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
Thanks for this post! You mentioned creating shopping collages, I was wondering if it is considered fair use to use a company’s product photography in that way? this is something I’d love to do with my blog, so I’d love to hear your opinion!
Hi! This is so helpful. Are there other affiliate programs you used before getting into reward style? I’ve been denied by all and would love to feel like I could monetize my blog from the very beginning! Thank you
Thank you so much for great advices, very helpful.
My problem is that I’m not good at blogging, how important it is in order to be accepted by LTK? Can I do it without being a blogger?
My pleasure! I think it is important to have a blog, because Rewardstyle wants you to diversify your links across various channels to ensure you have success with the platform! I know there are instagrammers who are accepted without having a blog, though. So give it a shot!
This was an amazing post! I was hesitant to use the hashtag because I thought you had to be a member, but I’m going to start! I’ve been blogging for 2 months now and I would love to use that platform!
I did a quick search on this topic and your post was the first to come up. The tips are really good, so thank you! From your knowledge or personal experiences of others, is it likely to get accepted when starting out with “fewer than 5,000” monthly page views and monthly unique visits?
Yes it is absolutely possible!
When I decided recently to start designing inspirational tees for women, a friend told me to have an ltk girl link my etsy shop? How does this work from the product’s end? Do I just reach out to ltk girls and ask them to add my product to their shop? I’m sure there must be more to it than that! Thank you for any help.
Hey Jamie! Congrats on your business! Yes – reach out to girls who have ltk and see if they’ll link your products! You might have to send them product, though, so they will post it. You’ll get sales through them and they will make commissions from Etsy!
Thanks for writing this. I was denied twice for Rewardstyle. So this helps a lot!
Thanks for sharing! I was wondering how to break in there. I have other links, but the rstyle version seems the easiest.
I got the acceptance email, and it said to be on the lookout for another email. When do I expect the email with the login information?
Great blogpost thank you so much for sharing these tips Lizzi xx
These are great tips. I applied and got accepted the first time.
Is there a max amount of times you can apply to LIKEtoKNOW.it? I’d love to try applying, but I don’t want to waste my chances if I don’t have a large enough following yet.
I’ve applied many different times & never heard anything back from them for my IG blog (@handbagsandheels). You’ve shared lots of tips to get accepted for new bloggers like me. Thank you for sharing them.
These are great tips! Thank you!!
Thank you so much for this post! I’m trying to grow my blog and just don’t have the following or engagement so many of these programs require. You’re tips are a great start toward getting approved.
I’m so happy you found it helpful! Best of luck!
I finally got accepted, almost deleted the email I was so use to rejection (facepalm) now I need to figure out how to use it. Having issues with the phone app. Maybe that is a great post idea for you
Hooray, congrats! The phone app is a bit difficult to navigate at first, but I know you’ll get the hang of it. That’s a great post idea!
This is super informative dear. Thanks for sharing!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
So happy you think so!
Happy New Year Roxanne! I have heard of LTK but have not personally applied. These are great tips though and will definitely keep in mind as I continue to blog. Gorgeous dress btw. The tiered skirt is absolutely beautiful!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Thanks for writing this. They are all tips I would never have guessed!
Thanks for the great tips! I’ve only applied once and was denied so this helps a lot. Hope you’re having a great start to the new year!