#lightroom recipe

[the--chaos]

🤍 cupcakes are a love letter to the heart

[ainfinity]

[goldustphoto]

[m0untainxz]

olá, vi que algumas pessoas pediram pra eu liberar a receita/efeito que eu uso na maioria dos meus moodboard's. Para quem não tem o celular compatível com o polarr, não se preocupe, pois tem como utilizar a receita pelo lightroom. ♡☺️

Hello, I saw that some people asked me to release the recipe/effect that I use in most of my moodboard's. For those who don't have a polarr-compatible cell phone, don't worry, you can use the recipe in lightroom. ♡☺️

[im-just-noelfid]

Is Blogging Still Relevant in the Age of Tiktoks and Instagram?

You might be wondering if blogging still holds its ground with the rise of TikTok and Instagram. The answer is a certainly yes! While these platforms are fantastic for quick, eye-catching content, blogs offer a special space for diving deep into topics. They allow for rich storytelling, comprehensive guides, and a personal touch that helps foster community and build trust. Many readers still seek out blogs for detailed insights and tutorials that shorter formats can’t provide. Plus, a well-crafted blog can drive traffic to your social media profiles, enhancing your overall online presence. In this ever-evolving digital landscape, blogging remains a powerful and relevant tool!

About Instagram

Since its 2010 launch, Instagram quickly gained popularity, now boasting over one billion active users. While many content creators favor Instagram's visual appeal and immediacy, its limitations, such as non-clickable links, hinder blog promotion. As Instagram evolved into a hub for curated content, it has overshadowed traditional blogging, leading some bloggers to transition entirely to the platform. However, the depth and engagement of well-crafted blog posts remain unmatched by shorter social media formats.

Instagram User Growth from 2013 to Present

About TikToks

In the first quarter of 2019, TikTok was the most downloaded app from Apple’s iOS App Store, rapidly gaining widespread popularity. Its influence has even extended to Instagram, where numerous food posts feature popular "TikTok recipes," such as baked oats and feta pasta. Additionally, Instagram Reels appear to draw inspiration from TikTok, and the platform tends to prioritize accounts that utilize this feature. While achieving growth on Instagram can be difficult, TikTok's algorithm allows users to go viral regardless of their follower count, highlighting a key difference between the two platforms.

Tiktok’s Exploasive Growth from Launch to 2024

Why Were These Platforms were Acknowledged by Most Society

Joining platforms like Instagram and TikTok is straightforward. Users simply sign up and begin publishing content without the complexities associated with traditional blogging. There is no need to manage a DNS server, purchase a domain, pay for hosting, or install software like WordPress. Additionally, users do not have to navigate themes or widgets. All that is required is a mobile phone, which allows for easy photo editing with applications like Lightroom and VSCO, enabling the creation of a visually appealing Instagram feed. TikTok similarly simplifies the video editing process within the app, eliminating the need for advanced software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe’s suite.

Furthermore, Instagram and TikTok offer the potential to reach a vast audience. As Valentina Chirico notes, every influencer seeks to expand their reach, and both platforms provide opportunities to present content to millions. The audience is already present; creators only need to ensure their content is visible. In contrast, blogging often requires significant effort to build an audience, especially if one is not already prominent on search engines like Google or Pinterest. Blogging typically revolves around long-form content, which can be at odds with the fast-paced consumption habits of today’s mobile users who prefer quick, engaging posts. Consequently, brands are increasingly inclined to collaborate with Instagram and TikTok influencers, sometimes overlooking traditional bloggers, which can lead to frustration for those who feel well-suited for such opportunities.

Is Blogging Entirely “Dead”?

Despite predictions that blogging may decline due to the rise of social media, I firmly believe blogging remains relevant. While the audience and consumption methods are changing, with a greater focus on problem-solving content and SEO-driven traffic, blogs continue to thrive as part of a broader content marketing strategy. Additionally, blogs provide greater control and security compared to social media platforms, where accounts can be banned or deleted. Personally, blogging remains a full-time, profitable venture, proving its continued value.

Will Blog Still Exist?

Despite predictions that blogging may decline due to the rise of social media, I firmly believe blogging remains relevant. While the audience and consumption methods are changing, with a greater focus on problem-solving content and SEO-driven traffic, blogs continue to thrive as part of a broader content marketing strategy. Additionally, blogs provide greater control and security compared to social media platforms, where accounts can be banned or deleted. Personally, blogging remains a full-time, profitable venture, proving its continued value.

How Will Blog Change Towards The Future

Blogs somehow will find it’s way to change in several ways. As generative AI gains popularity, storytelling will take on greater significance. Blogs will evolve into tools for building personal brands, making it more challenging to stand out. Ultimately, blogs are likely to shift into digital publishing enterprises.

Corinne (2021). “Is Blogging Dead? The Rise of Instagram and TikTok”. Skinnedcartree, April 9, 2021. https://skinnedcartree.com/2021/04/is-blogging-dead-the-rise-of-instagram-and-tiktok.html.

Michiel Heijmans (2021). “The Future of Blogging in a Video-Obsessed World”. Yoast, June 3, 2021. https://yoast.com/the-future-of-blogging-in-a-video-obsessed-world/.

Oskar Mortensen (2024 n.d.). “How Many Users on Instagram? Statistics & Facts”. SEO.ai, April 24, 2024. https://seo.ai/blog/how-many-users-on-instagram.

Oskar Mortensen (2024 n.d.). “How Many Users on TikTok? Statistics & Facts”. SEO.ai, February 2024. https://seo.ai/blog/how-many-users-on-tiktok.

[inwintersolitude]

- July 20th 2023 -

Do you think you could handle a job in the medical field? Why or why not? I think I would do well in a medical research type of job. But I'd never want any sort of patient-facing role, I'm not a very people-oriented kind of person.

Would you rather edit photos on your phone or computer? I have Lightroom on both my phone and my laptop and I like them both the same.

What is one electronic device you own that you have not used in a long time? My Kindle. I actually kind of forgot I even had it until I was thinking of an answer to this question.

What is one thing you are currently behind on? Housework. My Granddad passed away a few days ago and I've been too heartbroken to really do anything other than mope around. I'm just taking things day by day right now.

When was the last time you wore a dress or a skirt? I wore a skirt last Friday to the birthday party that my brother and sister-in-law threw for my husband.

When was the last time you had a migraine? Thankfully it's been a while. Maybe like a month?

What is your favorite thing about Instagram? I just like the format of the platform. It's great for all sorts of different type of photo-based content. I use it for mostly nature photography and some photos of just day-to-day life, but I also like all the recipe pages, home decor pages, and I follow a ton of parrot-related pages too.

When was the last time you wore a flower in your hair? Maybe as a kid, if ever?

List three words to describe yourself using the first letter of your middle name. Mellow, mathematically-inclined, methodical.

Have you ever had a friend with the same middle name as you? Not my current middle name, because that's my maiden surname which is kind of rare and not even a given name in the first place. But my middle name used to be Elizabeth, and I do think I had a few friends growing up who had the same middle name.

What color was your locker in high school? Blue? I think?

How many framed pictures of you and a family member or friend can you see from where you're sitting right now? Two.

What is the first thing you think of when you see the rainbow emoji? 🌈 Rainbows..?

When was the last time you got a new pair of glasses? A little over a year ago.

Do you prefer to play chess or checkers? Either.

What color was your first cell phone? Light silver.

Do you remember when smartphones were a new thing that had just come out, and only rich people had them? I definitely remember when smartphones were new, but they weren't really a "rich people only" sort of thing. The very first iPhone was $599, you don't need to be wealthy to afford that.

If you could choose to have been born in a different month, which month would you choose to be born in, and why? I'm fine with my January birthday, I just wish it wasn't in the very first week of January. It gets overshadowed by Christmas and New Years.

….and which month were you actually born in? January.

Does your first name rhyme with anything? (If so, what?) Belly. lol

Have you ever met anyone who didn't like the color blue? I'm not sure.

What color was the last pill you took? White.

How often do you use emojis? Every now and then.

When was the last time you took a selfie? According to my cameral roll… a little over a week ago. I've been taking periodic selfies to track how well my new skincare products are working at fading hyperpigmentation.

How many E's are in your full name? 3.

What is the first letter of the name of the street you grew up on? A. Well, that's the street I lived on the longest. I lived there from ages 6-18.

Which decade were you born in? 90s, barely. My due date was on one of the last days of 1989 but apparently I didn't want to come out. 😂

Who was the last friend of yours to have a birthday? My husband (and best friend) just had his birthday a week ago.

Are you looking forward to your next birthday? Why or why not? 🥳 I guess. I don't feel any certain way about it.

When was the last time you blew up a balloon? I don't remember. It's been years.

If you had to go an entire week without using any technology, what do you think you would spend most of your time doing instead? Reading books. Cooking. Hiking. Going out to restaurants. Playing with my birds. Spending time with relatives. All of which I already do.

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word "mast"? Ships.

Where is the weirdest place you've ever slept? In the cockpit of a small 2-seat airplane, while flying over Indiana/Ohio LOL. My husband (boyfriend at the time) and I were copilots on our university's competitive flying team and we were ferrying one of the planes back from a national-level competition. I needed a short nap so he took the controls for a little while.

Would you rather travel to Asia or France? Well, Asia is the world's largest continent! So it would totally depend on what part of Asia. I've always wanted to go to Bhutan, I'd rather go there than to France. But I'd rather go to France than, say, Myanmar… or Afghanistan… or Bangladesh.

What is something new that you've learned recently, that you didn't know before? I'm sure there are plenty of little info tidbits I've learned recently, but I can't think of anything specific right now.

[memorycard83]

Digital photography & me

The way I feel about digital photography has changed a lot throughout the years. At first I thought photography was blurry backgrounds, sharp images, no imperfections, and that everything had to be perfect. I feel like a lot of the time I had good ideas that I did not like because of the fact it looked nothing like the others photography I have seen before on the internet.

It took awhile to figure out what style I wanted to pursue with photography. From 2013-2015 I had already liked my style of just using my phone and content with the focal length the phone camera had to offer, it was a cheap samsung phone I never figured out the name of. I never really liked iphones so I didn't get the chance to see if using those would've enhanced my photography in any way.

During those times of using a phone for photography, I personally had a lot of fun just taking random images and figuring out how to compose shots for my eye before understanding what exactly is composition and how to make photos look better for everyone and not just me. Those images from 2013-2015 still hold up to this day in my honest opinion now that people appreciate low-quality photos from a camera or a digicam.

After being able to get my hands on a digital camera thanks to a good friend of mine named Jordan, I started to realize there was a lot to learn with photography instead of just pointing and shooting likeI would on my phone. The camera was a Canon 60D mark ii with a stock lens. Jordan thought it was about time I took my photography to the next level and I felt the same way with how I was basically making a photo journal with my instagram.

It was a lot to figure out because photography was no longer a simple point and shoot type of game, though there is ways to make it a point and shoot type of game by switching the camera to program mode. It wasn't really that difficult to learn but for the most part I spent a lot of time just messing with one setting at a time and that was ISO which I would love to explain, but right now is really not the time to explain how cameras operate.

Although I had little to no clue what I was doing with the camera at first, a lot of people really liked the photos I took at that time. However, there was just something about the images that I didn't like, but now that I'm older and I guess more experienced, I know what exactly could've made the photos more appealing for me. Even then I do love seeing how I approached photography back when I didn't know much. It was a lot of just "I like what I'm looking at, let me take a picture of it".

I wasn't too much of a fan of how people online approached photography for some reason. Well, not for some reason, it all felt like it was the same recipe. A lot of it took place in PS or LR (photoshop/lightroom). Though now I realize there are definitely photos that need photoshop or lightroom, especially if those photos were to appear on websites or advertisements. At the same time, I don't think I was following the right people showing me the type of photography I wanted to pursue. Had I followed the right people I probably would've perfected my style. Despite the fact my photos were for the most part unedited and raw, I liked a lot of them even though I can understand how it isn't something that most people would consider "digital photography".

It wasn't until sometime in 2018 I decided to try a new camera, a mirrorless camera, the Panasonic G9. This camera had to be the best beginner friendly camera ever that actually helped me learn a lot about photography just by using the camera. At this point I had stopped using my phone for photography and only the Panasonic G9.

Throughout 2018 I was taking a lot of pictures of just about everything I could see and bought/read some books about photography, but not digital photography, film photography. I had also began to watch a lot movies, I didn't really see a lot of movies growing up especially slow pace artsy movies. A lot of the influence for my photography in 2018 would be from the movies I saw around that time.

As time went on I began to realize something about cameras I hadn't bothered to look up before, it had to do with camera sensors and that all cameras are equipped with different sensors, 1/4 inch sensors, M4/3 sensors, APSC sensors, Full frame sensors, and Medium format sensors. There's a lot of them but those are the ones most camera users are pretty familiar with. I had learned that the Panasonic G9 was equipped with a M4/3 sensor and because of that, it made some images not look anything close to cameras with a Full frame sensor. The Canon 60D mark ii was equipped with a APSC sensor, which by any means was not bad. It started to make sense why a lot of pictures didn't bring me the satisfaction I was looking for in photography.

In 2019 I finally got my hands on Full frame sensor, the Sony a7rii. I had watched a lot of youtube videos explaining the key differences in images between the sensor sizes of a Full frame camera and a M4/3 camera, as well as APSC. A lot of the time I believed what people online would say about M4/3 and APSC which is they are not good enough for photography or video because the sensor is not as big as the Full frame. The dynamic range of the smaller sensors weren't as good as the Full frame sensor and the images from smaller sensors do not deliver a 3D pop that Full frame sensors can create.

Through 2019 to 2020 I used the Panasonic G9 and the Sony A7rii, realizing small things that make one sensor better than the other. In my experiences I realized it's pretty complex trying to explain why you might want to use this or that camera because it had a bigger or smaller sensor. I began to realize it wasn't necessarily the sensors fault, anymore but the millimeter of the lens equipped with the sensor, though I do think the sensor can be a problem too, but thats is a whole different topic that isn't worth getting into which relates to "crop factor". What people don't talk about with crop factor is how some lenses can benefit from a smaller sensor.

During 2021 I had wanted to take a break from photography for good because I didn't have much desire to keep taking pictures compared to earlier years, whether it was with a phone or real camera that would weight me down as I casually go on my photowalks. Not only that I had stopped watching movies as often as I used to back in 2018-2020. I had made something on my own in my own terms but it was never completed because it was all suppose to be done between the hours of 2am-5am where the streets were empty and quiet. I had started working morning shifts and so I quickly gave up on the idea. Not only that, nothing was really written out, just winging it and embracing slow pace artsy movies that have little to no plot.

It wasn't until the end of 2021 where I met my friend Giselle who was very much into movies, but had watched way more movies than me since they had been watching they were a child. It spoke to me meeting someone else passionate in the desire to create something or having a plot in their mind. So after a few months I had bought a new camera, the Panasonic Lumix S1H. It was basically the best affordable cinema camera with really good lowlight capabilities and video codec, making it to be perhaps the best camera I'll probably ever own and the last camera I'll ever purchase.

As time went on and going into 2022, I started to realize photography was going in a new direction and I was focused on videos not because of reels or tiktok but because I wanted to create whatever I could with the camera I had just bought which also turned out being able to take great images. Ended up using the Lumix S1H for filming my friends performing music which ended up being a great idea because I realized I also have a style with filming people perform music, or just have a desire to simply film people performing music.

Around that time I also started to look into compact cameras, I had previously purchased one back in December of 2021, the Pentax optio 230. I had only purchase this camera because I really wanted a camera with a CCD sensor, even if that sensor was going to be old and 1/4 inch sensor. I liked the camera too because it uses double A batteries and I have some that are rechargeable so it all works out. The only thing missing was having a cardreader for the camera, it uses old compactflash cards that aren't really that easy to find adapters for.

It wasn't until 2023 where I decided to buy a compactflash card reader for the camera and it was pretty awkward timing because everyone is really into digicams now. Which is good and bad, bad because the prices of those cameras are now going too high. Good because this means I can go back to shooting pictures with a camera I can carry all the time and everywhere. Nobody cares about composition that much, what settings are used, or what lens etc. It's almost like going back to using my phone basically. It's a not the greatest camera or fastest camera but I love how it looks and operates.

This year I'm planning on taking pictures everyday and just stay keeping myself creating or just doing something I love. I don't care much about photography like I used to and I don't really care about what gear people use anymore because I used a lot of em and I've realized I know what works for me, and it's not a 3000 dollar camera with expensive lenses.

[graphypixllc]

Food Social Media Post Design: A Comprehensive Guide to Mouth-Watering Visuals

Food speaks to everyone. It arouses feelings, starts discussions, and forges memories. Social media platforms serve as a virtual table for food enterprises, bloggers, and aficionados to display their culinary masterpieces in the current digital era. The key to making an impression in this crowded area? Outstanding design for food-related social media posts.

The subtleties of producing visually appealing and captivating culinary social media posts will be covered in this book. From platform-specific advice to design principles, you’ll learn how to create posts that not only look nice but also increase engagement and conversions.

Why Food Social Media Design Matters

Social media is mostly a visual platform. Because the food niche is dominated by sites like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, a visually appealing post can determine whether someone scrolls past or pauses to swoon over a picture. This is why design is so important:

First Impressions:��Users spend less than 3 seconds deciding whether to engage with a post. An appealing design hooks them instantly.

Brand Identity: Consistent and well-designed posts build brand recognition and loyalty.

Engagement: Posts with compelling visuals get more likes, comments, and shares, increasing reach and visibility.

Sales: For food businesses, mouth-watering designs can lead to direct sales, as users are enticed to try the featured dish or product.

Key Elements of Food Social Media Post Design

High-Quality Images

Food photography is the foundation of a great post. Use natural lighting, a clean background, and a high-resolution camera or smartphone.

Showcase texture, colors, and freshness. For example, a glossy drizzle of chocolate or steam rising from a hot cup of coffee can evoke a sensory experience.

2. Color Psychology

Colors influence emotions and appetite. Warm tones like red and yellow stimulate hunger, while green suggests health and freshness.

Maintain a cohesive color palette that aligns with your brand’s theme.

3. Typography

Use fonts that are legible and complement your design. For example, script fonts work well for rustic and cozy vibes, while sans-serif fonts convey modernity.

Highlight key messages like discounts or special menu items with bold text.

4. Composition and Layout

Use the rule of thirds to position your subject in a visually pleasing way.

Leave enough negative space for captions, logos, or call-to-actions (CTAs).

Balance elements to avoid clutter.

5. Brand Elements

Incorporate your logo, brand colors, and tagline into the design. This ensures brand recall and distinguishes your posts from competitors.

6. Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

Encourage users to engage. Examples: “Order Now,” “Try Our New Recipe,” “Tag a Foodie Friend,” or “Click to Shop.”

Tools for Creating Stunning Food Social Media Posts

Graphic Design Software

Canva: User-friendly with customizable templates for food posts.

Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator: Advanced tools for professional designs.

Crello: Similar to Canva, with food-specific templates.

2. Photo Editing Tools

Lightroom: For color grading and enhancing food photos.

Snapseed: Free mobile app for quick edits.

VSCO: Offers filters that elevate food visuals.

3. Stock Image Platforms

Unsplash and Pexels: Free high-quality food images.

Shutterstock and Adobe Stock: Paid platforms with a wider variety.

4. Video Editing Tools

CapCut: Easy-to-use mobile editor for short food videos.

Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro: Professional video editing software

Platform-Specific Design Tips

1. Instagram

Instagram is the go-to platform for food content. Its visual nature demands high-quality, aesthetically pleasing posts.

Grid Aesthetic: Maintain a cohesive theme across your posts. Use similar filters or color schemes for consistency.

Stories: Use vertical designs (1080x1920 pixels) with interactive elements like polls or stickers.

Reels: Showcase recipes, behind-the-scenes shots, or customer reviews in engaging short videos.

2. Pinterest

Pinterest is ideal for food blogs and recipes, as users often search for inspiration.

Vertical Pins: Use a 2:3 aspect ratio (1000x1500 pixels) for better visibility.

Text Overlays: Add readable text describing the recipe or dish.

Rich Pins: Include metadata like ingredients and cooking instructions to make posts more useful.

3. Facebook

Facebook is versatile, catering to both casual browsers and serious buyers.

Wide Images: Use a 1200x628 pixel size for posts.

Event Promotions: Create posts for food festivals, happy hours, or special menus.

Groups and Pages: Share exclusive content like recipes or cooking tips to build a loyal community.

4. TikTok

TikTok thrives on authenticity and creativity.

Short Videos: Showcase quick recipes, plating techniques, or food hacks.

Trendy Music: Pair your videos with popular songs to increase reach.

User Engagement: Use hashtags like #FoodTok or #EasyRecipes for better discoverability.

5. Twitter

Though not image-focused, Twitter can amplify your food content.

Clear Images: Use 1600x900 pixel dimensions for shared images.

Engaging Captions: Pair your design with witty, concise text.

Threaded Posts: Share step-by-step recipes in a thread format.

Tips for Designing Viral Food Posts

Focus on the Hero Dish

Highlight the most visually appealing part of the dish. For example, the perfectly golden crust of a pie or the vibrant greens of a salad.

2. Use Motion

GIFs and videos outperform static images. Capture actions like pouring syrup, slicing cake, or flipping burgers.

3. Incorporate Trends

Follow food trends like “rainbow-colored dishes,” “minimalist plating,” or “mukbangs” to stay relevant.

4. User-Generated Content (UGC)

Feature customer photos and reviews. It builds trust and adds authenticity to your brand.

5. Seasonal Themes

Create posts around holidays or seasonal ingredients. For example, pumpkin-spiced everything in fall or red and green-themed posts for Christmas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding

Too many elements can confuse the viewer. Keep designs clean and focused.

2. Low-Quality Images

Grainy or poorly lit photos undermine your brand’s credibility.

3. Ignoring Mobile Optimization

Most users view social media on their phones. Ensure text and visuals are legible on smaller screens.

4. Inconsistent Branding

Random colors, fonts, or styles can dilute your brand identity.

5. Lack of Engagement

Posts without CTAs miss the opportunity to connect with your audience.

Case Studies: Successful Food Social Media Campaigns

Domino’s Pizza

Their campaign, “Pizza Turnaround,” used social media to share behind-the-scenes improvements in their recipes and processes. High-quality visuals and engaging stories resonated with audiences, boosting sales.

2. Starbucks Seasonal Drinks

Starbucks consistently designs posts with visually appealing, seasonal themes. Their Pumpkin Spice Latte posts, featuring vibrant colors and cozy vibes, dominate social feeds every fall.

3. Tasty (BuzzFeed)

Tasty revolutionized food videos with overhead shots, quick steps, and vibrant visuals. Their signature style is now instantly recognizable.

Final Thoughts

It takes a combination of technical expertise, strategy, and creativity to produce visually appealing and captivating food social media postings. You can create articles that not only look delicious but also generate significant interaction and revenue by concentrating on excellent images, well-considered design components, and platform-specific best practices. Recall that sharing stories and connecting over meals is important. Allow your audience to learn about the history of each dish, ingredient, or recipe through your artwork. Gaining expertise in food social media post design can boost your online visibility, regardless of whether you’re a food blogger, restaurant owner, or enthusiastic home cook.

[scottdavenportphoto]

Precision Edits Using Intersects In Lightroom

Intersect with Brush is perfect for adding precision to your edits and create highly detailed adjustments with minimal effort. It’s a masking tool “recipe” I use again and again in Lightroom. Intersect is one of Lightroom’s most powerful masking options and you might be underutilizing it. No painstaking masking strokes! And better yet - you can work visually, putting your attention on your photo where it belongs.

I’ll walk you through step-by-step on how to use Intersect with Brush to refine masks and adjust highlights, shadows, detail, and more for a truly polished look. Get a pro-level understanding of how to elevate your editing workflow and make each photo stand out.

Here are a few example photos where I used one masked intersected with a brush to apply finishing touches.

[basketleaftea]

Leveraging Social Media for Your Tea Business Growth – Basketleaf

In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for small businesses looking to grow their customer base, increase brand awareness, and build loyalty. best businesses under ₹1 lakh  social media offers a cost-effective way to reach tea enthusiasts and create a community around your brand. This guide covers actionable strategies to leverage social media platforms, build a following, and drive growth for your tea business.

1. Define Your Brand Identity and Target Audience

Before diving into social media, it’s essential to clarify your brand’s identity, values, and the audience you’re trying to reach. A strong brand identity will guide your content creation and help you connect with the right customers.

Questions to Consider:

What makes your tea business unique?

Who are your ideal customers? Are they young professionals, health-conscious individuals, or traditional tea lovers?

What values does your brand represent, such as sustainability or luxury?

Tip: Create a simple brand guideline document to maintain a consistent look and feel across your social media profiles.

2. Choose the Right Platforms for Your Tea Business

Not all social media platforms may be suitable for your business. Here’s a breakdown of popular platforms and how they can benefit a tea business:

Instagram: Ideal for visually-driven content, showcasing your tea varieties, packaging, and brand aesthetics.

Facebook: Good for building a community, engaging with older audiences, and creating a local presence.

Pinterest: Useful for sharing tea recipes, lifestyle images, and driving traffic to your website.

YouTube: Great for video content, such as tea preparation tutorials, tasting sessions, or behind-the-scenes looks.

WhatsApp Business: Allows direct communication with customers and offers features for cataloging and sharing products.

Tip: Focus on 2–3 platforms to start and gradually expand once you have a solid presence.

3. Create High-Quality, Engaging Content

Content is the core of your social media strategy. To keep your audience engaged, post a variety of content that highlights different aspects of your tea business.

Content Ideas for a Tea Business

Product Showcases: Share photos of your different tea varieties, packaging, and accessories.

Behind-the-Scenes: Show how your tea is sourced, blended, or packaged.

Tea Education: Post about the benefits of different teas, their origins, and how to brew them.

User-Generated Content (UGC): Encourage customers to share their tea experiences, and repost their photos with proper credit.

Seasonal Content: Tailor content to align with festive seasons, such as sharing warm tea recipes in winter or iced teas in summer.

Tip: Use free editing tools like Canva or Lightroom Mobile to enhance your visuals and maintain a cohesive look for your posts.

4. Engage with Your Audience Consistently

Engagement is critical for social media growth. Actively respond to comments, messages, and shares to build trust and create a community around your brand.

Engagement Tips:

Reply to Comments: Acknowledge comments on your posts to foster a friendly connection.

Use Polls and Questions: Engage your audience by using interactive features on Instagram Stories, like polls, questions, and quizzes.

Host Giveaways: Create buzz around your brand by offering a free tea sampler or product package. Ask users to follow, like, and tag friends to enter, boosting your reach organically.

Tip: Set aside 15–20 minutes each day to engage with followers. Consistency is key to building relationships.

5. Use Influencer Marketing to Reach a Broader Audience

Partnering with influencers can be an effective way to introduce your brand to a larger audience without breaking your budget.

How to Work with Influencers on a Budget:

Micro-Influencers: Collaborate with influencers who have smaller, highly engaged followings. They are often more affordable and have a closer relationship with their followers.

Barter Collaborations: Offer your products in exchange for a post or shoutout. Many smaller influencers may be open to this arrangement.

Local Influencers: Reach out to influencers within your city or region who can help boost your brand’s local presence.

Tip: When approaching influencers, personalize your message and explain why you think they would be a great fit for your tea brand.

6. Leverage Social Media Advertising on a Small Budget

Social media ads are an effective way to reach a targeted audience. With a budget under ₹1 lakh, you can allocate a small portion to ads to boost visibility and generate leads.

Tips for Cost-Effective Social Media Ads:

Target Locally: Start by targeting your city or region to reach customers who may be more likely to purchase from a local business.

Promote Key Products: Focus on advertising your best-sellers or unique tea blends to attract interest.

Use Retargeting: Set up retargeting ads for people who have visited your website or engaged with your social media profile.

Tip: Start with a small daily ad budget (e.g., ₹200–₹500) and monitor performance. Adjust your budget based on the results you’re seeing.

7. Collaborate with Other Small Businesses

Collaboration is a great way to expand your reach while staying within budget. By partnering with other small businesses that share a similar target audience, you can cross-promote each other’s products and benefit mutually.

Collaboration Ideas:

Host Joint Giveaways: Team up with a local bakery or café and offer a combo prize for your followers.

Product Bundles: Work with complementary brands, like local snacks or eco-friendly packaging companies, to create value bundles.

Social Media Takeovers: Swap social media accounts for a day with another small business, allowing you to reach each other’s followers.

Tip: Look for businesses that share your brand values and offer products that pair well with tea, such as honey, snacks, or eco-friendly items.

8. Utilize Hashtags Strategically

Using the right hashtags can increase your visibility, making it easier for potential customers to find your brand.

Effective Hashtag Strategies:

Industry-Specific Hashtags: Use tags related to tea, such as #TeaLovers, #HerbalTea, or #TeaTime.

Local Hashtags: Include location-based hashtags to attract local customers, like #DelhiTea or #MumbaiTea.

Branded Hashtags: Create a unique hashtag for your business, such as #BasketleafTea, and encourage customers to use it in their posts.

Tip: Use a mix of popular, niche, and branded hashtags in your posts to reach different audiences. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post; consider using around 10–15 relevant ones for optimal reach.

9. Share Customer Testimonials and Reviews

Social proof is powerful. Sharing customer testimonials and reviews on your social media channels builds trust and encourages others to try your products.

How to Collect and Share Reviews:

Ask for Reviews: After a sale, politely ask customers for feedback or a review on your social media page.

Repost User Content: Share photos or stories that customers post featuring your tea.

Create a Highlight: Use Instagram Highlights to showcase positive customer reviews and testimonials on your profile.

Tip: Thank customers publicly for their feedback to show appreciation and encourage others to share their experiences.

10. Track Your Results and Refine Your Strategy

To grow your tea business on social media effectively, regularly review your analytics to see what’s working and what isn’t.

Metrics to Monitor:

Engagement Rate: Measure likes, comments, shares, and saves on each post to gauge content effectiveness.

Follower Growth: Track how quickly you’re gaining new followers.

Conversion Rate: Look at how many of your social media interactions lead to sales or inquiries.

Tip: Use tools like Instagram Insights, Facebook Analytics, or third-party tools like Hootsuite or Buffer to keep track of metrics and make data-driven adjustments.

Conclusion: Driving Growth with Social Media for Your Tea Business

Leveraging social media for your tea business can be both impactful and budget-friendly. By building a strong brand identity, choosing the right platforms, creating engaging content, and consistently interacting with your audience, you can drive growth for your tea brand on a budget under ₹1 lakh. With a well-planned strategy, social media can become a powerful channel to attract tea lovers, build brand loyalty, and establish your tea business as one of the best businesses under ₹1 lakh in India.

[life-unintended]

New film simulation recipe: Portuguese Summer

Earlier this year I set out to create a new film simulation recipe for the summer, inspired by some rolls of Fujifilm Sensia 100 I shot in the past. As usual, somewhere along the way I got sidetracked and ended up with something completely different: I created a Classic Chrome-based Lightroom preset that I’ve been using in most of my Fujifilm photos in the last few months. The reason for…

[eevonhon]

Kimchi jjigae + seared tuna steak + kkaennip kimchi + cauliflower rice \\ I love the part where I have to finish up the stuff in my pantry/fridge cause it's like a mini challenge to find recipes that work.

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#throwback #evcooks #homecooked #f52grams #comfortfood #foodstagram #f52community #vsco #lightroom #galaxys23ultra #withgalaxy #foodie

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[ainfinity]

random overlay photos

[mariasdigitalpresets]

Free Lightroom preset to download

"Hey everyone! 🌟 Exciting news—I've just uploaded a brand new preset! Introducing 'Dark Aesthetic'—the perfect recipe for infusing your photos and Instagram feed with a chic, dark aesthetic vibe. Check it out and let me know what you think! 📸✨ #DarkAesthetic #NewPreset"

[derrickluqinglee]

Is blogging still relevant in the age of TikToks and Instagram?

"Is blogging even a thing anymore? We've all heard people say 'blogging is dead' as many times as we've heard 'content is king.' Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram have taken over as the go-to way to express ourselves online. So, you might be wondering if blogging still matters in today's digital world.

I've been blogging since 2012, and I've noticed that since around 2014, there are fewer active bloggers. But why is that? In fact, many people wonder, 'Do folks still even blog these days?'

Instagram

Instagram came on the scene in 2010 and quickly gained a million users in just two months. In less than a year, it had 10 million users. Today, it boasts over 1 billion active users and is one of the most popular social media platforms globally.

I kept hearing claims that blogging was on its way out, and terms like 'microblogging' started popping up. The debate of Blogging vs. Instagram is ongoing among digital influencers and content creators. Many folks prefer to share their lives through Instagram, posting photos for their followers instead of maintaining a traditional blog.

It seemed like long-winded content was being replaced by shorter, more image-heavy, easily digestible stuff.

When Instagram first started, it was all about sharing everyday moments—a pic of your meal or a quick snapshot with friends in a nightclub restroom. But over time, it evolved.

Instagram started being used alongside blogs. Most bloggers wanted to use it to promote their blogs, similar to how Twitter was used. However, because Instagram doesn't allow clickable links in captions, it didn't work out as well. You could say, 'the link is in the bio,' but it's just not the same as clicking a link right then and there.

Nowadays, Instagram has become a massive force, and we hear terms like Instagrammers, Influencers, and content creators more often than words like bloggers, vloggers, or YouTubers. Instagram feeds are no longer just snapshots of people's everyday lives; they're full of carefully curated images that often look like they're straight out of a magazine. I'm not saying that's a bad thing—I'm guilty of getting lost in a stunning Instagram feed myself."

URL link : https://skinnedcartree.com/2021/04/is-blogging-dead-the-rise-of-instagram-and-tiktok.html

TikTok 

"Do you know that back in early 2019, TikTok became the most downloaded app on Apple's iOS store? It seemed to pop up out of nowhere and just took over.

It's even seeped into Instagram – I swear, every other food-related post these days is all about some 'TikTok recipe' like baked oats or feta pasta. And then there's Instagram Reels, which is like a total copycat of TikTok. Oh, and don't get me started on how Instagram seems to favor accounts that use Reels. But hey, that's a rant for another time.

Getting popular on Instagram can be quite the challenge, but TikTok works in a way that lets anyone hit it big, even if you don't have a massive following."

URL link : https://skinnedcartree.com/2021/04/is-blogging-dead-the-rise-of-instagram-and-tiktok.html

Why are Instagram and TikTok so popular, and is traditional blogging losing its appeal?

Microblogging Is More User-Friendly

Signing up for Instagram and TikTok is straightforward. You can create an account and start posting without the technical hassles of dealing with servers, domains, hosting, or website setup. No need to search for website themes or customize widgets.

Simplicity of Use

All you need is a mobile phone to get started. Apps like Lightroom and VSCO cam allow you to edit photos from your phone and create an attractive Instagram feed. TikTok offers easy in-app video editing, removing the need for advanced software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe's programs.

Access to a Potentially Wider Audience

As Valentina Chirico points out, every influencer aims to expand their audience. Instagram and TikTok offer the potential to reach millions of existing users. The audience is there; you just need to get your content in front of them. In contrast, blogging often requires substantial effort to attract traffic through SEO, keyword research, email marketing, or networking before you can monetize.

Shorter Attention Spans

Traditional blogging focuses on long-form content, which is essential for Google ranking. However, this contradicts how people use social media and the internet today. Users prefer quick browsing, consuming content, and moving on. Instagram excels at displaying beautiful images, while TikTok is the go-to platform for short, entertaining videos.

Brands Favor Instagrammers and TikTok Influencers

One challenge for bloggers is that more brands want to collaborate with Instagrammers and TikTok influencers. Some opportunities require influencers to post on their blogs, Instagram, and TikTok simultaneously. Even if bloggers don't use TikTok or prioritize it, brands increasingly value this multi-platform approach.

So, Is Traditional Blogging Declining?

Many experts predict that traditional blogging may decline due to the rise of social media platforms and evolving digital trends. However, I believe that traditional blogging is far from dead. People will continue to read blogs, and there will always be plenty to write about.

The blog readership is changing, as is their content consumption pattern. Blogs now need to focus more on solving readers' problems and providing valuable information. List posts and how-to guides still perform well. Moreover, most blog traffic comes from search engines, underscoring the importance of SEO.

Blogging is now part of the broader content marketing landscape, where content is distributed across various platforms. While marketers increasingly collaborate with Instagrammers, the ability to work with them across multiple platforms, including blogs, remains advantageous.

We should also remember that Instagram and TikTok could suspend or delete accounts, whereas with a self-hosted blog, you have complete control. It's unwise to rely solely on one platform. Once you have a successful blog, website, and an email list, you don't have to worry about losing everything overnight.

What are your thoughts? Do you think traditional blogging is on the decline?

[batoolblog22]

Week 6

This week we were required to present our progress to the homeroom jury. I should make the logo, photograph two photographs of the food, the cover, and the table of content, and add it to the readymag.

I brainstormed the names of the web book and finally chose the name Lunch Boxat (لنش بوكسات).

I start sketching the logo of the webbook.

I photographed the egg sandwich recipe and used techniques to make the food glowy by adding cold water.

I edited the two photographs in lightroom and photoshop.

I designed different options for the logo and chose the color scheme of the webbook.

These are the photographers.

I designed the book's identity: color palettes, typeface, and visual elements.

I designed the layout of the 4 recipes and applied the identity.

I create the character that will be in the book.

Then I create the presentation for the homeroom jury.

For the next step, I will photograph 5 recipes, edit them, and put them in the layout. In addition, I will add the pages on the Readymag to create interactivity. I couldn't design the cover and the table of content this week, so I will also prepare them.