Authenticity, consistency, and honesty are the top three characteristics of an outstanding blogger. The best bloggers are real versions of themselves, identical on both screen and in person. Their content is inspiring, interesting and relatable.
It’s a new year and so many bloggers are determined to hit the ground running (me included). Creative content and regular posting are common goals guiding our mission for a fresh start. Then we log on to social media and are stopped in our tracks by a wave of similarities. Where is the originality? Why is everyone posting the same thing?
What is the most common reason bloggers lack authenticity?
Influence is often an unconscious act. Sometimes we make decisions based off something we see or hear. How often is it we know an influencer was the driving force behind our decision?
Bloggers lack authenticity because they aren’t aware of how influenced they are by who they follow. Think about this for a second – whats a popular fashion trend today? Now ask yourself this, do you know more than one blogger who talks about that fashion trend? There are probably dozens, not just a handful, styling that one item 15 different ways.
The truth: She’s blinded by her fellow bloggers on her path to success.
Read more here – How to Overcome Self-Doubt as a Blogger
Coming up with new content every day is not an easy task. There are times of the year when my posts are going to be anything but original. For example, during the holidays we all write about similar topics like gift guides.
This doesn’t mean we lack creativity – gift guides are subject matter we can make our own. With this being said, some topics/trends are not meant to be duplicated unless you give credit where credit is due. We are allowed to like the same things, just don’t pretend you are the first to discover a trend.
It’s hard to maintain authenticity as a blogger.
The secret about authenticity in blogging is that it’s HARD to maintain. We are often pulled in multiple directions by self imposed or society imposed pressures. There are constant changing trends in fashion, food, parenting, home decor, etc. One may not want to linger too long on a current trend for fear of missing out on being the one who reveals the next big thing!
Let’s chat about leather leggings – an item I don’t care to own. I don’t know who wore them first, but I know who I saw wearing them for the first time. If I were to actually like leather leggings, I’d want to share them with you. It’s what I do. And if I were to rave about them on my social platforms, I would give a shoutout to the girl who brought them into my life. It’s what we are supposed to do.
How to Be an Authentic Blogger
Have you ever met a blogger you follow on social media out in the real world? How did she act in comparison to their presence online? Was she as sweet and friendly as she seems in her stories? If you meet me in Costco, I’ll be the same girl you see everyday on here. My purpose as a blogger is to be relatable, so if I’m virtually giving you a hug, I’ll be sure to give you a hug in person.
If you’re a blogger, don’t lose sight of the reason you started sharing your opinion with the world. I came here to inspire, make connections, and collaborate in the most authentic way. Here’s to doing just that in the best way I know how.
Jen Fogelson says
Love this post!! I can so relate!
Carrington | Chaos and Coffee says
So true, authenticity is the most important thing IMO. It’s important to be true and honest! Also I loveeeee your hair in these pics, so pretty and I love the curls! Xx.
Sarah Lindner says
I totally agree. They’re the ones I keep coming back to and look forward to their content. Love the spotlight on this! xoxo, Sarah
Annie says
This was a very interesting perspective, thank you for sharing!
Hillary says
THIS POST!! So many great tips in here and so well said! Also loving all of the fun photos!
Shannon says
Nicely said Caitlin! Sometimes I have to take a break bc I can’t stand seeing the same things over and over!!!
Lizzie says
I could not agree more with this post and I think it’s becoming increasingly important because followers can see through it and they crave that genuine connection. I definitely don’t mean to speak ill of anyone and if this is how they genuinely are, then that’s totally fine but I do agree about bloggers styling and promoting the same ITEM and the same shops over and over. I think that it’s very clear that many people are influenced by each other. However, authenticity is and has always been very important to me and I pride myself on having my own unique style and really, truly sharing the things that I love for no other reason than because I love them and I think my audience will too. I’ve always had this innate sense to be different so I’m not the type of person to jump on trends. I share what I like and I am who I am. And when people meet me in person, they always tell me that I’m exactly who they expected me to be and that makes my heart smile because let me tell you, I’ve met some that have totally been a disappointment. Being authentic gives you a special connection your audience and is important for the longevity of your business. Wow. I didn’t realize I had so much to say haha!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
rebeca says
LOVE THIS and it is SO true!! sometimes it is hard to stay authentic if you are trying to keep up or just want to make easy money. so important to stay true to yourself so others can trust you!
xx rebecca // http://www.rebeccapiersol.me
Auntie M says
Caitlin, thank you for reminding us of these 3 character traits that are valuable in every part of our lives, not just for terrific bloggers, which you are one. As we reflect on the years from childhood to becoming a woman, the friends you can count and depend on have these 3 characteristics.
Your remix,set is so timely as we begin, the 20s. Keep up the wonderful work of being you and sharing with us!
Francesca says
This was great!! Always love giving credit where it is due! Why don’t people do the same?? Is it an insecurity?? ??♀️
Kileen says
I totally agree with you! Staying authentic can be hard! Thank you for sharing!!
Kileen
cute & little
Stephanie Whitman says
I love this. Authenticity was something that I knew I wanted to strive for when I first had the idea to launch a blog. Since then, I’ve kept consistent with it, staying true to myself on my page and in person. One of my favorite things is when someone from Instagram meets me IRL and says “you’re exactly like you are online.” Like – THANK YOU – that’s how I want to be! I appreciate this post so much. Great insight!
Laura Leigh says
Definitely agree those are the three most important things! Great post lady – as always!!
xo Laura Leigh
http://louellareese.com
Azanique Rawl says
I totally agree – it is hard to be authentic as a blogger! But it’s so important. It’s also so much easier to create content when you can just be yourself.
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com