How I successfully grew my social media platform

The idea of creating a new social media platform manifested from leaving YouTube but still having that interest and passion for creating content. I knew I had an interest in curly hair and wanted to create something based around it, so I decided to create another platform where it would be easier and more simple to produce more content.

It all started with a simple name 'Curls by Furs', indicating that this profile will be about curly hair. I wanted to focus on the different types of hair, how to take care of it, how to grow it, ways to style it, the best products to use and more.

I began in December 2018 with only 50 followers and remained consistent by constantly uploading and engaging throughout. At first, this was a challenge for me as I'm not a patient nor consistent individual. However, to this today I'm at 2,733 followers which I can say, to me, is a progression and an achievement.

On my blog, I've connected my Instagram page with a preview of the most recent posts on my profile, but here are some videos also present on my Instagram profile:

Here are a few key things I learnt on how to successfully grow a social media platform:

Capture your audience - it's all about them

Be creative - Design your profile with themes and colour schemes to make it aesthetically pleasing to your audience - this will show your efforts towards building your platform.

Be engaging with hashtags - When beginning, using hashtags is one of the best ways to increase your audience. This means using the right hashtags where relevant and at least 30 for each post. Instagram social media influencer, Journi Celine Carr, expressed that “using the right hashtags for the right content helped grow my page! It’s the key to drawing the correct audience to your profile.” Use hashtags that have 10,000 to 1 million posts, that’s how you know they’re the popular ones!

Create a relationship with your audience - Ivette Fuentes, Instagram curly hair influencer thinks “engaging with your audience is very important when growing your platform.” She emphasized that when she first began, she “engaged with those who shared an interest in curly hair by asking questions, taking notes and experimenting.”

Reach out to brands - Once you’ve created some content, tag brands relevant to your subject of interest and try contacting them. If your profile is about beauty and skincare, contact cosmetic companies on Instagram and show them your work.

What is the purpose of a social media platform and why do people create it?

To do what you love

Having a passion is a great feeling and is even greater when you can express it. It gives you a reason to keep learning and working towards your goal. When you’re passionate, it will reflect in your work.

To share knowledge and creativity

Sharing your knowledge and inspiring others is the highlight of showcasing your work, which is something Ivette Fuentes realised. “About a year ago, I noticed my hair wasn’t the same as it used to be. I started to research what had caused the damage,” she tells us. “As I learned more and more, I wanted to share the knowledge with others and felt social media was a great platform to do so.”

To build a portfolio

With all these brilliant ideas, you’d need somewhere to put it! Having a platform, that you and others can easily access, allows you to keep creating your content in the same place. It also tells your audience that this is where it will permanently be.

Where to start?

Identify your passion. Something you naturally find yourself doing. Whether it be writing, photographing, cooking, drawing – understand what it is you love.

Find a niche. Fashion, food and fitness are general themes and aren’t enough of a niche these days. Instead of general ‘fashion’, think of a unique way you could express your idea. Perhaps go on out the streets and do a vox pops of people outfit’s – be creative and inspiring.

Know what it is you’d like to create. If you enjoy writing, it could be a blog. If you like creating videos, it could be a vlog. If you like writing and creating photos and videos, it could be an Instagram profile or a YouTube channel.

Create it. You have to start somewhere, and it is never too late. In this generation, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by so much advanced digital technology that we must use it. Technologies like smartphones, cameras or an iPad are beneficial when creating content.

After speaking to Dave Chapman, a team member at Social Media Management company, Buffer, he suggests a good social media platform would “promote ethical products and services that genuinely improve the lives of their audience.” He then added, “Honesty, transparency and positivity are the traits that would influence me!”

My journey

From an early age, I found enjoyment in using cameras. I would naturally find myself vlogging or taking photographs, showing what I'm doing or where I'm going. At this point, I knew I had an interest in creating content.

After identifying this, I had an urge to present my passion somewhere. So I created a YouTube channel where I would post hair tutorials, vlogs and challenges. I now have an Instagram account focusing on curly hair care, where I post photos and videos with brands and products I use. I post twice or three times a week, reviewing products I love and feel are good for my hair and I enjoy sharing this knowledge.

Currently, I have 2,733 followers with a global audience, mainly from New York, London and Paris. My audience demographic is 80% females and 20% males, predominantly ranging from the ages 18-24 and 25-34.

Follow me at @curlsbyfurs for more