Throughout my time on social media (and I am talking from the MySpace days!) there has been a growing need to extend and grow ones following.
There are those that grow quickly, either they had a concept first or are naturally ‘popular’ but most people on social media are just vying for attention, numbers, asking, no, begging for you to follow them.
And at first it was, who had the most friends. You know because popularity is a contest but now it’s because the more followers you have the bigger the ‘influencer’ you are. Even if you don’t engage with any of them or even follow anyone else. Not sure how much influence you have in that case but you know, numbers mean dollars on social media.
I am not saying that those that have big numbers didn’t work hard to get them because I believe they all have! It’s a tough world out there and I think anyone who has managed to be successful in the numbers game needs to be celebrated and given their dues!
So, why the decision to stop asking? Well, since I started my blog in 2010 (which was so much more different to the blog you see today) I have asked, every day, every post, every video and the numbers grew but it didn’t feel better. It didn’t matter what goal I set myself I wasn’t happy when I got there.
I was comparing myself to others, why did they have more? Why wasn’t I doing as well? and let’s be honest – we all know how that ends…it just makes you feel bitter and lose sight of what is important.
So I decided to think about WHY?
Why am I asking people to follow?
To what ends?
The ultimate questions is WHY SHOULD THEY?
I decided that because I have a day job that pays the bills and because blogging and vlogging is a hobby I should just enjoy it for what it is. Engagement is my favourite part of blogging so I concentrate on commenting and reading and responding to my comments (when I can!)
However, Social Media, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook (and snapchat etc) I have decided to treat them in a social way. Yes I will still share my blog posts but I also want to be social. Chat, engage, laugh, enjoy and ultimately have an online social life!
I will no longer ask you to follow me in every post or video…because it’s cool if you do and it’s cool if you don’t. My only ask is that if you want, engage, say hi, chat to me. It’s my favourite thing. Be social!
The whole social media thing is driving me crazy at the moment people are so obsessed with numbers you get the same in the makeup groups, everyone is trying to get the most members and it takes away from the whole social aspect
Yes! It’s so hard to keep up! We are going to find more people going off social media due to stress… it’s like a full time job these days x
I think what you’re really highlighting here is that those of us who know how it used to be can see and feel what a different place it is. Those just coming to it – it’s always been this way for them . You’re returning to the things we all loved about social to start with which is a very healthy way to start enjoying it again xx
Or is it that the name social media is not the term anymore… maybe if Facebook, Twitter and Instagram were not moving in the direction of marketing media (because let’s face it, they have driven it to be like that more than the people due to sponsored posts and silly algorithms) then it might be a little more social. I don’t have the answers but I guess we can only do what’s best for us x
Hands up I am so anti-social, I don’t do social media at all really, I can never get into the swing of posting regularly apart from in groups I am a part of and feel comfortable in. I should really get out of my comfort zone with it.
I definitely agree. The whole follow thing is great if people are really engaged but if they’re not then its just a number.
It’s so difficult to see your way out of the numbers sometimes. I have really taken a different approach to my blog and social media and I feel so much better for it.
I think you have the perfect attitude. After all, life is too short to worry about what others are doing.
Its a tough thing this numbers game but I agree that we do need to be more social . After all we need to interact with our followers right? Its tough when you are a blogger to strike a balance x
That’s one thing I have trouble getting clients to understand! On social media it is more important to just be social, and not focus on numbers all of the time
I need to be more social on social media and it’s something I am actively trying to do x
Couldn’t agree more. I blog because I like having an outlet to write whatever I want to, but there’s so many out there who treat it as a competitive numbers game which then makes me think I should be doing the same!
Great post! You hit the nail on the head there. Why should people follow us. I think too many bloggers focus on numbers father then just enjoying themselves.
I agree! While it’s great to be social on social media, it’s not the be all or end all for me x
Great way of looking at Social Media, I love simply engaging with others too 😉
I’m not that great at social media, I don’t post enough. I would prefer people more engaged with my content – I often find people have a habit of playing the follow/unfollow game too. Instead of asking for followers – I would much rather people follow on their own!
Treating social media in a social way isagreat step forward, makes sense and takes the pressure off 🙂 x
such a good post! i used to love twitter so much but since social media just became about numbers over relationships, it’s lost its sparkle. I remember some great evenings cwtched up and engaging with twitter on various subjects – these days it’s a one way convo. shame really.
For me, being social is the only way to gain followers. I’ve recently started striking up more conversations on Twitter and love it so much more. Off to follow some of your channels! x
I have lots of friends on social media now thanks to blogging, a couple of whom I’ve met in real life too! I think it’s a good idea not to put too much pressure on yourself for social media numbers or you’ll go crazy!