Blogger Spotlight: Matthew Pike, Buckets & Spades

Run by Matthew Pike with the help of friends Nik, Yasumi and Hollie, Buckets & Spades was created in 2008 to share creative ideas, menswear, style, and design inspiration. The blog has grown to become one of the most prominent sources for British design, modern lifestyle, brand and product reviews – presenting eye-catching behind the scenes imagery from manufacturer visits. In this spotlight Matthew Pike who recently featured on our men’s lifestyle ranking chats to us about why he prefers to work with PRs one-on-one, the challenges of creating engagement, and why there will be a move towards more Instagram-centric content. 

What’s new on Buckets and Spade? We’re currently working on some really cool shoots with British brands and there’s a whisky project in the works. There’s also plenty of design, illustration and style inspiration.

How do you measure the success of your website? Through the people I meet and where it takes me. Numbers aren’t everything to me, it’s the quality of projects, engagement and enjoyment that I prefer to measure.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a blog? Stick to the subjects you feel most passion towards.

How do you work with marketers and PRs? In lots of ways, but I prefer to work with them one-on-one, where you can really dedicate time towards a project or promotion.

How do you use social media to promote and share content? What are the challenges? The main challenge is keeping on top of it all, but the best way is to concentrate on where you see the most engagement and what brings most enjoyment.

What can PRs do in working better with you? Tailor the projects to the individual blogger, by researching into their habits.

What has been your blogging highlight? The travel, and the places it has took me. A recent 10 trip to Japan was a total eye-opener for me. Being able to work closely with brands that I respect and have loved for years is a very rewarding feeling.

What will be big in your blogosphere in the coming months? A potential migration towards more Instagram-centric content.

What has the Vuelio Blog ranking mean to you? To be recognised for the work I do, and the hours I put in each day mean the world to me.