Things Bloggers Are Sick of Hearing

As bloggers, we tend to get called over sharers. And I guess to some extent we are but I see my little ole blog as much more than a place to just 'overshare'. It's a place for me, a place where I feel I can express myself without judgement and a place where I feel most comfortable. However, I don't just write for me. I can never be thankful enough for all the opportunities that have come my way in the few years that I have hit the bloggersphere. I know that I am far from being a famous blogger like so many that I aspire to be but I take pride in knowing that my blog maybe helping someone somewhere, which it makes me feel amazing. And so as a blogger, a lot of friends, family and readers ask questions and say things that are sometimes a little annoying and tiresome. So today I thought I would tell you about some of the things that I am sick of hearing as a blogger. 

It's not really a job though is it?

There are a LOT of misconceptions out there about how much money bloggers make, some are more successful than others of course, like all employment sectors. Most people just see most are taking photos, writing about them and making a few quid here or there. But listen up folks there is an opportunity to actually a decent wage with blogging, even if many don't consider it as 'a real job', IT IS. Blogging and social media influencing is definitely a job. Now it's certainly not easy to make money from blogging. I would probably say that most of us who do have blogs don't make a huge amount of money, or even consistent money. But with a lot of hard work, a lot of time and dedication this has become my job. Blogger, writer, influencer, whatever you want to call it. It's a money maker for lots of people. I have to say that I don't have the biggest following in this bloggersphere, but there are lots of people who follow me, take the time read my posts, send me emails to talk about my content on my blog and there are brands that want to collaborate. So YES it is a real job.

Bloggers will do anything for a freebie!!!

Now, I'm not going to sit here and write that I don't like a freebie. It's definitely one of the perks of blogging especially if it is something that I love or need. The idea that a blogger will do almost anything for a freebie to create a post really is annoying, because I don't know any blogger that will accept anything just because it's free. I remember the first time I started to receive freebies in the post, it was super exciting. But the thing is, soon enough I realised that these 'freebies' are not actually FREE. There's a lot of work that goes into creating content for a brand. Each and every brand that I have worked with has been completely different, their needs are different and so I have to cater to each and every one of them. It is by far from 'an easy gig', or 'takes a couple of photos and you're done'! I still accept some gifted items, but nowadays I am picky about accepting them than use to be. Does all the time, patience and effort for a post worth something that costs £2 worth it. Probably not.

You spend too much time on your phone. 

Yes, I know I do. But don't we all spend quite a bit of time of our phones. Meanwhile you're probably scrolling through Facebook or giggling at a silly twitter spat (I am guilty of this too), I am busy on my phone trying to secure collaborations, answering emails, writing ideas down or just connecting with my readers, my fav part of being a blogger. My best ideas for blog posts normally enter my head at the most inconvenient times and so seeing as my phone is never too far from me, I like to make notes when I can. I really find it hard to switch off. There are days when the notifications on my phone are crazy and I find it absolute bliss when I turn them off. But there is always something that I could be doing creating content, photos to edit or comments to catch up on. 

If I want free stuff, shall I start a blog too?

Uh, no. It takes hard work, a lot of time, dedication and a hell of a lot of promotion to even begin working with PRs and brands. Anyone can be a blogger but being an influencer means you have a platform, you create content, you get people to listen and they take action because of it.

Oh we love your blog, can you write a detailed blog post, provide imagery and we will post it on our social media for exposure?

This is probably the most insulting thing a brand can say to a blogger. When I get pitches like this, I don’t even respond. But let's think about this one for a minute. You found me on the internet, you're interested in working with me, you took the time to email me even started an email with my actual name (big brownie points). But instead of compensating me for my hard work, time, and influence you think offering the “chance” to be posted on your social media is going to secure a collaboration. Sorry, but no! 

Your photography is great, can we share your photo on our social media and use on our website?

Everyone loves a compliment, I do especially if it has anything to do with my photography. But something that does annoy me is people using my content and images without asking. In cases working with brands where we have agreed that they have the rights to use my images for their promotional purposes then that's completely fine. However, if we didn't, then please ask. No one else has the right to use my images, royalty free. All content that I have created is mine. It is my licensed content and no one should be able to use them without permission and definitely not without giving me credit. I hate those requests in comments asking if we can regram or repost knowing it's probably from a Bot or dodge account. Now I totally understand that pretty pictures are basically what Instagram is all about and that it helps with likes, comments and engagement but always ask permission before using. 

It must be so easy to work from home?

I have to say that working from home is one of the most challenging ways to work. When you think of home, you think of relaxing and fun. Home is where you family and friends are and thinking of home as a workplace changes things. Not forgetting that I also have a little threenager to keep me on my toes which is incredibly distracting. People are always quick to assume that working from home means a day in your pajamas, lazing on the sofa, drinking lots of tea and typing a couple of posts. Yes sure, there are some day when my little lady isn't at school and I will take full advantage of a pajama day, but it's not a good way for me to be productive and to stay focused though. I will wake up early, get fully ready for the day, and sit in my blogging space. My days also consist of errands, nursery drop offs and pickups, laundry and chores and anything else the day throws at me. So yes, it's pretty easy working from home!

Being a blogger has become my job and it's a money maker for lots of people. I have to say that I don't have the biggest following in this bloggersphere, but there are lots of people who follow me, take the time read my posts, send me emails to talk about my content on my blog. But I am certainly not doing this for the freebies, or because I can just be lazy and sit on the sofa all day. Believe it or not, my schedule is pretty demanding as a blogger. But nothing makes me smile more than receiving lovely comments on my blog, positive messages, or someone sharing my posts. I guess I could go on and on but I am going to stop there and hand it over to you guys - As bloggers, what are some of the things you are sick of hearing all the time???