Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Rizanne Rafael @rizannerafael

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

My name is Rizanne Rafael, but everyone calls me Rich. I’m from the Philippines and I’m currently working as a Digital Marketing Manager. That means I spend most of my time researching on social media trends and how brands can hop on them. I guess that says a lot about how much time I spend on social media. I studied Communication Arts, which basically means that I am in love with photography, film, literature, etc. In my spare time, I like to go on adventures. I love travelling and I always challenge myself to discover a place I’ve never been before.

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

I’m a passionate life lover so I guess that means I’m interested in anything that makes me feel alive. Whether it’s completely mundane like eating breakfast or snuggling comfy sheets, or something extraordinary like cliff diving or visiting a far away country, I will post about it. There’s beauty in every little thing we do and that’s what’s great about Instagram — we get to show it to other people.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

It’s actually just my first and last name. I used to go crazy on usernames and I’d always try to be funny (sometimes even pun-ny) but I eventually get tired of them. Sometimes they’re not as funny anymore and could be pretty embarrassing. You wouldn’t want to know my first email address. It had three adjectives.

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

I always use vsco. I think everybody uses vsco. There’s just so many things you could do to your photos using the app — you can tweak your photos by adjusting the brightness, contrast, and other stuff. Sometimes you won’t even need a filter. But if you do need one, there are many to choose from and most of them are for free! ~#vsco #vscocam~

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

I like the page of @nadzlustre. She’s a celebrity in the Philippines so it’s really interesting to have a peek of what her life is like. Also, she travels a lot and her feed is well curated and full of colors. I always look at her page for inspiration.

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

Download the UnUm app. It will help you plan out your posts and see if they will mix well with your feed. I know a lot of people are concerned about how their feeds look like and if their photos are consistent. I really recommend this app if you’re one of them.

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

I really wouldn’t call myself an influencer. Although, I love being able to share my photos and engaging with people whom I never would have met in real life. I guess that’s why social media can be addicting — you get to see a bit of other people’s lives and you get to show them what yours is like, too. It connects you with people from different places with different cultures, preferences, etc. And then when they tell you how awesome your photo is, or your feed, your caption, whatever — it’s overwhelming.

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

Connect with your audience by partnering up with people that they can relate to. They have to know that your brand understand their wants and needs because they are represented by people who are just like them. They can be college students, part time waiters, single moms, aspiring actresses — who all just happen to have a huge following on social media.

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

Always make sure that you like what you post and that it represents YOU. Whatever you post, whatever you share, is a reflection of you. It’s your branding and it’s how people would know you.

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

Getting your name out there and connecting with people who are interested in the same things as you.

Topics:

• Art
• Food & Drink
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

Philippines