How to Support Other Bloggers and Influencers

Photo by: Jermaine Maull (@jensplusone)

Alright yall, we got the train moving on support in light of all the Revolve controversy so let’s please not stop there. We cannot let this beautiful air of support and growth be tossed aside just because we have a few ambassadors of color being sprinkled on these traditionally “Beige Only” sites. We cannot become complacent and even when this dies down, we all need to keep strong in promoting, helping and supporting other WOC bloggers.

Here are my tips on how to support other bloggers and influencers.

First and foremost, let me explain why it is important to actively support other bloggers and influencers. (this can go for small businesses as well). Most of the million follower influencers did not get there alone. It took us to follow them and buy what they recommend but that is a very small part of it. Them being featured on bigger brands pages and social media enabled them to be seen on a larger platform. So we, women of color influencers certainly need the same.

Also to my non WOC bloggers and influencers, please follow your fellow bloggers no matter the race or size. Style is Style. It has no standards and it has no color, size, race, gender etc….

How to Support Other Bloggers and Influencers

On Instagram and Instagram stories

1. Check out the explore page every now and then and visit anything that catches your eye outside of the larger pages.
2. Visit the feed of other bloggers once you have seen one photo you like. Proceed to double tap on a few photos and comment.
3. If an outfit or pose or scenery is inspired by another influencer, don’t hesitate to state that in your caption. Ikeomakola does this well.
4. Choose a day in the week to “shout out” your favorite influencers and why you like them and post on your stories.
5. Set up post notifications for your favorite influencers so you do not miss out on their new content (darn algorithm)
6. Actually visit your favorite WOC blogs once a week if possible and not just when they have a “juicy” post, extra points for leaving a comment. Why? Instagram will not last forever and the blog has more longevity.
7. Bring in other influencers or readers to your instagram Live. This is something I learned from Dayna Bolden.
8. Follow You Belong Now on instagram and see all the wonderful POC and WOC bloggers out there!

On the blog

1. Sign up for newsletters so you do not miss a new post and also see new posts in your inbox. Here is MINE
2. Leave comments.
3. Share their blog post on your facebook page (personal or business)
4. Click on a few of the purchase links. Not everyone uses Reward Style and some get paid just on clicks and not just purchases.
5. Click on that Pinterest button and quickly share any of the photos you love.
6. Retweet a quick link to their blog or even a specific post.
7. If they did a great non sponsored post wearing an outfit or using a product of a brand that you have worked with prior, send a quick email to that brand’s representative to highlight it.

Influencer to Influencer or Small Business

1. REFER. If a PR company reaches out about a campaign and it is not your niche or time constraints make it hard, refer other influencers to the PR company in your response.
2. SHARE resources. If someone asks you about networks or apps or how you determine your rates, BE REAL and tell them.
3. Pay their prices. This goes more for working with photographers. If you love their photos and have reached out to them, Pay their cost. Do not get upset or ask them to do it for exposure. Photography is an EXPENSIVE job. Tools and time are EXPENSIVE!
4. Become a mentor to a smaller blogger. Kinda like big brothers, big sisters but for bloggers. Maybe take them as your plus one to an event so they can meet others. Or help them with their photos or editing etc..
5. Add a round up series to your blog and highlight other bloggers who fit that particular topic.
6. Add a pinterest board highlighting your fave bloggers and their outfits or posts
7. Stop comparing in a negative light. Going to another influencers page with the negativity of comparison on your mind will often make you critique them in a horrible way. Go to another’s feed with love and light in your mind.
8. Be kind and be open to others. Also get over that whole ” I dont need unsolicited advice” crap. Just be open to constructive criticism and not so quick to be upset because someone has a remark about what you post. Definitely judge if it’s hate or if it is coming from a place of love Brainwash yourself to remember Community Over Competition and Collaboration over competition.

If you guys have any additional tips, please email me or leave a comment. Also check out some of my other “how to” posts concerning blogging.

How to Work a Fashion Event

How I pose in pics

How to edit on iphone

How to use the new ios 11 features

p.s. I am currently working on a list of 100 WOC bloggers to follow, 100 small businesses to follow and 25 WOC photographers to work with!