I know there are a lot of these types of "blogging tips" posts out there already but I wanted to write something that doesn't offer the generic advice we see over and over again
That New Dress is turning 3 years old this month. What a rollercoaster of a time it has been! I’ve learned so much about blogging and the industry. Mostly, in order to thrive and be successful you need to work bloody hard! Some of the hardest working people I know are bloggers.
I know there are a lot of these types of “blogging tips” posts out there already but I wanted to write something that doesn’t offer the generic advice we see over and over again. I say this as a disclaimer as some of my tips and advice might seem harsh but if you take anything away from this post, let it be this, the blogging world is a dog eat dog and you could work exceptionally hard and still get nowhere. It’s better to realise this now and figure out where you can improve instead of being disillusioned and disappointed by the industry, as I have been at times in the past.
I also want to note I am by no means the biggest or best blogger out there, in fact I’m still very, very small but my passion for this industry is endless. I have thrown myself into it as much as possible and I am lucky enough to be on track to reach the goals I’ve set myself.
What Type of Blogger are you?
I think there are two types of bloggers. Those who blog purely because they enjoy it and it’s their hobby and those that also enjoy it but want to take it that step further, they want to make a business out of it. If you’re in the former group you can stop reading now because everything I write herein probably won’t be relevant to you. If you’re the latter, here goes….
Hard Graft
It’s good to know exactly what you want from your blog as soon as possible because if you do want to create a business/career out of it you need to be prepared to work your arse off! You can’t treat it like a hobby, you have to treat it like a business. This means you need to be prepared to graft. If you ever use the well-worn excuse “life got in the way” for posting late or being inactive you’re not going to make it; harsh but true!
Invest
Like any business, you need to invest in it for it to be successful. How much depends on what you want to achieve. Blogs are getting more and more slick, so keeping your blog looking fresh and polished is important and this can be costly. For example, you might feel like you’ve outgrown using generic templates and want a unique blog design which can be very pricey. I use this example as that’s the next investment I plan to make. Alternatively, you might want to up your photography game, so you’ll either need to invest in a swanky new camera or hire a photographer.
To grow and improve you will need to spend money. Be prepared to make sacrifices to financially fund your blog.
Network
Successful blogging isn’t just about posing in front of a camera or sitting behind a laptop. Networking is key if you want people to know your blog exists. This often means going to events where you have to walk into a room full of people and not know a soul. You need to be prepared to put yourself out there, even when you don’t want to. Still to this day I get knots in my stomach when I walk into a room and realise I don’t know anyone but I push myself to talk to people and network as much as possible.
Know Your USP
The blogging industry is about as saturated as it gets, so you need to know what makes you stand out from the crowd. If you can’t convey what makes you special then you may as well quit now! Think about questions such as “why should people spend time reading your posts?” and “why should brands hire you?”. If you can answer these questions succinctly you’re doing well!
Stay Focused
This one is a bit of a cliché but always stay focused on your goal. Successful blogging is a marathon not a sprint. Providing you are consistently producing good content, being patient and are completely focused you’ll get there. The thing to remember is most bloggers don’t stick at it, so if you do, that’s half the battle right there!
I hope this post was helpful and thought provoking. If you have any more questions please feel free to email me or reach out via any of my social media. I’m always happy to share any knowledge or experience I might have.
Don’t forget you can also keep up with me on Instagram @thatnewdress, Twitter @thatnewdress, Bloglovin That New Dress, Snapchat thatnewdress and Depop @dominiquew.
I love your unusual styled jumper. It is so pretty and something that is very chic 🙂 Your trousers are so sleek as well 🙂 http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2017/06/an-italian-summer-holiday.html
I’m in love with the pants!! So chic!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: GENEVA TRAVEL DIARY, TIPS AND OUTFITS
These are great tips, lady!
Happy Thursday and hope you have a lovely weekend ahead!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you for these tips honey!! You look fabulous by the way! Love that sweater, looks super cozy!
Adela
http://www.hautespark.com/
Thanks for the amazing tips. You have been doing a great job with your blog 🙂
Enclothed Cognition
Happy 3 year bloggiversary, pretty!! Loved all of these tips.
xo,
H
http://firsttimethings.com
Wow happy 3 years anniversary for your blog! Thank you for the great tips, love your content!
http://aikocunanan.com/girly-chic/
I really enjoy this post. I had to self evaluate of my blog recently, and these are some of the things I’m thinking about. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.comfycozyup.com
very beautiful pants and amazing sweater vintage style
http://tr3ndygirl.com/materassi-come-orientarsi-nella-scelta/
Amazing look and thanks for the tips!
http://iameleine.blogspot.com/
http://www.instagram.com/iameleineblog/
I totally agree with all of your points! People don’t believe me at first when I tell them that blogging is really hard work. But when you work hard, you do get results. Thanks for reminding me of some important keys to the business of blogging!
xo, janea
http://www.theSTYLEtti.com
Great post Dominique, really enjoyed your tips.
Have a lovely weekend.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Your pants are awesome, I love them with the sweater
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Beautiful look! Love the pics!
Muahhhh
Hadasah Love || http://www.styletolove.com
Great post, I like it 🙂 you look amazing, fantastic outfit 🙂
new post
http://mensfashionobsession.com/
You look amazing!! Really love those trousers and that sweater is so fun! And great tips btw! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
Great post, I love these tips! I also think networking is the main thing of blogging and that’s so important!
http://violettedaily.com
Thanks a lot 😀
this kind of blogging tips are so so useful. Thanks for sharing for us.
Btw, you look amazing. Totally in love with your cullotes!
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Thanks for sharing these blogging tips. I’ve been a long time fan of http://www.thatnewdress.com your content is always top notch. Invest is a great tip, I was blogging for awhile and doing everything myself, but once I decided to invest everything changed. Networking is another great tip, I’ve gotten some great jobs from other bloggers.
Thank you so much lovely xx
Thank you hun xx
Awww so glad you think so hun xx
You’re the sweetest, thank you xx
That means the word! Thank you xx
Thank you doll! xx
I definitely think every 6 months or so it’s helpful to stop and revaluate where you’re going and where you want to be xx
Thank you Pamela xx
Pleasure, hope you found it useful xx
Blogging is bloody hard work and you’re so right when you say people don’t get it xx
Thank you so much Gemma xx
Thanks doll xx
Thank you so much hunny xx
Thank you sweetie xx
Awww so glad you think so xx
You have actually made my week with this comment! Your words mean the world, thank you hun xx
I can’t agree more on these tips! I tried starting a fashion blog about 3 times awhile back ago, and it always failed because I never made it a priority and I always got discouraged, A few months ago, I started a fashion youtube channel AND blog and I MADE it a priority and I’ve been so proud of what has come out of it. I treat it like work and I get shit done — that’s the best lesson I’ve learned so far throughout my blogging journey!
Nicole
http://www.nicolegramcko.com
Love your sweater, so original ! 😀
http://www.oliviaponcelet.com
Thank you so much for the well wishes! xx
Congrats, I’m so glad you’re reaping the rewards of all your hard work! Very much deserved hun xx
Thanks sweetie xx
Well written, these tips are gem! I’m glad to know investing money is a part of it as I sometimes thought I was just wasting money. So glad to read this dear!
http://www.busyandfab.com
Thank you so much sweetie, glad you found it helpful xx
I love this! I think you’ve not only offered unique tips, but you’ve gone it detail.
I really like what you’re doing.
Steph
http://www.socialspying.com
Awww so glad you think that hunny xx
Networking is so important and it’s important to push yourself and talk/get to know as many people as possible xx
So glad you find them helpful! Thank you hun xx
Great tips.. even though I have no intentions of turning my blogging in to a business! 🙂
Looking lovely in this outfit! 🙂
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Thank you doll xx