A funny thing happened between hitting over 10k followers on Instagram and 13k+ followers on Twitter. Suddenly people—anyone, from people I hardly know to people I have never engaged with before—started turning to me as though I were some kind of superstar or skincare maven.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m no dummy when it comes to holistic living, having practiced it since my mom read Adelle Davis nutrition books when my sisters and I were little and ladled out spoonfuls of cod liver oil and a Brewer’s Yeast concoction that was gag-worthy. (Wise mama!)
But I’m not an esthetician or a makeup artist. Just to give you an idea, I majored in English and Communications and have a Master’s degree in Social Work. I know people. I have life experience. I’m an empath and highly intuitive. I can spot a solid brand with a strong ethic and I can tell you which deodorant will leave you wondering where the stench is coming from. I learned how to curate my writing and my images because creative expression aligns me with divine flow.
Yet I’m no chemist much as I love to play with the pretty potions—and I’ve tried most of them over the last 20 years. So I shy away from the term “beauty expert” because today, anyone can be called an expert and that scares me.
What having a large following on social media really means is this: When I hit, oh, I guess around 10k, brands suddenly started emailing, asking me to name my price for sharing their stuff. Hmm…that’s intriguing that I became insta-marketable. But where was this brand three thousand followers ago? Never even heard of them. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the offers. I do and I’m learning how to carefully select the ones that come to me that are authentic, high quality, and fabulous. However, I can simply tell who is piggybacking off my numbers and who really enjoys reading my stuff.
I think it’s a good idea for you to know that you’ll find advertising and promotional work going on behind the scenes on Instagram too—even when the “sponsored post” indicator is off. That means that a post that looks like a real time endorsement by the Instagrammer may not be all that it seems. And just so you know, none of mine have been paid for thus far and I’m still debating on how to go about doing it ethically and responsibly and if it’s a good idea or not.
For some people, a large number of follows means that they straight up bought them. Yep. Followers and “Likes” can be purchased for a set price—just the way you would buy a can of tuna fish or a bag of marbles. (I know, random, but let’s go with it.) I don’t know much more about it since I never shopped for followers, but I do remember a lovely blogger friend of mine with a decent readership receiving a whole lot of comments on one of her blog posts to which she laughingly admitted that it was a service that she signed up for. So that makes comments a facade too and the level of engagement an unreliable measure of authenticity.
For others, a strong following means that they learned how to work the system and know how to pout their lips just so or hold the camera yea high to create the right effect. I’m only being partly facetious. They’re probably incredible at self-promoting and never hesitate to jump into the limelight. A person with high numbers on Instagram may know how to work a selfie, but that doesn’t mean they know their shiz.⇐ Click to Tweet!
Social media reminds me of the special effects industry because half the time it isn’t real. But the real people will tell you that it isn’t real—and that’s where I step in.
For me, having a strong social media following means that I am a busy mama whose kids got older and are out of the house for longer periods of time, so I turned to creative outlets because I needed them. I needed to feel purposeful and alive again and sharing a photo or tweeting some inner wisdom can do that for me. It sounds ridiculous to write that, but if you’re into it—and I think anyone who engages online feeds the wee narcissistic beastie inside—then you know what I mean. When I try to explain to my mother who is computer illiterate what I do, her eyes grow glassy and she talks about how she just went to the hospital to visit an elderly woman with no local family to speak of. She never reads my blog and wouldn’t know how to find it if I paid her. So there’s that for a reality check.
What I’m driving at is that putting faith in popularity is not a good idea. I’m not afraid to tell you that I’m no expert because I don’t pretend to be one. It’s too huge a responsibility and it goes against my belief system that encourages self-empowerment and learning how to distinguish true expertise. My high numbers don’t prove that I’m an expert, but they do prove that I care deeply about bringing good into this world and that someone out there wants to hear it. If I can be of service to others by delivering quality content, then that is how I want to spend my time.
That’s why I write posts that guide people on developing their own discernment, like this one about the six questions you need to ask before buying into the latest fad or this one about the crucial questions to ask before investing in your next beauty product. My goal is for you to be able to do accurate research which is why I interviewed chemist Julie Longyear about the definitive way to use the EWG Skin Deep Database. Experience, inquiry, and a little investigating will get anyone farther than becoming co-dependent on a popular YouTuber or Instagrammer.
If anything, my overriding message is: Follow your favorites but filter them and definitely double check information taken off social media. ⇐ Click to tweet!
There’s no need to be a victim of misinformation when simple fact checking will go a long way.
In my next posts, I’ll be sharing how to distinguish the beauty pros and the shocking reality of getting tips off the internet. It’s mind-blowing!
And while you’re waiting for those posts, head over to Organic Obsessions where Nic—being the responsible blogger that she is—had an alarming experience while fact checking.
Thank you for this, Sarita! I think many of us get caught up in the numbers game, stressing about them not being “high enough” and forget that it’s more important to just be passionate about what you are doing, create good content and be our fabulous, authentic selves – the rest will fall into place! 😉 Also, cod liver oil and brewer’s yeast were staples my mom made us take too..so gross, but good for you! And she can’t figure out how to find my blog to read it either no matter how many times I explain it! lol 🙂 xo
Lol, Sabrina! I love that our moms were way ahead of their time and now can’t get with the program. Well, they had priorities straight and I’m borderline on believing computer literacy is as great as we make it out to be. <3
I have to say, I really appreciate the honesty and transparency. 🙂
Thank you!!
Great post, I am so sceptical when it comes to pretty much all social media. I feel I can almost tell when something is sponsored now, whether it’s subtle or so blatant it makes you want to laugh out loud. Even so, I feel growing your followers organically is just better and more durable in the long-term, I don’t want people to comment on my posts if they don’t want to. Social media to me is about connecting with like-minded people, it takes a hell of a lot of patience though haha xxx
ALittleKiran | Bloglovin
Thanks for sharing your insights, Kiran. So true! Xo
Hey Sarita
Sent an email about you to Kris Carr, praise and advice that she needs to know who you are… with a link to this post. Let me know if she contacts you!
Mwah Mwah,
Thank you, Ajnira. She’s probably swamped but I appreciate the gesture and what that means immensely. Bless you!! Xo
Great post dear Sarita !
I can’t wrap my mind around how would anyone would go head buy followers aka People . It really just give me the chills that people would buy such services no matter their reason. Considering that their is hundreds of way to attract people by simple using the right # or keyword to attract followers along with many ways. Plus their is so many tools & training personally that are teaching business how to use social media , many are FREE. But this is what modern business market has form too. All to look & appear that your what everyone is talking about & that your the next big thing !
Yes, Yeiza, it is such an empty way of approaching people that it would lead me to other questions about the integrity of the blogger/account. What other methods are they using to trick their audience? It is not worth it. Thank you for your wise words. Xo
Sarita,
This article says it all! I too needed a creative outlet so I started an Instagram because it’s such fun and I love to share. I was shocked to realize that brands and bloggers purchase not only followers, but they literally buy the ability to comment to themselves. I think that’s rather insane to say the least. I’m going to start the “Slow Blogger” and “Slow Instagram” movement! What do you think? It’s ridiculous that people are buying popularity, but we’re catching on to them. Slow and steady has always been the rule to achieve anything worthwhile. Happiness, authenticity, peace of mind, these things cannot be bought. Please keep bringing these important topics to all of us. I appreciate how honest you are it’s very refreshing! You are a blessing dear Sarita.
Kathy King
Thank you so much, Kathy. What a great idea: slow beauty>>slow blogging>>slow down. Everything happens in its right time and the period spent cultivating wisdom and getting grounded before reaching high numbers has purpose. Thank you for your kind comment. So touched. <3
OOOh Sarita, i had pleasure to read this post, this is a real problem in our society even with our kids and the “like” on Facebook. It’s important to not definite ourself by followers or like, or “popularity” on social media. Btw : I have a Bachelor in Social work 🙂 Julie xo
Aw, Julie, fellow social worker and green beauty enthusiast! Why doesn’t that surprise me? Thank you for your comment. You are so right. <3
Wonderful reflections and insight. I totally need to know about that deodorant….and I am not kidding. Seriously which natural one works?!? (and also that I don’t have to apply with my fingers)
Post will follow! Definitely. Thanks for motivating me to get on it. 🙂
I came back to read this again today because I really the loved the tone of the post (and my son was napping and I had coffee in my hand-a perfect time to read!). I have to say that my favorite part was when you mentioned that your mom has no idea about your blog nor does she read it! Keeps life in perspective!
Thanks for sincerity and authenticity! Its so important, and you are absolutely right! For some brands the desire to build lot of followers and comments means they got it all wrong. For the bloggers who are craving tons of free-products and are willing to say that every product that fall into their hands is absolutely fantastic; they also got it wrong ! 🙁
Where’s the button to hit to tell you just how much I love and appreciate you, Sarita?
Yes to each paragraph. I’m so overwhelmed to see how much we agree.
Hmm…why doesn’t that surprise me that we are on the same page, Nath? Thank you so much. Always respect your viewpoint and knowing we are united makes me grateful and happy. XO
*insert dancing emoji*
Wonderful! It is pretty rare to find someone online willing to be totally truthful and open, and for that you have my utmost respect.
Thank you, Brianna. I really appreciate that. It means a lot to hear that–especially when posting content that feels particularly vulnerable. XO
Thank you so much for this! I also read Nic’s article that you linked to and left a comment there. When it comes to beauty I do feel it is a bit of a popularity contest. With the brands, bloggers and brand ambassadors it can be overwhelming especially when first making the switch to “green beauty” products. Who to trust an why at first I feel is all about the numbers. Not knowing where to turn you go for what’s “popular” and on the current it list. We look for guidance to help navigate through. Some brands, bloggers, brand ambassadors may not be as helpful as they seem on the surface. They may be in it for the bottom line. But a big THANK YOU for your honesty, transparency, diligent research, and mostly continuing the conversations!
Truthfully, it’s easy to get caught up in it, Denise, so I understand those bloggers that do. But the clear sign I keep getting is that I’m not supposed to go in that direction. Yes to a form of exchange for hard work for sure but that’s not meant to be my motivation. I know this because whenever it is, I fail completely. So my integrity is constantly in check. Thanks for your kind comment and feedback! XO
Absolutely love it Sarita! Honesty is beauty.
Absolutely, K.D.!
Wonderful read, Sarita! I love your candidness, sincerity and authenticity. In a world where there seems to be a growing need for instant gratification, it is heartening to see you take the time to connect and be of service to others. Keep on keeping on! XO
Thank you so much, Clare. I am grateful for your kind words. Humanity thrives on authentic connections. 🙂
I don’t know if I read this before, but I was browsing your site again (as one does) and I (re?) read this post. It’s still as poignant as ever. So many people buy their social followings and create false engagement. For some reason, I find that oddly comforting because it means whatever following I’ve amassed is from actual interest and from a real community as opposed to a quick purchase. Even if I’m not up there with the echelon of “green beauty society,” whatever. I’m living my life with integrity and it’s nice to hear when other bloggers are, too. Thanks for always inspiring me! I always enjoy your posts xx
Your comment made me so happy, Tianna. Thank you for your generous and kind words and also your authenticity. I really value you in our community. Xo