That’s Money, Honey: How To Get Accepted to Rewardstyle & Liketoknow.it

Photography by Arielle Lewis Studios

And we’re back with the second post of our blogging series, That’s Money, Honey! Our first month, Dani and I talked all about branding, with tangible advice on how to build your brand.

But this month we’re getting specific on a topic we get asked all the time: how to get accepted to Rewardstyle & Liketoknow.it.

Rewardstyle has become a somewhat exclusive affiliate network because of the whole acceptance process. It is desirable because they have a lot of tools that make it easy for bloggers to earn affiliate income on Instagram and their blogs. I personally use it and love it.

Do you feel like you’ve applied a bunch of times, only to be constantly turned down? You’re honestly not alone. I applied a couple of times before I finally figured out what they were looking for, and I get messages all the time asking for tips on how to get accepted to RewardStyle. But Hallelujah: I feel like I’ve cracked the code. Here’s the advice I’ve given countless bloggers that have earned themselves a happy acceptance email.

How To Get Accepted To Rewardstyle & Liketoknow.it: 6 Tips & Tricks

1. Post Shopping-Related Instagram Posts Consistently.

Whether your niche is fashion, beauty, or home decor, find a schedule that works for you and post about it consistently. If you’re a fashion and beauty blogger like me, I recommend posting an outfit or beauty product at least 4-5 times a week. A consistent commitment to showing that your outfit, lipstick, shoes, etc. are available to purchase is exactly what the Rewardstyle team is looking for.

If 4-5 posts is too much content for you to churn out, commit to as many as you can per week, and keep them coming! It was only when I started posting at least 4 times a week at a similar time each day that I was accepted to the program. Keep it up for at least 4 months and be patient.

2. Call Out Colors, Brands, Prices, and Sales In Your Captions.

Does your dress come in 5 colors? Where is it from? What size are you wearing? And if there’s a mega sale on your shoes, let your followers know! Dani is really good at educating her followers about sales. If your top is sold out, then tell everyone that you linked a similar one in your profile/blog/link.tree. Do whatever it takes to educate your community.

3. Post At Least 2-3 Shopping-Related Posts On Your Blog Weekly.

If you want to be accepted to RewardStyle and LiketoKnowIt, then yes, you do need an actual blog. Not only do you need to have a blog, you need to actually post on your blog. Countless newsletters from Rewardstyle and first-hand testimony from accepted bloggers both say that most of their Rewardstyle affiliate purchases have come from their blog and NOT the Liketoknow.it app. And you bet your bottom dollar that the Rewardstyle team takes that into account!

So when I say shopping posts, I mean outfit posts, shopping collages, and sale posts. First, and most common, is posting outfits and linking to each item multiple times in the copy. I’m sure you’ve noticed how I do it, but here’s an example you can use. Second are shopping collages. I love making these from time to time: here’s a gift guide I made and here is my Ultimate England packing list, for example. Third, if your favorite retailer is having a big sale (Sephora, Loft, Nordstrom) then post about it and link your favorite items.

4. Post Clean, Sharp, Original Photos.

You don’t need professional photographs or a DSLR camera, but I highly recommend considering them. Especially for your blog. This was my first DSLR camera and it served me very well! Unfortunately, iPhone photos just don’t translate very well to the web. If an iPhone is all you have, then make sure you’re shooting in good lighting and that you can clearly see the subject of your photograph (your top, shoes, lipstick…). If you’re serious enough about blogging that you’re reading this, then it might be time to invest in a photographer, or a DSLR and some photography books. Post original outfits that YOU personally love, because that’s what makes you unique to the program. Plus, no one likes a copycat.

5.Use The Liketoknow.it Hashtags Before You’re Even Accepted.

When you post on Instagram, use the Liketoknow.it hashtags that your favorite bloggers use. That way, the Rewarstyle team will look at your work (I like to call it your portfolio) and see that you’re doing what they recommend already and that you’re making an effort to be part of the LTK community. They’ll say “wow – she’s gonna fit right in!” I recommend using as many hashtags as you can that apply to your post. There may also be seasonal hashtags for fashion week and holidays that you’ll have to look out for. Get yourself started with some basic hashtags:

#LTKbeauty #LTKholidaygiftguide #LTKbrasil #LTKbump #LTKbaby #LTKcurves #LTKeurope #LTKfamily #LTKfit #LTKhome #LTKitbag #LTKkids #LTKmens #LTKsalealert #LTKshoecrush #LTKstyletip #LTKswim #LTKunder50 #LTKunder100 #LTKwedding

Also consider tagging @liketoknow.it in your photos. Why not?

6. Ask a Current Rewardstyle Member For A Referral.

I’m honestly not sure how successful referrals are, but it can’t hurt to get your name on the acceptance team’s radar. If you haven’t been referred I’m happy to refer you! Email your full name, blog url, and email to glassofglam@gmail.com.

I hope this helps! I’ve given the same advice to a handful of bloggers and most of them have gotten accepted to RewardStyle and LiketoKnowIt. This seems like a lot, but you’ll get the hang of it. It might take a few months, because Rewardstyle wants to see consistency. It isn’t an easy process, but if you want it badly enough and you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll get in! Don’t forget to check out Dani’s Rewardstyle tips as well!

–Roxanne