As I hit my five year mark on The M.A. Times (yes, we’re that old over here), I’ve been doing some major reflecting as of late about this space. It’s insane how much it’s changed over the years (you can read more about that here), but it’s even crazier how much I’ve changed over the last five years. To say I’ve learned a couple of things about myself and the business of blogging along the way would be an understatement.
While I wouldn’t necessarily say I would go back and change anything, there are several pointers I wish I knew before I began on this crazy adventure. Keep reading below to see what I would have told myself all those years ago before embarking out to create The M.A. Times.
Have a Clear Vision
Anyone who has been following along since the beginning knows how many “makeovers” this site has had. As a creative, I’m constantly influenced and inspired by everything around me. I used to crave a redesign on my site every few months. Looking back, I can blame this on not having a clear vision for my brand. I was just doing whatever I thought was pretty. It’s only been clear in the last couple of months exactly what my brand is.
If you’re feeling a little lost and overwhelmed, I suggest turning to Pinterest. I spent hours pinning things that inspired me. I then pulled out a few of my favorite images and put them on a mood board – and just like that, I had a brand concept. Now, anytime I post anything, I refer back to that board and ask myself it it fits my vision for my brand. If the answer is no, I go back to the drawing board and create content that will help my site become my vision.
Invest Where it Counts
I’ve a saver by nature. I will dwell for hours over a purchase decision. However, the longer I’ve been at this, I’ve realized some investments into any business will be necessary (and no, I’m not talking about that Chanel bag you’ve been eyeing). A good camera, or a talented photographer, is a non-negotiable for me. We’re constantly making upgrades to ours to ensure we’re working with the best we can afford. Make sure you also put money into your domain platform – I’ve lost my site too many times to count and finally bit the bullet and upgraded.
Other good places to invest are in analytic and publishing tools that make your life easier. The further into your blogging career you get, it’s a good idea to invest in your business to keep parts of it running that you don’t have time for. For me, that’s Pinterest. Tailwind is a godsend! This is well-spent money I can’t believe took me so long to invest in. Look at the areas where you’re lacking and research tools that can help you out so you can ultimately continue to grow.
Be Consistent
If you asked me to pick one of these five tips to go back and do differently, this would have to be it. I can’t tell you how important it is to be consistent. When I first started on Instagram, I would post at least once a day, and spend my entire day engaging. I grew from 600 followers to 10k in my first year. Last year, due to life getting in the way, I took a step back from social media. A day off turned into a week, then into one post a month. I thought I would be able to jump right back into it, but while I was gone, the space changed. I now kick myself for allowing myself to “slack off.” Even if there are days you don’t feel like it, push yourself to remember how important consistency is. This goes for your blog too – let people know what days to expect posts, and stick to that. This is a goal of mine for the second half of 2018.
Ignore the Numbers
In this industry, it is so easy to get caught up in the likes and follower count and compare yourself to others. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said “I just don’t understand why she’s getting followers and I’m not.” Let me stop right there and remind you – comparison is the thief of joy. I realized along the way that if I stopped getting caught up in the numbers, and focused on the love for the content I was creating, organic growth would follow. People love to follow someone who is passionate about what they are doing – so focus your time and energy on the quality of what you are putting out, instead of the quantity of followers you have.
Be Fearless
My last tip is admittedly something I’m still working on everyday myself. As a style, beauty, or lifestyle blogger, you are your business. It takes a lot of courage to put details of your life and yourself out on the internet for strangers to judge at will. However, I’ve only seen growth and engagement in times when I’ve actually been vulnerable. My lesson for you here is – be fearless with trying new content, fearless with networking, fearless with going against the grain, and you’ll see such a difference in your caliber of engagement.
Photos by Ryan Sides