How To Make It As A Fashion Blogger

Wish it were that easy.

Am I famous? Definitely not. Then why am I qualified to give advice about making it as a fashion blogger? I am probably not. However I’m doing quite well blogging and would like to share what I’ve learned so you don’t make the same mistakes I have. And hopefully I can give you that shot of confidence that you just might be looking for. If you’re looking for the in’s and out’s of Google Analytics or how to make money with your fashion blog, then this post is not for you. If you’re not interested, that’s okay. Feel free to go back to watching the Gilmore Girls, paying bills, or spackling the den – whatever you’re up to today. I don’t mind. Really!

First up I will present the don’ts of blogging.

Don’t Trust Everyone

I don’t want you to get all paranoid on me, but this is true. It’s unfortunate but when certain people see that you’re having success with your blog, they will try to befriend you just to steal your ideas or to use you for something. When they get what they want from you, then they’re gone. This has happened to me and it really sucks. So now I keep my cards closer to my chest. I work hard to research many different things, so I no longer feel the need to share them with other bloggers. You too work hard so don’t let others steal from you. Share your ideas with trusted people.

Don’t Be A Douche

A social media presence is a must if you want to be a successful fashion blogger, but sometimes it’s my least favourite thing. Why? Because some people hide behind the anonymity of social media in order to act like jerks. I’ve gotten snide comments, some that were even verbally abusive, that came out of nowhere. That is when my faith kicks in reminding me to ‘love your enemies’ and ‘pray for those who persecute you’. It’s really hard to do that though, because I am a human being and these comments hurt. And when I’m hurt, I want to strike back. I really have a nasty temper. But I’m getting better with God’s help.

Here’s another example of how not to be lame on social media. Don’t follow people on social media, have them follow you back then unfollow them. That is so wrong. We are all people for crying out loud! We are not numbers! Please only follow someone on any type of social media if you find their content interesting. Personally I block people like that. You have your blog to represent and you never know that the person you offend might make or break your blog.

Don’t Take Offense

There are always going to be people who don`t include you, don’t like your blog, or stab you in the back. Keep smiling! Always be kind, even when you get hurt. Don’t speak ill of the people who have hurt you to others. I have learned a long time ago back when I modeled and acted that you will NEVER please everyone. It has nothing to do with you or your brand if you are being you and not offending/hurting anyone or breaking the law. It’s truly them. So do you want to give them a second of your time when you could spend it creating great content? I didn’t think so!

Now for the dos!

Do Create Great Content

At a blogger function a few months ago a veteran blogger asked me, “How do you manage to have so much content? I always struggled with that.” Well my answer is to get ahead in your blogging. I am currently writing this post a week before it will be seen by you. And I think that’s almost too late. I like to stay one to two months ahead. It just takes the pressure off and allows you to create the content that will wow your readers instead of posting something sub par just to post something. This also gives me time to include regular brainstorming sessions so I never run out of ideas.

Do Attend As Many Blogger Functions As You Can

I am an introvert so this is tough for me. I am also a wife and Mom of a toddler so I can’t always make an event due to lack of childcare or time. But I really do try to get out to as many events as I can. Why is this important? Because you never know who you’ll meet who will get your brand’s name out there. Maybe someone to collaborate with, to take blog photos with, to introduce you to a brand, to be friends with, etc.

Do Be Yourself!

This may sound like a cliché because it is, but that fact does not make this statement false. In a business of some two million fashion blogs out there you want to stand out, right? If you’re busy being someone else, that spot is already taken so you’re not going to get noticed. There is only one you with your unique perspective on the world of fashion, so let your fashion freak flag fly! For example, my dog Zeke blogs with me. I have looked around and haven’t seen a blogger dogger yet! And I’m not talking about fashion bloggers that have their dog with them in their photos – there’s plenty of that. I still haven’t seen a blog that has articles written by the fashion blogger’s dog. If you know of someone, please share their blog in my comments. I seriously want to check her/him out! So try something new and be you.

Hopefully this short list will help you out. If you have any questions/comments feel free to voice them below.