*Outfit details with affiliate links: Grey Sweater (Line and Dot) | Skirt (Layla Jade) | Beanie (ASOS) | Bag (Brahmin) | Pumps (Aldo)
I have been blogging for about 2.5 years now and I am by no means an OG blogger, but I do think I started at a time where the market wasn’t as saturated as it is now. I always reflect on the industry and think it’s amazing how social media has shifted traditional advertising and marketing to digital. I am sure a lot of us can agree that this market is in fact extremely saturated. I have read articles that social media is here to stay and it’s not going anywhere and I can see why.
As a full time blogger, I have mixed feelings about the saturated market and I know I’m not the only one. There are definitely times when I get overwhelmed because I feel like everybody is doing the same thing. The key is to stand out and that means doing something different or offering a unique perspective. I love what I do, but it’s natural for me to question my craft because I do find myself comparing my content to others. I know it’s not healthy, but it’s almost inevitable since my feed is bombarded with people who have the same interests as me, which is why I decided to follow them. I love supporting others especially if I admire their content and can relate to their stories.
Social media has been a great way for me to figure who I am because it has made me think about how I want to be seen and who I want to become. I am content with how much I’ve grown over the years, but it has also challenged me to explore more of my creativity. As you grow on a platform, it’s important that your content grows and evolves as well. I never like to be comfortable, so I am dedicating this month to plan the direction of where I want to take my brand in 2018. The best part of this industry is that there are no rules. Everybody is in charge of their vision and it’s exciting to know that I have that power. There’s a possibility that your readers and followers may not like what you are doing, but I think you’ll never know how they receive it until you try it.
As a last takeaway, it’s extremely important to be authentic and stay true to who you are. It’s a no brainer and I know we’ve all heard it before but I truly believe authenticity will take you far in this industry. Try not to focus too much on what others are doing and always take risks. I would love to hear how you feel about the saturated market and how you are handling it.
27 comments
It’s so difficult to really stand out from all the other blogs out there. But I think that as long you stay true to yourself and the things that you like and endure, it will shine through to your readers and they will come back for more! Also love the outfit!
Marije | thegfguide.com
Thank you Marije! Staying true to yourself is definitely key.
Such a chic and cozy outfit, love that sweater on you.
@rachelvogttrends
http://rachelvogttrends.com/2017/12/13/holiday-dresses-river-island/
Thank you Rachel.
I have been blogging about the same amount of time you have. It is a lot of hard work and I am going to college right now and trying to do it all. It takes a lot of time but I love it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
I’m glad you’re able to juggle all if it successfully!
Mariann, this is such a great topic for this post as I am feeling in the same situation as you right now. I began blogging just a few months after you did and I am about to reevaluate where I want my brand to go as well. I agree with you completely, standing out among our peers is quite challenging. But remaining true, genuine, and authentic is so important. I guess that is what we all strive for…to make our own authentic selves shine through the masses. But that is also what will make us stand out. I am a firm believer that there is enough room for all of us and that one woman’s success by no means detracts from another’s. But like you I do get overwhelmed sometimes and wonder where my place is in this crazy world of blogging. I guess that is the nature of this business and of life in general…to continue to evolve and become the best possible versions of ourselves. Thank you so much for sharing your insightful thoughts. Here’s to self-evolution and re-branding in the new year!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thank you so much for your feedback Shelbee! I’m glad I’m not the only one who feel this way and I love what you said about there being enough room for all of us. I agree with you and I wish more people can see that. I also love supporting others, so I stand with you in the fact that a woman’s success does not take away from another’s. It definitely can get a little competitive, but it’s important to focus on our brands and like you said, here’s to self evolution and rebranding for 2018!
And I forgot to say that I love your outfit and your style! You are super chic and NYC sassy!
Shelbee
That burgundy coat is gorgeous! And I know what you mean. Sometimes it feels like there are only so many ways you can stand out because of the saturation of the market. But you’re right – you have to stay true to yourself and not focus too much on what others are doing.
It’s definitely a constant struggle and I’m working on finding my groove with this industry.
Yeah know totally understand what you mean my darling. Everybody who hears the word blogger…. thinks of fast and easy earned money… which is simply not the case. I am obsessed with your photography skills and look btw. Love ur blog hun. U are doing an amazing job
Thank you so much. I needed those kind words!
Great post, thanks for sharing your point of view!!
Btw your look is so beautiful! 🙂
kisses
Agnese & Elisa
http://desiresinstyle.com/
Thank you! I would love to hear your thoughts about the industry.
Oh waouw, I LOVE your bag !
And this skirt is very pretty!
Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Olivia Poncelet
http://www.oliviaponcelet.com <3
Thanks Olivia!
I totally feel you! I know this market is saturated and crowded, but I believe there is space for everyone too. We all have a voice and we all have our unique twist and staying true to ourselves is the only way to stand out. You are always so inspirational and have come a long way and so happy to follow along in that journey. Keep up the hard work in 2018 and can’t wait to see what you have planned! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/the-la-mer-hype/
Thank you Christine for your support! I am so glad we connected because you are one of the bloggers that I admire. I love your style and also the confidence that you exude in your brand. I will continue to support and follow your journey and can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store for you.
great post, I get the same feeling sometimes and it is hard to stay creative.
keep up with the great work,
Sonia
http://www.soniaaicha.com
Thank you Sonia! I know I’m not the only one and we all go through this type of phase every now and then.
Blogging has definitely changed during the 6 years I’ve been doing it, and while it’s great that there are so many more bloggers out there, it makes it even more difficult to “stand out.” But like you say, authenticity is really important and I try to stay as true to myself and what I want to do as possible 🙂 Keep doing your thanggg!
xo Samantha
I think you’re one of the most authentic bloggers out there! I love your style and find it unique and that’s why I continue to follow and support your journey 🙂 I feel like you have so much experience with doing it for so long that you are very confident and comfortable withy our brand and that’s something that I truly admire!
I couldn’t agree more with your ethos of not focusing on what others are doing and doing what feels good to you. Blogging has definitely and inevitably become very saturated as an industry, but as you’ve mentioned it’s a challenge that can shape individuality instead of destroy it. It’s all in how you choose to look at it.
xo, Jo
Perspective is definitely key! I’ve learned a lot about myself through blogging and I need to remember to stay true to that.
Such a great post babe!! I feel exactly the same sometimes. Actually one of the reasons I change my nitch when I launched my blog which btw was totally fashion I decided to focus more in travel because at the time I felt it was saturated but the true is that everything is saturated now days. Theres so many people doing the same and keep growing everyday more. But the key is to focus on yourself and just keep the inspiration flowing.
xoxo
Marcy
I actually want to do more of travel. I love your content and think your photos are absolutely gorgeous. I am going to reach out to see if you can give me any tips!