to your page. Posts with hashtags receive higher engagement than those without, and therefore your posts will be more favored through the new algorithm.

3. Engage with Your Followers 

The new algorithm also rewards and recognizes engagement levels. If you see that people are commenting on your post, make sure to reply to those comments. Additionally, engage with users who direct message you. Respond to your audience and it will grow.

4. Provide Variety

Don’t only use one of Instagram’s new products, but make sure to use them all. Posting Stories, Reels, IGTVs and going Live will also be recognized by the algorithm. 

As cited above, it is just as important to understand Instagram’s goals as it is to understand your own. The sooner you get on board with the new algorithm, the better your posts will perform and the closer to your goals you’ll get! 

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Different Types of Instagram Hashtags

Instagram hashtags remain a powerful marketing tool that can be leveraged to increase your following and engagement without compromising the power of your photo and caption. It may seem like people no longer pay attention to the hashtag links that live at the end of Instagram posts, but that’s ok because they are not meant to. Hashtags are there as the best way to get new eyes on your Instagram page, land your post on the discovery page, and to build smaller communities on an otherwise vast platform. 

Different Types of Hashtags You Can Use on Instagram 

Hashtags can be used for a variety of purposes on Instagram, and below are a few of the different ways people and brands use hashtags: 

1. Campaign Hashtags   

The campaign hashtag is used as a marketing tactic for companies and businesses to create a slogan that pushes a specific marketing agenda, product release or some kind of seasonal drop. Campaigns typically have a theme associated with them and may look something like, #SpringCleaning, or #NewYearNewMe. Something that pushes your product or whatever you might be marketing will live under the created ‘campaign hashtag,’ and the goal of this particular hashtag is to get as many eyes on your posts as possible within a shorter time period. 

2. Branded Hashtags

Branded Hashtags are going to live with your brand for longer periods of time, because these should be specific to your personal brand and business. This is meant to be unique to you and your personal brand, and people should be able to come to your page and see the hashtag used semi-frequently as you post. 

A branded hashtag could simply be the name of your brand, the name of some type of sub-series you do that is connected to your brand, or it could be some type of marketing slogan. For example, if you are a reality TV star but you also have a podcast, you can use a specific hashtag that is associated with the name of your podcast whenever you post about it, and you may have a different hashtag for the other content that you post. The goal is that over time, your followers will recognize that certain posts pertain to certain aspects of your business, and it could prompt people to begin to use the hashtag to get your attention or to add to their posts about your brand.

3. Community Hashtags

Community hashtags are meant to make the vast world of Instagram feel a little bit smaller and closer to home. These hashtags are meant to connect certain users with a certain area of interest of theirs, or to connect them with places within their communities. An example of a community hashtag can be something like #nychairstylist if you are looking for hairdressers in New York City, or it can be as simple as #hairstylist to look up posts from different hair stylists on Instagram. This is a helpful tool for the everyday user to find whatever it is they are searching for in that moment. 

These are pieces I worked on for a freelance company called ‘Social Me Media’ where I was called on to write about any given subject with merely a prompt, word count, and 24 hours notice (sometimes less). - DG

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