Blogging & Content Creation.

I’ve wanted to write a post about this for a while but I’ve been holding off because I don’t want it to come across as self-centered or show-offy. But I’m hoping I’ve managed to write it in a way that proves I’m not like that (!!)

Some of my closest friends and family don’t really understand the ins and outs of blogging or what it means to be a content creator, so I hope through this post I can answer a couple questions as to what it’s like being so immersed in the World of Social Media.

When I say that I’m a ‘content creator’ I still kind of cringe, but it is a hell of a lot better than the term ‘influencer’. Firstly, I’m really not a fan of that word. I feel as though it puts you in a box. I also don’t really feel as though I am one. I know it isn’t about the numbers, but I don’t have hundreds of thousands of followers so referring to myself as an influencer feels wrong.

Secondly, the term ‘influencer’ has quite negative connotations. People assume its easy breezy, glamorous, photo-shoots, freebies and fun. When in actual fact, my version of it features hardly any of those things, and so to me there is much more to it. Some also think it’s about looks and vanity. And that probably bothers me the most.

Yes, I take photos and ask others to take photos of me (I’m very lucky that my sister is a photographer), but I’m still very awkward in front of the camera. I’m my own harshest critic and there are times when I’d really rather not be in front of the lens. But those days I dig deep, and I remember my why. It’s not about how you look; it’s about what you can do.

Why content creation?

I love writing and I love creating content. Not just for myself, but for others too. I try to be as open, honest and as frank and I can with most aspects of my life because I want to share things that others might be able to relate too. I’m so lucky that off the back of this I’ve been able to work with some incredible brands and companies that share some of those same core values as me.

I want to use my platform to educate, communicate, share my rambles, ideas, thoughts, worries etc. I’ve developed friendships through social media and some of these are so important to me. I communicate and connect with people all over the world – some of whom I cannot wait to actually meet one day!

So with all of this in mind, lets jump right in at the deep end and explore everything that comes under the umbrella of being a ‘content creator’ (excuse the term).

So, what exactly is a content creator?

The dictionary definition says that a ‘content creator is someone who contributes to sharing information digitally’. Usually, targeting a specific audience via a number of digital methods. The methods I personally use are my own personal blog and the usual suspects, Instagram and Twitter.

Content creation is more than picking a nice filter. It’s hard work.

Workload can feel overwhelming, with to-do-lists longer than your arm and with the ever-changing industry, being on top of trends takes time. There is a lot of perseverance, motivation and dedication involved – trust me!

With every blog post I write, or lengthy caption on the good old IG, I try to have a message or personal story behind it so I can connect with others who might feel the same way.

I want to show others that I understand and hope they can relate to me. I want to use my voice to share what I feel in the hope that it contributes to a wider cause.

Creating content enables you to use your own voice to share what is special to you, and about you. It adds up to a bigger mission and ultimately, ‘the why’ behind why you do what you do.

My journey into blogging isn’t as linear as other’s might be. When I started, I did it purely for myself. I’d just left my job, moved cities and was struggling. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I find writing so cathartic. It serves as a release and my thoughts, worries; feelings can be transferred to paper (or screen). Once I started writing and shared it with my family, I realised I wanted to share it with others in the hope that it might help someone in a similar situation.

I’ve always followed other bloggers, commented and interacted with quite a few, so I thought why not give it a go for myself. What could I lose?

I try (really hard) not to get caught up in the numbers because at the end of the day, I didn’t start it for that reason. It’s about connection not competition.

Social media can often feel like a bubble where we are all comparing and competing to be the best at the same thing and if we don’t ‘get ahead’ we ‘lose out’. It’s about switching that mindset to focus on the bigger picture which, overall, is to connect with and care about those around us and who we meet on our journey.

We all have unique stories, messages and ways in which we express ourselves. We’re all just trying to share our experiences whilst doing what we love in the hope that it can and will help others along the way. It’s powerful when you have a reason or a message behind your words and actions.

Alongside the above, I’ve also taken the time to apply for campaigns through marketing companies – most recently, Socialight. These companies are a brilliant platform and way to expand your network and also ability as a creator.

Socialight has introduced me to so many incredible local businesses, brands and people. When I moved back to Bath from London, I had no idea if blogging was even a ‘thing’ here! Thanks to Socialight, I’ve connected with others who also share this passion.

Who are Socialight?

Socialight are an Influencer Marketing Agency with a difference. They give the power to content creators as opposed to brands. They recognize the sheer importance and also the amount of work it takes to create good, meaningful content. Basically they really, really care about you. They understand that your time is precious, so they aim to give back to the people who go above and beyond.

The Bristol-born company began in 2017 with the goal to work with businesses that have a significant presence in a community and matching this with influencers, hence the tag line; ‘Local Businesses, Local Influencers’.

Iain and Nicolo have taken their knowledge of the industry and created an amazing platform that enables us to interact with locals promoting that community feeling. Social media can feel quite lonely at times so this is such a welcome change.

I’ve been lucky to have been involved in a number of collaborations with amazing brands, business and people including Beets n Roots, Dangun, Optimum Nutrition (there are also few more in the pipeline which I cannot wait to share with you all!) and one thing I’ve experienced is that these collaborations are not just one off. I find myself interacting with the people behind the names. The owners, the staff – we’ve engaged post collaboration. So the sense of community and locality is definitely apparent. Why? Because they also care.

Tips and Advice.

Having worked in marketing prior to starting my own blog, I’ve always been a lover of all things writing and the power of words – and I’ve picked up some really handy tips from some very successful bloggers and content creators that I try to put into practice now.

So I wanted to share them with you – sharing is caring after all.

1. Remember your ‘WHY’.
2. Try to build an engaged audience by providing value.
3. Be yourself.
4. Be consistent.
5. Enjoy it

As always I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to read about what’s going on in my little world, and hopefully this has given you more of an insight into what I do, and why I do it.

Amy xo.