Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Hook
Hi Krista, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hitting the mute button on endless Zoom calls wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Sure, the remote work life I landed in 2020 offered flexibility, but after a while, my apartment started to feel a little too quiet and familiar. And most of my human interaction was limited to squares on a screen.
That’s when the itch to explore work-from-anywhere options set in. But finding decent cafes or quiet corners in Austin specifically for remote work? Not so easy. There had to be a better resource out there, I thought. And so, RemotelyAustin was born!
This passion project was a way to combine my love for Austin with my content marketing skills. RemotelyAustin gives you the best coffee shops, venues, and coworking spaces, all with the inside scoop on Wi-Fi, parking, the overall vibe, and anything else a remote worker needs to know.
As the community’s grown, I’ve expanded the tips to include fun things you can squeeze into your day, even with a full-time remote gig.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Standing out in Austin’s crowded online creator scene was really tough at first. I felt swallowed up and overwhelmed by the amount of content already being produced. But the pressure to chase trends and chase followers just didn’t sit right with my vision for RemotelyAustin.
Luckily, about eight months ago, I had a big “aha” moment that has really helped develop the page and what I create for it. Success wasn’t about being first to every new spot or landing fancy influencer invites. It was about bringing a fresh perspective to places that have been talked about hundreds of times before. Sure, everyone knows Jo’s Coffee, but what if I showed you the outlet situation and described the noise levels of the space?
And that’s where my authenticity came into play as well. I do all I can to let my personality shine through in my voiceovers, videos, and even writing style. I want people to feel like they’re getting the real me. Because let’s be honest, the best part about all of this is the connections, not the follower count. I’ve been able to cultivate a community of remote workers and that is what makes it so special.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run RemotelyAustin, a website and social media page that helps remote workers in Austin find the perfect spot to work outside their homes. I go beyond just listing cafes – I provide the insider scoop on Wi-Fi, parking, vibes, and even hidden gems you might miss. What sets me apart is the focus on authenticity. In a crowded online space, I avoid generic content and provide actual value to social feeds.
I’m also really proud of building genuine connections with both the remote worker community and local businesses. I’ve started working with local businesses and influencers to develop content that’s true to their brand – it’s a win-win for everyone! Online viewers get a fresh perspective, businesses reach new audiences, and I get to create content I’m passionate about.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Social media is so fascinating to me – especially the shift in the influencer industry, fueled by the rise of micro and nano influencers. It feels like a power shift towards everyday people, mirroring the ‘power of the people’ movement across various industries.
This presents a unique challenge for businesses. The traditional model of relying solely on big influencers to sell products is likely evolving. Instead, brands will need to find innovative ways to tap into the authentic voices of the masses, the everyday online users.
Potentially spontaneous gifting programs for engaged email subscribers, or influencer programs within platforms like Google Reviews. These initiatives could provide a treasure trove of genuine, unpaid feedback, showcasing authentic reactions to products.
Gen Z is smart. They can sniff a paid brand deal out from a mile away and that automatically makes it less authentic content. All I can say, is that we are in for some fun these next 5-10 years trying to keep up!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.remotelyaustin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remotelyaustin
Image Credits
For the photos of Krista Hook, they were taken by @osheacreativeworks
