As a blog wanting to establish a loyal audience of whom we tailer our content to specifically, we want to establish personal and authentic connections with our readers, this is why I have used research and theories to try to achieve this, one of which being micro-celebrity and parasocial interaction theory. This theory plays an increasingly relevant role in the age of social media and has been important in the creation of Get Your Glow.
This Theory proposes that people, an audience, can establish a sense of connection and attachment to online content creators or ‘influencers’ even though they may never have actually met them in person. As the runner of the blog this means that there is potential to establish loyal and engaged followers who feel a sense of connection to the content, this is why we have used the personal experiences, struggles and successes of health and beauty that have came from our two faces of the blog, so our readers feel as though the content is personal.
Here at Get Your Glow, theory and research is important in order to create the perfect environment for our target audience, which in this case is over 40s. In order to put the theory in motion, it has been important to incorporate user-generated content by using reader testimonials and feedback in the form of surveys and questionnaires, this way it is easier to establish an online community for those over 40 wanting to find a safe space for advice and where they can see they aren’t alone. By engaging in two-way communication with the readers of the blog, Get Your Glow has been able to build relationships based on trust and authenticity.
Joanne, 57, and Abigail, 41, were chosen as the main influencers for Get Your Glow because they represent the target audience of the blog. Their age, experience, and wisdom make them relatable and trustworthy to the readers. By featuring them, the blog is able to create a personal and authentic connection with the audience and provide valuable insights and advice from real people who face similar challenges and concerns.
Ultimately, the use of parasocial interaction and micro-celebrity theory has been absolutely essential in creating relevant, engaging, and beneficial content to help our readers, which is the ultimate goal. By building a loyal following and establishing a sense of personal connection, Get Your Glow is able to provide content tailored to the needs of our audience.
(Kowert & Daniel Jr., 2021)
(Giles, 2000)
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