HOW TO TURN YOUR BLOG INTO A CAREER

Most asked questions would have to be, “how did you start a blog?”, “how did you start working with brands?”, and “how did you make this your full time job?”.

I can’t answer every dm that I get regarding this subject so I finally had a Q&A on my IG stories. There was even more questions so I decided to write a blog post so that I can answer all of them.

Just save this post or share it on Pinterest so you and others can benefit from it.

 

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how did I start a blog:

If you are where I was 5 years ago, don’t be discouraged. I had zero knowledge or understanding on how to start a blog. I got on Pinterest and read hundreds of blog post on “how to start a blog”. And one day, I just took the leap. Before launching my actual website, I created an Instagram and Facebook page.

For 6 months, I poured lots of energy {which means HOURS of my time} into growing my social media following {how I grew my social media will have to be an entirely different blog post}.

Secondly, I bought my domain and read somewhere to buy a “.com” so I did. I had someone help me create a logo and my blog layout on Blogger {A year later, I did pay someone to switch it all over to WordPress. I like WordPress much better.}. Once my website was designed, I made the big announcement on Instagram and Facebook.

If I can do this initial part, you can totally do it too.

The next part is all about branding yourself and being consistent with your content!!! After much research, two key things need to take place before any brand will want to work with you– posting consistent yet relatable content on social media and posting regular blog post. Brands are always looking {or their marketing team} for influencers who are the perfect fit for their brand!!

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how did I start to work with brands:

Honestly, I didn’t know that this was a thing. I was clueless. And, I didn’t start my blog so that I could make money or get free stuff. It was launched because I had a burning desire to use my voice to encourage other women to love themselves, and because I wanted to share my love for fashion, beauty, and decor.

My goal was always to have fun and to be ME.

I found a couple of photographers that understood me and worked hard to help me portray my style through pictures. It isn’t just about the outfit or the perfect picture. A blog is about sharing REAL life, all of the likes and dislikes, through pictures and words. A blogger should never try to imitate someone else. We can be inspired by others. But, our audience and the brands want the REAL YOU. It is what makes us stand out in a sea of influencers.

You are your greatest power in the blogging world.

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From the beginning, I always tagged the brands that I was wearing that day.

And, using hashtags is beneficial too.

After about 6 months, I had my first brand reach out to me. It was a boutique based out of California. I was so excited to have this opportunity. They gave me three free items in exchange for two IG post and a blog post. I jumped on this without even second guessing it. At the time, I had 15k followers. After that first partnership, I had so many brands reach out to me daily. I never even thought to charge them.

After I made one year of blogging, a blogger friend asked me, “how much are you charging brands?”. I was like, “WHATTTTT?”. Well, from that day forward, I began to charge for every post. I created my own rate card on an app on my phone. The rate card included all of the packages that I offered. I rarely work for free unless it is a brand that is on the top of my favorite’s list.

I get asked often, “how much did you start off charging??”. With 20k followers and a good amount of blog traffic, I started off by charging $50 for an IG post and $150 for a blog post. Most of the brands were saying yes to my rates. As I grew on my social platforms, I continuously increased my rates quarterly.

After 3 years of blogging, I remember working with a very well-known brand and making 4 figures for a campaign. I cried legit tears. This was completely mind blowing.

And, after three and a half years of blogging, I was averaging 8-10 campaigns a month without pitching any brands. I decided to hire an agency due to feeling overwhelmed with blog life and mom life.  I couldn’t keep up with emails and corresponding with brands. My suggestion to most bloggers about an agency is to wait until you are making at least $6k-7k a month. They do charge a 15%-20% commission for every campaign. For me, I have four kids and a very busy schedule so it has been completely worth it.

Some of you asked if I know of an agency that works with micro influencers. I honestly haven’t researched much about agencies. I found my agency through another blogger’s blog post. At the time, they weren’t adding any clients to their roster, but about a year later, I inquired again. They asked for all of my analytics and my brand partnership list. Based on my numbers, my income, and list of partnerships, they accepted me and dded me to their roster list.

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how did you make this your full time job:

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Before I had an agency, I considered myself a full time blogger. So, don’t get hung up on having to have an agency to be successful. If you haven’t worked with many brands, it is okay. I started my blog five years ago and feel that it was easier to grow. If you want to make it a full time job/career, pitching is the way to go. The worst thing that can happen is that the brand declines to work with you. It happens to the best of bloggers. And y’all, I know some bloggers with a very large following that pitch up to 10 brands a day. It will not hurt anybody so just go for it- pitch your favorite brands!!!! If they say no, don’t stop there.

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For those of you that are not in the position to hire an agency and want to work with more brands, I’ll add some tips for you:

1. Make sure your email address matches your blog name. You should use an email address that has your domain name in it {example: angelle@dashingdarlin.com}. Gmail is the most professional, and it is a free email provider.
2. Email a direct person within the brand/company. You have a greater chance to get a response if you find a specific person’s name and email. Check on LinkedIn- it is a great place to find out who to contact. Find out who is their marketing/pr team.
3. Make sure to spell the brand and/or contact person’s name correctly! Also, compliment the brand on a particular campaign or a product of theirs that you LOVE. Let the brand know that you are following their latest designs/products.
4. Explain what type of collaboration that you have in mind {example: a sponsored blog post, sponsored IG post, Instagram stories, giveaway, and etc.}. Explain why your blog is a great fit. Make sure to add your blog and social media stats.
5. Keep your pitch email to three short and sweet paragraphs.
6. Let the brand know that you could send over your media kit if they are interested.
7. No response after a 5-7 days- make sure to follow up!! Send a follow up email. Check to see if they received your first email. If you don’t hear back after the follow-up email, just move on to the next brand.

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Sample brand pitch: 

“Hi _____________ Team,

Hope you are having a wonderful week!

My name is  Angelle Marix of Dashing Darlin, a Louisiana based Fashion and Lifestyle blogger. And, I feel that my brand would be such a great fit for _____________! I would love to feature some of your products this spring!

Would ______________ be interested in sponsoring a blog or social post?

Looking forward to chatting with you!

Thanks so much,

Angelle”

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AND, following up with a brand is so key especially if you haven’t heard back from them:

“Hi Marie,

Just wanted to circle back on this!

I would love to find a way to work with you! Look forward to hearing back from you.

Thanks,

Angelle”

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P.S. At four years of blogging, my mind was blown even more when I signed a contract with a brand to get paid 5 figures!!! If I can do this, you can do it too!!

If there is something missing from this post, just comment below or send me a private message.

I am always happy to help you.

After 5 years of blogging, it is still a lot of work. I have days where I LOVE it, and I have days that I am over it. I have to stop and remember why I started blogging. It is not about being successful or having more brand partnerships. It is not about being more popular than other bloggers. For me, blogging was an outlet for me to be able to use my voice to encourage other ladies, help a tired momma look pretty for a wedding, or help the busy wife find a perfect gift for her husband. I am always here to help others. This may be a job, but my ultimate goal is to be a friend to all of those following along with my shenanigans.

 

Hope this post encouraged you!! As always, thanks for your support and for visiting my blog.

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xoxo

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