Blogging Q&A
I get DMs and questions daily asking for advice on how to become a blogger or start “blogging”. It’s not easy and I have learned so much in my years of blogging. Social media is constantly changing so you have to keep up with the trends and continue posting - and stay true to yourself. Read more about what I have learned in my blogging experience here. I’ve compiled a list of questions I get asked a lot — and some that were sent to me on a poll I put on my Instagram story.
How do I get started? How do I “blog”?
This is probably my #1 question. And you may not like the answer… but just start. Just do it. Nobody taught me how to do anything, I figured it out for myself. I have always been creative and tech savvy so making a website, logo & Instagram, was easy. There are SO many online courses and youtube videos if you need help with that! But for the blogging part, start posting daily, use hashtags, reach out to brands, start building a community, and figure out your “niche”. Nobody likes a blogger that cannot decided what she likes - make it clear from the start that you are a fashion blogger, mom blogger, food blogger, etc. I consider myself a lifestyle & fashion blogger. I post a LOT of lifestyle - my following loves my home decor, recipes, fashion videos and life posts.
How do you get collaborations?
I get partnerships three different ways: they reach out to me, I reach out to them, or I apply to them via an influencer platform. My favorite platform I use is Activate.
How do you get paid?
Direct partnerships with brands, discount codes with brands (I get a %) & affiliate links on items I post through ShopStyle.
Is this your full time job?
Nope! I have a 9-5 job and I manage this in between. Lots of early mornings, late nights, and weekends take over managing my blog.
How did you find your blogging style?
This took me years — I always hoped on trends, used presets, wore things that weren’t “me”. I finally found the style I like fashion wise and editing wise, etc. It takes time. I don’t know any blogger that hasn’t changed their style a bunch until they found something that suited them. It’s part of the process!
Do I need a website?
Nope! A lot of successful bloggers do not have a blog. It’s not as popular as it was years ago. I enjoy mine, I love creating posts and designing my website, so it will always be here. But there are so many features on Instagram these days that most Bloggers can manage without an actual website.
How do you gain a following?
Idk, somebody please tell ME this! I have been stuck in the 10-12k range for over a year. I’ve noticed a huge change in my engagement and I gained a lot of followers when I started using reels. My biggest advice: hop on trends (stories, reels, videos), use hashtags, engage with your followers & people you follow, and promote your content! Promote it on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, anything. The more you put yourself out there, the more people will find you. I’ve actually gained a bunch of followers from my Depop which is cool!
What exactly do you do?
I do not like the word “influencer” so I always say I am a blogger. Because I am one of the rare bloggers that still actually blogs. Think of it this way: when I post an Instagram or blog post, here is what goes into it: getting a partnership (admin work, reaching out, emailing, deciding on a budget), planning the content, shooting the content (hair, makeup, styling, location scouting), editing/preparing the content (picture editing, captions, IG posts, IG stories), posting the content, and then marketing the content on your IG stories, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. It’s A LOT. I do the work that most companies/magazines have 5 different teams for. From planning the collaboration, to shooting it, marketing it, then making invoices and getting paid, there is a lot that goes into what I do.
Who shoots your content?
I shoot 75% of my own content, my fiancé shoots about 15%, and then whomever I am with (friends, family) will shoot but that is rare. I actually prefer to shoot my own content. I get to play with angles, nobody is waiting on me, I can take my time, etc. I am working on a blog post with all my favorite tools I use to blog/shoot content and will link that when I am done - because a good tripod and bluetooth remote is key!
How do you get PR packages?
The #1 way I get PR packages is by working with a brand. I usually end up on the PR list afterwards and they will send over any new products they launch. The other way I get PR packages is from a brand directly reaching out and asking to send over a product for me to try. I also will reach out to PR companies and brands directly and ask to be on their PR list for products, it works sometimes! The last way I get PR packages is when a brand reaches out for a collab but does not have a budget (aka they cannot pay me) and I will accept free gifting, this works a lot of the time, because the brand just wants exposure and for me to share it on my stories.
How do you edit your photos?
This usually shocks people - I barely edit my photos. They key to a consistent feed or good photo is location, background, and lighting! Lighting is the best thing you can do for your photos. I only take pictures in direct sunlight, or near windows where the lighting is the best. If I don’t, the picture never turns out how I want it and I never use it. I usually bring my photo into VSCO and edit the brightness/contrast/temperature slightly. I will bump it up or down .5 - that is what I mean by slightly. If there is too much blue, green, or orange, I will go to the HSL and bring those specific colors down a little until the picture looks how I want it to. And if I do use a filter, I only use A4 (like +1.0) and B3 for black & white photos.
What have you learned while blogging?
Hopefully this Q&A helped you out if you have any specific questions about what I do or how to become a blogger. January will officially be 3 years of blogging for me, it has not been easy but I love it and I wouldn’t be where I am today without just starting and doing it. I figured things out while they came, listened to podcasts, watched videos, you name it. If you want to become a blogger, just go for it!