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Mommy Blogger vs Social Media Mom

Mommy Blogger vs Social Media Mom

Maria Bailey’s post to Stop Calling Us “Mommy Bloggers” on Diary of a Blue Suit Mom provided an interesting point of view. Usually I read posts like these and then move on but instantly I felt compelled to leave a response. Something has changed inside recently and my answer became a blog post. So I brought it back here.

Social Media Moms vs. Mommy Blogger as a title leaves me one clear choice. It is about how I see myself, not how they view me.

But then this brings up a good point.

If I am labeled as a Mommy Blogger, then do they value me differently?

Of course they do.

Titles are important. If they were not important Dr. Joe Smith would simply be called “Joe”. When I am sick or dealing with a possible broken elbow from my daredevil video days I don’t want any Joe taking care of me. I want Dr. Joe. He may be the exact same person, but I want the one with the title. The one with a diploma framed on the wall with an incredible amount of student loan debt and many sleepless nights who worked years to learn how to fix me. As if that is truly possible. I digress…

But then this brings up a good point.

What if you are a Mommy Blogger and not active in social media?

How anyone can exist in the world without Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram is beyond me. Not to imply that you cannot live life without social media because you can. Seriously. It just is not as much fun.

If you are not on any of the social media channels, then you are at least seeing their references through ads, magazines, newspapers. The list is endless for ways to connect with their business, brand, or product through social media.

Truth is, most bloggers are active in social media in one form or another. Most.

Let’s not even get me going about Pinterest. Because if I start talking about Pinterest pretty soon I will be over there pinning the next cool thing and I will want you to join me and then I will want to check out what you think is awesome… Wait, where was I?

But then this brings up a good point.

What if you are a Mommy Blogger who is active in Social Media but does not have many followers?

Does the number of followers lessen your impact? According to Klout it does. Just try applying to a program or opportunity and they will ask for all of your measurements. We’re not talking measurements of 36-24-36 but ones that really matter: followers, fans, subscribers, mentions, blog post comments, unique page views, etc.

Claiming the title of Social Media Mom without many followers seems like saying you are a gardener just because the yard is a weed fest.

The numbers depend upon who you measure them against or what standard is followed. As for me, my numbers are gauged against only myself. Anything over 2 is frankly a miracle in my book because to have anyone other than myself or my husband reading my blog is overwhelming.

I am grateful for almost 300 Twitter followers in less than a year. Those are HUGE numbers for me. To the big bloggers this is just a starting point, yet to others I am seen as a big blogger. I am not. I am just me. Always have been. Always will be.

Does that mean my Social Media influence is not valuable? No. Any Social Media Mom has influence. We are all like the rocks near the edge of a lake. They can all be used to skip across the top of the water. Some make big, long lasting ripples. Some make little ripples. Some just sink straight to the bottom. In some way or another, we all have an effect.

Am I a Social Media Mom or a Mommy Blogger?

Here is the answer for me.

Wendy Wright Head Geek at Plugged In Family

Wendy Wright
Social Media Mom & Blogger

Call me a Social Media Mom Blogger.
Call me a Social Media Mom.
Call me a Blogger.
But don’t call me a Mommy Blogger.
Only my children call me Mommy.

What is important is that you call me.

Now it is your turn.

Are you a Social Media Mom or a Mommy Blogger?

What is the answer for you?

Plugged In Family is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Wendy Wright

Head Geek at Plugged In Family often found at Comicon, Disneyland, or online increasing her gamer score on Xbox. As a member of the 501st Legion, Wendy spreads her love of Star Wars across the Galaxy in her handmade Jawa costume volunteering for charities with her husband and two sons.

8 thoughts on “Mommy Blogger vs Social Media Mom

  • February 7, 2012 at 9:12 am
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    Interesting take. I have only started the blogging media jump the last few months. Mostly to get my blog out there, as I decided to go out on my own away from WordPress.com. It was a cold place. haha Needed to get exposure. It’s hard to keep up at times with ALL the media stuff though. I am still confused about google plus.

    I wouldn’t know what I am called, but I am happy to have my 20 or so followers and my little twitter group. And while facebook is 500 (it was only because I was named in a contest, not that they REALLY wanted to follow me).

    Very interesting post. 🙂

    btw, happy to be in your triberr group. 😀

    Reply
    • February 7, 2012 at 2:54 pm
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      I went from Blogger to self-hosted WordPress. Looks like you are still working on your design. Looking forward to hearing your opinion of it.

      Figuring out the title is hard. When I first started out I identified with Mommy Blogger more than Social Media Mom. It has flipped now. Am I still listed as a Mommy Blogger? Yes. Like I wrote, I have a preference now but as long as I get called that is the issue.

      Every blogger has the ability to be a Social Media Mom. It is because of Social Media that I found YOU!

      Every follower is important, even if they joined because of advertising (a contest). Enjoy and value each follower! I know I do and am grateful for each one.

      So glad to have you in Triberr Sarah!

      Reply
  • February 9, 2012 at 7:59 am
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    Great post! Lately, when I hear/see Mommy blogger, I cringe. Not because it’s offensive, but because my kids are older, I’m not “mommy” anymore. I see all these cute blogs of young moms with cute lil ones and are so creative! My youngest is 10 and my oldest is almost 20 ((with two in the middle)). It’s not as easy to “google”
    *almost 40 year old with older kids*
    So I guess it could be the green eyed monster in me because I miss those “mommy” days, no matter what capacity 🙂

    Reply
    • February 9, 2012 at 12:48 pm
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      You bring up a good point Jane! So maybe there is a difference between Mommy Blogger meaning a mom with younger children and then growing into Social Media Mom as the children get older? Oh boy, more questions than answers.

      I laughed at your “almost 40 year old with older kids” because for me that is “almost 40 year old with younger kids” as mine are 5 and 8. Maybe it is just the 40 part that’s getting to me. 🙂

      Reply
  • February 9, 2012 at 12:38 pm
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    I think if you all yourself a mommy blogger then you are already able to associate yourself with an online demographic so a little effort on twitter et al and you can easily build a network, that gets you around the no followers issue!

    Reply
    • February 9, 2012 at 12:52 pm
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      Oh Lexi that is so true. A Mommy Blogger title seems friendly and approachable, especially if you have no followers.

      Clearly there is no ONE right answer for all of this. It is just what each mom is comfortable with and can identify with.

      Reply
  • February 9, 2012 at 1:13 pm
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    ok, that was very thought provoking! I have to say, it caught me by surprise and a little defensive but have to say, I agree! Do not call me a mommy blogger!!!

    Reply
    • February 9, 2012 at 2:45 pm
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      Yes, Maria’s article was very thought provoking! I hope you read what she wrote and what she found in the responses on Twitter. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

      Reply

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