Share a location ALWAYS! It doesn’t even have to be where you are in that moment. Make it fun! If you are posting about the holidays, make your location something quirky like “home for the holidays” or “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”. It’s both playful and eye catching to your reader. Just don’t overuse it, because geotargeting is super important for growth as well!
In this interview series, called, “How To Cultivate Community In A Click to Connect World” we are talking to influencers about how they define success and what we all need to discover about the true nature of influence. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing: Jennifer Nirenberg AKA @beautyinplastics.
Jennifer Nirenberg (@beautyinplastics) has been in the aesthetics industry for 7 years; she’s been a lover of all things beauty since childhood. Jen has a profound passion for sharing her knowledge about aesthetics and makeup with anyone! If she isn’t playing with makeup or working with her Privá Divas, you can find her practicing Pilates or spending time with family.
Thank you for making time to visit with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. How did you discover your career path and what got you to where you are today?
I have been obsessed with all things beauty for as long as I can remember! I noticed that people were coming to me for advice and tips regarding skincare and cosmetics. I knew I could bring value to those seeking me out, so I chose to start a professional social media page about 2 years ago. It gave me the perfect platform and opportunity to provide resources to people about what I know. It’s a place where I can create helpful content, be fun and playful and even share a glamour shot or 2. After only a month, the page had grown to 1000+ followers and I knew I was on to something!
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned along the way that influences how you operate now?
I believe building an audience is about building trust with people following along. My followers need to see that what I share is carefully and thoughtfully curated and they need to know that I ask for nothing in return! It cannot always be about an “affiliate code” or “ad/sponsorship.” If someone is looking to make this a “business” they need to understand people don’t always want to be “sold.” They want the people they follow to give honest feedback about products. And services. When you have a combination of all these factors, your audience will trust what you are telling them and will believe that if you are “selling” something, it is because you truly believe in it.
We’re all searching for some good news. How are you using your platform to make a positive social impact?
I personally feel convicted to use my platform to support small businesses and bring awareness to things I am passionate about and I love seeing others do the same. The link in my bio not only has affiliate links and professional websites, but also charities that I personally believe in, love and support.
Many of our readers are influencers as well. Others have tried and have yet to succeed. What words of advice would you offer to aspiring influencers, knowing what you know now?
The 80/20 rule! Followers want to get to know you and interact with you. They love seeing you in your element! I believe 80% of your content should be within your niche, but 20% should be what is personal to you, so your followers know you’re real and relatable. My 20% is a combination of motivational quotes and humor. Growing your base takes time and it’s okay to play around with content until you find what works best for you and your audience.
Success is often a matter of perspective. I’ve always resonated with Henry David Thoreau’s quote, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” How do you see success — or define success — for yourself now?
Success for me is at the intersection of drive and motivation. Obviously hitting goals is important, and you can find success along the way. That’s part of the journey! I find it incredibly rewarding to see a goal being met and knowing I can achieve anything if I really work for it. I constantly want to learn and exceed goals. I love using vision boards and writing out my desired milestones. Recognizing setbacks, too, will only fuel my fire to keep going.
What are your strategies to make room for who and what matter most?
Without strategically managing my time, I’d be lost ! The majority of my time spent on social media is at night after my day is finished. I can wind down and focus on posts and engaging with the creators I love most.
How do you reduce or mitigate stress?
Pilates! Pilates is by far my favorite form of exercise. It’s a huge stress reliever and helps me deal with any other challenges I may be facing by giving me a strong body and a clear mind.
I’m going to try a few of your tips, and I’m hopeful our readers will, too. Now it’s time for the big reveal — the moment our readers have been anticipating. What are your “five strategies to cultivate a large & engaged social media community?’ Please share a story or example for each.
1. TAG, TAG, TAG! The more you tag, the more brands will be inclined to repost! This was, and still is, the most important part to my continued growth. The first time I noticed my influence was when one of my favorite brands reposted my content. Overnight my follower count grew, and I continue to be featured on some of my favorite pages with this approach. (Tip: tag photos and use #hashtags!)
2. Share a location ALWAYS! It doesn’t even have to be where you are in that moment. Make it fun! If you are posting about the holidays, make your location something quirky like “home for the holidays” or “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”. It’s both playful and eye catching to your reader. Just don’t overuse it, because geotargeting is super important for growth as well!
3. Invest in your page! High quality images make a big difference. You want the page to be friendly and inviting. And remember — while it’s easy to do, make sure not to overly photoshop your pictures. Your audience wants to see the real YOU!
4. Try to reach a broader audience. A small demographic doesn’t typically grow as fast, but sometimes the smaller accounts have the best engagement. And with that…
5. ENGAGE! Even if you aren’t posting on that day, always be engaging! Follow accounts like yours and engage on their posts so their followers see you as well! And don’t forget to SHARE! The best way to show support is by saving & sharing posts of the accounts you love to follow!
What do you do to create a greater sense of connection and community among your fans?
My followers love stories! Just speaking to the camera about my day, a thought I am having, a recommendation -that is the highest level of engagement I see! Ask questions, run polls, and connect with your audience through stories!
As an influencer, you are, by definition, a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
WOW, that is a powerful question! I would LOVE to bring more awareness to self-love. I am in an industry that carries stigma about being “fake.” But in reality, we are only enhancing something that is already beautiful.
The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence and what an amazing goal to help people find THEIR confidence!
I think we need to start a movement, not about “anti-aging,” but about a focus on confidence and looking our best at any age; taking away the stigma that self care to help us feel and look our best is wrong or “fake.” Beauty has never been only for the young. All people deserve to look and feel their best at any age…perhaps with some help along the way.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world with whom you’d like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He, she or they might just see this. 🙂
Without a doubt, Kris Jenner! She is one of the most influential people on this planet and one heck of a businesswoman! I would love to pick her brain about what motivates her and how SHE defines success! I wouldn’t mind learning some of the Kardashian marketing secrets as well! They clearly know exactly what they’re doing!!
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
Thanks so much for this opportunity! You can find me on Instagram @beautyinplastics.
Thank you for these thought provoking insights. Here’s to your continued success!