It’s been a minute since I’ve done a personal post, where I share my random thoughts. It’s been a busy few months with work, travel and then moving right into the holidays. My blog schedule has been all over the place, and in some cases non-existent. I have really enjoyed taking a step back from the blog. Lately though, I feel like I am finally getting back to a good place with this little passion project.
There have been so many thoughts running through my mind, usually late at night when I’m trying to fall asleep, about what the future looks like for blogs. Particularly my blog. For me, the blogging world is on the far side of a pendulum swing. We could be approaching, what I call, a leveling off period.
Blogging and “the influencer world” has changed so much over the past couple of years. In the beginning it was a small group of people who were posting with no thought of any financial gain. They were sharing for the sake of giving value, or inspiration. Today with the heavy saturation, I think we are seeing the complete opposite side of the spectrum. Some people are entering this space purely for the prospect of monetization. Sponsored posts are at an all time high and try-on hauls, unboxing videos and over consumerism are everywhere.
This is where I am struggling. I want to be very transparent with you. I can easily spend a few minutes scrolling through my feed or watching everyone’s stories and feel like I should be doing what everyone else is doing. Most people see what is working for someone else and think that recreating something similar will give them success.
There are accounts who see massive growth and success by following certain formulas. One might be, posting several outfit photos a day, sharing links in their stories and being associated as a shop-able destination. Their followers look to them for the latest sales, trends etc. Another might be a strictly travel account that shares exotic destinations, with the latest coffee shops and “must-see” spots highlighted on their account.
I recently heard something that really stood out to me. I was watching an episode of A Drink With James… which I LOVE. In episode 102 he said “it is 100% okay to have awesome content and not have a big audience.” As simple as this quote is, it was a breakthrough for me. I have always felt that your follower count has no correlation with the quality of your content. There are so many micro-influencers who create amazing, creative and innovative content. There are also mega-influencers who don’t put the same effort or value into the content they produce.
Where I think bloggers (myself included) need to pay attention is where are we looking too much at what everyone else is doing, instead of what we can be doing to add value. This isn’t exclusive to bloggers. I think we all have a responsibility to look at where we have influence. It might be at work or with friends and family. I have always tried to be very intentional with what I share, especially when it comes to products. Which is why you see me feature the same brands multiple times.
What works for other people won’t necessarily work for you. And you might not want it to… would you rather be doing what everyone else is doing or be doing something unique to you?
If you feel like you are struggling with comparison or looking at your content and wondering why your numbers don’t look like someone else’s, there are a few things to remember. The first, is that there is space for everyone and you have something unique to share. Secondly, don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Do what you want to do, share what you want to share, post what you want to post. Third, know that (like James said) it is okay to not have a huge following. You have a following big or small that has chosen to follow you. YOU! Just remember that with that audience comes a responsibility to add positivity and value to those who look to you for inspiration. xo Bryn
I love this, Bryn! And this is one of the reasons I LOVE reading your blog. I struggle with this same thing so often but lately I have finally felt like I am ready to continue blogging and not worry about what everyone else is doing or how “successful” their blogs are. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Taylor | https://www.livingtaylored.com
Thank you Taylor! I love reading your blog as well! I think we just need to get back to a place where it’s more about the joy of writing and publishing rather than what everyone else is doing! Thanks for reading! XO Bryn
I agree! Bloggers shouldn’t just do what others are doing especially if it doesn’t feel authentic to who they are. I have a very small audience as well but I still just love writing and posting about my favorite things. It gives be joy outside of my job!
The one thing I’ve really been forcing myself to do more of though is paying attention to what my small follower pool is clicking on and reacting to. What types of products they gravitate to…Even though the numbers are small it still helps guide decisions I should be making on content going forward to better cater to them. I also think bloggers (I am guilty of this too) are too focused on themselves and their own gain vs. focusing on the audience they DO have (what they want, need comment on ,etc) I also don’t think every blogger needs to focus on Instagram. There are so many more valuable marketing channels to focus on – SEO being a big one!
I love how you reflect on the blogger space often! Don’t get discouraged. You post beautiful content and I’ve been loving your Bear posts on your stories 🙂
Kristin
http://www.tweedandlace.com
Kristin thank you for such a thoughtful comment!! I completely agree with everything you said! I think the beauty of being a blogger with a smaller audience is we have the ability to really see what people are connecting to. Some of the larger bloggers lose sight of that like you said! And definitely think only focusing on Instagram is not a good idea!
Thank you so much for reading! I appreciate it! XO Bryn
I absolutely love this post Bryn! That quote is amazing and definitely a good reminder when going into 2019. Being surrounded by influencer content every day all day it can get seriously overwhelming and you almost tune it out, BUT there are a few people who truly always inspire me – and it has absolutely nothing to do with how many followers they have. I also definitely have to check out James’ podcast now 🙂
xx Caroline
http://www.whenwear.com
Right? I totally agree! There are so many people who inspire me and their follower size has nothing to do with it. And I highly recommend his channel! It’s so good! XO Bryn
I love love love LOVE that you shared this Bryn! It’s been something that I have been think about in the blogging/influencer world, and I’ve been feeling out of place. And your right, some people join this world purely on monetizing and it makes me kind of sad. I used to find this space full of creativity and inspiration. I was recently asked to be a panelist on a workshop for new bloggers/influencers, and a lot of these people (right out of college) goals for their career is to be insta famous. I was shocked! And I also watched that same episode and it did help bring back my inspiration! I always look forward to your posts Bryn! Your content is AMAZING!!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thank you Rach! Your support always means so much to me! I was thrilled to see you speak as a panelist… it makes me sad to hear so many people want to enter this creative space for fame or money. I definitely do see the appeal though of making a living from sharing creativity. But I think the people who are truly making a career from this started with passion. I am trying to get back to the passion part! XO Bryn
Your post has so much truth and I can completely relate. Thank you for sharing your honest opinion. I needed this!
Thank you Courtney! I appreciate you taking the time to read it! XO Bryn
Wow! I found your blog yesterday actually and have been making my way through several of your posts and this one was truly inspiring to read.
I started my blog back in March of last year and I hardly have a following, but I still love it. Who knows if it’ll ever grow into something more, but I couldn’t be more grateful to have that creative space that I get to call my own.
I think those that truly have a love and passion for blogging can relate to that. Thank you so much for sharing what you’ve learned and what blogging means to you – it was a lovely read.
All Things Ashley Marie
Thank you Ashley for such a sweet comment! I’m glad you stumbled upon the blog and really appreciate you reading!
I think that is so true… it’s all about having a creative space that is completely yours. Whether the following is large or small it’s a passion and people can always recognize that!
Thank you again! XO Bryn