Let’s be real with ourselves, owning a fashion blog is no joke! I started doing this about two years ago with the intention of making a little bit of money as a hobby and sharing the joys of fashion! Did I think this was going to be easy? Sometimes I did! A lot of these talented, successful bloggers make fashion blogging look so easy but deep down I knew that hard work paid somewhere. In this post, we will take a hard look at the truth behind blogging!
There are pros and cons to this amazing lifestyle. We will end things on a positive note so let’s get into the bad and absolute truth behind blogging!
The Hard Truth About Blogging!
Reason #1: Most of your followers are fellow bloggers trying to do the same thing as you.
When I became a member of the LiketoKnow.it affiliated program, I realize that most women who liked my stuff and got emails from me were affiliated themselves! They may not buy from me because they have their own accounts and commission to think about. If buying from each other is a thing, I am interested! Let me know and leave a comment below.
Other parts of my following are fashion bloggers who aren’t in the affiliated program. Some of these bloggers either don’t like the LiketoKnow.it and of that group some will support it, others might not. Another part of my following does not monetize at all and they fashion blog for sheer enjoyment.
Reason#2: Knowing your audience and keeping them coming back to your blog is hard
Each and every one of your readers has different reasons why they read your blog. You must keep up with your niche so you don’t lose your audience.
Take note of the post that pulls in most readers. Even if it’s something you don’t want to focus your blog on, it is something your readers want to read.
Reason# 3: When shopping you must choose wisely on what to buy!
So, I was at the store the other day and I saw this beautiful lace cardigan and I wanted it so bad but it is hot outside. Then I thought, I could buy it for the fall! However, if I try to do a post around this cardigan in the fall, it won’t be available to monetize, and finding similar items is no fun.
Monetizing my blog has seriously turned my shopping life into, “Can I blog about this?”
Pay attention to the demand for the item and how fast things sell out. There are countless times that I buy something, waiting for the right day to shoot it and blog it, and it sells out. I always have to resort to Similar Items. If the item is a hot trend, blog it ASAP!
Fun Truth
1: Meeting so many other talented fashionistas from all over the world.
Fashion blogging is a great community, you meet a ton of well-dressed and interesting ladies like yourself.
The best part is collaborating with these fashion babes and they keep you up to date with the latest trends.
2: A chance to make money and build your following is out there you just have to invest a ton of hard work, time, and energy into your blog
3: Well, I haven’t quite gotten this far but sponsors will send you a ton of fun stuff to try and sample.
4: It is a great creative outlet to express yourself and your sense of style.
Overall, I am glad that I am doing this because the possibilities of getting creative are endless.
Currently Wearing
This Daring top is from JC Penny’s and it comes in white and this pretty blue stripe one that I have on. Cold shoulders are so darling!
I’m wearing my light pink Bauble Bar tassel earrings, blue and pink are a lovely pair!
These new cat-eye sunnies and saddlebag purses are from Francesca’s! It is such an amazing boutique, you got to check it out!
My heels are from Target, I was there yesterday and they are currently having a BOGO 50% off sale!
About the Fit!
Top (M): http://rstyle.me/n/cj7bteb98cf
Sunnies: http://rstyle.me/n/cj5z2wb98cf
Earrings: http://rstyle.me/n/ciwa9wb98cf
Bag: http://rstyle.me/n/cj5zxdb98cf
Heels (8 1/2): http://rstyle.me/n/cipmjhb98cf
All in All, fashion blogging is fun! It is a challenge to make money off of it but if you put your mind to it, invest a lot of time and energy into your goals you may go far! Thanks for stopping by! Let me know if you have any further insight! I would love to read your thoughts!
Happy Easter!
Shop the Post
You totally nailed everything on the head! The most frustrating part for me is what you mentioned about every shopping experience being: can I blog about this?! haha
At the end of the day, whether trying to make money or posts that your readers like, I think it’s most important to be authentic and myself. If I had 5 loyal followers that were also fashion bloggers and that was it, I would be okay as long as I felt like I was being true to myself. Although, any income is nice so that I can at least have everything pay for itself! As always thanks for the honest blogging about blogging!
-Kristin
countdowntofridayblog.com
Thanks for your input Kristin and for stopping by. I love your input about being true to yourself <3
This is so true! Growing a following is hard, and I find consistency is the #1 thing to keep my readership up which is also my #1 challenge. When I came back from my vacation a few weeks ago I have committed to myself to a regular posting schedule and sticking with it!
xo Jannine | http://www.happystylishfit.com
Thank you so much for your insight Jannine, I need to get into a rhythm with this myself. Hopefully when I settle down at my next assignment, I can be more consistent with my posting. 🙂
I can definitely relate to a lot of this! Beautiful look also!
Thank you LaToya & thank you for stopping by 🙂
You’ve literally written everything I think about blogging! This post is perfect and hits the nail fright on the head! I currently work in corporate fashion and was told I can’t link any product not sold by my employer – you can imagine the frustrating when it comes to not being able to monetize by using like to know it and other platforms. I just try to remind myself why I started and just have fun with it for now until things change. I love your top and those tassel earrings, so cute!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
x – Leah
http://www.ellemaebloom.com
I am so glad you like my post! I can imagine the struggle! I hope things change for the better soon <3 & Thank you for stopping by!
These are so true and exactly the things I’ve learned about too. I would love to connect with you because I admire your honesty! I followed you on instagram; I am @one.awesome.momma
Belle | One Awesome Momma
awesome! Thank you for so for your interest in my blog <3 I will follow you back right now!
Blogging is definitely so much work! I can relate to your post so much. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Meeting people is definitely a perk of blogging.
Cheers, J
http://www.cheersj.com
Great post! So true! I recently started blogging and even though it is a lot of work, you are right… It is so much fun at the same time. The key is being consistent. Good luck with everything!
Linette
@beautifullyhealthy_
I love that top so much! And yes, all of this is truth!
xx
Alyssa || http://www.teddybearsandlipstick.com
This is amazing! The honesty is so refreshing. I started my blog last Oct and was just recently accepted into rewardStyle and I’m running into all the pros and cons you listed. It’s hard but so worth it 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
http://www.sincerelysarahliu.com
I love this, and I couldn’t agree more! I love your honesty about the hard truths of blogging, and I also find that the demand to keep up on a daily basis with the social media (Insta) aspect of it has been the hardest for me – especially with two little kids at home to take care of. It’s like I have three full time jobs! 🙂 Thanks for this post – keep them coming!
Thank you Libby I am glad you enjoyed the post! Life always gets in the way of my consistency all the time, lol!
Thank you for dropping by!
Being a new blogger, this post was very informative and helpful! Love your outfit as well 🙂
Thank you Bridget! I am glad this post has helped some 🙂 Have a great week!
Thank you Bridget, I am glad this post has been helpful to you 🙂
This dress is AMAZING!! I also LOVE those shoes… NEED! XO
Thank you Jessica! Those heels are my favorite of the season <3