The recent decade has witnessed industries transform irrevocably, thanks to the advent of digital technology. Likewise, online-based platforms themselves have changed in ways that contributed to opening doors and breaking down barriers preventing people from finding success. In particular, Instagram has evolved from a photo-sharing service to a one-stop shop for social media users’ needs. Among those who have seen the app grow in prominence and capitalized on the reach and power of social media sites is Anna Starostina, a model-turned-influencer who is currently strategically making her moves in a highly digitized world where influence is critical.
Anna Starostina started her Instagram account when the platform was a relatively new addition to cyberspace. Back in 2011, she didn’t have any clue that it would grow as one of the top sites in the world used by more than a billion people. As a model, the go-getter would sometimes post photos from a shoot.
“I had about 300 followers, mostly my friends. But, one day, I woke up and saw a bunch of notifications on my phone screen: likes, subscriptions, comments,” she recalled. More than a thousand people clicked a button to begin tuning in to every update from this multifaceted figure in one night.
It was Agent Provocateur publishing her photo that would help Anna Starostina gain momentum online. That single step by the luxury lingerie brand opened her eyes to the reality that the world can now be contained in social networks. Individuals can secure a spot in the limelight in an instant despite not hailing from the entertainment industry.
With such a massive opportunity before her, Anna Starostina expanded her skill set and expended considerable effort toward gaining a deeper understanding of how everything works, mastering mobile photo retouching and analyzing promotion algorithms. In addition, she kept up with any developments and learned the nitty-gritty of every notable shift in the platforms she was using.
“When the algorithms changed, I started investing in paid publics. I moved away from professional and catalog shooting and stopped running around after castings,” she added. “I just posted photos from my life, and they allowed me to grow my audience.
Today, Anna Starostina boasts an impressive portfolio attached to her name. With years of experience wielding social media to her advantage, the self-made Instagram influencer continues to be a solid presence in the digital space. It has emerged as a source of much-needed insights for those who wish to enter the business.
“If you want to build a career, you need to devote all the time to it. Run to all castings, and even better—find yourself a modeling agency so as not to search for castings on your own. You need to avoid the temptation of easy money because the outcome of such stories in most cases is sad,” advised the well-accomplished personality. “You need to develop as a person. Knowledge of foreign languages is not unimportant. Also, for a professional model, the ability to work for the camera matters. These are the skills that are worth working on.”
Despite snagging a long list of achievements under her belt, Anna Starostina doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon. On top of starting a family, she hopes to grow her brand even further and cement her standing more solidly.
Learn more about Anna Starostina by visiting her Instagram page.
