When I first began blogging, I thought that there was only one way of doing things, and only one end goal. At the time, I was working as a photographer for a blogger. Since I didn’t know any better, I took all my blogging queues from the way she and her friends operated. Multiple times a week they were invited to lavish fashion events where they would be showered with gifts. They spoke as if their goals were simply to continue attending events like this, to be famous, and make lots of money.
As my blog slowly began to grow, I started getting invited to some of these blogger events. I was excited because I was under the impression that these event invitations were based on the quality of your blog. For about a year and half I sought out these parties where I would then go and schmooze like was expected. I didn’t get very many invitations, but when I did the experience was always the same: lots sickly-sweet compliments and new “friends” who would unfollow me a day later. But I continued to attend them because I didn’t think I could become a successful blogger any other way. I was convinced that I would eventually begin getting invited to higher quality events that I would enjoy more and which would yield the industry connections I was looking for.
This past winter I finally settled into a comfortable niche regarding the type of content that I was creating for my social media and blog. I decided to take some risks and post content that was slightly unconventional at times, but unique and–in my opinion–of value. I began focusing on producing high-quality writing, colorful pastel imagery, and a consistently uplifting message. I was delighted to find that this new spin delivered growth and sponsorships that I had never thought possible for me. It also brought me to several important realizations. I realized how absolutely vital it is for a blogger to find their invididual niche in order to set themselves apart from the crowd. I believe that it is nearly impossible for a blogger to achieve this by only ever posting their spin on what they have seen other bloggers talk about. Instead, I think it is best for each of them to utilize their unique skill set and experiences to form a completely original experience for their readers. I also realized that the event invitations might never come, and that’s absolutely fine. In fact, I’m a bit relieved. I have found that many of the bloggers frequently posting about attending events were not necessarily the successful “career bloggers”, but rather the ones who have connections in the PR industry. I also noticed that a lot of these bloggers who I aspired to be like are purchasing fake Instagram followers, comments, and likes. I certainly understand struggling to grow as fast as you might like, but any content creator is doing themselves a great disservice by focusing on quantity over quality. I am becoming increasingly confident in my ability to blog to the beat of my own drummer, and I hope this might inspire a few more of you to unveil your amazing talents and to do the same.
xoxox
Emily
Sleeveless bodysuit and high-waist jean cuff shorts from American Apparel, Mara sandals from Mari A, Rose Matter liquid lipstick from Jeffree Star.
Zee says
Wow! You are a great writer. As a blogger myself I came to this realization as well… I love fashion and made a website about general fashion. I made the whole website myself! Once I started taking pictures and writing, I discovered I didn’t like any of the pictures and I could never find anything valuable to write about.
Eventually I gravitated back to my ultimate love – japanese fashion. I am now happily settled in my niche and have started really digging into all the stuff I’m interested in. It took months to redesign my website and re-brand myself and I was really scared of making it so specific, but now I can’t imagine my blog any other way.
I have yet to go to any blogger events… If I’m being honest, I don’t even know if I would want to. My blog is so niche-y I would have better luck looking for followers in a j-fashion convention. The blogging events that most interest me are the ones with seminars and helpful things like that.
I’d love to hear more of your thoughts on this <3 Please keep blogging, you're an inspiration.
Emily says
Hi Zee, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and kind words. I agree that it can be scary settling into a super specific niche…You’re left wondering if there is possibly an audience out there who will be interested. But I am confident that it’s the right path to take. You’d never stand out if you were just another fish in the sea of blogger clones. I think of it like any other business: The successful businesses are the ones who have innovative ideas, execute them well, and don’t copy others.
Oh yeah, and you’re totally not missing out on the blogger events 😛
Zaralouu says
Love this, I recall reading about the whole ‘fake follower purchasing’ thing through Twitter and I was shocked at how easy it was to do via apps readily available on app stores etc. It does defy belief that people seem driven more so by ‘numbers on a screen’ rather than ‘intrigued readers who, even though may be one person – reads every single post you have made’
I do feel my blog is ‘small’ compared to the majority out there for which dabble in the field I have chosen. But I’m proud that those people are indeed people, and they enjoy reading my thoughts.
I began writing more like ‘I talk/speak’ lately and I’ve also began wondering about the direction my blog is taking. This has further cemented my notions about where I should go next –
So thanks for the help and I think your blog is superb! Keep it up 🙂
Zara
X
Emily says
Hi Zara, thank you for your lovely response to my post! I completely agree with you about having real readers, even if it’s just a few at first. Nothing makes me happier than knowing that something I have written or photographed has touched someone. I’m not sure what satisfaction bloggers can possibly get when they know that their engagement is not genuine. I am so incredibly glad that this post was able to boost your confidence about the direction of your blog! I’m going to check it out now 🙂
Francois Spies says
Hi, so I’ve been thinking of starting a blog, but I can’t seem to get what I think will attract readers, maybe I’m just underestimating the whole situation. You’ve checked out my Instagram, uncookedspaghetti92, so I decided to read this article, I like it, will definitely keep on following.
What would you say should I try to get out there then, I do not want to purchase followers.