Social media is such an integral part of blogging these days, but it can be so overwhelming. From ever-changing Instagram algorithms to Twitter trends to the best times to post, there is a lot to keep track of. That's why this Saturday, our SIMPLY Session is all about Upping Your Social Media Game. You'll leave this 3-hour session an absolute pro at all things social media!

One of our teachers, fashion blogger Javvy Pirooz, is giving us a sneak peek of what to expect at Saturday's session. Over the years, Javvy has learned how to use each social media platform to further her blog's message.

Keep scrolling to learn more about Javvy and her tips for better Instagram engagement, and don't forget to get your tickets for our social media session!

SIMPLY: Tell us about Savvy Javvy and how it's evolved over the years.
JAVVY: Savvy Javvy is an LA-based fashion, travel and lifestyle blog that highlights the who, what, where and what to wear to any destination. The blog first started as a corporate style blog, as I have worked in the corporate space for most of my career, and has now transitioned to a true depiction of the fast-paced lifestyle I live, juggling both a corporate job, the Savvy Javvy blog, and an overly ambitious social life to maintain sanity!

I am so happy I changed my direction, as I felt pigeon-holed just writing about corporate style, especially since my style tends to evolve dependent on my mood or where I am traveling to. Sometimes I am just a jeans and t-shirt gal with minimal jewelry, while in France I will opt for Parisian chic, La Dolce Vita vibes in Italy, or when I am in NYC I am either in my all black standard uniform or become EXTRA (fashion week) and wear a head-to-toe red monochromatic look, a loud coat and statement earrings.

I provide a lot of behind-the-scenes footage of my life, mainly the un-glamorous real stuff via Instagram stories, and that is where I really am able to connect with my audience. They see me makeup free after a 15 hour flight or dressed up for fashion week or fashion/beauty events in LA and NYC. I love being able to share a full spectrum of what goes on in this blogging world and showing that the hustle is hard, fun, crazy but gratifying.

How do you use social media to further your personal brand?
I use social media to further my brand by reaching new audiences on a daily basis. I use Instagram as a true mood board of what the Savvy Javvy brand is, Pinterest to highlight what inspires us, Facebook to share links to the blog. As mentioned above, I also use Instagram stories to connect with my audience and show them the no-filter version of my life. Being real is attractive, and that is what grows and truly connects with your audience.

Do you have a favorite social media program?
My favorite is Instagram, secondly I love Pinterest and I am growing fond of Facebook as well.

What's your secret to Instagram success?
I break this up into 5 key areas:

Quality content - Hire a photographer or collaborate with one. I am also noticing a trend of un-curated candid shots done on an iPhone. I love mixing these in when I am on the go and unable to bring a photographer with me. I say 60% high quality content is important (especially if brands want to repost you) and 40% real, candid shots.
Be consistent - We all get busy, but you should be posting at least 1-2 a day to stay at the top of your audience's mind
Provide value - Each time you are about to post something, think to yourself: if this was in my feed, would I like it? If not, don’t post it. Don’t just post garbage.
Engage- Everyone on there is posting to receive feedback. So interact with your audience and people in your industry. It is important to build relationships with them. They will respond!
Use the tools provided to you: hashtags, tagging locations, stories (I do 5 story frames a day at least)

How do you make sure to set yourself apart from other bloggers?
I love this question, as I think it is so hard to stay unique in this massive world of creators. There have been SO many times that I have thought I was producing something completely one-of-a-kind, and then I will randomly run across a page in Europe and see a girl who has the same taste and aesthetic as me.

When I first started out I was frustrated since I wanted to stand out, and seeing people’s content that was fairly similar to mine made me feel really un-special. Starting a new business, like a blog, where you really put yourself out there can be so intimidating. HELLO VULNERABILITY! But once I got over that hump, I started to appreciate people who shared the same aesthetic as me. I started following all of them and even became long distance insta-friends with them. I have even met up with them for coffee while I was in their town!

I learned that you don’t need to stand out, you just need to be yourself and produce content you are proud of. Not content that you think is “on-trend” right now just to stay relevant. The minute you start producing content that is ‘YOU’, you will start to grow an audience who starts to connect with who YOU are. Not who you are pretending to be. Trust me, you will feel so great about this.