Safety Tips for Bloggers

As Bloggers, we're always compelled to share our lives online; from the food we eat, what we have, what we do, where we go, it's almost as if it's an imperative aspect now for a Blogger to share their world to their readers. From a marketing perspective, I understand this because it is how you stay connected and relevant to your followers. 

But sometimes (or most of the time for others), we fall victim to oversharing to a point that we compromise our safety.

Sharing is okay. The degree of what you share is up to you and that depends on how your readers respond to your content and how it helps you. But always bear in mind, your safety should never be compromised. Here are my tips to keep Bloggers safe despite the daily sharing.

1. DON'T MENTION/SHARE YOUR ADDRESS ONLINE

- If Foursquare closes down soon, I believe the biggest factor to it is the compromising of safety. Checking in your crib may seem harmless, but potential crooks and creepy stalkers will find this golden. Piece of advice, stop checking in in your address or mentioning it in your articles/videos.

2. DESTROY ANYTHING THAT CONTAINS SENSITIVE INFORMATION BEFORE DISCARDING THEM

- Bloggers always receive packages and on those packages, sensitive details are always exposed such as your name, address, and mobile number. Before discarding a courier box or pouch, make sure that you remove all your details on it. For receipts, I tear them up; boxes, I shade my details using a black marker; for sticker labels, I cut them up.

3. DO A BACKGROUND CHECK ON COMPANIES THAT REACH OUT TO YOU

- When a company reaches out to you, it always seems like a good opportunity, but before giving out your details, do a quick check on the company: check if they have a website, search for reviews and website mentions, and search for the the person who contacted you on social media. It always never hurts to be double sure.

4. THINK TWICE BEFORE GIVING YOUR DETAILS TO SOMEBODY

- There are some people who say they're reaching out to you on behalf of a certain company, but are using personal emails. Seems a bit shady. Unless you know who the person is, apply rule number 3 on this one. I sometimes give out my details to representatives using personal emails, but I do so with great care and consideration. Thankfully, no one has tried to break into my house or stalk me. Also, trust your gut!

5. DON'T SHOW YOUR HOUSE ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

- Same with tip number 1. You may not be sharing your address, but you keep on sharing what your house looks like and also, what the route to your house looks like - it's the same thing! Don't compromise your safety as well as your household's by not sharing details about your house.

6. FOR FIRST TIME MEET- UPS, INSIST TO MEET UP IN A CROWDED LOCATION

- I encountered people before who would invite me to their homes or an odd location to discuss business opportunities. This is a modus that's being used by people to mug or force unsuspecting victims to do what they want. To be safe, always insist to do the first meet up in a crowded area like a coffee shop or restaurant. But if the inviting party has an office in a known location, then it's safe to go. Again, trust your gut on this one.

Safe blogging, guys!