How This All Got Started – Interview

A few months back, I was given an incredible opportunity to do an exclusive interview with Jezebel Magazine here in Atlanta! Below is my FULL interview answering questions from how I got started to where things are going from here (which… teaser… who knows where I will be even a year from now! Only time and hard work will tell).

Thanks to all of you who have supported me since starting this blogging journey full time back in March! Every “like,” “comment,” and message have helped me start a career path that I am truly passionate for an can’t wait to grow!

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#InstaAtlanta Jezebel Q+A

Liz Webber X JEZBEME

• How did you first get started in social media?

Back in college, social media was nowhere near what’s it’s become today… and I only graduated five years ago! However, I always had a passion for the media in general and was a Mass Communications major at Georgia College with a focus in PR and Broadcast. During my last year in college, I interned at a well-known women’s clothing store, Dress Up. I ended up being with the company for five years playing various roles. Some days I was the face of their social media doing try-ons and promoting sales, while others I was on the business end running their events and PR. Although I was on their social media almost daily, I hadn’t done too much with my own personal account. I posted my “daily outfits” wearing the brand of course, but never branched out beyond that.

Last October, I decided to leave my role as Director of PR for Dress Up for a PR agency in Buckhead, Babbit Bodner. I was given so many incredible opportunities here and learned a ton about what it would take to run an agency. While working at the agency full time, I made the decision to take a stab at building my own personal platform. This included me beginning to reach out to brands, post outfit pics daily, and truly start building a community. Crazy to think that that was just the beginning of my social media journey. Like many others, I lost my job in March due to COVID. Instead of panicking, I decided to see that bump in the road as the big push I needed to go after my dream career of working for myself in social media full time!

• What makes Instagram such a powerful tool for small businesses?

Instagram, in particular, can make or break most businesses… and I’ll tell you why! On the surface, some may think it’s mostly used for pretty selfies or a maybe just a highlight reel. I get that. However, Instagram is used nowadays in a similar way that we use Google. When I’m looking for a restaurant to go to, a hotel to stay at, or where to buy my clothes, my first stop is the Instagram search tool… not Google.

Instagram offers such a wide variety of ways to show off your brand that I feel as though so many businesses miss out on. You have a new product? Don’t just share a half-decent photo of it. You now have the ability to share a “Reel” video that could go viral. Post an IGTV that will allow you to get into the nitty gritty of why your product is levels above your competitors. Poll your customers to ask what THEY want to see and even engage with your customers through messaging and comments to bring life and personality to your brand! When used properly, Instagram could be your best marketing tool at such low cost.

• What is a common misconception people have about “influencers?”

Oh boy! Where to begin! I mean c’mon, there’s an entire viral Instagram page dedicated to this, #InstagramIntheWild haha! From my experience, people who just see those “pretty selfies” think that’s all it’s about. Pretty sure before I explain what I do, people think I just run around the city, drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte, and take photos. And I mean… ya… that’s part of it haha!

However, people don’t see that full-time business that goes on behind the scenes. I am emailing, pitching, setting up shoots, planning out campaigns, negotiating, styling, editing videos, networking, and coming up with new content ideas EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Something that I think sets my platform apart from others, is that I let my followers into the good the bad and the ugly. I show them my day-to-day and share the chaos that goes into building a personal brand.

• What prompted you to start your own consulting business?

To be honest, I think I just found something that I am naturally good at and I decided to take advantage of it. Of course, I also had the proper background, but I also truly believe that I just GET this stuff. I understand what it takes for a brand to stand out and succeed on social media and I have a passion for helping small businesses grow.

When I first started blogging full-time, I kept getting questions from the small businesses I was working with. “How can we do better on social?” “Why aren’t our followers engaged” “What are some of your tips to grow?” I spent so much time answering these questions that I decided… hey! Let’s start another business while we’re at it… and Webber and Co. was born!

• What social media trends are you loving right now?

VIDEO! I LOVE using Reels on Instagram. They are so successful right now for a few reasons. 1. They are QUICK! Our attention spans are SO short, that this becoming is key on social. And 2. It’s a new feature on Instagram… therefore… they are pushing these like crazy and you have the chance to go viral in ways that weren’t possible with your standard photo post.

• What are the positive sides to social media influencing?

For me, it’s loving what I do daily. I LOVE my followers. Ask any of them. We have full-on conversations every single day and it’s been incredible getting to meet and connect with people all over the country. I also have such a passion for styling, sharing affordable finds, and love the flexibility it gives me in my day-to-day! Another BIG positive is that there’s no real ceiling for success. The more work I put in, the more it’s seems to be growing, so I love knowing that my success is in my hands.

• What are the negative sides to social media influencing?

Knowing what to prioritize on a daily basis! With both of my businesses, I’m constantly moving at 100mph with a ton of moving pieces. Negotiating with brands can also be difficult. I have an advantage since I worked on the brand side of the business, but it still can be time consuming and end in no deal at all.

• What can we expect to see from you as your business grows?

I am currently working on diversifying my brand! For my influencing side, I have a blog going live this month and am working on starting a YouTube channel that will focus on makeup, styling, and social media tips and tricks!

For Webber and Co. you’ll see our Instagram page grow to be a free resource for social media tips, new clients, and a few new employees!

• Who are some other social media influencers that have inspired your journey?

My number one inspiration is Anna Page (@annawpage). Anna and I worked together back at Dress Up and have remained super close since then. She has been doing blogging for a few years full-time and is CRUSHING IT! Her and her husband Nathan moved to New York a little over a year ago to pursue her career even further and it’s been so incredible to watch. She has such a clear vision for her brand and executes it flawlessly.

• What advice would you give to a small business looking to make a big splash on the ‘gram?
  • Stay consistent, but only if what you’re posting represents your brand in the BEST light. Interact with your followers and give your brand a personality that they can connect to!