Looking Ahead with 2020 Vision- Timely Tips for Bloggers & Influencers

We would be living in a fool's (social media) paradise if we believe that things will remain the same during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, we would like everything to be picture perfect as it was before, however, this will not happen overnight. For the past few weeks, as I was scrolling my social media feed on Instagram, I couldn't help notice that very few bloggers/influencers have been early adopters of our new reality (for a short but seemingly long time). Most are still promoting content and publishing posts and stories as they used to. 

 Why bloggers and influencers? Well, first: I teach and research social media as my job. Second, I believe that influencers and bloggers are absolutely key in creating change in today’s society. They have a large following: whether they are nano, macro, micro or mega-influencers. Each has a digital footprint and a good number of followers (ranging from 1k to 100k+).

Here are some tips and advice to look within yourselves, your feed and your content with a fresher perspective. Moving on, your audience will quickly evolve into consumers looking for content that can address their upcoming challenges. Before I begin, I’d like to put out a disclaimer that these are purely my views and you may agree to disagree.

 Tip #1: Acknowledge and embrace the change: Realizing that things are not going to be the same as before is the first step. Acknowledge and take responsibility for how it will change your world view and how the world view of those you influence has changed. The followers will look at you in a new light. Some may even look to you to answer questions or concerns. What is it that you want to shed light on now?

Example: How can you best make use of your pantry items? How does one shop during a pandemic?

 Tip #2: Be sensitive with your content: If you are a fashion blogger or a makeup tutorial influencer, there will be many who will still be checking out your content as a means to escape and relax. Do understand that a lot of promotions that you will be putting out may not get the kind of engagement that both you and the associated brand are looking for. The reason? Money is going to be a commodity that people will now think twice about spending on — items considered staples take priority at this time. Toilet paper and Lysol wipes, anyone? Realizing this sooner rather than later will help your personal brand be more empathetic and also realistic. 

Example: Think of ways to approach your audience in more meaningful conversations, even if it means straying away from your main business model. How can we make the most out of what we already have?

 Tip #3: Research: The media is already throwing so much information at us about Covid-19 — it can be a bit overwhelming. So try your best to stay away from rewriting that content. We all know what is going on at this point and what we need to do — but using hashtags as reminders in posts will reinforce your commitment to the bigger cause. However, I encourage you to research beyond that. Research the industries you are working in and for: how are your brand partners doing? What are stakeholders feeling about these companies and brands? Where is it projected to go on in the next little (or not so little) time. This research done early on will provide you with knowledge that will empower you with making wise decisions about you and future brand partners. 

Example: Think of brands in your industry who are setting good examples of social responsibility for being kind to employees at this time and giving back.

 Tip #4: Renew your intention and your vision: How you visualize yourself moving forward is for you to decide NOW. As you live through this pandemic, your perspective on things might have changed. Look deep inside and you will know what you need to reflect on. That is your homework for now. This pandemic will change and should change your perspective about things: material things, food, relationships, nature, mental health, eating habits, spending habits, valuing people and valuing life itself. 

 Example: Find out deep inside you what stirs the most in you when this topic is brought along and fine-tune it further to renew your intention and vision to move on. What do you think you can do to help others through this as well? How can your shift change their shift — and vice versa?

 Tip #5: Let go of fear: Don't be afraid to change your vision to something substantial and more meaningful than temporary trends — stuff or fluff. Don't be afraid of losing followers, most won't as they are there first for you rather than for what you promote to them. YOU come first, so if you have a hard time promoting what you used to do before - don't! Your audiences will be grateful and inspired to see the change and will find motivation to do so as well.

 These are new times and this is a new frontier, so carrying previous baggage just won't do. We need to move forward, cognizant that many followers will be without jobs, going through anxiety, losing homes, or losing loved ones. Now is not the time to only make extravagant meals, take pretty pictures and put them out on display for those who are struggling and wondering where tomorrow's meal is going to come from. It is a time for a reality check and as in all professions and industry, social media bloggers and influencers must do their part. Make things easy for others, empathize and understand and help people cope in these trying times.

Bonus tip: If I was to project some trending topics in the upcoming weeks/months, they would be: Health and wellness, managing money, self-sustainable practices (growing your own food), making low cost yet healthy meals without fancy ingredients, purging items that you don't need, sharing what you have with others, giving in charity, retraining for a new economy, mental health, going back to basics, nurturing relationships, spreading positivity, living simply, to name a few.

 Life has given us this opportunity to press the reset button — let’s seize this moment and make the most of it.

What changes have you all made to your content and digital presence during this time?