Navy Dress + Fringe Slides // 27 Blogging Tips For My 27th Birthday
As you may have seen on Instagram, I recently turned 27 (Ahh!). Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to do a birthday photoshoot with balloons since I’ve been so busy getting back into the swing of things post wedding, but I still wanted to do an annual birthday post. In honor of my 27th birthday, here are 27 more blogging tips that I’ve accumulated over the last year.
When a PR contact or other blogger reaches out, respond. Even if you have no time to meet up, don’t lose out on the opportunity to connect with someone else in the industry.
Schedule your blog posts well in advance, so that when life gets busy, you don’t just fall off the grid for an entire month.
Pay attention to what your followers like and do more of that.
Find a blogger bestie. The blogging life can get lonely if you don’t have a go-to friend to bring to events with you and help you get a last minute photo after work.
Recognize that every other blogger is having a hard time with the algorithm too and don’t let it get you down.
Staying active on Instagram Stories is important because that’s where you can really connect with your followers.
The more you engage on Instagram, the better your engagement will be. Fact.
Don’t respond to haters. Don’t delete their comments either (unless they’re completely inappropriate). Grow from them.
Make it a habit to post at least once a day on Instagram. Check your analytics to find the best time to post.
Consider doing your photoshoots at 7 or 8am. I am NOT a morning person, but there is nothing better than morning light and empty streets.
Stop lowballing your worth. Recognize how influential you are and charge accordingly.
Treat your photographers right. I love sending my photographers to NYFW, inviting them to events, and bringing them goodies brands sent over. There’s no reason they shouldn’t enjoy some of the blogger perks too.
Share contacts. I’m not saying to give away your client list, but it’s okay and even good if you and a friend want to help each other connect to different brands.
Don’t be selfish. If you’re a blogger, you probably have at least a closetful worth of beauty products. Your friends will love you if you send a shampoo or two their way.
You have to spend money to make money. Better photographers, more giveaways, and promoted posts are never a bad idea.
Update your site every couple years. Keep it modern and user friendly.
Take the time to personalize every brand pitch.
Try to partner with brands for the long term.
Be timely with your sponsored posts. The most successful collaboration is one where the brand wants to work with you again.
No matter how inconsiderate, frustrating, and unfair a brand is being, never respond with a rude email.
Your reputation is everything. Your followers talk, other bloggers talk, and so do brands. Be the kind of person people want to love and work with.
You should still tip when you receive a free salon service and always tag the stylist along with the salon.
Cover your address in unboxing videos and never share exactly where you live. I see way too many bloggers even showing the outside of their apartment buildings on Instagram. Be safe, people!
Pay your taxes and remember to keep track of all your business expenses. You’d be surprised what can be classified as an expense, including blogger brunch, the outfit you bought to shoot in, and the coffee you ordered as a prop.
Learn photography basics. It’s so much easier having my husband snap a photo of me now that I know how to adjust the lighting and aperture.
Skip a good event once in awhile if you’re too tired or have been neglecting your friends for too long.
Write about topics that interest you. If you’re bored writing a post, your followers will most likely be bored reading it.
OUTFIT BREAKDOWN:
Cold Shoulder Navy Dress: Zara
Mini Pink Bag: Zac Posen (c/o)
Fringe Slides: Zara
Photography: Griffin Ungar
xx Esther