LiketoKnow.it? – Let’s Chat

In the spirit of authenticity and transparency I want to have a little chat about LiketoKnow.it.  There seems to be some misgivings or maybe just confusion about what it is and how it works. While I can’t speak to the way every blogger uses this tool, today I’m shedding some light on the reasons I use it both as a blogger and as a follower of other bloggers on social media.

Chances are if you spend time any time on Instagram you know about LiketoKnow.it.

How It Works

If you’re not already in the know, LiketoKnow.it enables bloggers and other social media influencers (I really hate the word influencer….it’s just so cringe-y….but for the purposes of explanation I’m going to use that word here) to share shoppable images on social media. Instagram is where you see LiketoKnow.it tags and links a lot.

Essentially, LiketoKnow.it provides a way for bloggers/influencers to link to the specific items featured in a photo.  Followers that have downloaded the free LiketoKnow.it app have access to the direct links to these sources.  If they choose to buy said item the blogger/influencer makes a small commission.  Although followers don’t pay any extra.  So in essence it’s a win-win.  The blogger makes a little money, and the follower finds a new “something” that they really like.

Here’s how the Instagram image above translates to the LiketoKnow.it app.  All of the product images linked are clickable on the app,  and they will take you directly to where you can shop that specific item.

Why It’s Grown

Once upon a time only fashion bloggers used RewardStyle (the affiliate program behind LiketoKnow.it), but as RewardStyle started bringing on more and more home brands bloggers in the home decor niche, like myself, started participating in this program as well.  And maybe you’ve noticed that a lot of home bloggers have started to share more fashion related content……because most people don’t buy a new kitchen table and chairs on a regular basis, but a new top or pair of shoes is a different story.  You get what I’m saying?

From a blogging business standpoint LiketoKnow.it is a great tool.  It makes it really easy for bloggers to share sources.  And because inevitably when a blogger shares a photo on social media there will be questions about where things are from, utilizing LiketoKnow.it answers those questions for followers in the most efficient way possible.  Rather than getting a store name, you get a direct link to the exact item you were asking about.

Why Is It A Turn Off?

Many bloggers that use LiketoKnow.it won’t tell you where something is from, and will instead direct you to either the  LiketoKnow.it app or direct you back to their blog to click on the links from there.  They make commissions when you buy things, so it’s a relatively smart business move for them to do this.

Although I think this is why some people are turned off by the LiketoKnow.it program.  Honestly though, I’m unclear if people are just irritated that bloggers make money via affiliate links or if they just don’t want to download another app?

The commissions paid to bloggers via affiliate links don’t add to the consumers price, instead they come from advertising budgets that have always existed.  Bottom line, followers aren’t paying any extra.  And using the LiketoKnow.it app is free.

How I Use This App As a Blogger

For me and the way in which I run my blogging business, I always tag the sources in every photo in addition to using LiketoKnow.it.  Meaning, when you tap an Instagram photo of mine the sources I’ve tagged will populate on the image like this.

So you can see where each item is from, and you don’t necessarily have to use the LiketoKnow.it app to get source info for my images unless you want to.  Although source info via tapping isn’t nearly as efficient or helpful as the direct links to the sources you get via the LiketoKnow.it app. (I’ll expand more on this in a minute.)  In addition, you can’t tap photos for sources on Facebook only Instagram has that capability.  At any rate, I choose to share my sources this way because my main goal is always to meet you wherever you are.  So I share sources to items both by tagging sources on Instagram and using the LiketoKnow.it app.  Then you can decide for yourself how to engage with the content.

How I Use This App As a Follower

As a consumer of online content, I prefer to use the LiketoKnow.it app to keep up with the bloggers I follow.  For a couple of reasons:

1. It’s Crazy Easy to Use

Some online sites like Amazon, Wayfair, Target and even Nordstrom can feel like falling down a rabbit hole when you go to search for something.  So take for instance this plaid rug sourced from Amazon.

Now try typing in “plaid rug” in the search box on Amazon.  You’ll probably get a few pages to search through to find this rug.  And even if you try to narrow your search using words like “outdoor” or “black and white” you’ll probably still have to spend some time until you find this exact rug.  But if you’re using the LiketoKnow.it app – you get a link that will take you directly to this rug with one. simple. click.  As a consumer/follower/shopper I like how easy this app is to use.

Why spend 20 minutes trying to locate something you’ve seen on Instagram when you can just find it with one click by following that blogger on the LiketoKnow.it app?

2. The Work is Done For Me

Often times bloggers will share the exact item featured at multiple stores. As an example:  A blogger may share a photo of a pair of shoes and then via LiketoKnow.it  will link to all the stores that sell them.  This is helpful, at least to me, because sometimes the price point is different due to sales or discounts or free shipping incentives.  I just think it’s nice to get all the different options of where you can buy someting without having to do all of that searching yourself.

3. Alternatives and Options Provided

Sometimes items featured in a photo are no longer available.  And often times bloggers will share similar options so you can still “get the look”.  As with the plaid rug I shared which is currently only available in this colorway in one size, I also shared a link to another black and white plaid rug option.  This link option is only provided to those that are following me on the LiketoKnow.it app.  When bloggers I follow do this, I personally find it to be really helpful as often times they’ll share multiple options of similar items at different price points.

4. Reclaiming and Streamlining My Instagram Feed

And last but not least, and this might just be my personal favorite aspect of using the LiketoKnow.it app, is that it has completely streamlined my Instagram feed.  It’s allowed me to keep my Instagram feed primarily focused on home decor as well as my personal family and friends.  Rather than following the fashion bloggers I like on Instagram, I follow them all on the LiketoKnow.it app.

Having a separate app to follow fashion content has better organized the online content I want to keep up with from all of the different bloggers that I like to follow. This app organizes the social media content I like to view in a way that makes much more sense for how I want to engage with different bloggers/influencers.  For me personally, I enjoy engaging and interacting with home decor, design, diy bloggers/ influencers on Instagram.  Whereas I pull loads of outfit inspiration from the fashion bloggers I like to follow but hardly ever really “interact” or “communicate” with them.  LiketoKnow.it enables me to gain inspiration and shop the images I like, while keeping my Instagram feed full of content from bloggers/influencers I enjoy being “social” with.  Does this make sense?

Do You Think LiketoKnow.it Is Helpful?

I’m curious to know what your thoughts are regarding affiliate links on social media and specifically regarding the LiketoKnow.it app.  Do you use it?  Do you think it’s helpful?

As always any and everything I share is always 100% genuine!  I only ever share what I truly love!   If you want to follow me on the LiketoKnow.it app my handle is the same there as it is everywhere else – ourfifthhouse (nevermind that it’s soon to be seventh 😉 ) .