Jaharn Giles is the gal behind Mister Weekender – a travel blog and brand that makes us want to buy an Akubra, swim in tranquil blue oceans and ride off into the pinkest of sunsets
Working with other photographers is amazing because I’ll give them my ideas for the shot, they’ll take the photo but then take a few extra themselves, which is really nice and brings the collaboration spirit to the adventure.
1. So, first up. Your instagram account is out of control. It’s full of these incredible adventure shots and rustic landscapes – do you carefully plan your instagramming? Or does is happen in a more organic way?
Thank you! I definitely plan my posts to a certain extent but I don’t make it a rule. I just like to make sure similar photos aren’t placed too close to each other, such as a sunset next to a sunset, and that there is consistency with editing and lighting.
2. Your social media growth has been incredible – with over 70k followers on instagram, we can safely say you’re dominating it over there. Can you give us your 3 top tips for growth and engagement on Instagram? And 1 tip for something that absolutely does not work?
- Consistent lighting and editing is king
- Show your community how grateful you are by replying to all of their questions and comments
- Knowing what days and what time to post is really important
3. How do you cope with social media over load? You must be on social media quite consistently through out the day – what systems do you have in place to take breaks? Or do you not ever take breaks?
Surprisingly, I’m not. Over time I have learned to be really relaxed about it all; I used to post two sometimes three photos a day but I now share about three photos a week. Scheduling tools such as Schedugram are great for switching off and being present. There is nothing worse than interrupting a family dinner because you have to post a photo on Instagram.
Working with other photographers is amazing because I’ll give them my ideas for the shot, they’ll take the photo but then take a few extra themselves, which is really nice and brings the collaboration spirit to the adventure.
4. What are your predictions for instagram trends in the coming months? Any tips for what our readers should be concentrating on? Also what do you think of instagram stories? Are you into it?
As Instagram is owned by Facebook, you can expect it to be somewhat similar, and it’s already started – algorithms, advertising. With regards to Instagram Stories, I think it’s a smart move on their behalf because people have worked hard over the years to grow their communities. So it means they don’t have to work hard to create another engaged audience on Snapchat. However, Snapchat is widely used by millennials, so if your product or service is geared towards this customer, you need to get on it now.
I used to post two sometimes three photos a day but I now share about three photos a week. Scheduling tools such as Schedugram are great for switching off and being present. There is nothing worse than interrupting a family dinner because you have to post a photo on Instagram.
5. If you were going to give advice to someone starting on Instagram or Facebook right now, what advice would you give them?
Don’t start a Facebook Page, you have to pay to get noticed. Start a Facebook Group and make it private. It seems to have escaped Facebook’s algorithm and rules, for now. Instagram isn’t going anywhere but you need to have beautiful images, create a consistent content plan, communicate with your tribe and know when to post.
Want more? Click here to read the rest of this interview with Jaharn Giles in issue 5 of the Secret Bloggers’ Business Magazine.
