Influencer Spotlight: Ari with Love, Peace and Tiny Feet

This month, we’re shining a light on one of our favorite influencers, Ari with Love, Peace and Tiny Feet. Ari is a mom to two girls, an entrepreneur, author, holistic health advocate and, of course, a top influencer!

Take a look below for our Q&A with Ari.

What do you feel is the #1 trend in influencer marketing in 2017? 
I believe influencer marketing is once again embracing the art of storytelling. Influencers are starting to move away from simply reviews and relaying the brand’s story, to sharing with readers how the brands authentically fit into their lifestyles. 

What content do you feel your readers find most valuable?
I would say my “insider” tips that they can’t easily find on their own, and my holistic health articles. 

Tell us why you blog.
Blogging has given me a chance to connect with people from all over the world, from different walks of life and backgrounds. They find comfort in reading my stories and thoughts on my blog and will often reach out to me to share their personal stories, struggles and accomplishments.  

Where do you find inspiration for new blog posts?
My blog posts come from my everyday life encounters, eye-opening experiences in my parenting journey and incredible travel experiences. 

What is your favorite space to engage with your readers?
We engage via social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) at times for lighter topics, but I also have readers email me for more personal conversations. 

Where do you see the most engagement with your content?
Other than my blog itself, I find a lot of engagement on Instagram.

What’s the #1 question you’re asked by your readers, and what’s your answer?
“How did you find the courage to start blogging full time?” I tell them I just finally made the decision to follow my passion and determined that it was time to work on my own dream. The next question is always, “How do I start a blog?” The latter was my inspiration for starting a free blog series helping those people get started blogging. 

What are your thoughts on programs measured by initial click-through rates?
I don’t think they’re realistic. I have blog posts that get even more traction months or years after posting. A long-standing SEO strategy is the purpose of a good blog post. 

What are your thoughts on working with a brand on multiple occasions (vs. one-off programs)?
I would much rather a long-term partnership with a brand over a one-off. My readers begin to associate me with that particular brand and feel as though they can better trust my opinions at that point. 

What are your thoughts on online coupons?
Since I started blogging in the couponing space, I still believe there is a demand for these.  

Influencer marketing is ________.
Here to stay.

What trend or platform is on its way out?
Snapchat.

Favorite program you’ve done with The Motherhood?
If I had to choose, I’d say the Bertolli Mangia campaign. I was introduced to some new products I could easily incorporate into my lifestyle. The meals were so easy to prepare and my family genuinely had a great time together as I worked on constructing the post. 

What’s your greatest challenge when working with brands?
Unfortunately, I find that some brands still don’t quite understand how influencer marketing works and will either undervalue the work of influencers or try to approach campaigns with the same strategy and metrics as traditional media.

What are brands doing right when working with bloggers?
Providing relevant details of the campaign while allowing bloggers to express those in their own voices. 

What should brands start doing (better) when working with bloggers?
I think brands should put more effort into forming longer-term partnerships and ambassadorship programs with those bloggers whose style and content fit well with the brand’s mission.  

Read more about Ari and her musings on her blog!

More about The Motherhood’s Spotlight Blogger Series

Each month, our internal team convenes and discusses our latest programs, stellar partnerships and top influencers. It’s not about numbers, but rather, the quality, authentic content they’re delivering consistently. It’s about reliability, professionalism and partnership. We discuss our nominations for the month and ultimately decide on just one blogger to feature.

Take a look at our other featured influencers here, and stop by in October for the next Spotlight Blogger!