Behind the Curtain -The Reality of Being A Full-Time Blogger or Writer
Artie Carden & Marcy Cruz (L-R)
Image Credit: Artie Carden & Madeline Jones
In our previous post, we discuss how to make out your business and brand stand out. For our final topic, we are pulling the “curtain” back on of being a full-time blogger. To give you more of a realistic view of blogging full-time we reached out to two bloggers and writers for their perspectives. Both share what they wished they knew before writing full-time and their advice for those looking to start. Before you take the big step check out this blog post and see what they had to say.
Artie Carden- Non-Binary Writer & Video Creator of Artie Carden
Image Credit: Artie Carden
“I think I wish I would have known more about SEO before starting as I’m trying to now go back through three years of posts and updating the SEO the best I can and it’s quite a tedious job! But there are so many blogs and courses out there for SEO I wasn’t sure which I should have gone for or could have trusted.
Find Artie at their website Artie Carden. Also, follow them on social media (Instagram, TikTok & YouTube ) where they discuss chronic illness, disability and neurodivergence, books, and LGTBQ+ topics.
Marcy Cruz- Writer & Creator of Fearlessly Just Me
Image Credit: Jessica Milagros Photography
“To buy my URL immediately. I waited and used the Blogger URL because it was free and by the time, I was ready to buy the actual FearlesslyJustMe.com URL, it was not available. Many years later, it became available but now costs $8K to buy it. So, I settled for a .net instead of .com.
Lastly, make sure you make those payments. Once you lose your URL, it’s so hard to get it back. Shop around for sales. I’ve used Go Daddy for years and have had no issue. And they often offer deals when buying multiple URLs.”
“Many think that being a blogger/writer/influencer is all fun and easy. But it’s not. It’s not all free things, fun events, and good times. It takes a lot of time investment, planning, and work. However, it’s well worth it if you are talking to things, you love and brand yourself as an expert in that.
Be authentic, be transparent and be consistent. That is ultimately your brand.
All your readers want to see is the real you. They want to connect with you and build that rapport with you. Once you do that, you can trust them enough (and vice versa) to be transparent and share your story. Lastly, keep it consistent and flowing, engaging with your readers.
I curate my audience to ensure a safe place for my readers. This does mean my numbers are much lower than other content creators but I’m perfectly fine with that. I block men I don’t know, spam accounts and anyone I feel is not following me for the right reasons. My target audience is women and there are so many fat admirers out there, so I block them to make sure my conversations stay on target, whether it’s fashion, mental health, or travel. Currently, my audience is 81% women.
Also, don’t be afraid to network and pitch brands and media outlets. You won’t always get a Yes, but it never hurts to shoot your shot. Life is all about taking chances and creating your lane.”
Find Marcy at her website Fearlessly Just Me and on social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest).
There you have it. We have reached the end of Blogger Life Series IV. As you can see being a Full-Time blogger or writer is much more than posting pretty pictures on social media. We have experienced more than our share of pros and cons. However, with all things considered it can still be a rewarding experience. Special thanks again to Artie & Marcy for sharing their respective insights. Be sure to follow them and their work online.
Are you a Full-Time Blogger or Writer? Is there something you wish you knew sooner? Should we do Blogger Life Series V in 2022 (Date: TBD)? Catch all four parts of the Blogger Life Series by clicking here. Let us know in the comments below.
Follow My Own Sense of Fashion on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see what we have in store. Let us know what topic you would like next on the blog.
* Disclaimer-The tips and advice given in this blog post are based on my own blogging experience and those who are featured. Blogging experience and results may vary. *
Standout in the Crowd- How to Showcase Your Unique Blog or Brand
During this portion of the Blogger Life Series, we have covered the most topics of all. Previous topics include avoiding Blogger Burnout, Tips on Guest Blogging, Improving Your Blog, & Tips on Giving Back . Now we have arrived at one more topic before officially closing out the series. For the fifth topic, we are discussing how to stand out with your blog or brand. Whether you are just starting out or looking for a fresh start, I have a list of ways to stand out from the rest. Keep reading below for all the details.
Create A Distinct & Memorable Logo
There are ways to let your personality shine through your blog or brand overall. One way you can easily achieve this is through your logo. Stumped for design ideas? Think of a favorite thing or something that tells your story. Don’t have the budget for a custom logo? Why not start off with a free logo and then upgrade it later. Be sure to keep in mind the trademark rules.
Customize Your Blog and Website
Image Credit: Pixabay
Let your brand or website stand out by way of customization. Earlier in the series we touched on this previously when we discussed blog tune-up. Depending on your website provider there are free and premium themes available to choose from. If you do not want to take the DIY route, then you can always hire a web designer that can bring your vision to life. Select out your favorite one and hit the live button.
Add Unique Features or Offer Special Product
Want to add a little something extra for your audience or customer? Set up a unique feature or offer a special product. If you are a blogger, you can offer exclusive content or sneak peeks via a newsletter. As a brand owner, you can offer a limited-edition popular product only available via a special code.
These are just three ways to make sure your blog or brand stand outs among the rest.
In what ways does your blog or brand stand out? Did you find these tips helpful? Let us know in the comments. Stay tuned for the final topic in Blogger Life IV. Be sure check all previous posts in Blogger Life Series by clicking here.
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* Disclaimer-The tips and advice given in this blog post are based on my own blogging experience. Blogging experience and results may vary.
We briefly touched on guest blogging tips to avoid blogger burnout post. However, with our second topic, we are discussing the dos and don’ts of guest blogging? If you would like to start guest blogging or want to accept guest submissions then you should check out this post. Keep reading as I share my advice from my experience both as a guest blogger contributor and accepting guest blogger submissions.
Do’s
Do Research
Image Credit: Pixabay
I have stressed the importance of researching throughout this whole series. Before selecting any guest blogging opportunity whether as a guest blogger or accepting guest bloggers verify the information. One thing to look for is if they have previous guest blogging experience. For example, look to see if they have links to previous posts & reviews if they are available.
Do Ask Questions
The first thing I usually do when I receive any potential guest blogging inquiry is to ask a set of preliminary questions. Things I am looking for are past guest blogging posts, what it is the set budget for this type of posts, and what type of topic they are seeking just to name a few.
Do Set A Guest Blogger Policy & Get it in Writing
Whether you are accepting guest bloggers or contributing as a guest blogger you should set a guest blogging policy. Not only does it help hold you accountable, but also it protects all the parties involved. Also, make sure to follow the requirements listed out as well.
Don’ts
Don’t Duplicate Your Post & Submit to Multiple Website
Don’t duplicate your exact posts & submit on multiple websites. For example, some websites have a policy where you can’t share your post even on your actual website. I would suggest you check into this before agreeing to guest post. Also, you just don’t want to have the same post. Having experience as both a guest blogger and accepting guest bloggers I would suggest finding a way to pitch the topic differently. Let’s say you write a budget-friendly beauty tips post you can pitch finding drugstore makeup or find multi-use makeup.
Don’t Accept Any Offers Without Research
Don’t accept all or any guest posts without proper research. Not every potential offer you receive will be the right one for you. Unfortunately, some people are looking to take advantage of the situation on both ends. If everything does check out and it is the right fit then you can feel free to proceed.
Don’t Drop Communication
Clip Art Credit: Clipart Library
There are times where things do happen beyond our control. However, it is important to keep a constant line of communication if possible. Try to reach out before the post is due. That way you give enough time for your post needs to be postponed or rescheduled. Also, if you don’t understand something reaches out and ask before your submission date.
These are just some of the dos and don’ts of guest blogging. Use them wisely and good luck with your guest blogging experience. Have you ever been a guest blogger? Do you accept guest blogger contributors? Let us know in the comments. Stay tuned for the next topic in the Blogger Life Series IV.
Follow My Own Sense of Fashion on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see what we have in store. Let us know what topic you would like next on the blog.
Updated & corrected version of The Blogger Life Series graphic. See the previous graphic for all information. Thank You. #BloggerLifeSeries #BloggerSeriesII #ComingSoon #fblogger #MyOwnSenseofFashion
Updated & corrected version of The Blogger Life Series graphic. See the previous graphic for all information. Thank You. #BloggerLifeSeries #BloggerSeriesII #ComingSoon #fblogger #MyOwnSenseofFashion
Please feel free to share. ICYMI- While you all wait on Blogger Life Series II check out the topics for the 1st series. Click on the links below. Blogger Life Series II is coming soon to My Own Sense of Fashion @myownsenseoffashion starting with “Should I Collaborate?”. Thanks. Humble Beginnings: A guide for new bloggers http://bit.ly/1SLVAIb Lock and Key Protecting Your Work and Brand Online http://bit.ly/1ROJxvt Blogging on a Budget – Budget-friendly tips for your blog http://bit.ly/1Tx8g5R *Disclaimer- All topics and advice featured come courtesy of my own experience as a fashion blogger/writer as well as those who are featured. Your own experiences may vary.* #ICYMI #BloggerLifeSeries #ComingSoon #BloggerLifeSeriesII #MyOwnSernseofFashion #fblogger #BloggingAdvice
