5 Ways To Make Your Blog & Social Channels Easier For PR Companies

As most of you will already know I work in PR and social media (and LOVE it),  and I also, obviously, run this blog! It's so fun being both sides of the e-mails and I really enjoy interacting with fellow bloggers as well as fellow PR companies!
In my time within this industry I have talked to many fellow bloggers (and yes they are all total babes)!
When it comes to contacting and organising bloggers, I have noticed there can be a few things that hinder a company or brand getting the information they need so I thought why not write out a few TOP things for you guys to ensure you are including all the information that's needed!
Check out these 5 EASY bits and bobs below.....

Tell Us Your Name
Yes, you would think this would be a total given, but yet there are still blogs out there where there is actually no indication at all of what the writers name is.
 I hate having to write "Hi there" in my e-mails and one of my personal pet hates is getting e-mailed "Dear ayellowbrickblog".
I mean fair enough if you want to keep anonymous or not use your real name, but make sure there is something that we can call you by! I have been on Blogs, Twitters, Instagrams and more of the same person and still have no clue what their name is or what to call them!

Social Media - the kings of the internet
It is always fabulous to have your social media channels in plain sight on your blog and even better if your followings for each are showing! Being able to find all your platforms in one place is a life saver.... believe me!
(Oh and for the love of God... get them to open in a new tab :)

UK? North, South, East, West?
Now this one is handy for event invites!
If PR companies are looking for bloggers in a certain area it's great for them to be able to see if you are close enough or not!  I'm not saying give up your street name, postcode or even town but just the area you live in makes it so much easier for PR companies to send you relevant e-mails that may be of interest to you - Manchester, London, North West, South East, Isle Of Wight....  it's always good to know - even if it's just on your Twitter or Instagram!

Contacting YOU
It's all well and good finding your blog and loving your content - but if you want to be involved in PR opportunities, having your e-mail address prominent on your blog/social is essential.
Having a 'Contact Me' section is always perfect.... one where you have a contactable e-mail address too not a form to fill out ;)
Including it in your social media bios is also perfect - it makes life ALOT easier and saves so much time.

Searching...
Having a search option within your blog is also a fantastic addition and useful tool for people looking to work with you. It gives them access to be able to find any relevant content you may have created previously.

These may all seem SO super obvious but you may be surprised to know I sit there weekly looking at blogs unable to find names, e-mail address or even if they have a Twitter or not!
Do let me know if you'd like any other PR themed posts, or maybe if you have any questions at all!


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Blogging Behind The Scenes : How I Stay Organised

Starting a blog has turned me into a crazy organised lady. 
Well.... only when it comes to blog stuff - the rest of my life is still a mess.... but my blogging game is sorted (most of the time).

Since starting A Yellow Brick Blog back in 2013 I have slowly worked out a system of how I can get all my bits and bobs in order each week and how to not get too overwhelmed or stressed out about it all.
 Don't get me wrong I have weeks where I am tearing my hair out and have no idea where to start or what to do but for the most part I'm fairly organised and prepared for what I have to do that day/week.

So I thought why not add another post to my 'Blogging Behind The Scenes' series and let you guys know how I keep organised when it comes to writing, posting, photo-taking etcetcetc.

1. Lists, lists, lists
I could not tell you how many lists I have lying around. I have lists of post ideas, things to-do, photos I need to take, e-mails I need to reply too - I could not keep organised without my handfuls and handfuls of lists. (I do not joke when I say I can notebook after notebook scattered around my home) 

2. Bulk Photo Taking 
This is a must for me. Working full-time I don't have alot of time throughout the week to sit down and focus on my blog - it's mainly only on my days off. So when I get time to get on with things I try and cram as much as I can in.
When I take photos I try and take as many as possible for as many posts as possible so that when I'm ready to sit down and start writing all the pictures for the post are ready for me to add - it saves SO much time.

3. Scheduling Posts
Well.... this is number one for me. When people say to me 'How do you schedule posts?' I'm like ...whhhhhat?! How do you not?!  
Near enough all my posts are scheduled - and what this means is that once I am done writing a post and I'm ready to upload it I choose the day and time I want it to go live.
This means I can sit on a Sunday and write and upload all my posts for the upcoming and not have to worry about them as they will automatically just go up when they are set too! Easy peasy!

4. Setting Aside Time
I work a full time job - that's 9 hours a day 5 days out of the week. 
So when I know I'm going to have some spare time with nothing going on I near enough always fill it with blogging (Yup... it's a pretty demanding hobby). 
It's normally on one of my days off and I try and cram in as much as I possibly can.
I have my little set-up which I like to sit at and with all my photos already taken and ready to add to a post I normally just sit down and write, write, write.

How do you keep yourself organised?

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How I Make My Collages

How I Take My Photos

Blogging Behind The Scenes : How I Take My Blog Photos

Photography is a huge part of blogging. No matter what anyone else says - photography can make or break a blog in my opinion.

I've been very conscious of my blog photos since starting A Yellow Brick Blog and I'm sure I'm not the only person who has felt this way.
Looking at other bloggers, their amazing set-ups (crisp white, gorgeous lighting, pretty flower arrangements... you know the drill) and their awesome camera skills I've not felt great about my own work alot of the time! (Silly I know but comparison just comes naturally to me!)

It's only been the last few months or so that I've started to feel 'okay' about my photos and that's all down to my new little set up I've put together.

A few people who I know in 'real life' have said to me "your flat looks so lovely, so white and pretty" - to this I cannot help but laugh. It is incredible how much influence one photo can give.... as you can see above all it is is a cheeky bit of thick white card.

That's right - it cost me £5 and has lasted me for MONTHS! All I do is pop this onto my ottoman in my lounge, push it up against the wall and - Bobs your uncle, the perfect backdrop to pop anything onto!

I use a soft box light alongside this as lighting truly is key when it comes to blog photography - it really does transform a picture. 

Normally the light is facing the wall not to the side as the photo above shows. (I just wanted to show you it all in one photo)

 This light was from Amazon but I actually bought it off of a lovely blogger who had two but really only needed one - so it was a total bargain and has totally changed the way I do my photos! One of the best things now is that I don't have to wait for daylight - I can take photos whenever I want - which is great as I am at work 5 days a week adn evenings most of the time are more practical! 

With this plain backdrop I really can transform it into anything - I've used everything from books to candles to hairbands to help create an aesthetically pleasing backdrop for the products (or whatever it may be) that I am photographing and I really do try to mix it up!

The camera I use is the Canon 700D which is a DSLR and I LOVE it! One of the best investments I've ever made, I'm still learning constantly with it though as I'm no professional ha!

A few of my photos with my new set up....

So there we have it, there's your sneak peek into my blog photos and what goes into making them..... I'm sorry if the illusion has been ruined for some of you!

Let me know what you thought of this post - I'd love to do some more 'behind the scenes' type posts!

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My Favourite Photography Apps

My iPhone is like an extra limb, as sad as that is - it's true. I don't think there's a moment in my daily routine where I dont know where it is.
I've had an iPhone for the past 4 or 5 years and throughout this time I've tried, bought and downloaded my fair share of apps! Some are keepers, some are pants and some I just don't even understand how to use!
After all this time I have definitely found my favourites, so today I thought I would share with you my favourite apps for photos!

Social = Instagram Free

This is an obvious one so I will put it first as I'm sure you've probably all already got it. I love Instagram, I've had it nearly as long as I've had an iPhone after seeing iJustine talk about it when it had just been released! It's fab for scrolling through when your bored and it's even become a job to some people now, which is awesome! My favourite filters have got to be Hudson and Valencia, although recently I've been more about just editing the photo and not adding filters at all! My username is : KirstieLouiseS and you can see my favourite accounts to follow - here.

Collage/multiple photos = Diptic 79p

There are some times where we need more than photo together - before and afters, a collage for a friends birthday, a group of holiday photos together or maybe you just want to have your selfie mirrored... this is the best for that! I do begrudge paying for apps.... as there are so many free ones.... but this has definitely been worth the pennies I paid years ago, I use it all the time!

Editing = Afterlight 79p

This is the newest in my collection and I bought it after seeing Megan (www.thumbelinalillie.com) talking about it! I always wanted to know how to make my photos brighter, lighter and a little bit prettier.... you know what I mean .... this does the trick and so much more! I love the amount of different filters and edits that are available, my favourite has to be Magnolia, I sometimes actually use this before popping a photo onto Instagram.. sneaky sneaky!

Helpful = Whiteagram Free

Ever wanted to add a photo to Instagram but it's totally ruined by making it into a square? Fear no more - this is the how to get the whole of your photo in! Wahoooo I hear you cry! This is perfect for outfit shots, sharing snazzy blog photos or maybe even your holiday snaps! This is so, so handy.

What are you fav photo apps?

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My Instagram Favourites

I've been thinking about writing this post for a long while now. Instagram is something I check probably about ten times a day, it's such a fun and easy social media platform and I have been using it I saw iJustine introducing it back in like 2010! 
As the years have past Instagram has grown grown with millions of accounts now active it has become the place for people to not only share their scenery or what they are having for dinner but to show their talents, work and even photography skills!

There's always a few accounts who's photos I am forever double-clicking and turning green with envy over (am I sad?) and I just LOVE finding new people to follow! 
I've seen other bloggers do posts like this before and I've found some great Instagrams through them so I thought it would be fun to finally share a few of my favs too!

 colour_me_creative

I first stumbled across Kristina when I found one of her pieces of art online (a Disney Princess one obvs) and went on a mission to hunt down the origin of it! This girl's talent is totally and utterly INSANE. I cannot get my head around how incredible each and every picture she creates is. If you like art, cartoons, disney, beauty.... you HAVE to follow this girl. Every photo will have you saying Wow.

amberkennerdale

Real life friend alert! Yup, this is one of my best buddies and I bloody love her Instagram! Amber has amazing personal style and she's always rocking amazing outfits and make-up which make her stand out from the crowd. She's forever uploading photos of cute accessories alongside pretty whimsical things.... oh and unicorns! Go & follow her and tell her I sent you!

carlyrowena

Carly is a blogger and youtuber I first found through Liza P and I have been following her ever since! Carly is a personal trainer and her fitness blog and YT channel are so inspiring and motivating. Her Instagram has been amazing lately whilst she's been on her travels. I mean just look how beautiful it all looks! If you're looking for a fitness girly this is the one!

shaym

Oh look it's a Pretty Little Liar! (Yes I am one of those girls who is seriously obsessed with that show!) I love all the cast and their instagrams, but Shay always has such a range of amazing images. This girl is beautiful and I always love looking through her fun foodie pics and gorgeous selfies - she always seems to be having fun!

laurajenkinson

I mean it's pretty obviously why I follow this girl - how incredible is she! Her Instagram is full of these insane lip arts (how cute is Sid?!) aswell of loads of other make-up looks! Laura is super talented, go and have a look through her feed she has soooo many great posts!

rosychicc

Blogger alert! Yes I love Andrea and her blog rosychicc and that love has defintley been trasfered over to the world of Instagram. If you love her blog and photograhpy on there then you're going to adore her cute instagram! Seriously girl, you make everything look so pretty!

amrezy

I stumbled across this account recently after spotting a photo on the search page - it was one of those "based on people you follow" photos. This girl's make-up skills are insane and is one of the instagram accounts I sit and look through going green with envy. Her smokey eyes are flawless.

pinkpixiedoll

Yes, yes it is another blogger! You may recognise Milly from Pearls & Poodles - a fabulously huge beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog which I always find a great read! If you like pretty, pink, girly pictures then Milly is the person to follow! As you can see from above she shares more than just her blog photos - I want that pink bag! If you're a blog lover too and you aren't following Milly then go and do it now - you won't regret!

hayden_williams

Another art account now. This guy is super amazing at creating fantastic fashion creations! He an incredible artist and I LOVE all of his Disney inspired looks as well as his great eye for detail when drawing celebritys - if you love a bit of fashion, style and art check him out!

milkbubbleteablog

Last but not least, it's again another fab blogger and another super pretty account! If you love shabby chic, perfect homes and cute little dogs Becky will be right up your street. Her photos always look like they are straight out of a magazine, oh how I wish my home was all pretty and white too!

Who are your favourite Instagrammers?!

MY INSTAGRAM : kirstielouises

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Kirstie's Travel Diaries #18 : Tram Riding & Fisherman's Wharf

Catch up with #17 here.

Day 18 (17/03/12)

Our last day in San Fran before we headed off on our travels again! Today the sun was actually shining - woohoo, we had hardly seen it since landed here so we were so excited to get out of the hotel and enjoy our last day!

(Not sure why the flags say 2013... because it was 2012!) Something we still hadn't yet done was ride the famous trams so it was on the top of our list of things to do!

Once again we had missed breakfast in the hotel so we got ready and left and joined the queue down the hill for the Powell & Market tram!

The queue was definitely longer than we were expecting - we hadn't really noticed it before... maybe it was because of the weather though - everyone had the same idea as us!

We probably queued for half an hour or so, maybe longer, but it didn't seem that long - I can't remember where we got our tickets weather it was before or once we had boarded the tram but I think it was about $6 or so for a return to Fisherman's Wharf and back!

We luckily got seat on the way there - being a first timer I didn't fancy standing, especially when this thing came so close to other traffic - people were literally high-fiving bus drivers! 

It was so nice to get out of the main square and explore a bit more of the city! 

There were so many things to see whilst on the tram journey down the Fisherman's Wharf and you can seriously see how steep the hills are too - no wonder the queues were so big for this thing!

San Francisco is so beautiful - it's one of the places I want to re-visit most!

 I can't really remember how long it took down to Fisherman's Wharf but it can't have been longer than 30/40 mins! Once there (it was the end of the line) we hopped off and had a little walk around!

There was a Starbucks just by the tram line so we went in there and got a drink and had a sit down! Whilst in there we checked-in for our flight the next day - because we had booked things separately we wanted to make sure we'd be sat together on the flights. (even if it was only an hour and a bit!)

After a little while we decided to head back on the tram - we weren't sure how often they came so and we knew we had to pack so we went and waited for one to take us home!

This time it was busy again and we actually had to stand up and hold on - which thankfully I wasn't as scared about now!

We were stood next to a lovely couple who we ended up chatting to most of the way back! I can't quite remember where they were from ... possibly England now I think about it and they had just been on a cruise and were telling us all about their adventure and we did the same about ours! They were lovely and really helpful as they popped our bags between their feet so we didn't have to hold them and still had a free hand to snap some photos!

Back at Powell & Market we had a couple of hours to spare so we thought - let's go to the cinema again! Haha, we are the coolest right?

This time we decided to see The Lorax - something we both had really wanted to see after "meeting" him at Universal Studios Hollywood. I am such a HUGE Dr. Seuss fan so couldn't wait to see it!

Slight problem after purchasing the tickets though.... we went to get some popcorn and my friend suddenly realised - she's lost her bank card. After going through her bag 3457 times it was official - her card was lost/had been taken. HELP. 

Queue calling England and our parents to help us out! We are 8 hours behind remember so that was a bit of a pain! Thankfully after just a few phone calls home we had sorted it - the card was cancelled and a new one would be sent out to Florida for when we arrived there in a week's time.

Panic over - slightly... my friend was now cardless!

After the drama we had luckily only missed about 10 minutes of movie so sat down and enjoyed the rest of it! ( Bloomin' brilliant movie that I could watch over and over again! )

After the movie we made our way back to the hotel and started packing up our life's once again because tomorrow ..... we were off to Sin City.

NEXT TIME - We fly to Las Vegas!

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