Everyone’s doing it tough right now, from doctors to hospo workers to the influencer community (nope, I’m not fucking around with that last one).
A bunch of Aussie social media stars took part in an interview with the Daily Telegraph where they explained how their “years of hard work” have gone down the drain due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Sydney travel blogger Nisha Sharma told the publication she feels conflicted about posting travel content at “this time of crisis.”
“I can’t tell you how much it’s impacting my work as a blogger,” she said. “In December last year, I went to Bali, Singapore and India, there I collaborated with a few big hotels and good restaurants. I was supposed to post all the pictures I have taken during my stay or visits this year, but I can’t really post them now since I can’t really promote travel at this time of crisis where travel is not at all safe.”
“I’m supposed to go to Europe in May and already had collaborations with various hotels and restaurants and I’m afraid that will not go ahead and that’s another hit by COVID-19.”
Meanwhile food blogger Miranda Jacque explained how social distancing rules have impacted her business as she can’t be encouraging folks to dine out.
“Yes, frankly I am a bit concerned. Even though restaurants and bars are still open across Sydney, I am very reluctant to venture out into these crowded places due to the possibility of contracting COVID-19,” Jacque said.
“If there comes a time when restaurants are required to shut down, it will be quite difficult to create new content for my page since I am primarily restaurant focused unlike other bloggers who may create content at home.”
“I am worried about the effects COVID-19 will have on my work but at the same time, I would be okay with mandatory restaurant closures if it escalates to that point. I believe that the community’s health and safety should be the number one priority during this difficult time, even if it means my content will suffer because of it.”
The publication also spoke to marketing expert Taryn Williams, who said that while times are tough for travel and food bloggers, those promoting beauty and fashion are still very much in demand.
“We’ve actually seen a lot of brands who have a brick-and-mortar presence, who understand that there’s going to be a steep drop in foot traffic and consumer presence with people stuck at home, actually increasing their spend on influencer marketing,” Williams said.
“Many are shifting from wholesaling through retailers to engaging with influencers. I think it’s going to be an interesting mix, there’s going to be brands who recognise this as an opportunity to own a different part of the market.”
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Maria DiGeronimo, star of reality series Yummy Mummies that reached viral fame after being added to Netflix, also said business has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think it’ll only increase as time goes on because more people are buying online, so not only is it booming now but I think it will continue,” DiGeronimo said.
“Fitcover produces everything here in Australia which is excellent, so does HelloFresh. I think everyone will start using HelloFresh because it’s just so convenient. It comes to your front door and you don’t need to leave the house.”
Fashion Nova ambassador Ellie Jean Coffey agreed with this sentiment, adding that business is “better than ever” for fashion influencers.
“Business is booming at the moment. People are being told to stay home which is making them shop online more instead of going to the mall,” Coffey said. “I do think more people will move online … it’s a lot more adaptable.”
