In this weeks Influencer Series we spoke to Rowan Row, a London Based fashion, fitness and lifestyle blogger. Having worked with the likes of Tag Heuer, Hugo Boss and Superdry, he has racked up a loyal following of 476k on Instagram. We got the low down of his journey and his tips and tricks for breaking into the industry. 

 

Hey Rowan, thanks so much for taking the time to speak to us today. You have a fantastic media kit, feed and engagement rate. Could you start off by telling us how you got into blogging? Did it start off as a hobby?

I started blogging a few years ago, when I started sharing some fashion focused content on my page rather than just fitness. I then realised that my images started to get a great engagement from my following so I took it more seriously.

That’s amazing –  How did you grow your following?

If you put 1 million people in one place, and you create something that they need, they will buy it.

I believe that’s a close answer to this question. If you offer the population something that they can get inspired from, then they will follow you.

Yes, that’s such a good way of putting it. With that in mind do you have any advice for people wanting to start a blog, how to grow their following & break into the industry?

The first and most important thing – especially for the younger generation. My suggestion is to start because you love it, you have a  passion for it and the drive to succeed. I see many people starting because they get offered free gifts, free events, etc. That is not the way to succeed in the industry. Start because you want to inspire the world with your style/lifestyle or whatever  your blog is related to. Don’t rush into it and have a lot of patience and drive for it.

 

I  completely agree, if the passion isn’t there then it can be very transparent. Is blogging now your full time job? If so, how did you make the transition?

At this stage I do it full time. I believe that each one of us (influencers) realise at some point that we become super busy and we literally don’t have time anymore for our previous job. Then I guess we can now call it “full time”.

What are your favourite types of brands to collaborate with?

I started my career as a professional athlete so I’ve been doing that for many years. Fashion is something very new for me and still super exciting. So, I believe at this stage I will say Fashion over Fitness.

Which social channels are the most beneficial for getting collaborations?

Most of my work I get it from Instagram or via my Blog/YouTube. I never approach brands myself.

What are your favourite tools on the market for influencers?

I believe that ZINE it is a great source of measuring when comes to socials analytics. So I’d say ZINE.

 

 

Amazing, we’re so glad that you find it useful. When did you start your fitness journey?

I started my fitness journey when I was 9 years old and it has gone from there.

Do you have any advice for those just starting their fitness journey?

Exercise at least 5 times a week no more than 45 minutes a day. Give 100 to each workout, stick to a right nutrition and have at least 8 hours sleep every night.

 

 

What has been your biggest lesson so far and what has been your greatest achievement?

My biggest lesson was when my Instagram got hacked two years ago. I rushed myself to add my Instagram details on a random website and lost my account. At this point my following had reached 200k and I had to start again from scratch.

My greatest achievement is starting a new Instagram account from zero and achieving almost half a million followers in just two years time.

That does sound like such a tough lesson to have to learn, but it’s amazing how fast you’ve grown through pure determination. Do you have a favourite influencer?

I don’t have a favourite influencer. I believe that there are many inspirational influencers out there in a different ways.

Which collaboration are you most proud of? Which brand was your favourite to work with?

There are quite a few partnerships that I have done that I am very proud of. I believe that brands who offer trips away are always extremely fun to work with because you get to live the brand, explore new places, meet new people and discover different cultures.

 

 

Which platform gives you the most leverage?

For now I must say it is Instagram.

How is YouTube different to your blog? Is it an easier way to show your personality?

YouTube is indeed a great source of showing your personality and who you are.

 

This or That:

• Fitness or Fashion? – Fashion
• Instagram or Twitter? – Instagram
• Blog or Youtube? – YouTube
• iPhone or Camera? – Camera
• High Street or Designer? – High Street
• Summer or Winter Fashion? – Winter Fashion
• Morning or Evening Workouts? – Morning
• Gym or Outdoors? – Gym

 

You can join Rowan on ZINE, by signing up today. It’s completely free, offers in depth analytics into your audience and is a great tool to use when pitching yourself to brands. 

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Lucy Barker

I’m Influencer Marketing Executive here at ZINE, where I manage communications of over 40,000 influencers. I’m obsessed with coffee, shopping and makeup.