For the past few years, I’ve been in a conundrum regarding blogging. I’ve been a content creator since 2008, and it’s become a viable business for me.
For a while, blogging was very popular, and brands contacted me all the time to try products interesting to my audience. I received sponsorships and affiliate partnerships, which helped build my business. I never became rich, but it’s always been fun.
Then Instagram became popular
I see many women over 50 on the platform, but I have never viewed it as a money maker. I prefer to post when I feel like it, mostly travel content, and occasionally I will post videos promoting a product or two just to be visible to brands.
I REFUSE to ask my viewers to leave a comment to receive a link. It’s annoying and intrusive. Instagram makes it almost impossible to leave live links, so if a viewer clicks the link in my bio, I am lucky.
I made a move to YouTube
I personally love YouTube. If I ever want to know how to do something, it’s my go-to research platform. It took me a long time to build up my channel @RebeccaOver60, because I was juggling my blog and life. I finally monetized it thanks to a viral video I posted about how I hated wearing mascara.
The problem with YouTube is that it’s become inundated with AI. You can’t tell what’s real and what isn’t. AI has pushed out authentic YouTubers and filled feeds with mediocre fake fluff videos, which is very discouraging!
AI has also had a major impact on blogs. When I search online for information, I immediately get an AI summary of what I am looking for. I admit it is often useful, but when I look at the other listings that come up, I don’t see a blog anywhere. It has killed search for bloggers.
People are still seeking authenticity
I believe many people, like me, are trying to wade through the AI jungle to find authentic human beings who offer solutions to problems based on their experience. If there is enough pushback, it may give bloggers and YouTubers a chance to rise above the noise.
My dilemma
I’ve found it hard to come up with articles to write. I post about fashion, beauty, and travel using my own experience and recommendations, but getting traction is difficult because of AI. Sometimes I feel like, “What’s the point?”
I have allowed some people to guest post on BabyBoomster.com, but I am picky about who I choose. I look for over-50 writers or experts who contribute valuable information for my audience.
I know that many over-50 bloggers write about their lives and don’t use their blogs to make money. Good for them. They probably don’t have to worry about it, and if no one sees their posts, they don’t care.
I’m not one of them. I have been through many challenges in my life. Blogging earns me extra money and is a relaxing and creative endeavor I truly enjoy. My goal is to provide high-value, authentic insights instead of generic, AI-generated content.
What do you think? Are blogging and YouTubing dead? Do you find real people’s experiences useful in your lives? I would love to get your feedback. Please leave a comment below.
FYI: I am not thinking of quitting. Just trying to figure this whole thing out.
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