Yep, you read that right. This post is all about why your blog still matters. And (dare I say) why your blog matters more than Instagram. *collective gasp*
You see, I started blogging 4.5 years ago, before Instagram was really a thing. (At least it wasn’t much of a thing for influencers, at that time.) I focused a lot on my blog: SEO, alt text, Pinterest, you name it. Honestly, when Instagram came into the picture, I was a little taken off guard. By the time I realized what was happening, it took me years to catch up to girls that knew how to navigate IG well from that start. Although I feel like I am in a good place now with my number of Instagram followers (and see continual growth there now) I am convinced now, more than ever, to focus on my blog and let Instagram ride it’s own course, and here’s why.
Linking With: Posh Classy Mom / Spotlight Weekly / Summer Style Link Up / Flashback Fridays / WIWT Link Up / Fashionably Elegant / Middle of Somewhere / Doused In Pink
Thank you to WAYF for providing this dress.
You own your blog. Plain and simple. You are in control of your content, and how it is viewed. You are not at the mercy of ever changing algorithms, and having to wonder if your content is even being seen. You don’t have to pay for an ad for you followers to see your posts. The true followers will keep coming back, as they have before, because they love what you’re doing! (Huge shout out to the ones that have been following along. I see you and love you so much!) There is nothing about your blog that will change, unless you change it. That’s empowering! And a huge relief to consider, when you think about how much energy is spent on Instagram – a third-party platform we have no control over. Seriously guys, Instagram could completely change (or even end! Remember Myspace?) tomorrow, and all our efforts there would be in vein. Think about it.
Fake followers. There has been a lot of buzz about this lately, and for good reason. Seriously SO MANY bloggers are purchasing followers. It’s kind of unreal. The ones you would never think would even need to, are even buying them. I know there are varying opinions about this – one being, “if you can’t beat them, join them” and, conversely, there are many of us that are dedicated to authentic engagement — even if that means that some of our Instagram posts only hit 150 likes, when they used to hit 500+, before the algorithm change. I’m holding on to the old mantra of “slow and steady wins the race” and I really do think that it will pay off in the long run. Brands are becoming aware of influencers that are buying likes/followers (all you have to do is put in the handle on social blade to see if their growth is steady or if there are sudden spikes that indicate fowl play). Brands are even cracking down on influencers that are steering more likes to the brand’s page by way of comment and like pods, and cancelling their contracts. Fohr Card even took a stand yesterday, making it completely transparent to brands if the influencer’s followers are authentic. Even though there are many brands and companies that are starting to crack down on fake followers, there are still a lot of those bloggers that obtaining amazing opportunities. Even more reason for me to focus on the blog. The playing field is equal here.
The blog still matters to brands. Just yesterday I was on a phone call with a brand and blogger friend, discussing a future collaboration. Her Instagram following is extremely impressive, and obvious, allowing her amazing opportunities – which is amazing! For those of us with less of an Instagram following, it can be hard to show our value upfront, if our IG numbers aren’t where we want them. Often times, brands immediately look at the Instagram following, which I totally understand, as it has it’s place, for sure – it is your first impression, after all. However, I feel like some brands have missed the mark, lately, on how important the blog is. However, on our call yesterday, it was exciting to feel equally valued by the brand, in regard to my blog page views vs her IG following. They saw value in both, and esteemed them equally. That is so refreshing to me! To me, it’s a no-brainer, as RewardStyle recently reported that 70% of RS purchases still come from the blog. Guys, that is HUGE!! And a statistic you should definitely be using when pitching your blog to a brand.
At the end of the day, you have to know your strengths and be rooted in them. I am by no means saying that Instagram does not have a place in your influence. I truly believe that all social platforms are essential to promoting your blog, and have their place, they just shouldn’t be the end goal. Now, more than ever, it’s time to hone in on what matters the most – you, and your business! The only thing you will ever be in control of, is your blog.
Well said, Leah!! That's definitely my focus for this year – grow the thing I created in the first place – my blog!xo Laceyhttp://www.myboringcloset.com
Amazing post and really helpful as well. Sometimes I feel like my blog is gonna be useless in the future because we have a bunch of social media platforms now and not that many people read blogs anymore but then there are times when I think the opposite and that blogs are gonna have a come back and your post is really motivational.Marta – http://www.aroundcolours.blogspot.com
Great post and AMAZING dress.I'm on the hunt for a new camera…what would you recommend? Your pictures are great.Kate Lately || Fashion + Lifestyle Bloghttp://www.katelately.co
first off ….fabulous dress! Love it and yes I agree…..I started blogging 9 years ago ….then IG caught me wayyyyyyyyyyy off gaurd……..and i let the blog fall to the wayside…….then last year i started trying to put more effort into blogging again……..Social Media is such a whirlwind!
Loved the post and I'm 100% with you ! So glad that Fohr released that Authenticator this week ! Such a relief to finally realize brands can now differentiate the real from the fake . XxJyoWww.cuppajyo.com
I'm with you – the thing about a blog is that if there was a post that I remember from a long time ago and want to find again, I can search, and boom, there is is. Trying to find an old instagram post is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. You blog has staying power. (and that is a gorgeous dress!)http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com
Hi, When I clicked the heart to follow you on Bloglovin, I get a message that "this blog hasn't published anything" so you might want to check and see if your link is working!
Thanks so much for letting me know, Lily! I checked the link and it works on my end. So strange! Thank you so much for choosing to follow along!
Thanks for posting this Leah! I've been feeling so frustrated, like every time I feel that I've made some progress, all the rules change. It's exhausting. But I am trying to remember when I started, and why, and that kind of brings me back. Keep up all you're doing girl!Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Gorgoues dress! You look stunning!Jaymie
yea everyone seems to be freaking out over IG this week and I'm like is it really that serious, but yea IG is great but my blog was always my main focus. You look gorgeous in that dress by the way.xoPinksole
Dear LeahYou look stunning !Wonderful dress and photos !http://helenamybeauty.over-blog.com/
Thank you for sharing your insight! I am really trying to focus more on the blog moving forward and an email list as well! I am with you on the slow and steady wins the race take on things!