28 Dec The Vic List: So you wanna be a blogger?

photos by Chimera (checkout her IG here)

top: c/o MMEGA; jeans: c/o Dr. Denim

2017 was my first year of full time blogging. Before this, I was a freelance wardrobe stylist who also had a blog. I’ve been making money from blogging for a while now, but never enough to stop styling. This year, I upped the anti and took a gamble on myself. It seems like EVERYONE wants to be a blogger now. Everyone wants the free stuff and the cool girl lifestyle, but no one seems to know how to get there. And the people who are there never seem to want to spill the tea about how they got there, I have my theories on why that it… but I’ll save that for another post.

You guys asked me how to make money blogging, and I felt like the least I could do is help someone get started, since ya’ll are the reason I’m able to do this at all.

Below are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned about blogging and how to make money in this industry.

1. Get real. If you want to make money from this….start treating it like a small business. Get the necessary paperwork and accounts lined up like you would any other business.
2. Consistency is key. This goes hand in hand with treating it like a real gig. This is now your part time job. No, it may not pay yet….but your time is your investment to yourself and your business. Set aside certain hours/days to create and post your content. Being consistent becomes easier when you plan ahead.
3. Invest. Pay photographers. Buy the necessary apps. Go to events. Take online classes. Attend workshops. These are all investments that will eventually pay off. I remember 3 years ago I had NO money. Like none. By none, I mean I had $50 to my name. Simply Stylist was in LA and I REALLY wanted to go. I knew it would be a great networking opportunity. So I spent my last $30 on a ticket. I made valuable relationships with brands there, that are now paid opportunities.
4. It’s all about who knows you. Want to know how to work with your favorite beauty or fashion companies? Go to the events where they will be. Find out who the PR or social media department people are and introduce yourself. Get a card, send a follow up email. I’ve learned that people respond better to the folks they’ve met in person.
5. Become a content creator. It’s easy to slap a product on your Instagram and call it blogging. What’s not so easy is to think outside the box. Come up with concepts, ideas, and stories that haven’t been told. That’s what brands are missing and that’s what they are craving.
6. You need a media kit. Point blank. Period.
7. Go to them. When you are first starting out, nobody knows who you are. That doesn’t mean you aren’t good, it just means you are unknown. Pitch to companies. Don’t sit and wait for them to come to you….otherwise you may be waiting forever.
8. Talk to other bloggers. Ask them how they got started. Ask them what their rates are. Tell them yours. This industry is so hush hush that none of us talk about how much money we make. This makes it easy for brands to take advantage of us. We all need to start having more of those conversations.
9. Collaborate for free— with other bloggers, photographers, and brands. Sometimes it’s more about the relationship than the actual funds. Some bigger companies like to work with you first and see how well you perform before they put the money behind you. Take advantage of those opportunities.
10. Get a manager. Honestly. This changed my life  and my career. I got management in June and I have been on a roll ever since. It isn’t easy for me to have the money talk with brands, and she is the barrier between us.
11. Find other ways to make money. Blogging is awesome. It pays Wells. The hours are great. And you get tons of free stuff. However, it is still a freelance job. The checks can be inconsistent. Finding other sources of income will help balance out your finances. I teach online courses, host events, creative direct, am a partner at 2 small brands, and do public speaking. All of these crate multiple revenue streams so that I’m able to blog full time and still have a little cushion of money steadily coming in.
12. Be authentic. Don’t try to be the next ______________. Just be you. Show the world who you are and what you see  through your eyes. You would be surprised at just how many people out there relate to you.
13. Join influencer communities/platforms. These platforms are the bridge between influencer and brand. They keep your info in their database and submit you for jobs with brands they think you’re a good fit for. I’ve gotten many opportunities like this. A few of my favorite platforms are Sway Group, Xomad, and Fohr Card. There are many many many more… these are just the ones I’ve worked with that I love.

I hope this post helps someone somewhere with their blogging journey. If you’re interested in a more in-depth look at blogging, instagramming, or being a social media influencer I teach an online course about it. Because you took the time to read this post I’m giving you a special discount. Use code READER at checkout for your discount.