Sooo…first and foremost we really need to start supporting each other. The algorithms are out to get us and I have noticed a lot of us are not helping matters. That is why I am here to get a few things off my chest and to try and influence a new breed of bloggers who are all about the love. My following rambles are actually valuable to everyone not just bloggers so stick around whether you are a blogger or not.
PRAISE
Many moons ago I met a gorgeous human in the form of fellow model Tess Dimos as we have the same modelling agent and she changed me in ways that she won’t know until she reads this. I had grown up in my teens and early twenties in a dancing world which was definitely a dog eat dog world. Everyone was out to get what they wanted and would do whatever they could do to get there. I am all for the attitude of getting what you want out of life but let’s not slam or hate on others in the process. Now, back to what Tess taught me… When Tess and I friended each other on Instagram and Facebook she would comment on my pictures with the most complimentary uplifting messages such as “what a babe”, “You look amazing”, “Congratulations” and “You’re amazing, well deserved” etc etc…apart from members of my family and my absolute besties I had never had people speak publicly like this. It was a breath of fresh air and something to really learn from. I then subconsciously started behaving in this way online to others, not in a fake way, but if I thought something nice, I wrote it down for the recipient to see. Your one tiny comment that took one second to write may be something that turns their frown upside down. Don’t forget that wonderful saying by Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” So, go forth and do something nice today.
“People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”
ENGAGE
Engagement in the social media world is key, more so than ever. For non-bloggers who may be reading this, I want you to know that bloggers/content creators/influencers/YouTubers really need a good engagement and when you do it doesn’t go un-noticed. It may seem silly but it really is make or break to some of us booking a fabulous job and allowing us to continue making the content which makes you and ourselves happy. I actually stopped putting up flatlay and foodie style pictures because the engagement was half of those that I was actually in. I guess this is flattering but it also stunted my creativity, through no fault of my own…yes, I shouldn’t be so preoccupied by likes but if you read on you will see why.
I recently put out a poll on my Instagram stories because I saw others talking about it saying, “Do you see my Instagram photos pop up in your feed”. I have 20k followers on Instagram, I average 300 likes per Instagram photo, my Instagram photos reach 3000+ people, I average 600 people viewing my stories and I haven’t bought any followers. The maths just doesn’t add up does it?! The poll came to the conclusion that 73% did see my photos. So, I’m going to assume you like what I do as you follow me but does this mean you don’t fancy liking my photos or that you just don’t like peoples photos in general? So many of my other Instagramming buddies are having the exact same problem. We all stick a quick story up saying that we have a new picture on our feed but not many head on over and click like…it takes 2 seconds, why not? For us that care to get around the problem, we really need to start supporting each other by engaging with each other. Whether it is just a quick like because you are tight for time or if you have a few seconds more why not pop in a nice comment? If you can tell it is an #Ad #Spon post then put in the extra love to engage. Let’s do it x
“I average 300 likes per photo yet they reach 3000+ people. The maths just doesn’t add up does it?!”
COMPARISON VS INSPIRATION
Stop comparing yourselves in a negative light. I am always someone who gets caught up in a comparison rut and struggle to get out of it, but rather than letting it eat you up inside, why not just use it as inspiration? Let other people be them and let you be you. I personally think it’s wonderful to keep an eye on the “competition”, it helps you grow and in my opinion can be incredibly motivating. Yet, you really need to start treating it as motivation rather than competition. You can only be you and once you start sticking to what you do best you will grow and improve your own work. There are an insane amount of content creators in this ever increasingly saturated market and even the likes of Zoella and Tanya Burr would be struggling if they started today, but with a little determination and less wasted time on bad comparisons you will thrive to be where you want to be.
“Let other people be them and let you be you.”
What is everyone elses opinion on this matter? Let me know your thoughts in the comments xx
Here’s a photo of some typical blogger stuff 😉
