As you might have noticed, I took a short hiatus over here, and that’s because I was doing a bit of soul searching.
I was feeling a bit lost and purpose-less, and in such a saturated sphere, like the internet is nowadays, I felt like I was talking into a void and no one was listening. With so many bloggers, creators, and other types of entrepreneurs and influencers, was there even a point anymore? Was there space for me? I honestly wondered.
I’m someone who needs purpose to get things done. I can’t feel like a hamster spinning around and getting nowhere or I start feeling trapped and pointless, you know?
So I took a moment to analyze and re-asses this whole blogging thing, and had a bit of an epiphany.
While I still follow some big bloggers and some huge influencers, I have stopped following many of them. Why? Because they got so big, they are no longer relatable. While I enjoy seeing some magazine-quality photo editorials taken in Santorini now and then, I much prefer following and talking to smaller bloggers and artists who, while traveling, still lead mostly regular lives, share their struggles, and actually take the time to reply to other people’s comments and questions.
I think social media nowadays is often lacking in humanity and genuine connection, and it’s in our hands to change that.
I understand that we are busy, and can’t often reply one-on-one to everyone, but at least make an effort, you know? Answer a few questions, reply to some comments, even if it’s just the first X amount. Make an insta story answering the most asked about topics. I don’t care how you do it, but show that you care, acknowledge your followers, and treat them like more than a number.
Most of the “big” personalities I have stopped following suffer from these issues: Either they became completely relatable, or they don’t bother interacting. Or both.
And this is the opportunity I see for smaller and new bloggers and creators.
Not only do I believe we all have voices worth being heard and a distinctive point of view, but I think we can work better at keeping it real, forge a connection, and you know, actually be social online. We don’t have crazy budgets and demands set by Cartier, and we don’t think (or at least I don’t), that we’re above replying to another person’s comment because we’re just “too important” or busy.
Let’s restore blogging to its former glory. Let’s make genuine content. Let’s connect and care.
I think there’s no one better suited for this than smaller and newer creators online. The big players have already moved onto their own universe, and might as well be a digital version of Vogue, and as much as I enjoy Vogue, it is not all I read, nor what I want to consume most of the time, content-wise (and I definitely don’t feel particularly “close” or “connected” to it).
The whole point of blogging was always to be more real than glossy magazines, and to see people who were more like us. Let’s bring that back! It’s about time! So yes, if you’re wondering if you should continue or get started on this online game, I think it’s the best time to do it.
We need a new generation of REAL bloggers, not smaller-scale celebrities, and you could be part of it :)
(If you have an awesome smaller/newer blog or another online space you think deserves more attention, link it in the comments. I’d love to check it out!)
Constance says
July 12th at 9:44 pmYou’ve brought up some really good points here! Like you I’ve stopped interacting with many of the larger bloggers and IGers because they don’t reply or interact.
And at some points I’ve felt that blogging has become too saturated with too many similar people like myself and others that I’ve thought about giving up since it’s a lot of work. After reading what you said I’m totally more motivated again! I definitely want to continue providing my readers and followers with amazing and useful content and I love talking to them!
I’m one half of The Adventures of Pansa Bear, we blog about travel, food, and architecture. Check us out if you’re interested, https://theadventuresofpandabear.com
Tiffany Hall says
July 13th at 5:06 pmOMG…this was great!! I’m a new blogger and I just wrote a post about wanting to quit because I wasn’t sure if I fit anywhere. I’ll be one of your smaller blogger friends! :-) Thanks for pointing this out so I can always keep it in the back of my mind. I subscribed and look forward to keeping up with your blog. I would love if you looked at mine. Good luck on your blogging venture!!
http://www.thevegasbelle.com
Miranda DiMizio says
July 14th at 1:29 amI really enjoyed this post! As a newer blogger myself, I can completely relate to this. There are times when I’ve gotten swept up in looking at those instafamous bloggers and wonder to myself: “why am I even bothering to do this?”
But then I remind myself why I started blogging in the first place: because I missed writing and because I want to share what I enjoy with others. It’s about connecting with people, about conversations, about authenticity.
It’s so easy to get swept up into the numbers game and forget why we do this ❤️
Emma says
July 14th at 5:04 amAh, I really like this! I’ve been feeling similarly about my blog and struggling to know whether I’m writing for myself, or for other people, and whether it’s even worth it in such a saturated sphere.
But I also know that it’s possible to make friends and be inspired by other people in this lovely community, and that keeps me going. Thanks for reminding me of that in such a refreshing read!
https://www.travelsinateacup.co.uk
Ki Ara says
July 14th at 8:22 amLove this post, you are right!
I often enjoy reading smaller blogs more, because the are much more relatable.
I am also relatively new to blogging, if you like check out my blog.;)
https://adventures-around-the-world.blogspot.com/
Ivonne Spinoza says
July 17th at 12:01 amThe connection feels closer and it’s more genuine, and thats the strength of smaller blogs :)
Lovely blog! Lots of luck with it :D
Ki Ara says
July 17th at 6:24 amthank you:)
Jackline A says
July 16th at 1:18 pmLove this! And totally agree with everything! We should definitely be making more genuine content!
http://www.sincerelymissj.com
Ivonne Spinoza says
July 16th at 11:59 pmGenuine content and connections is where it’s at it!
Marielle Conti Aerts says
July 16th at 2:05 pmHey I’m a new blogger too! Well said! There’s too much commercial content out there, sometimes it’s refreshing to have more sincere posts.
Ivonne Spinoza says
July 16th at 11:59 pmAbsolutely! Authenticity is some much needed fresh air in this space!
Missy’s HQ says
July 16th at 2:47 pmI do agree! Sometimes it’s best to take a break when you are overwhelmed xx
http://www.missyshq.com
Ivonne Spinoza says
July 16th at 11:58 pm:)
Kelly Stone says
July 16th at 4:40 pmI definitely think this is valid, but it is also difficult to respond to so many people, but if massive brands can respond to everyone, so can a blogger I suppose. Interesting food for thought! Thank you!
Ivonne Spinoza says
July 16th at 11:58 pmIt is, but I believe it’s worth making an effort because the whole point of blogs and social media is that connection. That’s also why I suggest setting reasonable limits, like you’ll reply to the first X number of comments or will dedicate 2o minutes to it, or whatever works for you :)
charnel says
July 16th at 8:16 pmI love this post !!!
Ivonne Spinoza says
July 16th at 11:57 pm:D
Telia says
July 16th at 8:30 pmI feel like this was a complete sign to keep going with my blog because I just started my blog a little over a week ago for those exact reasons. And I really wanted to put my story out there. Love the encouragement.
Ivonne Spinoza says
July 16th at 11:57 pmSo happy to hear that! Keep at it, and best of luck!
Rukh AZ says
July 17th at 5:49 amOMG!!! I just love this post so much. We need more people like you, honestly!! I really think you’re right, we need to connect and interact and this is such a great first step! Thank you so much for the opportunity.
I just started blogging three weeks ago. I blog to share my experience with every lady out there. I write about mom-life, productivity, planning, routines, cleaning and more! Feel free to check it out, leave a comment, shoot an email or simply DM on insta or twitter and BECOME FRIENDS! <3 https://lifewithrukhaz.com/
Courtney Spena says
July 17th at 10:37 pmLOVED this post! SO with you!
Blk Girljin says
July 19th at 4:59 pmI was introduced to this article by a friend, and I didn’t know if was everything I needed to hear! I’m a tiny blogger currently writing about my experiences as a Black woman studying abroad in Japan! I use it mainly as a tool for self reflection, but also as a way to encourage other WOC to get out there and see what they want in the world. When you see people that look like you doing things you hadn’t even thought of, it makes the possibilities all the more realistic! If you’re interested, please check out my blog: https://theblackgirljin.wordpress.com. I’m hoping to move to a self hosted site by the end of the year but for now, just honing my writing skills. Cheers!
Jordan Hibbs says
July 23rd at 5:05 pmGreat tips! Thank you for sharing.
Cheers,
Hibbs Life & Style
http://www.hibbslifeandstyle.com
Maggie Bell says
July 23rd at 7:06 pmThanks for sharing this. I am a brand new blogger. I started out by questioning what was the point of starting a blog as the internet is saturated with this stuff. However, my desire to put my ideas out there won and I started a blog.
I found this really inspiring. Thanks so much.
Caitlin Sullivan says
July 25th at 2:33 amSo true about unfollowing the ‘big guys’ because they become so unrelatable. I’ve done the same, and it does indeed make me feel like there’s always room for smaller blogs with something more real to say.
Bo Johnson says
July 26th at 3:48 pmI’ve often wondered the same thing, as I shifted from web design (a slowly dying art with so many DIY drag and drop options) to supporting DIY bloggers with their online presence and tech issues.
Michelle O says
July 26th at 6:38 pmWhen I started working online, I sure had a purpose. To be able to provide for my children while working at home. Making a little income that could suffice the family. And it is still the same purpose I have but I am not focused on blogging. I am more focused on the being a remote worker, a virtual assistant. Nonetheless, I have my own blog to journal the things that I should know or just a place for me to put everything in, just like a notebook. You can check it out wrkngmom.com. Thank you for your story.
Amanda Augustine says
July 26th at 7:09 pmI love this!! Part of blogging fun is creating a community and fostering a relationship with others from all over the world. It’s incredible!! It sometimes can seem like the blogging world is overflowing with super successful bloggers and there isn’t a place for smaller blogs but you’re so right in that everyone has a place in this creative world. Thank you so much for sharing!! :)
Janna Conner says
July 26th at 8:24 pmagreed. I’ve unfollowed most of the big bloggers too because they’ve become pretty generic and have a team doing the work for them. smaller blogs are def more interesting!
Grace Esedeke says
July 26th at 10:48 pmThis is so true. I love everything about blogging. But recently I had to unfollow some of the big guys. They seem so unrelatable and like they are always trying to sell you stuffs.
My blog is relatively new and I’ve found that connecting with smaller blogs is more fun and the blogger doesn’t feel like you are trying to “use” then to grow your audience.
http://heygracie.com
Sofie Casillas says
July 27th at 10:02 amI agree with everything in this post. It’s time for us to bringing blogging back to its roots and make it genuine and relatable.
Andie Comala says
July 30th at 6:15 pmThe funny thing is that I have come to that realization too!! I unfollowed a lot of the big influencers and “bloggers” who have sites but don’t really blog anymore aisde from posting high quality pics and a short description of where to buy. I completely agree that social media has changed in the past year or two and smaller bloggers/influencers are more relateable.
XO Andie
http://andiesparkles.com
Tami Brehse says
July 30th at 7:04 pmYou make a great case for smaller bloggers! Thanks for the insight :)
Michelle says
July 30th at 11:22 pmThis was an interesting post to read — I only recently became a blogger (unless you count my Xanga I had when I young a pre-teen) but I have been following and reading blogs for well over a decade now. I always toyed with the idea of being a blogger but it all seemed and felt very overwhelming — and sometimes it still does. But I have always felt as if a lot big bloggers (not all) have forgotten or just don’t care about what blogging means to everyone else and what it meant to them.
Insightful post! x
Michelle
dressingwithstyle-s.com