I saw this question floating around on social media a few weeks ago, and I thought it was worth more than a like or comment. It made me take a step back to consider the authenticity of some of the people I follow on social media as well as my own posts on this blog and elsewhere. Before I go further into this topic for discussion, I want to broaden the focus a bit and pose the question with a fill-in-the-blank:
"So you _______, but what else?"
"So you thrift, but what else?"
"So you like make-up, but what else?"
"So you have natural hair, but what else?"
"So you sing, but what else?"
and so on...
I participated in a blogging webinar a few months ago that provided so many helpful tips, but there was one thought that I did not agree with. The presenter was talking about how to develop a strong following on Instagram and basically said to stick to the topic you blog about on social media as well because that's what your readers follow you for; and while your followers might tolerate the occasional food post if you're a style blogger, they don't want to see photos of your kids. My first thought was, "That's funny... It seems like the only photos my followers want to see from me are photos of my kid!" (Seriously – check my Instagram. My son runs the show with 80+ likes minimum on a bad day while 80+ is the max for photos of me. And I don't mind it one bit!) While I understand and agree that it's important to promote a main focus if you're a blogger or have a consistent message to convey / image to maintain, I personally prefer content from people who show that they lead balanced, positive lives and have real life goals and inspirations outside of what we, the content consumers, know are a "given" from you.
Do you work? Do you travel? Do you spend time with family and friends? Do you have fun? Do you read? Do you pay attention to the news? Do you strive to make yourself and others better? Do you serve God? Do you have goals? Do you have values? Do you get inspired?
Do you inspire?
Outside of fashion, food, hair, music, preaching or whatever it is you post about constantly, do those who follow you get a balanced sense of who you are?
If you've noticed, the public is even requiring celebrities to be more genuine and transparent online and on social media. Celebrity brands are becoming more about who the celebrities are as real people instead of what they can offer in terms of their talent. The new trend is for websites of well-known actors and singers to take on the form of blogs rather than the traditional, non-fluid website. Two quick examples of celebrities whose content I enjoy are
Tracee Ellis Ross and
Tamara Mowry.
My Garments of Praise is primarily a personal style blog, but I had to work on making it clear to my readers that it is much more than that. My "garments of praise" are more than what I wear. I have a family, a career, interests beyond fashion, and most importantly a love for God. Although I'm naturally a very private person which is one of the traits I admire about myself, I value balance and sincerity, and what better way to show that than through the content I share. So, if you're here for the personal style posts, thank you. I also invite you to bear with me when I write about lifestyle, prompt discussions, and frequently post photos of my son on Instagram. Those things aren't going to change.
Is it just me, or do you also like to share and consume balanced content online and on social media? What are some of your passions and interests beyond what you've become known for on certain platforms? Feel free to share in the comments section below,
send me an email, or join the discussion on
Twitter or
Instagram.
