6 tips for making friends during the Organised October WiP-Along

Hello! Today I'd like to share my 6 top tips for making new friends during the Organised October WiP-Along! If you're not sure what this challenge is about, you probably want to read my last blog post first. 

For me, making new friends is one of the best things about joining in with challenges like these! The WiP-Along is taking place on Instagram, the social platform with a suer friendly and supportive crafting community. Whether you have taken part in the WiP-Along or a CAL (Crochet A-Long) or a KAL (Knit A-Long) or something similar before or not, there's sure to be something useful in this post for you.

For me, making new friends is one of the best things about joining in with challenges like these! The WiP-Along is taking place on Instagram, the social platform with a suer friendly and supportive crafting community. Whether you have taken part in the WiP-Along or a CAL (Crochet A-Long) or a KAL (Knit A-Long) or something similar before or not, there's sure to be something useful in this post for you.

Let's dive in ...

1. If someone leaves a lovely comment on any of your posts, take a moment to leave a friendly reply. If you're not already following them, go and check out their account.
2. Make sure you're following the hosts. They'll be sharing posts in their stories and you'll be introduced to new accounts. My co-hosts are @andintothetrees, @goslingandplumb, @laboursoflovecrochet and @sewcraftynaz.
   
3. Follow the hashtags #wipalong21 and #organisedoctober21 - this way you'll see a few posts everytime you scroll through your feed from accounts you're not following. If you do see posts that interest you, click on them to see more of the other person's posts. Like, comment, save, share, follow - if you like what you see.
4. Leave lots of encouraging comments on posts or in stories. The chances are, you'll get a reply and the start of a blossoming friendship.
   
5. Share other people's content to your stories! This lets them know you appreciate their content and widens everyone's circle of friends! 
   
6. If someone new follows you, take a moment to check out their account. If they look like a good match for you, follow them back!
   

... and I have a bonus tip which is something I try my best to impliment because it's a super friendly way to reach out and connect with new friends - I send new followers a short DM (direct message) introducing myself! When I send these DMs I almost always receive a lovely reply with a bit more information about the other person and our relationship is off to a flying start! If you have a business account you can set this up as a shortcut in DMs. If you don't have a business account, you can set one up in the notes app on your phone and copy & paste from there.

Like I said at the start of this post, the crafting community on Instagram is a positive, supportive one, so don't feel shy about joining in with comments and feedback, everyone is very friendly. I know I've made some really good friends there and I'm sure you will too!

If you have any questions about the WiP-along you can leave a comment below or you can reach out to me on Instagram, I'd love to hear from you! 

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Until next time,

Marta xx