Get Ahead | Blog Trends of 2016

The future is now my influencer friends!

If there is one thing I’ve learned from this long blogging journey I’ve been on, it’s to be ahead of the digital times.

I mean, I’ve learned a whole lot of other amazing things, but this one is VERY important. I didn’t start Instagramming as early as other influencers did, so I was behind, & now… Instagram is basically a influencers bread & butter. I’m never gonna make that mistake again, so I now do a ton of research in regards to trend forecasting the world of blogging, & it’s proven to be SUPER helpful.

Recently I’ve been studying what’s to come in 2016, & I wanted to share it with you guys. Be prepared, because things are ch-ch-changing. 

1. Don’t call yourself a blogger anymore, you’re an “influencer”.

Fancy, right? I’d way rather refer to myself as an influencer any day (mainly because I’ve noticed, people don’t take the word blogger all to seriously right off the bat).

Plus, you don’t have to have a blog to be an influencer. Some people are just making a living off straight up social, so yup, influencer it is. Update those media kits, change your social bios, & order new business cards!

Example: Shea Marie from Peace Love Shea refers to herself as a “fashion influencer” on her about page.

2. Influencers will be less like a writer & more of a business owner.

PRAISE this. Bloggers are no longer sitting behind a computer screen. They are making appearances, speaking at conferences, teaching courses, etc. Social influencers have to have an entrepreneurial mindset & are always finding creative new ways to build their brand.

To be a succesful influencer, you have to look at your blog as a business, not a hobby. Tons of bloggers are rivaling huge companies in terms of their succesful websites & booming social accounts.

Example: every professional influencer in the blogging game who is making an income from it (even if small!)

3. Less promoting other peoples products, & more about your own!

Sidebar ads are going to be a thing of the past (I haven’t used them in over a year) & influencers are getting smart & creating their own product. I haven’t done this yet, but it’s def. a major goal of mine for 2016.

Think about what your niche offers to your readers, & make it a physical product.

Example: Negin Mirsalehi’s line of honey infused hair oil, Gisou. I mean, have you seen her hair? Smart smart smart move for Negin! Also, my girl Lauryn from The Skinny Confidential recently launched Bombshell Body Guide for all her fitness loving followers.

4. Website layouts will be more popular.

I am not 100% on board with this one because I am old school & love a blog layout, but we will definitely see how it works for others! Also, minimalistic design with a strong focus on images will be a huge design trend.

Example: Victoria McGinley is already on top of the website trend!

5. Mobile is everything.

This isn’t a new trend, but if you’re not on board with mobile, get on that stat. Make sure your site is 100% mobile friendly. Not only because majority of people are reading blogs from their mobile devices, but because Google will give you a virtual slap on the wrist if your site isn’t mobile friendly.

Example: I will use myself for this one because I love my mobile site. It’s powered through ChloeDigital x RewardStyle and I think it makes things super easier for my mobile readers. Head over to Fashionlush.com on your smartphone & check it out!

6. Graphics are making a comeback.

I feel like graphics were big in 2014, then kinda disappeared in 2015, but 2016 will be all about those uber pin-able graphics (as seen above!).

Example: Again, Victoria McGinley is the queen of rad graphics. 

7. Offer more than just words in your posts!

It’s not just a personal diary entry anymore. Readers want more! Think podcast links, downloadable assets, & music playlists!

Example: Design Love Fest has been doing this for ages with their “Dress Your Tech” series. 

8. Brands will be ALL about engagement & conversion come 2016.

What this means for your site? Interact with your readers & get them commenting, but more importantly, become a trusted resource! If your readers trust you, your conversion to sales will be higher, & brands will be knocking at your doorstep.

What this means for social, welllll…. all those people who are buying followers & getting partnerships from that high following, will be regretting that decision in the very near future. When your ratios don’t add up (i.e. a ton of followers, but no comments), brands will actually avoid working with you. Sorry to break the bad news, but cheating never gets you anywhere in life & brands were bound to catch on at some point.

9. Download PERISCOPE now!

Word on the street, Periscope is the NBT in the world of social media/blogging & I am not going to miss the mark on this one.

I just signed up last night & although I am way confused, I can’t wait to start broadcasting (follow me w/ the username Erica Stolman!).

From my understanding so far, it is a live streaming broadcast that brings together people in very personal way, you can get instant feedback from readers, & it shows them an even realer side of you than Snapchat (although I love my snapping too!). Basically, you’re vlogging & people are asking you questions & you can respond that very second. It’s about as direct as you can get with social media.

10. Focus your attention on newsletters.

With all the upcoming changes in the world of blogging, you’re going to need a way to inform your readers on what’s happening when it’s happening & that’s where newsletters come in.

Newsletters aren’t new news by any means, but in 2016 they are going to be uber important. The people signing up for your newsletter are most likely your most loyal readers, so give them special perks. Newsletters are a GREAT way to get your loyal readers to come back for more & eventually buy the product you decide to create (see point 3!).

example: I will be focusing big time on the Fashionlush newsletter this year & all the people who sign up will get my TOP SECRET blog tips (like the Instagram ones influencers rarely share)/plugins you need to have/free downloads. Sign up HERE!

If there is anything you guys think I missed that I need to know about, please let me know in the comments section below!). x, E