• Blog
    • In the Home
    • Shop
    • Projects
    • In the Kitchen
    • Lifestyle
    • Design Work
    • Wedding
  • Shop
    • Shop my Home
      • Living Room
      • Bedroom
      • Office
      • Sitting Room
      • Entry
      • Outdoor Spaces
      • Nursery
      • Powder Room
      • Kitchen
      • Dining Room
    • Shop my Outfits
    • Shop Instagram
    • Where I Shop
    • Amazon Shop
    • Presets
    • Design Boards
    • Splurge or Save
  • Services
    • Interior E-Design & Styling
    • Branding & Design
    • Content Creation
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Contact

Meg Leonard | Design & Lifestyle Co.

Lifestyle

5 Tips to Start & Grow an Authentic Following

May 23, 2021

I’m coming up on my 3 year mark of starting Meg Leonard Co., which has been a ride full of many highs & lows and lessons learned along the way. I’m happy to share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and my overall honest opinion on how to start, grow and maintain an authentic following. So, let’s get to it!

 

1. Find your Why

I’ve mentioned this in the past, but this should be the first step of starting anything. I think a misconception of being a “creator”/”influencer”/”blogger” is that we do this solely to have that title or attention, or aspire to be just that. Sure, it could be for some, but really we are here to share our why in hopes that it can inspire and better the lives of others. So, when I say find your why – why are you starting an account about XYZ? Why does this matter to you and to others? From there, is it you? Is it unique? Is it genuine? Really spelling out and establishing your niche is what will set you apart and organically pull people in. There are so many carbon copy accounts that start to all blend together, but if you can identify what sets you apart from the wider net, you’ll not only stand out, but help yourself better understand what your focus is.

So, define your category and then drill down your focus – for me, it’s: 

  • Home:
    • Affordable Home Decor
    • Styling Tips & DIY
    • Casual, Simple Style with a focus on Modern Vintage
    • Overall Happy Lifestyle

Focusing on these points lead me to my overall positioning & focus: Attainable, Simple Style for the Happy Home.

Sometimes, people try to be a little bit of everything, which is a great way to explore your passion and see what resonates – but eventually, finding your why organically creates a specific audience that can instantly connect and understand what you are providing. 

 

2. Establish Consistent, Thoughtful Branding

This is something a lot of people gloss over that will pay off in the long run. At the same time, you do not need to go overboard. Knowing your why, visualize your account and create an aesthetic to project that, consistently. 

Create a Logo

Whether its a quick typeface or if you hire someone to create a suite of branding, this is important. You may grow quickly and need to have everything ready to go to look as legit as you are. From consistent typography, color palette and language – this is something I can help with, so please reach out to me if you are looking for affordable branding! 

Create an Aesthetic

This is something you hear all the time, but more specifically about your feed. Yes, it is important to have a consistent aesthetic but you don’t need to hyperfocus on it. Here are my tips:

  • Consistently edit your photos: You can read more about this here, but having a consistent look in terms of coloring, lighting, and level of clarity will begin to resonate with your audience as you. Presets are a quick, easy way to achieve this without the headache. You can shop my pack of 17 presets for desktop & mobile at just $35 here. K, I’m done with the self-plugs.
  • Within your photos, set a style that becomes a signature look. This doesn’t mean to repeat yourself, but think about how you photograph elements of your home, yourself, your pet – for example 😉
  • Be consistent in stories: Using the same color palette, templates, and fonts to create a familiar experience. 

 

3. Provide Value

Now that you have found your why, it’s important to provide a true value to your audience. Be intentional with every post. Are you trying to share tips, a product, project positivity? There are many accounts out there that just repost inspiration from other homes or constantly share others for clout – do you really want that for the sake of getting numbers? I don’t say this to knock people, but to cause you to pause and not get caught up in some tactics that create an influx of people that aren’t organically interested in you.

Be mindful of

Think about the balance of how much you are sharing other accounts, doing giveaways, “follow for follow” or follow loop posts. These can be very successful if you pair up with like-minded or industry accounts, and are strategic with timing, but is a fine line to balance. The last thing you want is to do weekly loop posts, a giveaway, and story shares daily. Not only will you constantly stress over your follow count, but ultimately feel like shit because your followers don’t actually engage on each post because the intention of following you was not organic. It’s a dangerous cycle. It’s better to have 1,000 followers with 700 that organically want to be there and engage, than have 10,000 and only 100 interact.

When I stopped worrying about my numbers and writing thoughtful, consistent content – that is when I saw my fastest, genuine growth and I have not looked back.

If you feel like this was you in the past, or that your engagement is low, go through your account and use the remove follower tool to delete bots or spam accounts. There is also a tool that shows “least interacted with”. This may sound a little crazy, but at the least – get rid of the spam followers! This will create an authentic community that will make you feel valued and inspire you to feel good about your account.

 

Do engage, naturally

Now that I’ve shared what to be mindful of, it’s also important to not post and run. These all may sound obvious, but are key strategies to start, grow and maintain an authentic audience. Here is what I do on a weekly basis:

  • Comment back to everyone
  • Comment on others posts here & there to leave a trail
  • Follow relevant hashtags so that new & different posts appear in your timeline. This extends your reach!
  • Find new, inspiring accounts to share. I organically share via stories – keep them off your feed to not mislead your following.
  • Play with hashtags in your post. Watch the analytics to see if it does well within it – this is the way I get the most exposure. IG boosts it to the top tab.

 

4. Monetize your Brand

All of what I mentioned above takes time and exploration to get to. But, you’ll feel a point where you’re ready to start profiting from your efforts. At about 1,000 followers I created this blog and applied for rewardStyle, a platform that allows you to earn commission from retailers when a customer purchases from your linked posts. This is at no cost to the customer. You can utilize both their app and website platforms to create links to products within your blog posts and stories (if you have swipe up). 

Utilize other platforms to connect with brands like AspireIQ and join their affiliate programs to utilize commissionable ads on your blog. I can refer you to all these programs, so please reach out to me if interested!

You can also monetize through brand partnerships. Working with a brand to promote their products through gifting (product for free, in exchange for a post) or also a paid post (your determined rate for an exchange of posts and/or # of images). Brands will often reach out, but you should also feel encouraged to reach out to them! Message them with your overall summary, stats, and why you’d like to partner so they understand the value you bring.

Lastly, create products to grow your brand! Take your passions and profit from them. I recently scaled to share my presets after such a high demand and I feel so much joy from it. I also have bigger plans very soon!!

Tools I use

Here is the suite of tools I use to perform any and all blog related tasks:

  • Google Suite: I use docs and sheets to share content, blog post outlines, etc. with brands. I also use sheets to organize finances.
  • Asana: I organize all of my content planning within this task management tool. I’m able to set dates, move items around, create sub tasks for each post and even paste in my captions for easy upload. The free version will cover it for this type of work!
  • WordPress: This is a content management platform that my blog is made on. I use Siteground for hosting. 
  • Unfold: This is how I create all of my Instagram story templates. There is a free version!
  • Adobe Photoshop: I edit photos, create Pinterest and Blog graphics, my design boards, and more using this cloud software.
  • Adobe Lightroom: This is how I edit my photos. You can read all about it here.
  • Airdrop: This is a huge time saver for me. I constantly airdrop my graphics and photos between my laptop and mobile to reduce storage and duplicative images.
  • Google Drive: I house all of my photos and graphics here, organized by project and month.
  • Camera: I utilize a DSLR camera here and my iPhone for all photos.

 

5. Show up

Lastly, but importantly, set an expectation with your followers. Do they expect to see you daily? What do they expect to hear from you? How do you share? Figuring out your cadence not only sets an expectation for them, but helps you plan ahead and feel more prepared about your overall account.

For me, I intentionally don’t talk to the camera or share my personal life to preserve that level of privacy. However, I have clear the expectation that I am sharing something of value daily, and that people can expect a variety of tips, how-tos, sales, or brand partnerships through direct and pleasing imagery & graphics. 

This all sounds obvious, but is one of the most important pieces to grow and maintain your authentic following.

 

Best of luck! Any questions? Ask below!

 

Pin this Post for Later:

 

0 Comments
Share

You May Also Like

Meg Leonard Co. is One!

June 10, 2019

Q&A: How “Influencing” Works & Best Practices To Follow

September 15, 2020

8 Tips to Balance a Full Time Job and a Side Business

January 10, 2023

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Previous Post
TJX Weekly Finds: 5/20
Next Post
Unique Etsy Shops: VI

Categories

  • Design Work
  • In the Home
  • In the Kitchen
  • Lifestyle
  • Projects
  • Shop
  • Wedding
behind the brand
Meet Meg

Meet Meg

I'm so happy you're here! With a high-taste design eye & a love of affordable finds, my goal is to help you achieve attainable, simple style to create a happy home. By day, I'm lucky to work with brands to foster their growth. Let's chat!

favorite retailers

Where I Shop

Brooke & Lou

Etsy

H&M Home

Pottery Barn

McGee & Co.

Overstock

Target

Terrain

Wayfair

World Market

Amazon Shop

Presets

Frequently Asked Questions

The MLCO Playlist

The ultimate playlist for a happy home, updated monthly – follow along!

From a chic baby travel bag to a shower glass scru From a chic baby travel bag to a shower glass scrubber, I’m sharing aesthetically pleasing functional favorites as of late over on the blog. Head to stories to shop a few items I’m loving at the moment!
•
Shop my nursery and much more from the link in bio, too! Message me with any questions.
•
•
•
Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4aLCi baby nursery, blue wallpaper, white crib, glider, neutral loloi rug, soft rug, Roman shades, nursery design, nursery decor, woven hamper, crib skirt, gender neutral nursery, calm nursery, pouf, brass mirror, nursery shelf decor, changing table, woven changing basket, rabbit mobile, baby mobile, hutch
#nursery #nurserydecor #nurseryinspo #nurserydesign #nurseryinspiration #babyroomdecor #babyroom #neutralnursery #genderneutralnursery #homedecor #wallpaperwednesday #homedesign #potterybarn #glider #crib  Shelf decor
2023 Projects List ✨ On the blog, I’m sharing 2023 Projects List ✨ On the blog, I’m sharing what projects we hope to accomplish after taking some time off following a big renovation & soaking up newborn life. Head to the blog to see what’s to come! Will we do it all? Only time will tell…stick with us 😉
•
•
•
#homerenovation #homebeforeandafter #renovationjourney #fixerupper #diyrenovation #diyremodel #homeremodel #homestyling #homedecor
Sunday scenes after an active weekend ✨ In case Sunday scenes after an active weekend ✨ In case you missed it, catch up on the week over on stories. Thanks for being here 🤍
•
You can also shop my entire home, inquire about design services, read the blog and much more all from the link in bio. Message me with any questions!
•
•
•
hallway decor, entry decor, console decor, vintage console, table styling, home decor, simple home decor, neutral decor, arch mirror, spring summer florals, faux hydrangeas, lamp, round rug, loloi rug, affordable home decor 

Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4aHhz
Kicking off the weekend with the idea of reading i Kicking off the weekend with the idea of reading in this corner, but the reality of the outdoors calling my name 🙃 On the blog, the latest affordable new arrivals and sales from top retailers are live! Easily shop to furnish your spaces at a discount via the link in bio.
•
•
•
Neutral rug, target home, Pleated wall sconce, pleated light, sitting room Gold battery operated picture lights, simple home decor, amazon home decor, simple home style Wood bowl, shelf decor, shelf design, shelf styling, decor accents, decorative objects, decorative box, lidded bin, woven basket, faux plant, paper mache bowl, target finds, home style, blue shelves  #shelfdecor #openshelves #whiteandwood #homedecor #flashesofdelight #smpliving #neutraldecor #makehomematter #makehomeyours #hygge #hyggehome #currenthomeview #bhghome #simplehomestyle #cozyhome #countrystylemag #howihaven #pocketofmyhome #interiorismo #apartmenttherapy #shelfiedecor #shelfstyle #shelfstyling #bookcasestyling #shelfiesunday #bluepaint #shelfstylingideas #shelfinspo floral pillow cover, coastal decor, coastal grandmother style, blue home decor, home gift idea

Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4aBY3
Decor Edit: Faux Florals ✨ • Investing in good Decor Edit: Faux Florals ✨
•
Investing in good, faux florals has become extremely worth it to me! You're more likely to use them year over year, room to room vs. ones you tried to save a little on. There are so many real touch, decently priced options out there now and I've rounded up a few of my favorites, including many that I own! Shop from a variety of styles, shapes and price points to complete your space today at the link in bio.
•
•
•

Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKSeasonal
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4annR #entrywaydecor #entrywaydesign #consoletable #consoletabledecor #consoletablestyling #hallwaydecor #hallwaydesign #springhomedecor #summerhomedecor #fauxflowers #fauxflorals #neutralhomedecor #modernvintage 

Spring faux florals, faux stems, summer flowers, flower arrangement, white flowers Lamp hack, magic light, amazon finds, home decor hack, entry styling Decorative ceramic bowl, arch mirror, vintage wood console, vintage wood entry table, console decor, decor books, brass mirror, table styling, affordable home decor, round entry rug, loloi rug, small lamp, round lamp, staircase landing decor, spring decor, dried stems, marble tray, spring
Back to work ✨ Reflecting on all the change that Back to work ✨ Reflecting on all the change that May brought & whats to come over on the blog. Head to the link in bio to catch up on all things shared! Thanks for being here 🤍
•
•
•

Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4alNn  #homesofmaryland #smmakelifebeautiful #showmeyourstyled #inspotoyourhome #apartmenttherapy #myhyggehome #mylovelyneutrals  #homeoffice #homeofficedecor #homeofficedesign #homeofficegoals #homeofficeinspo  #woodsandwhites #cozyhome #consoletablestyling #pocketofmyhome #simplehomestyle #smpliving #homedecor #consoledecor #sideboardstyling #consoletablestyling #consoletabledecor #targethome #targethomedecor #deskdecor #deskstyling #deskinspo 
Home office, desk decor, desk storage, console, work from home, working mom, working parent, small business owner

 

  • Blog
  • Shop
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2023 • Meg Leonard Co.

 

Loading Comments...