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Followed
Here’s the go-to book for content creators to navigate what it truly means to have a platform: putting yourself out there, letting go of what others think, and claiming the power your authentic self has to offer the world.
Since the boom of social media in the mid-2000s, tens of millions of people have started their own platforms in hopes of creating success on their own terms. But with great visibility comes great vulnerability. We become riddled with self-doubt and trapped performing a version of what they believe will be acceptable to others—optimized for more external approval and algorithmic success.
What if the mere act of being followed—including the criticism, judgment, and expectation social media creates—could actually become a tool for your personal growth?
Enter Followed: The Content Creator's Guide to Being Seen, Facing Judgment, and Building an Authentic Personal Brand. By embracing self-discovery through self-expression, you can learn to see exposure as an opportunity for personal development—and break free from the imaginary boxes that were always too small for you, anyway.
As a content creator and well-known business and life coach, Amanda Bucci has dealt with imposter syndrome, oceans of criticism, and multiple identity crises trying to fit into a box. Today, she’s successfully pivoted her brand to stay aligned with her purpose, having coached hundreds of clients, dozens of companies, and thousands of community members in their journeys of creating success while staying authentic.
In Followed, she shares her unique, effective process to:
• Find your unique niche without feeling imprisoned by your online persona
• Overcome your fear of judgment, imperfection, and rejection
• Use social media as a personal development tool for your internal growth
• Decrease your social media related stress and anxiety
• Stop comparing yourself to others and define success on your own terms
Empowering, perspective-shattering, and validating, Followed proves that even on social media, it is never necessary to sacrifice self for success.
Since the boom of social media in the mid-2000s, tens of millions of people have started their own platforms in hopes of creating success on their own terms. But with great visibility comes great vulnerability. We become riddled with self-doubt and trapped performing a version of what they believe will be acceptable to others—optimized for more external approval and algorithmic success.
What if the mere act of being followed—including the criticism, judgment, and expectation social media creates—could actually become a tool for your personal growth?
Enter Followed: The Content Creator's Guide to Being Seen, Facing Judgment, and Building an Authentic Personal Brand. By embracing self-discovery through self-expression, you can learn to see exposure as an opportunity for personal development—and break free from the imaginary boxes that were always too small for you, anyway.
As a content creator and well-known business and life coach, Amanda Bucci has dealt with imposter syndrome, oceans of criticism, and multiple identity crises trying to fit into a box. Today, she’s successfully pivoted her brand to stay aligned with her purpose, having coached hundreds of clients, dozens of companies, and thousands of community members in their journeys of creating success while staying authentic.
In Followed, she shares her unique, effective process to:
• Find your unique niche without feeling imprisoned by your online persona
• Overcome your fear of judgment, imperfection, and rejection
• Use social media as a personal development tool for your internal growth
• Decrease your social media related stress and anxiety
• Stop comparing yourself to others and define success on your own terms
Empowering, perspective-shattering, and validating, Followed proves that even on social media, it is never necessary to sacrifice self for success.
- GenresNonfiction
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 16, 2023
36 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 17, 2023
It's worth saying at the top of this review that I am not really the target audience for this book. I post to social media to share things with friends, but I've never had any ambitions to be a content creator, which is the person this book is primarily targeted for. I can imagine how it could offer some positive and supportive advice to someone who was already committed to and involved in the world of social media in a more serious way than me.
The book was given to me, and I thought I might not even read it, since I'm not really the target audience, but I ended up giving it a try and from my perspective, what was most interesting about it was learning more about the point of view of someone who is very seriously invested in social media as the foundation for their career. Bucci does a good job of bringing in and summarizing different fundamental psychological approaches and insights in each part of the book and connecting concepts like the Freudian ego or the Jungian shadow to approaches for succeeding in the social media world while balancing your own personal needs as a content creator. Many of her suggestions appear to be aimed at being constructive, helping people feel more confident, and providing some fairly innocuous support for those who want to be social media influencers. She does, undoubtedly have a lot of experience in the social media landscape (certainly much more than me), and I found it interesting to get her perspective on some of the approaches she's learned through experience across the years.
At one point in her book, Bucci makes a distinction between haters and critics, and I'm not a hater of this book, but I found myself more and more of a critic as I read on. I found that I ultimately had multiple problems with it.
In the first place, Bucci never addresses a glaringly obvious component of her social media success, which was the fact that she started as a fitness influencer, and that looks, really, really matter in the world of social media. There's nothing particularly wrong with attractive people posting to social media, and I also am not saying that there isn't strategy and creativity involved on top of being attractive that makes someone a success in that world, but it is disingenuous to write as though the only thing a person needs to worry about when being a content creator is expressing their "authentic self". It's not that normal looking people can't have social media success, either, but this book does come across as assuming that getting those initial thousands of followers is pretty easy. In her case, its pretty obvious that looks were a major component in getting followed, and she doesn't really acknowledge this much.
It shows that Bucci is very adept at self presentation. For example, she talks a lot about sharing your most authentic self, but when she addressed the fact that she has been "cancelled" multiple times, the reasons for the cancellation felt very glossed over, with some perfunctory gestures toward saying that she has learned now, but much, much more space devoted to exploring how hard and unfair being cancelled was for her.
Which, brings me to the biggest problem I had with this book, which is that, while in some places her use of psychological insights to apply to social media problems seemed benign, in many other ways it was quite troubling. Conflating the effects of trauma with being cancelled is an exaggeration. I am sure it is very painful to experience that kind of large scale criticism, but it's very unfair to compare putting yourself out there and getting widespread criticism with someone having an actually traumatic experience happen to them. By the same token, she spends a lot of time talking about how to work through actual past trauma through social media, encouraging people to share their "shadow," or the things they are most vulnerable about sharing. This struck me as profoundly misguided and troubling advice. I'm sure there are people who share difficult parts of themselves on social media and find that healing. However, going from hiding your darkest pain to putting it out there for the world to potentially attack sounds like a very bad idea for a lot of people. There's a difference between having done enough emotional work in your life to feel confident about sharing parts of yourself with the world at large and sharing with the world at large in order to work through difficult aspects of your emotional life. Bucci appears to advocate for the latter, which I find problematic.
I think ultimately what I found off putting about the book is the fact that she does suggest that pretty much all aspects of someone's life and psychology are attached to and worked on through social media. She has a frankly self interested motive in advocating for entwining life and social media in this way, since she no doubt wants this book to help her build her own following and bring in some customers for her social media entrepreneur life coaching business (with fees that apparently start at around 23K). I also believe that she genuinely feels this kind of enmeshment and lack of boundaries with social media in her own life. Again, that's great if you're a fitness influencer with the right look who makes good money at this, but it's going to play out much differently for others who invest in social media without similar rewards. What this book is seriously lacking is some perspective on how to build a life outside of social media altogether and make your activity on social media a part of, but not the ruler of that life. Many of the psychological approaches she suggest are themselves sound, but much better practiced as a way of navigating life in the real world of close friends and family first, and then having the strength and confidence to begin moving into the big world of social media attention.
The book was given to me, and I thought I might not even read it, since I'm not really the target audience, but I ended up giving it a try and from my perspective, what was most interesting about it was learning more about the point of view of someone who is very seriously invested in social media as the foundation for their career. Bucci does a good job of bringing in and summarizing different fundamental psychological approaches and insights in each part of the book and connecting concepts like the Freudian ego or the Jungian shadow to approaches for succeeding in the social media world while balancing your own personal needs as a content creator. Many of her suggestions appear to be aimed at being constructive, helping people feel more confident, and providing some fairly innocuous support for those who want to be social media influencers. She does, undoubtedly have a lot of experience in the social media landscape (certainly much more than me), and I found it interesting to get her perspective on some of the approaches she's learned through experience across the years.
At one point in her book, Bucci makes a distinction between haters and critics, and I'm not a hater of this book, but I found myself more and more of a critic as I read on. I found that I ultimately had multiple problems with it.
In the first place, Bucci never addresses a glaringly obvious component of her social media success, which was the fact that she started as a fitness influencer, and that looks, really, really matter in the world of social media. There's nothing particularly wrong with attractive people posting to social media, and I also am not saying that there isn't strategy and creativity involved on top of being attractive that makes someone a success in that world, but it is disingenuous to write as though the only thing a person needs to worry about when being a content creator is expressing their "authentic self". It's not that normal looking people can't have social media success, either, but this book does come across as assuming that getting those initial thousands of followers is pretty easy. In her case, its pretty obvious that looks were a major component in getting followed, and she doesn't really acknowledge this much.
It shows that Bucci is very adept at self presentation. For example, she talks a lot about sharing your most authentic self, but when she addressed the fact that she has been "cancelled" multiple times, the reasons for the cancellation felt very glossed over, with some perfunctory gestures toward saying that she has learned now, but much, much more space devoted to exploring how hard and unfair being cancelled was for her.
Which, brings me to the biggest problem I had with this book, which is that, while in some places her use of psychological insights to apply to social media problems seemed benign, in many other ways it was quite troubling. Conflating the effects of trauma with being cancelled is an exaggeration. I am sure it is very painful to experience that kind of large scale criticism, but it's very unfair to compare putting yourself out there and getting widespread criticism with someone having an actually traumatic experience happen to them. By the same token, she spends a lot of time talking about how to work through actual past trauma through social media, encouraging people to share their "shadow," or the things they are most vulnerable about sharing. This struck me as profoundly misguided and troubling advice. I'm sure there are people who share difficult parts of themselves on social media and find that healing. However, going from hiding your darkest pain to putting it out there for the world to potentially attack sounds like a very bad idea for a lot of people. There's a difference between having done enough emotional work in your life to feel confident about sharing parts of yourself with the world at large and sharing with the world at large in order to work through difficult aspects of your emotional life. Bucci appears to advocate for the latter, which I find problematic.
I think ultimately what I found off putting about the book is the fact that she does suggest that pretty much all aspects of someone's life and psychology are attached to and worked on through social media. She has a frankly self interested motive in advocating for entwining life and social media in this way, since she no doubt wants this book to help her build her own following and bring in some customers for her social media entrepreneur life coaching business (with fees that apparently start at around 23K). I also believe that she genuinely feels this kind of enmeshment and lack of boundaries with social media in her own life. Again, that's great if you're a fitness influencer with the right look who makes good money at this, but it's going to play out much differently for others who invest in social media without similar rewards. What this book is seriously lacking is some perspective on how to build a life outside of social media altogether and make your activity on social media a part of, but not the ruler of that life. Many of the psychological approaches she suggest are themselves sound, but much better practiced as a way of navigating life in the real world of close friends and family first, and then having the strength and confidence to begin moving into the big world of social media attention.
July 24, 2024
Terrible content which is available for free elsewhere. The author “follows” her predator husband who has 50+ assault allegations. Not one to be taking advice from. She mocked her followers who told her he was no good for her and she paraded around taking victory laps. She is a follower. Get better content from someone else who is a leader and save yourself the money.
June 23, 2023
I thought there was something fundamentally wrong with me because of how hard social media was for me to engage with. I've always felt I'm not "doing it right". How do other people just... post? I feel 10 different things and spend hours journaling and analyzing my intentions every time.
I'm barely even through the first chapter but I've had to stop and sit and think and reflect and reread and reflect again on Amanda's words. Somehow she took all the things I've thought over the years about social media (which I thought was just something I experienced) and coalesced them into clear statements and actionable points of change.
Amanda writes in the intro "I wanted to be followed".
I had to sit and think about this for 5 minutes... Do I actually want to be followed? I've always known deep down I want followers and a platform to share and help and inspire... But do I want to BE followed? I realize part of my struggle with social media is I don't think I've made that conscious choice yet.
I'll say one more thing. I thought I had a social media problem. But within a few pages of the introduction, I realize I have a showing up problem. Amanda makes it clear... It's not just about social media vs. real life anymore. Social media IS a part of our lives and it's the perfect playground for working our human stuff out.
I have already recommended this book to two friends, both of whom do not aspire to be content creators but who have shared with me the challenges of showing up in their lives authentically. This book is for anyone who needs a gentle but firm call-out to live more aligned with their truth and to show up with authenticity and truth in the face of fear and vulnerability. It's also a manual for navigating not just the feels but the realities of showing up online. I've started getting hate mail and icky comments on my YT channel as it takes off and I'm happy to have a guidebook.
I'll be reading and rereading this book. Thank you so much Amanda!
I'm barely even through the first chapter but I've had to stop and sit and think and reflect and reread and reflect again on Amanda's words. Somehow she took all the things I've thought over the years about social media (which I thought was just something I experienced) and coalesced them into clear statements and actionable points of change.
Amanda writes in the intro "I wanted to be followed".
I had to sit and think about this for 5 minutes... Do I actually want to be followed? I've always known deep down I want followers and a platform to share and help and inspire... But do I want to BE followed? I realize part of my struggle with social media is I don't think I've made that conscious choice yet.
I'll say one more thing. I thought I had a social media problem. But within a few pages of the introduction, I realize I have a showing up problem. Amanda makes it clear... It's not just about social media vs. real life anymore. Social media IS a part of our lives and it's the perfect playground for working our human stuff out.
I have already recommended this book to two friends, both of whom do not aspire to be content creators but who have shared with me the challenges of showing up in their lives authentically. This book is for anyone who needs a gentle but firm call-out to live more aligned with their truth and to show up with authenticity and truth in the face of fear and vulnerability. It's also a manual for navigating not just the feels but the realities of showing up online. I've started getting hate mail and icky comments on my YT channel as it takes off and I'm happy to have a guidebook.
I'll be reading and rereading this book. Thank you so much Amanda!
November 27, 2023
God, I needed this book.
For years I've struggled with social media mainly Instagram. I deactivated my pages multiple times, hired a social media manager, and bought services that blocked it from my computer because I didn't want to touch it. However, I'm in an industry where social media is imperative. I would lose followers over the years for not posting as frequently and I took it personally (as someone with rejection/abandonment wounds). I've been lost for a really long time on how to niche down, and how to apply all this marketing stuff in my industry without sacrificing my artistry and authenticity. This book is like a bible for that. I'm a very spiritual person (studied manifesting for many years) and I loved how Amanda combined spiritual and psychological principles to help the reader navigate those hard places. Amanda gave me tools that really expanded my creativity on what I deemed was possible. I've been absolutely terrified to pivot and I felt so alone in my struggles with being lost on what to do but this book really soothed my soul and gave me clarity on how to follow my inner compass. Honestly, this is my top recommendation for anyone struggling with social media branding, content creation, etc. This book gave me a total perspective shift on social media as a whole and seeing it as a tool to reveal my true essence over time and meet new versions of myself invigorates my soul. My favorite thing I learned was how to "niche yourself down". I always hated the idea of niches because humans are multi-faceted, ever-evolving creatures. But this idea helps you remain marketable while also being true to yourself and unique to your audience. Definitely a life-changing read (at least for me). Now I'm actually excited to start making content that brings out my true expression.
For years I've struggled with social media mainly Instagram. I deactivated my pages multiple times, hired a social media manager, and bought services that blocked it from my computer because I didn't want to touch it. However, I'm in an industry where social media is imperative. I would lose followers over the years for not posting as frequently and I took it personally (as someone with rejection/abandonment wounds). I've been lost for a really long time on how to niche down, and how to apply all this marketing stuff in my industry without sacrificing my artistry and authenticity. This book is like a bible for that. I'm a very spiritual person (studied manifesting for many years) and I loved how Amanda combined spiritual and psychological principles to help the reader navigate those hard places. Amanda gave me tools that really expanded my creativity on what I deemed was possible. I've been absolutely terrified to pivot and I felt so alone in my struggles with being lost on what to do but this book really soothed my soul and gave me clarity on how to follow my inner compass. Honestly, this is my top recommendation for anyone struggling with social media branding, content creation, etc. This book gave me a total perspective shift on social media as a whole and seeing it as a tool to reveal my true essence over time and meet new versions of myself invigorates my soul. My favorite thing I learned was how to "niche yourself down". I always hated the idea of niches because humans are multi-faceted, ever-evolving creatures. But this idea helps you remain marketable while also being true to yourself and unique to your audience. Definitely a life-changing read (at least for me). Now I'm actually excited to start making content that brings out my true expression.
September 3, 2023
I listened to the audiobook and found it to be enjoyable and insightful. I think it’s great that this book was narrated by Amanda Bucci, the author. She has a pleasant, conversational tone that makes her message all the more relatable. I felt a meaningful change while listening to this book. It helped me clarify the deep connection between the work a person needs to put in to understand who they really are at the core so that they can show up authentically in their business. This key to success is especially important if a person’s business is in the realm of social media. One can only truly be successful and feel fulfilled in that success if they put in the work to heal trauma, address insecurities, and uncover their true identity. That way, a person can present themselves to the world in a meaningful, lasting way that will withstand the changes in the world of social media and business. This book is a valuable tool to achieve these higher levels because it provides an actionable roadmap. I recommend this book to any entrepreneur who wants to gain some naught into themselves and how inner work can help them achieve their business goals.
June 29, 2023
Totally ruined my non existent opinion of the internet... you are the niche, that's how you can be more loving... the virtue of selfishness to the fullest effect ...growth... the ego that takes root in poisoned soil reaps the sweetest fruit ... its crazy 10 years online you actually have somthing to show for it cause 10 year in internet years is like half its existence as a thing... 🍆🍆🍆🍆🍆 5 out of 29 aubergines
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 16, 2023Anytime I can read a book that has tips about creating content in a safe and authentic way online I'm all about it. This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Bucci has put a good book together with her personal tips and tricks for effective ways to stay strong while being FOLLOWED online. Check it out. Five stars!
August 18, 2023
also es isch ziemli un-girlbossig und s gaht au sehr wenig um profit. dasch schomal nice. aber es isch meh en vibe als info, irgendwie. weiss nöd, wie viel ich us dem buech chan mitneh. immerhin gut sie sich aber sehr müeh, divers z sii, das hani gschätzt. ah und s buech isch prettyyyy
September 3, 2023
Will be honest and say it’s not what I expected. It was more of a general self-help book than anything else. I expected more technicalities in this book, but most of what was said was something I already knew or have read about in other self-help books. What I found valuable though were the last 2-3 chapters as it talked about things more specific to social media and how to grow, pivot, etc.
July 19, 2023
comprehensive overview of how to navigate creating content
Amanda writes in a trauma informed way about her experiences and what she’s learned as a content creator from: being canceled to changing niches to self esteem and handling haters, if you are on social media in this day and age as a personal brand or public person, it’s a must read!
Amanda writes in a trauma informed way about her experiences and what she’s learned as a content creator from: being canceled to changing niches to self esteem and handling haters, if you are on social media in this day and age as a personal brand or public person, it’s a must read!
October 7, 2024
The book delves deeper into the central purpose of sharing on social media --- to add value to the lives of people. This can be done by being authentic. If you are interested in starting your career as a social media influcencer, this book is for you. It helps you understand who you are and what you can offer to the world through social media. Thank you, Amanda Bucci, BenBella Books, and NetGalley for the chance to read this book and share my own thoughts about it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews