Social media has taken over the world and our lives within the past few years. It’s incredible to see how technology has evolved over time and although there are negative aspects, I want to focus on the positives.
The term ‘influencer’ has been used recently to describe those with a social media following and presence. Nowadays companies don’t really have a choice but to succumb to using social media as advertising and marketing. When I started my blog a year ago, influencers wasn’t really a thing. I just considered myself a blogger but within the last 6 months or so, I would say the influencer world has blown up dramatically!
I wanted to focus primarily on what it means to be an influencer or blogger because I think a lot of people have negative connotations or prejudgments on what that entails. I know some of my friends still think the concept of blogging is easy and I am here to prove that it is quite the opposite! Â There are so many behind the scenes and work that goes with blogging that many are unaware of. I think at first glance, it may seem like I just take pictures, write about it and post it online. However, there are actually several steps that happen before the post even goes live.
Outfit Details: Dress (Zaful), Bracelet (Zaful), Shoes (Sugar Brand), Bag (Sammy Dress)
Photography: Anthony SolokovÂ
In simple terms, I have to pick the clothing, theme and location for shoot, a photographer, and a date and time. Then the shoot lasts a minimum for an hour and can go up to 3 depending on how many outfits. My photographer edits the photos, I spend time drafting my blog post with carefully thought out messages and sometimes spend time linking similar or same items for others to purchase. This whole process can take about a week and that only applies to one blog post so imagine how much work goes into having multiple outfits and blog posts!
I think it’s also important to remember that taking pictures is only a small portion of blogging. Bloggers also spend time maintaining their blogs by brainstorming new content and post ideas, catch up and engage with their following, attend events, communicate with brands, go on conference calls, conduct product reviews, etc, etc. It’s truly a job around the clock because you need to constantly be on social media and make sure everything is up to date. I love blogging and don’t mind the work that goes behind it. I just wanted to highlight the behind the scenes because I don’t think bloggers get enough credit for their work. I also wish brands would take into consideration the services, efforts and work that bloggers put towards collaborations because it’s honestly a full time job!
Do you guys feel that your work is often underrated or under appreciated? Let me know if you can relate to any of these points!
41 comments
Oh wow ! Such an cute dress. It looks so gorgeous on you.
Kisses
Marie
http://www.whatiwearinlondon.com
Thank you Marie 🙂
Such an awesome post! Often times I feel like brands don’t know or appreciate all the time, money and effort that goes into making our content!
Xx
Molly
http://www.trendychickadee.com
Exactly! I like when brands appreciate and value our work!
Love your outfit. Nice dress! Other than photography, I end up doing all the work for the blog. From writing to editing, selecting photos, editing them, social media planning, content creation. You’re not just writing, you’re engaging and reaching out to others, responding to them, etc. It’s a lot of work and takes more hours than a 40 hour week.
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
I totally agree Miki! I do all the work for my blog too and I think it’s important for people to acknowledge and respect it!
Absolutely agree with you! Such a great post and you look lovely!
xo, Jennifer
http://www.publicistinpearls.com
Thanks Jennifer!
Great post! I totally agree that blogging is a full time job in itself and it IS a lot more work than most people see it to be. Keep up the great work hun! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/lifestyle/what-to-pack-weekend-road-trip/
Thanks Sharon! I am happy to shed light on blogging 🙂
I completely agree there’s more than taking pictures in blogging like what you’ve enumerated. The good thing is that we as bloggers love doing it and are always excited to publish the next post. Sometimes I don’t mind if we’re underrated or not, some people even think we’re just show-offs 🙂 But I like that you touch this subject, really good on you for sharing your thoughts. Nice dress btw.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Thank you Mercy! I’m glad you found this post helpful and I agree that as long as we love what we do, it doesn’t matter what people think.
Oh my! i love the honesty of your post babe! Honestly, many people thought that blogging is easy. They did not realise the steps we take in order to get a good post. Sometimes, we even end up uninspired but we have to be consistent since our followers should always feel our social media presence! Thanks for the lovely words babe. xx
http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com
Thank you Kandja! So happy you could relate to my post 🙂
I agree, blogging is not easy work!! As a student, it can be quite difficult to balance between the two.
However, I think you’re doing a wonderful job. Love your blog <3
Enclothed Cognition
Thank you so much Keri! It is definitely hard jugging a full time job and my blog, but I’m trying to manage both as best as I can.
true post… bloggers done so much affort. for making even single post better… love your post dear
http://thestyleride.com/romwe-overalls/
Thank you Mahi!
love your post.. superb
Thanks 🙂
You look stunning! Great insightful post.
Emma | Fashion Photographer and Model | http://www.emmanmh.com
Beautiful dress and very nice article! But your hard work is definitely showing off! Great job! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
Thank you so much Susanne! I have definitely tried to take my blog to the next level and write more helpful articles.
Great post babe!! I completely agree with everything your saying. Blogging is more than a full time job, it goes beyond a 9-5. You have to constantly be creating new content, making sure everything you post is high-quality, unique and ensure your engagement and interaction stays consistent. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us 🙂
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhitet.com/how-to-no-bake-halloween-ghost-cake-pops-2/
Thank you Jessi! I’m so glad you can relate 🙂
I agree that blogging is a ton of work! Big companies hire photographers, social media managers, editors, etc. while some bloggers do it ALL! This is such a great post and you name so many great points!
Polly
http://gemsandjoy.com
Thank you so much Polly! I totally agree, we basically do all the work compared to a company with tons of resources and a bigger budget.
I couldn’t agree more with this post. Bloggers/ Influencers have a full time job if not more and there is definitely a misconception although I do think that brands are starting to become more and more aware of that. xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Thanks Christine. I’m happy that brands are recognizing the hard work and I hope more do as well!
Hi Mariann! I didn’t realize you blog full time – is it your full time job? If so, congrats! And if not, keep up the great work! Loved reading your perspective and totally agree that blogging is much harder than it looks! I totally admire and appreciate all that you do : )
xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com
Unfortunately I am not blogging full time, but I will say I am transitioning into it very soon!
This dress is so gorgeous on you! Your outfits are always on point!
xo, Maryam
http://www.glamandposh.com
Thank yo so much doll 🙂
I totally agree with you girl. Blogging is easy, you need to think what post is best. You have sacrifice some appointment just for your new blogpost. Especially on my situation, a full time employee and a mom. I really have to balance my priorities.
xoxo, Katrina | Instagram: @katrinaisha
Check out Banggood
Wow, I totally admire you for that! Juggling all three is difficult but sounds like you’re managing it well!
Oh yes, well said<!
I love your dress, so cute <3
Federica Di Nardo
http://federicadinardo.com
Thank you Federica!
Beautiful dress ♡ Kisses!
http://www.alasdeangel.net
Thanks babes!
I totally agree! I didn’t realize how much time blogging consumes once I started mine a couple of months ago! I spend most of my weekends taking pictures and then evenings when I get home from work writing and editing my posts. I think I’m still learning to balance working my full time job, blogging and my social life!
It’s definitely difficult juggling all of it but I’m sure you are doing a great job 🙂