Time for some BTS blogging realness guys?
Being a blogger, it’s my job (literally), to know the ins & outs of all the social networks. How they work, how people get large cult followings, what people like to see the most, etc. etc.
For example, did you know that a photo with blue as the prominent color is said to attract more likes & comments than any other color. Interesting, right?
Out of all the social networks though, the one that I spend the most time studying/analyzing is most def. Instagram.
At this point, I could probably write a thesis on my thoughts re. good ole’ Insta, but I will try to keep this short & to the point (keyword: try).
Truth, Instagram is not an honest reflection of of peoples lives. SHOCKER, right??
Imagine a ven diagram, one side is “real” life one side is “fake” life, smack dab in the middle you will find Instagram. What you’re seeing on Insta is, at most, a half truth.
Using myself as an example… let’s analyze Instagram realness:
Guilty as charged guys!!
Did you know that Instagram ACTUALLY 100% causes depression (read all about that here) in people? Makes total sense, all you see when scrolling through your feed is this persons latest vacation to Tulum or another persons brand new Balenciaga weekender bag.
It’s bound to make you feel less than… everything.
Trust me, I feel it all the time. How could you not? It can be a realllll downer, & the fact that I could be contributing to that Insta-sadness makes me, well, sad. I promise you guys, it’s not all hearts & freaking stars in my world, or anyone’s for that matter. No one’s life is perfect, no matter how they make it seem via a pretty picture (which could have been taken 2 weeks ago for all you know!).
I wear sweatpants majority of the time, rarely have time to brush my hair, & more often than not… I eat cereal for dinner. Soooo chic, yes?
Enough about all that though, I am rambling, there is just one more subject I want to touch on before I sign off…
Buying fake followers. I’m not going to expand on this much cause I prefer not to put people on blast but… just don’t do it. People can tell, I repeat, we can tell!!!! Based on the type of individuals following someone (ex. all followers have zero photos), the likes someone gets, & most importantly- comment conversion.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out if you buy followers & if you’re a blogger thinking that buying 50k likes will get you a leg up in this crazy industry, it won’t. It will actually do the opposite as brands find that to be a hugeeeee turnoff (cause yes, they can tell too!).
Trust me guys, build your following the right way, it will pay off in the end… even if it’s frustrating that everyone around you is buying their Insta-fame.
Sorry if I sound like a Bitter Betty, but I just gotta rant every once in a while & that’s all I’ve got. Do you guys have anything you want to share about Insta-frustrations? LMK, we can talk it out ;).
x, E
P.S. you can read all about the blogger facade here as well.
It’s interesting that you mentioned this because I just realized that a blogger who I’ve been following for years, bought followers to kickstart a new venture. Why do bloggers do this? It is obvious to the real followers and significantly lowers their credibility.
I loved this, and I think I needed to read this! I’m just getting started/revamped my blog and it IS intimidating! So, thank you!
I feel ya girl! I have been blogging for ages & still get down on it! Just keep perspective & keep on blogging <3
I love all your unique posts esp. this one! You’re one of my fav bloggers out there for sure!!! :)
Aww thanks babe! xo
This made me laugh out loud. I love the captions on parts of your pictures. Thank you!
It’s sort of crazy because we all know it’s a facade, but everything looks so pretty, it’s hard to balance how much to play into it. I know that when bloggers post realness, people love it, so I wonder if we’re moving closer towards that ‘real’ all the time? I don’t know, but I feel you on this girl. Love it!
Haha thanks babe :) glad I could make you giggle! I totally feel you on balancing it all & trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I think a lot of it is trial & error and seeing what works best for you :) x. E
Thank you! I’m so obsessed with this blog–the DIYs, the interior design and now the blogger tips. I love hearing you affirm that a lot of what we see is constructed/staged and that’s just part of the job. Thanks :)
thank you girl!!