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Hey girl, hey! 👋🏻 👋🏻  So, you wanna start a blog?? I hear you, and I’m so darn excited you landed here! We all have a story to tell, and I can’t wait to hear yours. With that in mind, I just wanted to give y’all a heads up on some of the factors you might not take into consideration before getting started. Here’s a few of my “must know” tips I wish I’d known before kicking off my blog!

TOP FIVE TIPS TO START YOUR BLOG

1: INVEST IN YOURSELF

Think about it – in an office job, you’re typically joining in on conference webinars, updating your software and replacing equipment. Let’s be real – there are certainly times these upgrades don’t feel “necessary” and we probably wouldn’t make the change if it was on our own dime. This is where you have to use your best judgement! That doesn’t mean you need to go purchase everything all at once, but definitely weigh out your needs. Anything that’s taking up time is costing you money. If there are systems or resources to make your work easier, invest. Here are a few of the investments I have found most useful:

• • Lightroom – this photo editing software allows me to add presets to my photos so they have a cohesive color scheme. The purchased version allows me to make edits from my phone or computer and is super user friendly!
  • Ring Light – Indoor photos are hard. Controlling lighting and brightening a space is really important for getting better quality content! I initially purchased a large ring light, but I most frequently use the clip-on version with a phone holder. The large version gives off amazing light, but I love the convenience of the smaller option.
  • Website – As much as I love social media outlets, your website is the only thing you own. We can’t control the Instagram updates or layouts, but you can with your blog. Keep in mind, most companies offer super low entry pricing when you join. Take a look at the long-term costs once that term expires because it can really add up!
  • Photo Content – This is always a fun topic! I know lots of bloggers/influencers that are set on always using their iPhone for photos, while others swear by their DSLR camera. I will always lean towards using my camera, but sometimes my phone is quicker and more accessible. Don’t run out and buy a camera if you’re in the early stages of blogging, but you might make the splurge on an upgraded iPhone for camera quality.

2: NOTHING IS GUARANTEED WITHOUT A CONTRACT

I jumped into blogging full-time and had a sense of security because a few of my biggest partners were companies I had worked with for over a year on a very regular basis. Sometimes I was partnering with these companies 2-3 times a month, so it was always a secure sense of income. Ah, imagine my surprise when ALL THREE companies got new marketing directors within the same month. Guess what? None of those companies maintained a budget for influencer marketing. That was truly a devastating blow. It also reminded me not to get too comfortable. Just because I had worked with them long-term didn’t mean the opportunities would always be there.

Contracts cover both you and the company. They come in handy as a reference point to ensure everyone meets deadlines and has a clear understanding of the partnership. Attempting to work without a contract often leads to one party doing more work than necessary, unmet expectations and unhappy clients.

3: YOU’RE ABOUT TO WEAR LOTS OF HATS

Something I miss most about corporate life is having assigned departments for everything. Being the person creating brand pitches, putting together a content calendar, outfit planning, scheduling photoshoots, editing photos, submitting content and making sure payments are processed takes A LOT of patience. I’m more of the creative mindset, so I love pitching to brands and taking photos. Numbers aren’t my thing, so I feel like I always put off invoices and follow ups for billing. While these are tasks I could outsource, it would take more time for me to explain to someone than just handling it myself.  Overall, this is a job that requires you to wear lots of hats.

4: MOST SPONSORED POSTS REQUIRE PROOFS BEFORE POSTING

Almost none of the sponsored posts in bloggers feeds are happening in real time. Nearly all sponsored content has to be pitched to a brand. Essentially, you apply to the campaign in a manner similar to someone submitting a job application. If you’re selected, you usually create content, submit it to the marketing department for review and cannot post unless it’s approved. “Why would a brand do that?!” Easy. They need to ensure you’re complying with FTC guidelines, you create content as put in your pitch and you aren’t making false promises about a product.

5: DO NOT JUMP IN EXPECTING TO MAKE MONEY

I know this isn’t what you wanna hear, but hear me out. These companies hear from HUNDREDS of influencers a day. Thousands of people a week. At the end of the day, no one knows their brand like their own team. These contacts utilize your profile as a resume. If you don’t have content that would relate to their target market, hold off on reaching out. I’m not saying you should be a year into posting, but ensure you’re consistent, have an audience and that your content fits with the brand you’re contacting.

Okay, I know that was a ton of info! I share all of this to ensure you go into this new venture feeling as ready as possible for the excitement, struggles and expenses to come. It’s never going to be the “right time” or “feel safe” to do, but we can’t wait to hear your story.  Share your blog/social media in the comments below! I’d love to connect, support and cheer you on!