29 Blogging Tips For My (Belated) 29th Birthday
In honor of my 29 years on earth, here are 29 Blogging Tips:
1. If there’s a brand you’re dreaming to work with, start by following the individuals behind the marketing team on Instagram. LinkedIn is great for finding names.
2. Invest in your relationships. The majority of my business comes from people I’ve either met or had a positive working experience with previously.
3. Plan your social posts in advance so every morning won’t be wasted figuring out what to post.
4. Pre-write captions and save them in a note on your phone. That way you’ll have options whenever you’re suffering from writer’s block.
5. Track your income and expenses! You’ll thank yourself come tax season.
6. Freelancers basically pay double in taxes, so before you rely on your blogging income, make sure to put aside about 30% of whatever you make.
7. Before you travel, research what costs could be considered tax write-offs. Keep your receipts!
8. No matter how unreasonable a brand is acting, always respond kindly. Your reputation is everything in this business.
9. Support other bloggers. It’s a collaborative community.
10. Go above and beyond for your brand partners. Repeat clients are so important for building a strong business.
11. Respond to your followers! They are the reason you have a job.
12. Write out your short and long term goals every year and make practical plans for achieving them. Check in every quarter.
13. Block off time every couple weeks just to catch up with your contacts, remind brands what you’re up to, and meet up with some new faces.
14. Invest in home decor for at least one room. That way you always have a place to take photos in a pinch.
15. Consider buying cute accent pieces for your home that double as photoshoot props. That’s how the best flatlays are made.
16. Try to shoot the bulk of your winter looks in the fall before it gets painfully cold.
17. Notice how bigger bloggers treat you and take note of what you liked and didn’t like so you can be better when people start to approach you.
18. When packing for a shoot, write out the elements of each outfit, place each look in a separate bag, and number them accordingly.
19. Always wear your most complicated outfit first so you don’t waste time changing.
20. Keep a list of locations you like in your phone so you always have ideas for your next shoot.
21. Show appreciation to any brand that gives you business with either a thank you email or a thoughtful gift around holiday season.
22. Always send a follow up email after meeting someone.
23. Just because most people use Instagram these days, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still carry around business cards. Be prepared for any opportunity!
24. Learn as many skills as you can. i.e. photography, photo editing, graphic design...
25. Don’t accept campaigns that don’t make sense with your brand. Your followers’ trust is everything.
26. Remember that being real doesn’t mean you have to share every aspect of your life. Be authentic within the boundaries you set.
27. Do your relationship a favor. Hire a photographer.
28. Create a FAQ page on your blog where you can direct followers. It will save you from spending tons of time answering the same questions and potentially turn your Instagram followers into blog subscribers.
29. Don’t let Instagram determine your self worth!
