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.
I really love authentic blogs and I don’t mind at all if people use Photoshop and let the reader know or post negative reviews if they are honest ones. Why stay authentic online? I think that people trust authentic blogs/bloggers more and it’s interesting to read about real life than about some made up fantasy world. Keep up the good work!
I have separate Twitter and Instagram accounts for personal and business purposes, but I link to each other if people want to keep up with both. My business is a fashion resale store and fashion blog, but that’s only one passion of mine… Other than being a wife and mom, I ride dirt bikes and am admittedly OBSESSED with supercross and motocross. Having separate accounts (and a Snapchat!) allows me to be myself in all aspects.
I had never even considered Photoshopping a photo of myself! haha I occasionally use filters on Snapchat or Instagram, but that’s the extent of it.
You know, I like to say that I stay authentic by just being myself. I post photos after a sweaty workout… and even when I am down with a headache. Life is real, so am I!
I am pretty open about my personal struggles and challenges. I want my followers to know that I am a “real” person.
I agree about negative reviews. Just because I don’t like it doesn’t mean other people won’t. I prefer talking about things that I like.
Well, I don’t photoshop out my wrinkles. The only thing I will do is erm, cover my forehead if my hair has blown away. I’ll make more bangs. I figure I earned my wrinkles and I am what I am and that’s a 56 year old woman. But I hate my forehead….what can I say?
There’s always BOTOX and I just might go there…lol Shelley
Being yourself is probably one of the most important things you can do. If you know who you are and sure of who you are others are sure to follow you as a leader.
The people that know me and my family personally know that when I write about something about my kids or family it definitely is true, even if it’s embarrassing. When I review something, if there is something that I’m not pleased about I mention it, but don’t make it the focus.
I totally agree you need to be authentic! People can read when you are not authentic. It’s not hard to tell when someone’s being fake. Good for you for sticking to your guns and being authentic.
Love this. I generally do not photoshop but mostly because I’m not any good at it 🙂 I totally agree with staying authentic, though. I have shared on Instagram photos of me after workouts, etc which are not *pretty* photos.
I think you really put yourself out there on so many levels Ellen. You are one of the few who consistently uses photos of yourself and your life. I think it makes your work very YOU! Shelley
This was an interesting read. I stay authentic by writing about me – all kinds of me, good or bad. I am not a big fan of selfies though. The domain .me has been in my mind lately. I’ve been seriously considering starting another blog, like an online journal of my life and then buy up a .me domain name.
Thanks AnneMarie! Yes I would like to grab my name on as .ME as well. The Chief Blonde
I stay authentic online, because I know no other way to be! That said, I’m a professional photographer and I’ve been asked to retouch many, many photos. I don’t have a lot of photos of myself, but I wonder.. if I would!
Awesome post.
THanks for giving a photographers perspective Tamara! The Chief Blonde.
I stay authentic online because I only know how to be me….and I like myself just the way I am! I’m proud of my wrinkles, because it shows I’ve lived!
Wrinkles surely do say that. It’s always a hard call. I try to use a light hand. The Chief BLonde
Nobody will trust those who aren’t authentic. I always try to point out things that can be improved with products I review. Most things have weak areas and it’s only fair to readers to point them out.
Yes Liz! If I do review something, I do mention tweaks I can see need to be made. Shelley
I stay authentic because I’m not trying to impress anyone. What they read is what they get. Plus my family reads my blog and that inspires me to keep it real
Saidah, I agree, family keeps you honest! The Chief Blonde
I said from day one that I always wanted to stay true to who I am in real life when I am online. I think I have done a good job portraying myself the way I am on my blog/social media!
Robin, Truly I feel I know you based on all the articles of yours I read. My favorite is still the one from long ago where you posted about your messy yard. I still laugh about that. Shelley
Why am I authentic because I don’t have time not to be authentic. What you see is what you get. I am a mother of two littles that is studying a foreign language, working on a herbal education and looking for a job. I don’t have time to pretend to be someone else. I think its important to be authentic not only for your readers but for yourself.
HI Carrie! YES! Inauthentic takes so much longer! The Chief Blonde
I am always very colorful- Everything I do is colorful visually, creatively, and in concept (bold). I like to be different and I don’t like to do what others are doing, and it shows. I also believe in keeping ads minimal to non existent on my personal website. I want my content to shine, and my readers to easily be able to access that content because I put so much time, and so much of myself, into it. Now I am going to go hunt down that aerial aerobics post, somehow I missed it!
Jenna, It’s still in draft. It was supposed to be published yesterday before this but it is still in client reveiw but it’s coming! Shelley
You ARE one of the most colorful people I know and you have stayed consistent through the years. I love every aspect of your online personality and would never want that to change Jenna! Shelley
Hey, that was me. I said that and I hold to it. I do like your blog. I don’t always post but I am watching you. LOL
YES! I loved getting to quote you. Thanks for being my reader. The Chief BLonde
I just received the email newsletter. It says there are 3 current giveaways but I cannot locate any.
Hi Barb, I had revised that newsletter to take out that info but I stupidly forgot to SAVE! Ughhh. I am sorry for wasting your time but thank you for so sweetly commenting. It’s saved now. Have a great weekend. The Chief Blonde