Whether you’ve been pouring your heart into the blogging and social media scene for a while or you’re just getting started, there’s one goal that often becomes the North Star for us content creators: getting that coveted nod as an LTK Creator.
Where my Journey Began
My first attempt at joining LTK resulted in a pretty crushing “no,” and I can still feel the sting of that disappointment today. But, like any other curveball life throws, I stuck to my playbook. I gave myself a bit of time to soak in the frustration, and when that clock ran out, I shut the door on that rejection and shifted my focus. That’s when I committed to dissecting my social media game and finding ways to level up, with the ultimate goal of reapplying successfully. And you know what? I want to share every bit of that journey with you in the hope that it might just nudge you in the right direction too!
First things first, I dove into the LTK app, scrolling through the profiles of influencers already rocking it on the platform. I followed those whose vibe and style I resonated with and started mentally jotting down notes on what made their content stand out. One major common thread? Consistency. These influencers were like clockwork, dishing out fresh content either every day or every few days. Lighting was another secret weapon – their photos had great natural lighting. And then there was the magical cohesiveness – similar colors, backgrounds, and an overarching aesthetic tying everything together.
While it’s important to find your own unique vision and style, it can also be equally as important to see what’s already working for others. I’m a firm believer in surrounding yourself with people who you strive to be like and then putting in the work to rise to their level.
What LTK Creator is Looking For
So now – let’s talk strategy. Directly from the LTK website, here are the current requirements they have listed:
What we look for in potential influencers:
- Clean editorial design
- At least 4 months of consistent, quality, and original content
- An engaged and growing audience
So, what does that all mean? Let’s dive into each one.
Clean Editorial Design
If you’re not familiar with the design world you might be asking yourself “what the heck is a “clean editorial design”!? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Simply put, a clean editorial design is just referring to balance and simple, easy-to-digest visuals. You want your images and content to be uncluttered, simple, and organized. Think “less, but better”. If you’re using text, choose one or two fonts and use them consistently. Create a color palette by choosing 3-5 colors to use across all of your content and branding. This will help your content stand out and will allow your followers to be able to instantly recognize your brand. Use good lighting and make sure that whatever product you are showcasing is within frame and in use. These things are what lay the foundation for a clean, editorial design.
Optimize your Instagram Profile
To increase your chances of approval to LTK, it’s important to optimize your Instagram profile. Your profile is like a mini media kit and should reflect your unique brand identity. Make sure your profile picture is clear and a great headshot of you. I recommend looking directly into the camera and smiling.
Use your bio to describe who you are and what you do. Include a link to your blog or website if you have one. It’s extremely important to highlight what you offer in your bio. It should be obvious to anyone who finds your IG profile why they should follow you.
At Least 4 Months of Consistent, Quality, and Original Content
Create High Quality Content
Your Instagram feed is a visual representation of your brand, so it’s essential to create high-quality content that stands out. Use a consistent editing style and that color scheme that we discussed earlier to create a cohesive look. Experiment with different types of content such as flat lays, lifestyle photos, and Reels.
This content can also be what you’ll be posting onto your profile once you’re approved as an LTK creator, so keep that in mind. Share items that you can link once approved! One thing I remember doing was posting on my Instagram as if I were already approved on LTK, so once I did get accepted my transition felt seamless. Be sure to share details like which retailer it’s from, sizing and color options available, if it’s currently on sale, and tag @shop.ltk!
Stay Consistent
LTK wants to see at least 4 months of consistency from your page. They don’t define an exact number of posts but to me, a consistent and engaged page looks like 3-5 posts per week. You can achieve this by creating a schedule and batching your content to make sure you have enough for each week. Also, by switching up the type of content you post, you can easily crank out more since not every post has to be a fully styled outfit, for example. You can create a flat lay or a collage instead.
An Engaged and Growing Audience
Make sure your captions are engaging and add value to your audience. I suggest asking open ended questions, as these are great conversation starters! Respond to comments to keep the conversation going.
Show up on stories at least every few days to let your followers get to know you on a more personal level. Stories are a great way to show behind the scenes, share insight into your daily life, and further engage your audience. You can even poll your audience to see exactly what types of content they like seeing from you and want to see more of!
Be Patient and Persistent
It can be daunting to be creating content constantly. But you have to be patient and persistent in this industry. Success rarely happens overnight, so it’s crucial to stay committed to maintaining consistency in your posts and building your brand. So, be patient in understanding that you may not get approved as an LTK creator right away.
The good news is that a rejection doesn’t mean you’re locked out forever. You can always reapply down the line. Once you’ve got a groove going with posting high-quality content and have set up your IG profile for success, go ahead and give it another shot!
The earlier you secure approval on LTK (or any other affiliate platform), the sooner you can start turning your efforts into affiliate commissions. It’s all about finding that balance between persistence and timing.
Don’t Buy Followers
One last point- and this should go without saying, but do not buy followers! Identifying bot accounts on Instagram is quite easy, and the rewardStyle affiliate, LTK, won’t give the green light to Instagram handles that blatantly violate the platform’s terms of service by purchasing followers and likes. It’s better to have a smaller, but authentic and engaged audience than to have a large one filled with bots that contribute no value or interaction to your page. After all, once you’re an approved LTK creator you’ll aim for your audience to convert to paying customers. And the truth is, bought followers will never be that for you. There are many other reasons why this is a bad idea, but my advice is simple: just don’t do it!
Ready to Apply?
If you’ve implemented the strategies above and you feel like you’re ready to apply, click here!
Current LTK Creators also have the ability to refer others. If you’re implementing the strategies discussed here and would like extra help, consider asking another creator for a referral. You are welcome to shoot me an email here if you would like a referral from me. Please tell me your name and Instagram or Blog URL in the message as well.
Did this post feel overwhelming and you’re just getting started as a content creator/influencer? Head over to this post for tips on getting started with that!
