WHY I UNFOLLOWED YOUR BLOG
This is a guest post written by The Rose Glow.
Things change. People change.
Especially within this ever-growing, competitive industry of blogging; there's a lot going on.
One recent afternoon, I found myself popping along to Bloglovin' for a little follow-spree and a read of some new blog posts. When I got there, I found that my feed was rather bleak.
I mean, put me in the middle of a desert with a bunch of cowboys, a saloon, and a tumble weed and I reckon I'd find more blog posts there. My feed was dead.
Yes, there were new posts but they were all days apart and all by bloggers such as InTheFrow or Kate La Vie - successful bloggers who always do their do, and do it well.
But I was seeking new bloggers, new faces, new content, new writing styles and, quite frankly someone on the same level as me.
As a blogger, particularly a smaller blogger, it's part of our job to engage with the 'engagables'; the people who are in the here and now. So, I realised that it was about time that I got a bit stricter with myself and unfollowed a few people. Here's how I determined who to unfollow from my list.
YOU HAVEN'T POSTED IN AGES
This factor contributed to 90% of the unfollows that took place.
I scrolled through endless lists of bloggers that had great content, only it was from 2013. I get it, blogging became your least priority, something got in the way, or you just got bored, but it's simple: if you don't post in over 6 months, I'm afraid you're fired.
YOU HAVE MUSIC UPON ENTRY
When I was younger, my sister and I used to make Piczo websites/blogs, which were basically the most 2000's thing you could imagine; full of the worst quality gifs, animated sparkly banners, cursors with rainbows following it and, of course, the Sugababes began playing as soon as the site opened.
Now, take note, that was in the 2000s - this kind of stuff isn't too professional nor attractive now.
YOUR COLOUR PALETTE DOESN'T FIT
If you have white text on a black background, a patterned background that makes the text blend in, or you've generally just picked colours that are far from complimentary, the use of colour on your blog can really effect how your audience reacts.
Remember, any visiter to your blog sees before they read - this means that your layout, colours and photos can make a very big impression.
YOU STOPPED BEING WITHIN MY NICHE
Whether this was a change on your part, or mine - we grew apart.
For example, I've found that a lot of bloggers that I started following back-in-the-day are now engaged (thus only ever blogging about the colour of their bridesmaid dresses) or pregnant (and posting pictures of their baby or their mummy experiences).
Don't get my wrong, I love it. Your wedding is exciting, and your baby is adorable, but this kind of thing isn't in my niche anymore - I'm more interested in being surrounded by others that breathe the same air as me and share the same sort of style.
The same goes for when I change. For example, I used to blog about fashion and beauty but now I am lot more focussed on Lifestyle and Blogging.
YOU DON'T TAKE YOUR OWN PICTURES
In the 21st Century, we've established that you don't need a top-of-the-range DSLR to be liked. Yes, taking good quality pictures can work to your advantage but, as long as they're aesthetically pleasing, anything can pass.
But one thing, in my books, just doesn't. If you don't take your own photos, you're in my 'unfollow' territory; however you're definitely getting unfollowed if you use other people's photos without crediting them beneath. This is a big no-no for me - it's just rude.
YOU'RE JUST ONE BIG SPONSOR
If you've gone full-on Love Island star and like to constantly promote that 'delicious' protein bar or 'fat-eating' tablets (especially without the courtesy of including #ad like everybody else) then, chances are, I'm sat hovering over the unfollow button.
I understand, this is your main income - you earn a living through sponsorships - but I'm looking for genuine people with a life outside of receiving products and 'enjoying' protein bars.
YOU HAVE MORE GRAMMATICAL AND SPELLING MISTAKES THAN NECESSARY.
I mean, c'mon. Proof read?
What's one thing that makes you unfollow a blog? Let us know in the comments!
I'm Alice, I'm 18 and I write for The Rose Glow. My blog mainly focuses on Lifestyle (including mental health, books, recipes, travel and updates) and Blogging.
I'm from North-East England. I love cats, typography, soap operas and tea.