PIPM: Pretty in Pink Megan: The Business of Blogging

The Business of Blogging


I keep wondering if blogs are actually a dying breed ... with Instagram and other forms of social media just an app away, do people even bother to go to websites anymore and look at people's blogs?  For me, I will visit a blog if I see something that catches my eye on Instagram.  For instance, if I really like someone's outfit and want to see more pictures, I will visit their blog.  I will also visit if someone has an enticing caption saying they are sharing big news or something exciting on their blog.  I still have my blog roll (on the right sidebar) that I will use to keep up with a few blogs that I enjoy, but for the most part, I don't even know that I look at that many blogs anymore.  

With all of that being said, I have to wonder sometimes why I even still bother with blogging.  I used to think blogging was really easy and didn't really care about my pictures or content.  I'd just slap some stuff up (really bad pictures and all) and call it a day.  When I decided to start blogging again, I wanted to start fresh and put more time and effort into my pictures and posts.  I won't lie, it's a process.  Since Rob and I both work M-F we have to take my pictures on Sunday afternoons.  I used to think people were crazy or somewhat shady for doing this, but now it totally makes sense if you want nice, quality pictures.  We take my pictures on Sunday and I schedule my fashion-related posts typically for Monday and Wednesday.  I will then go in on Monday and Wednesday and Thursday nights and try to whip up a beauty or lifestyle post.  I am really trying to have better pictures and less google image results which is really how I used to blog.  

Then there's Instagram, which is a whole other beast.  Instagram is interesting because I think for a lot of people, it has taken the place of a traditional blog.  You can be "Instagram famous" with just a few fashion pictures and a Pinterest worthy white kitchen with a farmhouse sink.  I will be completely honest with you all and say that I am really working on my Instagram game as well.  If you see me using stupid hashtags or tagging things, don't be alarmed.  I am trying to create a more cohesive and pretty feed since that is where most people come to your blog from.  It really means the world to me when people just like my pictures or leave a nice comment.  

One thing that I told myself with my reignited passion to blog is that I will not try to keep up with the joneses.  I am who I am and I'm not going to pretend to be something that I'm not.  I hope that my authenticity and realness continues to show through on my blog and all of my social media.  In an over-saturated world of blogging where literally everyone and their mom has a blog or is trying to have a famous Instagram account, it can be a tough pill to swallow constantly being in competition with others.  I'm a competitive person by nature, but honestly don't really give AF who has what or who went where ... in all aspects of life.  I just want to put my stuff out there and if people like it great, if not, no big deal.  

I guess I'm saying all of this to say thank you to you all for sticking around.  And I truly hope that you can tell I am putting more effort into my blog.  In no way do I want this to be a "business" or "famous" or anything like that, I just want to have better content and meet more people.  I think that's the thing that keeps me coming back - the connections and friends that I've made.  I feel like I can escape real life by signing on Instagram and seeing people's pretty pictures and perfect lives.  And I know most of it is not real or just a show, but it's nice to peer into the lives of thousands of people from all over the world.  And don't get me started on Snapchat and Instastories ... I follow some hilarious and crazy people and I love every minute of it.  I think at the root of things, I am someone who likes to watch people and figure out their lives.  So being able to see even a snippet (or sometimes too much) of people's lives is just so interesting to me.  

I'm not really sure what this post is even about, but I just felt compelled to write about my blog and the goals and feelings that I have about it ... feel free to share opinions or thoughts in the comments.  

16 comments:

KB said...

I'm a Memphis girl too and started a blog the same time you did. It's no longer around (I moved and run www.offtheduck.com it's like RSVP for a small town) but I still check yours. Good for you for staying true to yourself. I have to say- your style has the ability to define the Memphis fashion landscape. And I don't think anyone in town is focusing on fashion, beauty AND wellness. I love reading about your sister in laws health tips, yoga and pure barre. Thanks for being honest and entertaining!

HMC said...

I really appreciate this post--I've followed your blog/instagram for years and one of the things I most appreciate is your authenticity.

Miranda said...

Your blog has always been a favorite of mine. I appreciate your style and beauty/fashion tips and most of all your authenticity. Also, I live for your instastories and snaps-- girl, you are freaking HILARIOUS!

Baili said...

Love this! I've been reading PIPM for 7-8 years and don't plan to stop! It's been fun to add you on Insta and SnapChat to get a little more content. Keep it up!

{SweetTennesseeBlog} said...

I have been reading your blog for years and love all your content! I also like that you comment back to everyone and are so authentic.. I hope you become very successful with all of social media- there is room for everyone!(ashes_mcg)

Gold Clutter said...

I loved this. I recently started up my blog and have found the blogging community to be so welcoming.

amandajernigan said...

Love your honesty and that you always stay true to yourself! I've been reading for years and will continue to do so because you are genuine!

Unknown said...

I have been visiting your blog for years and in the sea of bloggers you are definitely one of my favorites. You are very honest and authentic. I respect your beauty recommendations more then anyone else because I know you have actually tried everything.

Sarah Brooke said...

I've also been reading for years. Your blog was one of the first few I ever found. I love following you on Snapchat - you are hilarious and I wish we could hang out IRL. There are so many blogs out there now but it is obvious who's in it to make a buck/be famous and who's in it to connect with people. I'm so happy you started to blog again!

Unknown said...

I don't read blogs as much as I used to. Now they're all about clothes/house crap and trying to get $$$ from that reward style shit. All I know is that you better not ever quit destinee or destinees PI cousin!!!! That shit is hilarious and I always look fwd to that crap!!! Hahahahaha

Vfrederick said...

I googled preppy blogs years ago. It was right around the time you got engaged. The first thing I noticed was that you always keep it real. I love how you go to work in curlers and will stop and get Starbucks with them in. You always make me laugh on Snapchat.

laci said...

I've been reading your blog since I was in law school (sometimes I wish I'd dropped out too!) but I really appreciate how authentic you are in he midst of a ton of blogs that portray such shiny, perfect lives. I hope you keep blogging because it is so refreshing!

Julie said...

I'm old-school and I still read blogs, mainly because I have so much time sitting in hotel rooms with limited tv! Your blog is my all time favorite-because you are real and genuine. I'm so happy you are back to blogging more, I missed you! You make me smile and laugh(and buy things too!). Please keep it up!

Unknown said...

Hi! I've read your blog for years, don't think I've ever commented though. I'm from Northern Ireland and I can't remember how I came across it but I've always really liked it. I'm glad you've started blogging a lot more again. It's fresh and fun and I like how you cater to all people, with prices etc that are reasonable (to me, anyway!). Looking forward to reading more!

Laura

emilyrose5387 said...

Ditto on the longtime reader, first time commenter sentiment! I've read your blog for the past few years and love it. I was sad when you slowed down a bit. I've stopped reading some blogs that became strictly rstyle links and lost all personal touch, but I feel like you have a really good balance of the two. Keep on blogging!

Cori said...

Funny how time adjusts how we look at online content - in the beginning I thought you were a little out of reach, too polished and more of a fantasy, but as I've grown a little I see how you are real, consistent in your loves/likes/dislikes and are authentic, even when I'm sure you've been tempted to "Pink Peonies-out" your blog. You are like a good friend who is reliable and true, and I'm so glad you haven't gotten greedy or tried to keep up with the Joneses. You have gone from fantasy to more accessible for me, and because of that, your breaks from blogging weren't upsetting at all. You are certainly real and reflective of real life, as opposed to promotional Rstyle and/or LikeToKnowIt crazed. Thank you for that.

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