How to stay Authentic Online
As a lifestyle blogger, readers want to see insights into my life: what I eat, what I wear, what movies I watch, and how I deal with well…life. This helps them to relate to me and helps them with their life situations. Hopefully my tips on how I handle life will inspire or aid them in finding solutions for dilemmas in their life.
Tips for Creating a Genuine Presence Online
Whether you are a blogger or celebrity or casual social media user, tips for creating a geniune presence online will come in handy.
Tip #1 Stay Engaged
As a lifestyle blogger, I try to be the country singer of bloggers. No one appreciates their fans like a country singer. They know the secret…people love relationships.
When I get a personal comment, compliment or complaint, I respond. I don’t turn off my comments on my blog posts but instead seek ways to ask my readers questions so they can fell comfortable participating in the social conversation.
Tip #2 Show yourself
How can my readers really get to know ME if I don’t show pictures of me? pictures of my life events? a few occasional shots of Walt and my kids? I often share stories, videos and photos of myself and life to illustrate my points in blog posts and social media shares. For a blog approach or even just on social media, people can relate better to you if you create a digital you that resonates as the “Real ME”, “Authentic ME”, and “Genuine ME”!
Tip #3 Admit you are blonde (figuratively)
In every single giveaway I run I have this statement above the entry device:
You can’t even imagine how many times I get the sweetest emails pointing out all my blonde mistakes. These interactions help me build relationships with my readers and involves them in the process of my blog. I often ask my readers to help me choose outfits or catch my errors. Readers like it when you ask for their expertise, editing skills, or opinions. Together we are building my personal branding and professional branding. My readers are the life blood of my blog!
Tip #4 Vlog
There is nothing like a quick video vlog, snapchat, facebook live, slideshow or Flipagram to let your friends or readers into your life. It’s a medium where you can state your personal opinion or show multiple views to create a mood. For example, this is the last post I did for Domain.ME. It shows several shots and sets the mood for how I try to stay authentic online! Motion shots help to show my readers my authentic self or true self.
#Tip 5 Domain.ME
If you want to live a more authentic presence online consider getting yourself a domain name that illustrates exactly who you are, both personally and professionally! Obtain a .ME domain name as the perfect way to stay authentic online and to incorporate these tips for creating a genuine presence online.
Domain.ME is a domain name provider that allows anyone (personal and/or business) to create a unique, safe identity online with a domain ending in .ME. There’s nothing that says YOU like a website that has your name or personal brand attached. Have you seen all of our Domain.Me posts or our last Domain.ME ?
A .ME domain name is just right for you to create your Authentic Self online.
>>Head over and get your .ME domain name<<
Who doesn’t want a domain name that illustrates exactly who you are, both personally and professionally?
Blog Note: This post was inspired and sponsored by Domain.ME, the provider of the personal domains that end in .ME. As a company, they aim to promote thought leadership to the tech world. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Yes! Wonderful tips, I struggle so much with creating a personal presence and have a hard time letting down my guard!
I love when bloggers are personal. I know your life is not perfect all the time, I love when you show some real life stuff in there!
It amazes me that people will put them selves out there not as their true selves! I love this advice
Being yourself is so much more engaging. Who wants to read blogs written by robots? I love these ideas for staying truly you online. Now I just need to practice so I don’t sound so funny on video!
It’s really important to stay authentic online especially as a blogger. I try really hard to show the real me in everything I do.
Being authentic is SO SO TRUE!!! I can handle that one but I need to be better about showing ME, I think.
I think that you make some great points. In order to be authentic you need to be true to who you are.
I always try to stay engaged with the people that comment on my blog or Facebook. I need to get more into Vlog stuff myself also! Great tips.
You’re so right. I need to work on showing myself. I tend to hide away from the camera because I never look perfect, but perfect isn’t what people want to see!
I still can’t quite get into video- it’s just not my thing. I’ll admit, though, I do love seeing the people I read and follow in video. You always have such a warm and friendly presence! I think a .ME domain is a genius way to stand out and identify yourself online!
These are all great tips and I always enjoy your photos and humor!
Actually, you’ve given me a lot to think over. I’ve been worried about putting too much of myself out there (there’s some creepy people out there), but maybe you’re onto something. I especially like your idea about including a vlog. That paragraph alone got my gears turning.
Thanks for the article!
Love these tips for being genuine!! Just being yourself is the best way to get readers in engaged and building an audience.
I love getting comments. Some of the comments really touch me and let me know that I am touching lives with each post.
It’s so important to be genuine and personal with your online presence. I want to start vlogging but I haven’t yet.
This is such a fun post. I love reading about your life on the blog – you are so open and true to life. You always make me smile.
You are one of my fav. bloggers too Patty and You really know how to keep it real. Shelley
I definitely agree with responding to comments – I have a few blog readers I know are “regulars” and that’s always fun too.
You are so good about this Liz. You can even start to know your readers personalities over time. Shelley
You definitely do this. I feel like your personality comes out in your blog and videos. You share stories, photos, highs and lows. You bring a “real feel” to your site that relates to your readers. You’re right – sharing and starting a relationship with your readers keeps them engaged and coming back
Thank you so much Sherry. I always love when you stop in too. It makes me feel great that I am accomplishing my goal. The Chief Blonde
I know a lot of bloggers and social media enthusiasts have an issue trying to balance being authentic and earning money. I know I have trouble finding that very fine line sometimes, too. Being authentic, especially online, is a day to day battle; all you can do is do the best you can!
Yes yes yes!! I love your blog and now I know why!! You interact with us and are a true person!! Love it!
Ahhhh Amber! Thanks so much. I always delight in seeing your comments and enthusiasm! Shelley