SL recently emailed me this question and I thought it was a great topic to talk about:
Renee, is your online persona the real “you”? I am always curious about bloggers: are they trying to sell a fantasy or some made up version of themselves? Do what we see on their blogs is their real lives, etc? And have you ever been fake on your blog?
I am very sure there are many bloggers who create “characters” for their blogs, and to each their own. Sometimes I too think; where they heck are they getting all that money? How can someone afford that kinda lifestyle at X years old? How can someone be all sparkles, glitter and cupcakes (aka “deliriously happy”) all the damn time?! But I suppose our blogs are like all our social media profiles – the majority of us only put up the “good stuff” and so you are only getting a small part of a bloggers life; that make it look exaggerated.
As for me, yes, what you see on the blog is the real me. I wouldn’t know how to create a fake online persona; plus it sounds really tiring trying to be someone you are not.
The only time I felt I was being inauthentic to myself on my blog was a year or so back, concerning “branding”. When I pursued my blog as a full time endeavor I thought, OK, time to get serious – it’s a women’s blog, I need to project that image. So what did I do? Make the design girly and pink. And yes, all my stats did go up; be it traffic, social media followers, comments on each post, etc. But after awhile I started to hate my blog. I hated looking at it, because I am not a “girly” girl. Was I lying to my readers? Nope. I am, like everyone else, just going through life and figuring out who I am and experimenting as I go along. Anyway, that design is long-gone and I believe the one I have now is a true representation of myself.
How to portray the real you on your blog:
Anyway – let’s talk how to portray the real you on your blog. Or at least how to come out of your shell a little bit on your blog, so the readers can see “you”. Because I believe that for a successful blog, you need to be somewhat personal. So whatever qualms you have about posting your photo online, etc, you’ll have to get over it! Blogging is about community, interaction, discussion… and I believe that the most successful bloggers are those that are open to sharing (a little) about themselves and connecting well with their readers. Here are some ways you can portray who you really are on your blog:
1. Write like you speak. Unless you’re writing a blog for an educational institution, blogs are supposed to be friendly, casual and well, not that serious. Write like how you would speak to your friends. If you use a lot of slang, use a lot of slang. Be yourself in how you write.
2. Take photos how you like them. This is where I feel I showcase “me” the most. Honestly? Half of my blog images are taken from my iPhone. To me, I don’t like the whole professional-glossy-magazine image look. I like phone photos, I like polaroids (but they are so expensive so thank God for Instagram!), I like collages, etc. So be yourself. If you too like phone photos, then just use your phone!
While we’re on the topic of photos, another (important) tip – try to add a photo of yourself regularly. If you’re shy (like I was; when my blog started I was “anonymous” for 2 years); start by putting a photo on your About page. Then, if you have a post related to what you are talking about on your blog, add it in!
3. Make your header completely “you”. The first thing a person looks at when visiting your blog is your header. So make sure it is “you” – make sure your blog name font is a font that represents you; make sure the style is your taste, make sure if there is a photo of you, you are not “playing dressup” and that it is, in fact 100% representation of you.
4. Try doing videos. As much as someone can get your personality through your writing, nothing beats a face-to-face conversation. Online, the closest thing is a video. It;s not for everyone, but if you’d like to try, try to make “talking head” video, which just means it’s you; in front of your camera, talking about whatever. This will give your readers a true sense of who you are and you can connect with them better. I’ll be taking my own advice soon, haha.
5. Share anecdotes and tidbits of your life. I know lifestyle/personal blogging is not for everyone, but whatever topic you are blogging about – show yourself a little more. Share some funny stories that has to do with what you are talking about. Open up! Show your personality, opinions and stories – after all, this is how you will be different from other bloggers.
Over to you – how do you make sure you are “real” on your blog… or are you even? Are you the “real” you on your blog?
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
I think this is really true! If not its very hard to create that blogger-reader connection :)
So true, Samantha!
Love this post and love your new design! I especially love your latest shoot, you look gorgeous.
And I look forward to your videos!
xox
Thank you Twin. :) I miss your blog!
If anyone needs proof that you’re not the real you, V – they can come talk to me ;p You’re as real as you’ll ever be on this blog and in person!
Aw thank you V :) You’re the best! Hurry up and move back here, Roseanne and I miss you ;)
Nicely written!
It took me a while to post a photo of myself on SpyGirl.
Oh, and did I feel stupid taking my first outfit pictures! After a while, I got over it.
Still waiting to get over hating myself on video though. [Shudder].
Aw yeah I felt so weird taking outfit photos but now they are so fun! I’m still trying to get over my nerves to do videos though. You can do it! :)
In some ways, I don’t think anyone is every truly “real” in the social media world or online because there are so many aspects to a person that remain hidden or unseen. But as they say, time will tell so the longer one blogs the harder it is to actually “fake” a personality. There are very good points you have raised, Renee and people should not try too hard to be something they’re not. Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt :)
True, I reckon everyone online is only showing like 10% of themselves, but they can still be “real” with that little part they are revealing. There are bloggers I’ve followed for years and cracks are starting to show and you realize a lot of what they “portrayed” on their blogs were fake. Like you said, it’s better to be yourself because eventually time will tell and its hard to keep up a facade.
Your blog is really inspiring. It’s really hard to find a blog that truly speaks about the blogger. because blogging is now a business some people do it just to earn money and gain popularity.For me I started bloggin because I wanted to share everything I see, I use or I find interesting.. Its nice when some brand do sponsorship but I do beleive that you really have to deliver everything fairly.
Thank you Kat :) Yeah, I think it’s important for bloggers to remember why they started their blog and not get caught up in freebies or whatever; and always maintain their integrity when collaborating with brands.
I think one of the things that makes you truly real on your blog that I have noticed over the past year I’ve been following is how you are interested and involved with your readers. Many blogs I read will ask questions but never respond to the comments and I feel that puts a huge gap between the author and reader. I also do love your Polaroid style photos and your style.
I don’t expose myself much on my blog, I only post about once a week. I post a weekly image based on my New Years resolution that I’ve drawn. :)
Hey Mary S, thank you so much for reading! I am glad you enjoy my blog, and for me it’s very important to invite everyone to comment and to always try my very best to respond.
Ooh wow, your blog sounds so interesting! What a great idea and incentive to keep your New Year’s resolution! (I don’t remember mine anymore haha.) Care to share it with me? ;)
“1. Write like you speak. Unless you’re writing a blog for an educational institution, blogs are supposed to be friendly, casual and well, not that serious. Write like how you would speak to your friends. If you use a lot of slang, use a lot of slang. Be yourself in how you write.”
After 6 years blogging, this is STILL the part I have the hardest time with (coming from an English degree, and someone who slants towards technical writing)… I just can’t help writing a little more formally than I speak! But it’s a wonderful challenge, nonetheless…
These are wonderful tips, and I love seeing people address authenticity online!
Hey Ashe! Ah yes, that must be quite a challenge! I suppose it’s also the audience of your blog. If you were writing a blog about English and education, then of course one should expect a little formality in their writing, but I think for the most part blogs are still a very casual.
Thank you for reading, so glad you enjoyed my post! :)
I agree that you need to write like you speak, if possible. The best bloggers are all very natural with an easy conversational tone to their writing.
Thanks Jacqueline. I agree, I tend to follow bloggers who seem to be speaking to you like they’re your friend. :)
This is really great. It’s also hard to maintain a “persona” as well. What happens when you get tired of it? Then again, over the years I’ve gone through highs and lows, and if you’re treating your blog like a job, sometimes you just have to suck it up and put on the smiling face. Which again, if your persona is cartoonish, it can be hard to be authentic.
Anyway, thanks for writing this post.
Thank you Jennine for reading, what an honor! :) So true, after years of blogging it can get very tiring especially when you’re in currently in one of the “low” periods. I think that’s why blogging breaks are important, too! We all need a break once in awhile.
Great post and so true! I’ve been thinking a lot lately about starting to add videos to my blog posts – I just might begin after being inspired by this post. :)
These tips just came at a perfect time for me. I just started a new blog because my first blog was not an accurate representation of myself. I was actually afraid of being authentic so I tried to be someone that I was not.
I tend to gravitate towards bloggers with a warm natural writing voice. I love that “down to earth” quality. Debbie @ ilovemylemonadelife.com
Great post, Renee! I thought I already commented and then I realized I only created a draft on my phone’s notepad. :/
I had a long personal struggle whether to show my face or not and the “don’t show” part won. Apart from being really shy (I’ve got anxiety issues), I also value my privacy a lot. My boyfriend is also not supportive so I guess that makes it more difficult for me. It’s not that I’m ashamed of my face, haha. But I am really just shy.
And because what I have is primarily a beauty blog, this creates a lot of problems. It’s hard to do tutorials and I have very limited ways to get my point across when reviewing certain products (foundation, for example). No doubt this is making it harder for my readers to connect with me. It’s no different from meeting a person in real life, shaking hands with that person… who happens to be wearing a mask. Even I tend to be more loyal to blogs whose writers create a more concrete representation of themselves online.
So true …
Be real, genuine, with a hint of comedy and readers will follow. It is all about gaining comfort and trust with your audience, which many completely disregard, or are just flat out horrible at.
Good post Renee
This is going to be in my bookmark. Thanks for reminding! Love this post to bits, especially the part when you say everyone is just experimenting and finding their way. :)
This is a real good post. It was really useful. Thank you for sharing it
Bibi xoxo
This is so true. It’s very tempting to try to maintain a professional image, but that gets tiring really fast! The cool thing is, people actually LIKE seeing the real me on my blog. ;)