IS INSTAGRAM LIVE THE NEW WAY TO INCREASE YOUR ORGANIC REACH AND ENGAGEMENT?
IS INSTAGRAM LIVE THE NEW WAY TO INCREASE YOUR ORGANIC REACH AND ENGAGEMENT?

NOTE: This blog post is part 8 of my INSTAGRAM SERIES - content all about helping YOU manage your way around instagram. In the INSTAGRAM SERIES I've touched on subjects such as why it is going to get even harder for bloggers to get noticed on instagram, why you're losing followers (and what to do about it), and (the popular and upbeat) simple tips to enjoy instagram (despite the algorithms). Just click here to find all the other parts in the series. Now on with today's post...

I recently asked those who follow me on instagram to tell me what they are struggling with most on the social media platform; ENGAGEMENT and REACH came up again and again. Since the change in algorithms last year it's become so much harder to connect with your audience organically, which totally sucks right?! I hear you ;). But rather than dwell on the inevitable and unchangeable, I thought it would be interesting to try and come up with a few ideas on how best to beat the algorithms and extend your organic reach!

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instagram tricks, Creative business, creativity, food blogging, food photographyK J Espinel
3-DAY FOOD STYLING AND FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP WITH TWIGG STUDIOS
3-DAY FOOD STYLING AND FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP WITH TWIGG STUDIOS

In September, Aimee from Twigg Studios and I taught a 3-day food styling and food photograpy workshop in my home 'studio' in London. It followed on from our 3-day workshop which we taught back in March this year; we enjoyed it so much we decided to do it all again and am I glad we did; we had SUCH a good time.

So much so that we thought it would be nice to have YOU take a look at what went down, just in case you're thinking about attending one of our food photography workshops in the future ;). Ok then, without further ado, let's get stuck in, shall we?

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creativity, food blogging, food photography, food styling, Creative business, food photography workshopK J Espinel
IS INSTAGRAM CHANGING TO A FOUR ACROSS GRID? (AND WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU AS A CREATIVE)
IS INSTAGRAM CHANGING TO A FOUR ACROSS GRID? (AND WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU AS A CREATIVE)

NOTE: This blog post is part 7 of my INSTAGRAM SERIES - content all about helping YOU manage your way around instagram. In the INSTAGRAM SERIES I've touched on subjects such as why you're losing followers (and what to do about it), how to grow your instagram following and (the popular) simple tips to enjoy instagram (despite the algorithms). Just click here to find all the other parts in the series. 

Now I admit that today's topic IS INSTAGRAM CHANGING TO A 4-ACROSS GRID? Isn't half as juicy as last time's offering. However, considering the outrage (yes, really!) the possible change in grid layout has caused among the creative community, I felt it was worth writing a quick note about.

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instagram tricksK J Espinel
VEGAN CHOCOLATE ORANGE CAKE + SUPPERCLUB ANNOUNCEMENT WITH SALVIA LIMONE (V+, CHF, GF, NF)
VEGAN CHOCOLATE ORANGE CAKE + SUPPERCLUB ANNOUNCEMENT WITH SALVIA LIMONE (V+, CHF, GF, NF)

Hi everyone! I've got loooooots to tell you. Firstly, Silvia and I are sharing a vegan chocolate orange cake recipe with you all today. If that's what you're here for then please, scroll down. You can find the recipe at the end of this blog post and/or check out Silvia's version here.

Secondly, Silvia and I are soooooo excited to be hosting our second London vegan supperclub called AUTUMN GATHERING on Saturday, November 4th, 2017. Woohooo! It's been a long time coming, more about that below. And finally we're looking for 2 assistants on the night, so if you want to dabble in the world of supperclub hosting, do read on. Ok, ready? Here goes!

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vegan recipeK J Espinel
HOW INSTAGRAM IS TRYING TO GET RID OF (FOOD) BLOGGERS (AND HOW YOU CAN ENSURE YOU SURVIVE)
HOW INSTAGRAM IS TRYING TO GET RID OF (FOOD) BLOGGERS (AND HOW YOU CAN ENSURE YOU SURVIVE)

NOTE: This blog post is part 6 of my INSTAGRAM SERIES - content all about helping YOU manage your way around instagram. In the INSTAGRAM SERIES I've touched on subjects such as why you're losing followers (and what to do about it), how to grow your instagram following and shadowbanning. Just click here to find all the other parts in the series. Now on with today's post!

I agree HOW INSTAGRAM IS TRYING TO GET RID OF (FOOD) BLOGGERS is somewhat of a provokative blog title, but in essence it's the only way to escribe what currently happening in the mysterious world of instagram. And though the title is tongue in cheek of course, I'd dare say today's blog post is by far my most 'serious'. So, if you're a full-time blogger or someone considering making blogging your career then please read on!

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instagram tricks, Creative business, food bloggingK J Espinel
METIS® GREEN SMOOTHIE RECIPE (V+, R, GF, GrF, ChF, P, NF)
METIS® GREEN SMOOTHIE RECIPE (V+, R, GF, GrF, ChF, P, NF)

My blog is and will always be a place where I share plant-based recipes I believe in. It will always be a space where I tell you about fruits and vegetables that taste the bomb. That's because I value YOU and am honoured you've chosen to visit and read my blog. Hence if I do a sponsored blog post like the one I'm writing today for the brand new Metis® fruit, please know I've tried and tested the goodies (together with my rather fussy 7-year-old who LOVED them and my man, who ate 3 in one go!) and can whole heartedly recommend Metis® as well as this healthy Metis® geen smoothie recipe ;).

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vegan recipeK J Espinel
VEGAN PEANUTBUTTER NICECREAM WITH STRAWBERRY COMPOTE RECIPE (V+, ChF, P, GF, GrF)
VEGAN PEANUTBUTTER NICECREAM WITH STRAWBERRY COMPOTE RECIPE (V+, ChF, P, GF, GrF)

September sees the start of what is set to be my busiest time ever here at The Little Plantation. Not only have I got something lovely and fun to announce soon (check the blog in 2 weeks, ok? ;)), but I'm also running my last group food photography and food styling workshop of 2017 with Aimee of Twigg Studios this month, I'm teaching my first vegan cookery course and am running my FREE 12-day instagram photography challenge. Most importantly though I'm finally ''officially'' allowed to start posting lush and delicious sweet treats on the blog, like today's vegan peanutbutter nicecream with strawberry compote. That's cuz with September we (read I) start the countdown to the holiday season. And what is a holiday season without yummy, delicious icecream, cake, cookies and chocolate recipes, right? 

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vegan recipeK J Espinel
VEGAN TOMATO AND RED PEPPER SOUP + A COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY! (P, V+, ChF, GF, NF, GrF)
VEGAN TOMATO AND RED PEPPER SOUP + A COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY! (P, V+, ChF, GF, NF, GrF)

t's been over a month since I last shared a recipe with you guys. In fact it's been over a month since I last cooked a meal. Not because I've fallen out of love with cooking, but because we went travelling through South America the entire summer. But now I'm back and delighted to present you with a recipe I KNOW you'll love. That's cuz this vegan tomato and red pepper soup is utterly delicious, creamy, healthy and super simple to make. Moreover it's a recipe you can find in Jessica Sepel's new cookbook entitled LIVING THE HEALTHY LIFE which - wait for it - is up for grabs this week :). 

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vegan recipeK J Espinel