Why it is so important to stay authentic online…
The Chief Blonde plays a game of Chubby Bunny with her kids…a little photoshop contrast
Confession: I photoshop my face sometimes…
Ask most any fashion blogger over 45 and they will admit it, we photoshop. Ask most any blogger who regularly posts pictures of themselves…they photoshop if beyond a certain age. A lot of the beauty bloggers over 45 on Youtube get work done…whether it be Botox for the forehead or Restalyne for the lips.
Why would I do that? Isn’t that inauthentic?
For me, the answer is no. I want to portray myself at my very best on my blog. When I am in the BRIGHT sun, my wrinkles look OH SO pronounced. What WOULD be inauthentic, in my book, is if I said “I don’t photoshop”. Many of the beauty bloggers on Youtube will always indicate what they have had done so their readers aren’t mislead…I appreciate that…don’t you?
When I am doing any kind of picture that isn’t fashion, but want to make sure my readers know that what they are looking at is untouched, I always note that the photo is not retouched. For example, in the photo below I am showing the effectiveness of a root touch-up product, my readers knew there was no touch-up because I said in the body of the article .
What else do I do as blogger to stay authentic?
How do I make sure my readers know the real ME, the authentic ME, the Genuine ME? How do I reveal my authentic self, true self?
I never do negative reviews on my blog. Why? Because I don’t want to waste my space or give ink to products that I don’t like. I want my readers to know that if I blog about something…I or my family really like it. I even wrote about my policy in this article here: Negative Product Reviews: As a Blogger, How Do I Handle? However, I let you know why I don’t do them and I link this article often so my readers understand.
Another thing I do to stay authentic, is that I let my readers see me in various life situations. So they know that I, like them, have my moments.
The Chief Blonde keeps it real by showing herself getting her BLONDE hair dyed (lol), walking and talking about bladder leakage, trying out aerial yoga (are you kidding me?), and talking to her readers about her rosacea.
My Readers have told me!
While I strive to be authentic and genuine, it’s my readers who just say the sweetest things to confirm that my approach is working. Here’s a few comments that have been left on the blog:
Your blog does not need improving. I always enjoy it. Love your photos and fashion.
~Sandra W.
You are by far my favorite blogger! Honestly, the first time I saw your page I told my husband see there is life after 50. ~ Pamela J.
Why is it important to stay authentic online with your readers?
As a shoe lover, I admitted to my readers that I took 11 pairs of shoes to a 3 days conference!
It’s really quite simple for me…I want to show and explain my real self so my readers and the brands I work with so they know I have integrity and they can trust me. I have seen this to prove out as the same brands come back to me over and over to do opportunities and hire me as an ambassador. Readers who read me when I was just a teeny tiny blogger are still around to this day. Authenticity works!
Just me and the AUTHENTIC Mr. Darcy (aka. Colin Firth) hanging out!
How you can be more authentic online
Consider getting a .ME domain name! Huh? What’s that?
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. In my follow-up post to this one, I will give you all the reasons why a .ME domain name is just right for you to create your Authentic Self online.
Have you seen all of our Domain.Me posts or our last Domain.ME ?
But in the meantime, head over and get your .ME domain name as the perfect way to stay authentic online. Who doesn’t want a domain name that illustrates exactly who you are, both personally and professionally?
So let me know…
As a reader, share with me why and/or how you stay authentic online?
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.
We should all feel more comfortable in our own skin. But i’m pretty sure we all do some photoshop. 😀
I stay authentic online because I think it is important to accept myself as I am and not pretend to be something that I’m not. I think as women we are often held to a higher standard as far as how we look and dress. As I am getting close to being 50 and seeing changes in my face, hair and body, instead of focusing on the negative, I focus on the positive that I’m healthy and hope to live a very long life and that even though I’m not perfect, I’m looking pretty good for my age. I’m not against getting a little work done or using photoshop, but what I am against is when people’s identities are so tied up with looking and being perfect to get approval from others. I don’t think that is a healthy way to be. I appreciate bloggers, celebrities and people who are authentic and I connect with them on a deeper level as a human being. That is one reason why I love your blog so much! You are very authentic and honest and you come across as fun, confident and accepting on your blog posts.
Thanks Shawna! I try! I enjoyed reading your story! The Chief Blonde
How many suitcases did you take to the conference? I got over having all those pairs of shoes years ago. Today I let myself have 12 pair total….. that have to all fit in the shoe bag.
I stay authentic by always telling the truth about my age
I do not have my own blog online. I enjoy reading your posts and seeing your photos and lifestyle. I like how you got your husband involved.
Looking good great
I see no shame in doing whatever it takes to make yourself look and feel better!