Influencer Spotlight: Natasha, Grits & Grace

What do you feel is the #1 trend in influencer marketing in 2018?
Video, definitely. I believe IGTV is going to change things for influencers in a good way! If you haven’t started using it, start doing so! And make sure you are doing stories as well!

What content do you feel your readers find most valuable?
My readers seem to be most responsive to our children’s book reviews or posts dealing with technology. Also, anything my husband writes! All of my top posts were written by him!

How has your blog changed since you first got started?
I have changed topics at least five times since I started blogging way back when GeoCities was a thing. I was a blogger for several music groups (Backstreet Boys, Immature, Destiny’s Child) and eventually moved to natural hair before settling into becoming a lifestyle blogger.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting a blog?
Go for it. The only limit there is to blogging is yourself. You decide how large or small you want you to be. We know there are thousands of bloggers already in the field, but don’t let it stop you! Every voice is different, and you’ll always find the audience that resonates with your work.

What trend or platform is on its way out?
I really think Facebook is going to be out the door soon. Because brands and consumers are becoming more visual, I don’t see it becoming as useful to bloggers as it once was. (Although, if I can be honest, I wish it was Instagram.)

What’s your greatest challenge when working with brands?
Getting them to understand that blogging is a legitimate business and that we put our heart and soul into it just as much as anyone who works outside of the home. And that we can’t control algorithms. We don’t all have the reach of the Kardashians. I think it’s time they start becoming a little more realistic in their expectations.

What’s your best blogging tip?
Never sacrifice your morals or your brand for a paycheck. It’ll come back to bite you.

Favorite program you’ve done with The Motherhood?
The Universal Music program for The Lullaby Project. I have found myself listening to the music daily, especially now that I am pregnant. My three- and five-year-olds absolutely love it as their wind down music in the evenings after dinner.

What is your proudest achievement?
I get so many messages and emails weekly from other moms who are going through a tough time and just want someone to talk to and they say that I inspire them. One of my posts, “When You’re The Mom With No Village,” reached so many women, and I am truly grateful for all of the love and support that not only I received, but that I was able to offer to others in return.

What are your three most-used emojis?
🏽🏽

And they are usually always to my mom or dad!