7 Social Media Tips to Help Create Content
Hey all!! Lizzie here, and I’m so excited to share some of my social media insight and tips to help you create content. Social media has created an incredible platform that allows everyone to express their creativity and talents. Instagram and social media platforms allowed me to create my own modeling portfolio and connect with brands that I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. I'm too short for most agencies, but I didn't let that stop me! To me, modeling is not about how pretty you are or just holding still in front of a camera. It's about creating a vision and bringing life to a captured moment in time. It's through the combined efforts and collaboration of creative individuals to make something come alive and truly make magic. You can read the energy in a photo and can tell when someone pours their emotions into a single frame. When I look back on my journey, I wish I could tell my younger self that I became the role model I wish I had when I was growing up. I was picked on for my ethnicity and just how I looked in general. Instead of letting that negativity harden me, I channeled it into my creative passions and established what I have today. In addition, I am truly grateful for the friendships this journey has gifted me as well as the opportunities! I am forever grateful!
Here’s a little bit about me… I’m a freelance model and a content creator/photographer. I have been doing this on and off for about 8ish years now. I have modeled twice for Aerie (I was in the Camp Aerie campaign and the swim season prior to that). I model and am a brand ambassador for Sun Bum (I did two photoshoots for them, am on two boxes, as well as the website!) I have modeled for various other companies and were part of campaigns that included 4ocean bracelets, Mastercraft boats, Wanderer bracelets, and Sharkbanz just to name a few! Also during that time, I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Biology, A.S. in Chemical Technology, and ADN in Nursing. I currently work in the emergency department as a nurse tech, as well as running this activewear business with my boyfriend (and business partner). I have many passions, and instead of doing one I chose to do them all. Now, I’m so excited to share with you guys some tips and advice for your own journey for creating content and expressing your talents!
Tip #1 ALWAYS stay true to yourself and never feel pressure to exemplify something that you do not resonate with. Be your most authentic self, and everything else will align with you in time.
Tip #2 Lighting makes a HUGE difference. Make sure you have adequate lighting. You do not need studio lights or anything fancy (that can always come later). The sun is your friend! (You will see example photos towards the bottom.) However, do not take photos in direct sunlight because the lighting will be too harsh. It’s more difficult to edit and it will wash out the colors of the photo. Quality content > Quantity of content.
Tip #3 Make sure your pictures are captured in the highest quality possible. When you post a photo or video on an app, the quality tends to go down a tad because the app has to reformat it. The higher the quality, the more beneficial it will be for your posts. Your iPhone will let you know how many megapixels a photo has, the bigger the better. Typically, you want to aim for 18 or more MP. Same with videos, shoot your videos in 4K with 60 fps if possible. I use a DSLR camera, but nowadays your phone can produce super high quality too! The one below is from my iPhone!
Tip #4 Post with intention. Your followers can tell if you’re trying to sell them something, or if you’re pushing a product just because you have to. If you don’t truly love it, then they won’t love it either. Create your own brand, your own story. Let your passions speak for themselves. It's easy to get lost and want to post things for attention (after all, it is social media!) But aim to be your most authentic self, and everything will align for you in time.
Tip #5 Exemplify your style and be here to express! Show off parts of your life that you're proud of and don't be afraid to bring your true personality into the mix. Everyone loves the REAL YOU and all the things that make you the wonderful individual that you are. And have fun with your posts. Don’t feel pressure to do what everybody else is doing or the need to be instantly famous. Remember, social media is not real life but you can share things that you do in everyday life. The important thing is to have fun and just be you! Social media is all about individuality and expressing your creativity.
Tip #6 Unfollow people and pages who don't align with your values or make you question yourself. Filter out the negativity because it's easy to get consumed by it. If a page brings down your self-esteem for whatever reason, find pages that inspire you and ignite the positivity in you. Flood your social media with positivity and that will change your mindset.
Tip #7 Collaborate with others! Work with others who share a creative bond and help lift you up with positivity. Share your positivity and creativity with others too! Remember, celebrating someone else's spotlight won't lessen yours. There are a lot of creatives that you can collaborate with to help build not only your portfolio but others' too! Don't be afraid to reach out to some local talent, they may become some of your lifelong friends!!