When I think about the blogging community, a lot of different things come to mind. I’ve had amazing experiences and not so amazing experiences.
Regardless, the opportunities that blogging has given me will always make me incredibly grateful for the community I’ve created.
Let me take it back to 2013-ish. Instagram wasn’t huge, we were still using Valencia filters, and people read blogs every single day. I have been on Twitter since its early days, and have found that so many of my blogger friends were found on Twitter! There were these Twitter group discussions for bloggers using specific hashtags and it was an amazing way to find bloggers from all over! I still love following along, read their blogs, and follow on Instagram.
Now, in 2018, it’s a bit different.
I typically have a hard time finding ways to build a community. I find that we’re all more concerned with getting to the top, and for those who aren’t bloggers/Instagrammers, they just seem fed up with us. Some people don’t follow others because they want to, they follow them because they want a follow back. Nothing seems super genuine anymore. This is all a really personal opinion, but it’s just what I’ve observed since Instagram became king.
The idea of the blogging community and supporting others has been on my mind for a while now, really since I re-branded at the beginning of the year (this was my first post of the new year, with my new name). When I think about community, I immediately think of Grace. The following and community she’s built over the years is one of the reasons why I still follow along…and push myself to keep doing what I’m doing for my brand. (PS: She has an amazing Facebook group that I LOVE being part of!)
So let’s chat about supporting those within the blogging community.
If you’re a blogger…
YOU SHOULD SUPPORT OTHER BLOGGERS IN YOUR BLOGGING COMMUNITY!!!
I think we get so caught up in the numbers, that sometimes we stay away from giving so-and-so an extra like or another comment because we fear it’ll ruin what WE’RE building. Nope. Nu-uh. NOT COOL. While I’ve certainly been guilty in the past, I don’t have this mindset anymore. If I’m scrolling through my Instagram feed, and I see a post I like, you better believe I’m leaving a comment and a like. I don’t care if that means so-and-so will have anther comment and like, I’m supporting that person because I WANT TO. I don’t care if they’re following me back or not. I started following someone because their content inspired the hell out of me.
The blogging community needs to stand together as close as possible. We are the only ones who understand what goes into our blogs, our social media accounts, and our day-to-day back end work. It’s such a simple concept, yet something that is so hard to grasp. The blogging community is such an inspiring place IF YOU LET IT BE THAT FOR YOU. The things men and women are doing in our (new-ish) industry are unbelievable. We are doing things that are unheard of in the marketing world. How could we not celebrate something like that?
At the end of the day, one big success for a blogger/influencer, is a success for all of us. So let’s just keep supporting each other and keep doing big things. OKAY?!
If you’re not a blogger…
YOU SHOULD SUPPORT BLOGGERS!!!
If that’s your thing.
I know some people read blogs religiously, or follows someone on Instagram and has post notifications on for them. It’s SO cool when you think about it.
If someone you love inspires you, tell them. If you’re loving someone’s writing, tell them. And if you think someone is doing something amazing, tell them. It matters. Listen, there’s nothing I am more grateful for than comments, emails, messages about my work. Especially when they’re from someone who doesn’t have a blog or Instagram. Now don’t get me wrong, I am beyond flattered when a fellow influencer says these types of things to me. But when someone who doesn’t necessarily know what goes into blogging, notices your hard work, that’s when I know it’s all worth it.
I’m also not here to tell you that you should be on your phone 99.9% of the day like most of us bloggers. But by now, you’ve all heard us complain about the Instagram algorithm, blog stats, and hosting site issues. While these things may not pertain to you particularly, they’re still issues bloggers need to face. So for a non-blogger or influencer to take the time out of their day to comment, email, message their favorite blogger, THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES.
And this might be a bit more personal, but for me, I’m tired of Instagram defining me. My blog is my baby. This is where I want to focus about 80% of my efforts. And it’s actually where I do focus most of my time and effort, but sometimes I feel like I’m only evaluated by Instagram account. And while Instagram is really important, it’s not something I own. So why would I put all of those eggs in my basket? Doesn’t seem worth it. For me, if you’re a non-blogger, you coming to my blog is just unreal and I am SO appreciative of your support here!
If you’re a hater…
^^ Although I hope you’re not;)
What I mean is that I know it can be difficult to celebrate someone’s success. We get those thoughts in our head that prevent us from truly being happy for someone else. But we gotta get rid of those thoughts. For starters, it AIN’T good for our mental health. And to be honest, we should want other’s successes to at least push us to want more.
There’s room for everyone in this blogging community, so I suggest you get used to being supportive. I always feel so proud of my friends when they land amazing partnerships. It makes me so happy to know them, and I admire their hard work.
And if you’re a non-blogger yet happen to be a “hater”/disliker/whatever(!), maybe you should talk to the blogger. Maybe there’s just a part of this blogging industry that you’re not familiar with, and giving you a bad taste in your mouth. I wouldn’t feel shy to reach out to someone and get their perspective on the issue you have. I’m an open book, so I’d be the first person to respond to a reader email like that. The more you know about a particular industry, the more clear of a picture you’ll be able to paint.
— END RANT —
But seriously. If you’re still reading, YAY. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the blogging community and supporting each other. Whether you’re a blogger or not, your opinion really matters to me!
SHOP THE POST
Love this post Dana! Such a good one. xo elle
Amen sister! Couldn’t have said it better myself! I think about how this community has changed since I started a lot — and I think it’s on us to get it back to just that, a community! Thank you for posting this!
You already know I love this post and couldn’t agree with you more gal! The community has really changed a lot over the years (since I’ve joined). Thankful for true friends that create true community, like you!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Oh, also I want to steal those sunglasses from you! Obsessed!
Girl, YES to this post!! I’m subscribing to your blog right now xo
AGREED to this whole post. I think what started out as a community has turned into a competition for sponsored posts/free products/etc. I think people tend to feel very insecure, which makes them turn defensive rather than supportive. It’s hard to remember that the Internet really is a huge place and there is room for everyone’s voice!
I couldn’t agree more!! If you like someone’s content, LET THEM KNOW!! It can be really discouraging when your comparing yourself to others, but that one sweet comment from a reader or blogger friend can be the push that we need to keep creating new content. Love!
I LOVE this post! I think one of the things that got me most excited about blogging was seeing all those communities of women supporting each other. While I definitely still see that, being on the other side also shows the more business side of social media and blogging. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!
xoxo, Cecilia // sunnysidececilia.com
YES to this post! Bloggers supporting bloggers is seriously one of the best parts of this industry!
One of the things that has made me sad about the growth of ‘social’ media is that it seems to get less and less social every year. While it’s of course about putting your content up for others to see, it’s just as much about interacting with others and the community – whether you’re a blogger or not. Ironically I’m currently writing something about this ?
xx Caroline
http://www.whenwear.com
So very true! I love the friends I’ve made through the blogging community–it definitely made me feel a lot less alone during the years where I was moving all over the place!
I think it is so important to be supportive of each other. Lifting each other up lifts up everyone! You’re spit on – being helpful and supportive, being kind, is always the play xAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com
Support is hard to come by these days in this industry and I think you’re right that it has a lot to do with individuals doing TOO MUCH of their own thing! I’m all for independence and building your own brand, but without a group of people (especially ones that can relate like fellow bloggers) around you, you won’t have anyone “at the top” to enjoy it with!!
PS – OBSESSED with this outfit!!!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
I had the most amazing blogger brunch over the weekend and so glad you posted this! I’ve had a previous horrible experience with other bloggers before like there can only be one! It’s so important that we support and uplift each other since we’re all working to similar goals. I think it helps more than it hurts!
Love how you styled those pants BTW!
Sydney
http://www.classiccitychic.com
I totally wish I had more blogger friends! I feel like the people in my circle are supportive of my endeavors, but they don’t really understand all that goes into running a blog. I love supporting others because I understand the stress. This was a great post!
-Maya
http://www.mayafleming.com
Being supportive and encouraging people who bring daily dose of inspiration to you is crucial in order that they would be able to continue doing so. So many times I get stuck in a feeling that nobody actually cares about what I’m writing or photographing and that I’m everything but an inspiration to somebody. Yet, it takes as little as one honest message of support or saying that I have inspired somebody to make me feel great and that my blogging and Instagramming makes sense at all.
You are looking adorable in this casual and laidback outfit!
https://lartoffashion.com
Such a great post, Dana!!!