The Pitfalls of Social Media (+ how I am working to overcome)

It’s probably no surprise to you that social media can be extremely detrimental to our mental and emotional health. In the last 6-10 months, I’ve noticed some frightening truths about my personal relationship with social media and how it’s affecting my life, emotions, and mental health. While I’d love to be able to say that I’m not affected by it, I can’t. It’s been eye-opening to see the effects and as the year closes in, I am even more determined to get a handle on it and figure out how to use it in a healthy way. These realizations have been humbling and caused me to really take a moment to look at my actions and how I use social media.

How to Use Instagram for Business Checklist

Business, Free Download, Grow an Online Business, Instagram, Marketing, Online Business, StrategyRachel AlleneJuly 12, 2018Comment

How to Attract Genuine Followers

People drive profits. That’s how it’s always going to be. If you don’t have eyes on your products then you probably won’t sell much. The more eyes you have on your content, the more likely you are to have more readers. The more people who land on your website, the more sales you will have. It’s just how it works.

How to Use Hashtags To Grow Your Business

I remember when hashtags weren’t even a thing. I mean, what does a pound sign have to do with social media? It was pretty confusing at first. At least for me it was. Am I the only one?

Business Advice, Business, Grow an Online Business, Instagram, Online BusinessRachel AlleneFebruary 13, 2018Comment

How To Connect With Influencers to Promote Your Product

I love chatting with other product shop owners about marketing strategies and how to grow an online shop. In the beginning of my business, I was able to tap into some strong marketing strategies that helped grow my Instagram audience and online presence. Which in turn, grew the success of my shop.

6 Mistakes Product-Based Businesses Are Making With Instagram

Let’s face it: Instagram is a money making machine that we (as business owners) can’t live without. If you are a product-based business, you should be on Instagram. You can throw any and all arguments at me and I will still convince you that you need it. It’s is the easiest and cheapest (free!) way to market to your target audience and ideal clients. However, you want to make sure you are using Instagram effectively and efficiently in order to utilize it’s benefits.

Business, Business Advice, Grow an Online Business, Instagram, Marketing, Online Business, Product Shop TipsRachel AlleneNovember 7, 2017Comment

#theheartfeltgrid details

It’s finally here! In February, I launched the first round of #thehearfeltgrid and it went way better than I ever dreamed! I was blown away by how many people were hungry for deeper connections on social media. I was surprised by how people took the challenge to heart and changed the way they were using Instagram.

Business, Grow an Online Business, Instagram, Marketing, Online Business, The Heartfelt GridRachel AlleneOctober 12, 2017Comment

Please Don’t Repost My Picture

I know that this could ruffle some feathers, but I feel this is something that needs to be talked about in the creative community. As an artist and product shop owner, I work VERY hard to create the images in my Instagram feed. I plan product shooting days. I buy props for my photoshoots. I pay my friends to model for me. I buy coffee to brew for the glass coffee mugs. I buy donuts (and try really hard to not eat them). I write out a plan for every single picture I create. I have a checklist. I edit the photos. I export them and upload them to my phone.

Instagram, Business, Business Advice, Marketing, Personal, StrategyRachel AlleneAugust 15, 2017 Comments

Beating the Instagram Algorithm

Let’s face it: Instagram is totally different these days. It makes sense. But still, it’s a bummer. Instagram is a business and they want to make money--can’t blame them--but it cramps our style, right? Well, first off we just need to accept that it’s different and learn to “adapt and overcome” as my husband would say. And second, we also need to learn to put our time and energy into other marketing platforms.

Social Media Check-In

We all know it: social media gives us unrealistic expectations, breeds jealousy and comparison, and contributes to the viral spread of FOMO. You can’t deny it. You can’t argue with it. It’s just the truth. But, I believe, there are ways for us to use these apps in a way that doesn’t compete with our emotional health and positive self-talk. I am just as guilty as the next person for falling into the traps of comparison, FOMO, and unrealistic expectations. I’m not immune. Either are you. But, let’s work together to find some ways to use these apps to do the opposite.

Business, Business Advice, Instagram, Personal, StrategyRachel AlleneAugust 3, 2017 Comments

Five Tips for Styling Instagram Photos

We all love to scroll through our Instagram feeds and double tap the images of cute puppies, colorful macaroons, gorgeous floral arrangements, latte art, and candid photos of our friends. We enjoy sneak peeks into the lives of others, whether it be our best friend or favorite celebrity. As a creative entrepreneur, Instagram is a large part of my business and allows me to connect with an audience from all over the world. I hope that my Instagram feed provides encouragement, honesty, and beauty into the lives of my followers and friends. I thought it would be a fun and useful resource to offer Five Tips for Styling Instagram Photos. Let’s dive right in!

Styling, Strategy, Product Shop Tips, Marketing, InstagramRachel AlleneAugust 1, 2017Comment

Five Confessions of Someone Who is NOT a Workaholic

I hear so many people out there “confessing” about being a workaholic. And every time I hear it, part of me wants to be able to resonate and fully agree with the statement. But the truth is, I don’t fully resonate with it. I want to resonate with it. But I don’t.

Business, Business Advice, Instagram, Marketing, Personal, StrategyRachel AlleneJuly 27, 2017Comment

Revisiting My 2017 Goals

At the beginning of the year, I always write out my goals and choose a word for the year. It’s a way for me to share about where I want to go and it also helps keep me accountable. You can read about that here.

Business, Business Advice, Instagram, Marketing, Product Shop Gurus, StrategyRachel AlleneJuly 25, 2017Comment

Different Ways To Use Hashtags To Grow a Business

I remember when hashtags weren’t even a thing. I mean, what does a pound sign have to do with social media? It was pretty confusing at first. At least for me it was. Am I the only one?

Instagram, Marketing, Business Advice, Business, Product Shop Tips, StrategyRachel AlleneMay 11, 2017Comment

Join the Instagram Authenticity Masterclass!

I can't tell you how many emails and messages I receive asking about how to grow an Instagram account. I can't tell you how many people tell me they want to stand out and hate the endless scrolling and liking and "follow for follow." I've heard it all. Have you felt this way?

Instagram, Strategy, Business, MarketingRachel AlleneMarch 21, 2017instagram, marketing, instagram authenticity, services, masterclass, online classComment

The Magic of Instagram Stories

Are you an Instagram Stories fan? I am. So, let's talk about their magic.

If you really knew me, you would know that I am someone who loves efficiency. I love to strategize and figure out the fastest route to a dinner party or best route for our errands. I love choosing methods or systems that accomplish multiple items on my to-do list at once. I love using apps or programs that can combine multiple aspects of my business in order to achieve diverse goals. Let me explain.

Strategy, Business, InstagramRachel AlleneJanuary 5, 2017Comment