Maddie Morrison is a lifestyle blogger from Wellington, New Zealand. Now she considers home to be Auckland, New Zealand. Morrison has a hectic life traveling the world as a lifestyle blogger. Her Instagram page started to blow up around the time she attended The Coachella Music Festival where she was spotted handing in the VIP area with Super-Influencer Nikita Dragun. Today we interview her to get to know more about her and her life!
When did you start your Instagram page?
I started it back in 2012 I think! It was just something I liked to post photos on and connect with people through as I didn’t (and don’t) have Facebook, so Instagram became my go-to.
How did you get into blogging?
I first started blogging when I was 16 through a website called ‘Tumblr’ which was my escape from my surroundings, I use to just post and re-post photos on there consistently and I loved it!
What is the most rewarding part of blogging?
I think the connections you make with people, I love seeing people supporting others – it’s so cool to be able to connect with people globally and for everyone to be able to express themselves in the way that they want to.
Do you consider yourself an entrepreneur?
I wish!! I don’t yet, but hopefully once I sort myself out I can become one!
Do you do more brand collaborations on your Instagram Feed or Instagram Stories?
It really depends on the criteria, it’s also dependant on the brief or requirements of the collaboration I guess – I only post about and work with brands that I actually support and believe in!
A lot of people hate influencers. What kind of feedback do you get from the industry?
I think it’s hard, I mean when is someone classified as an ‘influencer’? Is it when a person posts photo they like and as a result gain a slight (or decent) following? I’m not sure. I can think of what my idea of an influencer is, and personally I don’t think of myself as one. But I have had people ask. I think for the people that know me and
love me I have had nothing but honest feedback and support from, it’s normally people that don’t know me personally that make harsh judgemental calls.
What has been your favourite brand collaboration so far?
I did a collaboration with an Australian based fitness brand several years ago, and as sceptical as I was at first to follow their program and post about it (part of the requirements) I was actually so glad I did it in the end because it held me accountable and I had to show and provide real results which I managed to get after working my butt off to get there. I felt better, I looked better, and I received so much love and support from the posts I did, it was such a good feeling, so I think so far that has been my favourite collaboration.
What advice do you have for an aspiring blogger?
Just to be yourself! Go at your own pace, don’t compare yourself to others. Do what makes you happy!
What has being a blogger taught you about branding and marketing?
Branding and Marketing wise I feel like it’s taught me or at least reminded me to always be aware of your surroundings, the comments you make, the way you write, the images you take. Is this how you want to portray yourself, how will others perceive this? Just always being aware of what is around you, and ultimately to stay genuine – that’s what people want, and that’s what brands want.
What are your three best marketing and branding tips?
Be yourself! Apply yourself and be as organised as you can be. Think of the outside perception of you – Imagine you coming across your own brand or instagram page – are you interested in what they are selling/doing? Have you provided enough insight into a product that would make someone visiting your page want to engage or buy it? I think asking myself those things helps me, and has provided successful marketing for myself and the brands I have represented in the past.
