Blogging as a Career
Some people say “blogger” like it’s a bad thing. It makes me laugh – in the “I’m simultaneously rolling my eyes” kind of way – because typically those who say it with a negative connotation are the ones who have zero idea what all blogging as a career entails. “Oh, she’s just a blogger”, or, “Hey guys I’m an influencer!” in a mocking voice. (Let’s not pretend it’s not out there! Also, for the record I hate the word “influencer” but for the sake of that being the industry language, we’re rolling with it.)
It’s annoying, and honestly, it’s rude. Not just because they’re – quite literally – making fun of what’s evolved into an entire profession, but because I bet if you put that same person in front of a computer, told them to start their own site, build a brand, knock out some posts while they’re at it, and ohh yes, make sure people beyond your mom (no offense to moms) come to read it all, they’d be the very person who would scratch their head on where to begin.
It also drives me crazy, because as someone who spends a lot of time on my site, I hate that sometimes there’s this perception that it’s not a serious business venture. Fun fact: Did you know that influencer marketing is set to grow to be a $22.3 BILLION market by 2024? I think that’s amazing as it shows just how much opportunity is still yet to be had in the space.
Starting, maintaining, and growing a blog has elements of many professions tied into it.
Copywriting, editing, photography, styling, search engine optimization, social media management, accounting, sales, account management, project management, and strategic planning, to name a few. To maintain a blog well means that you need to be (decently) proficient at them all. What’s more, to produce consistent and high quality content, grow even a small following, and then effectively turn a profit takes a lot of time, energy, practice, failing, small wins, patience, consistency, and persistence.
I heard someone recently say that blogging is not necessarily hard, but it is hard work. I think that sums it up really well.
But, yea, that whole perception thing is still a battle.
…I get it, though. It’s a hard, sometimes weird, industry to understand.
First of all, it’s really new. Anything that’s this fresh is going to take a while to understand and figure out. Both for the people practicing it and for those observing. Add that element to the fact that the digital space in general is constantly evolving. And it’s a lot to even keep up with the basics.
While there are blogs and influencers for pretty much every topic under the sun, generally speaking, the external-facing content of it all can be a little fluffy at times. Particularly in the style and lifestyle space, there’s a huge focus on image, consumerism, and highlighting one’s personal experiences. Making it a powerful storytelling platform but also one that can be “me” focused. (Though I personally think that the push for more authenticity in the space is allowing for people to produce way more thoughtful, helpful, and informative content than ever before!)
It’s an industry in which anyone can enter. So naturally you end up with a huge variety of skill sets and content, leading to over-saturation. There are stereotypes that, whether true or not true of any one person, tend to be attributed to those within the space. And, as in any industry, there are people who have clouded the intentions or authenticity of it all (i.e. Those who have bought followers or fake engagement.) Side note for another day: As those people are exposed, and the platforms get smarter, I personally think they’ll fade away quickly, so am not worried!
Problems aside, I do think as people start to understand it more and more, that perception battle is starting to shift, which is great!
I also think that, while it’s easy to jump on the bandwagon of issues, problems, and complaints (what industry doesn’t have them?!), sharing openly all the positives of blogging is really important to talk about.
Hence, this post! My little defense of blogging, if you will. Especially in light of the recent Wall Street Journal article (to which I have a LOT of thoughts on that I’ll save for a different day), I think it’s important to share a point of view in defense of the work. Especially because there are lots of people like me out there who have put a lot of time and effort into creating content and building what we have – primarily for the passion of it!
Personally, blogging has been one of the biggest drivers of opportunity in my professional career. And so, here are some of the reasons why I personally love blogging. While it’s not (and probably never will be) where ALL of my professional efforts are spent, I do feel it’s been an amazing career path for me!
10 Reasons Why Blogging Has Been A Great Career Choice For Me
It’s opened doors I never thought possible.
Throughout my career, this has been true. When I was working in advertising, and then when I went client side, my blog was consistently leveraged as a dynamic resume and work portfolio. In every interview I’ve been in, it was brought up. I was even told after getting two of my biggest roles that my blog was a key reason for being picked over other candidates. Because it was a differentiator and essentially a big showcase of content creation, marketing, strategy and business acumen in one place.
Advertising and marketing worlds aside, on a personal level this blog has opened up many doors. Things like partnering with dream brands. Learning on deeper levels by practicing tactics and notions first-hand. Evolving with the space, both from a content and creator perspective. Being challenged as a creator to think outside the box. Having the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship itself. All of these are doors opened by being active and present within the space. And are things that anyone can harness, no matter how big or small of a following they have.
It’s allowed for me to consistently express creativity and evolve my personal skill set.
From sharing outfits and interior decor to writing and reflecting on experiences, this outlet has been so much fun to work on. It allows for me to express my creativity in ways that I never really knew possible before I started.
Beyond that, however, there’s a lot that blogging has helped me to evolve on a personal level in terms of my skill set.
One example is photography.
I started blogging having an interest but zero idea on how to work a camera. Over the years I’ve learned important elements like how to work with lighting, F-stop, exposure, bring a vision to life, etc. and am even now taking on clients of my own in the photography space. I feel like my eye has really been honed in, my technical skills have improved, and my editing is proficient. All through practice, practice, practice!
I look back on some of my beginning posts and laugh (endearingly!) at some of the content I put out. Heck, I look back on posts from last year and laugh at myself. In pretty much every area of content development, consistency has allowed for gradual growth. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. And I know that I have so much further to go, which makes me excited.
But that’s the beauty of this space. You’re putting yourself out there in a very vulnerable way. Doing the best you know how, and growing as you go. That growth track is all documented. And all of a sudden, you can look back and think, “Oh my gosh, look at the difference between X post and Y post. I really have come pretty far.” Even when you don’t feel like you have in the moment!
It’s helped me to understand marketing from all perspectives.
Blogging has enabled me to view the landscape from both a brand and creator perspective. Which in my opinion, is absolutely vital in effective marketing.
I firmly believe in the power of emotional resonance and storytelling, which I’ve seen to make significantly more powerful content. This is true on both the brand and creator side. However, I also see how very difficult that can be to do every single time a piece of content is created. I feel like I’ve developed an important understanding of expectations and realities when it comes to content and consumer reactions.
Through being exposed to both perspectives, I understand that effective marketing is a merriment of all the pieces that make up a bigger picture. Which is why I strongly disagree with anyone who says influencer or social media marketing isn’t effective. If you’re not finding it effective, you’re simply not doing it right. Influencer marketing and blogging isn’t the end all, be all, for any one brand. It is, however, an important element that should be incorporated into a much broader marketing mix. On both the brand and influencer level, we need to empower ourselves by better understanding on how to correctly leverage it and measure results. But, again, a topic for another day!
It’s provided a route to entrepreneurship.
This blog is the cornerstone of my business. From here, all things extend, including freelance writing, consulting and photography. They all fit together (similar to that marketing mix I mentioned above!) but truly extend from this one central “hub”. It’s pretty incredible that something I did for so long as merely a passion project has become so important in my life! Just goes to show that you never know how things will develop if you keep working at it.
It allows flexibility to be with my family more.
The great thing about blogging is that you can do it anywhere, so long as you have internet access. My hours tend to be a bit odd-ball — late nights, early mornings, weekends, pockets throughout the days — but the great thing about the flexibility it provides is that I’m able to be with my family so much more than what the corporate world allowed for me to do.
It’s pushed me to understand myself on a deeper level.
Creating here has been such an interesting avenue for self-exploration. There’s a deep process of reflection that one needs to do when writing down stories and feelings in general. But to write them for the purpose of sharing with others takes it a step further. Sharing here has pushed me to reflect upon and understand feelings in a way that I may not have been pushed to without this outlet. In a way, it’s been very therapeutic!
Sharing here has also allowed for me to figure out where comfort levels lie, on behalf of myself and my family. For example, I’ll show my kids, but as they’ve gotten older and develop their own identities, I realized I’m not super comfortable having them be a main focus of content here. I also don’t want to always have my phone out around them. So I’ve become more cautious about what I share of them online, and how often. (ZERO judgement for those who have an opposing point of view, by the way!) Or, I’m an open book on most subjects.
But there are some things that I feel are best to keep private.
(I cried on Instagram once and felt super weird after.) Never say never. But I don’t think I personally will be sharing such a raw moment again. While I do think it helps others to openly share, I personally don’t find it natural to do so in that manner. And would prefer to be with my emotions sans-technology then share/reflect later. Does that make sense?)
There’s countless other examples I can give. But I’ll sum it up by saying it’s taken a lot of trial and error for me to figure out what works best for me personally in this space! (And, it’s something that I’m sure will continue to evolve.)
It’s provided a community and connection with others.
Gosh, this community. It’s been the single most powerful thing about blogging, by far. Fellow bloggers have become some of the closest people to me. I’ve had full-on, personal conversations with readers and feel like so many of us have become friends. Networking events have made this big world more approachable. The connection I feel with so many of you is genuine and real. And I have this amazing outlet/social media to thank!
It’s a space filled with opportunity.
So. Much. Opportunity. Here’s the thing about blogging: You don’t have to be the biggest, or the best, to make it a valid business.
I’m by no means a big blogger. I’m what’s referred to as a “micro-influencer”, and yet, I’ve been able to turn this space into a profit-generating business. ( I hope that gives hope to anyone just starting out!) I won’t go into numbers for obvious reasons. But I’ll tell you that my business is currently making enough to justify continuing to do it and invest in its growth.
Particularly if you’re a micro-influencer, never underestimate the power of your content and voice.
I’ve been able to negotiate higher rates than normal because of tying in capabilities to produce high quality content that brands can leverage beyond our partnership. Also, be sure to invest in multiple forms of revenue until you get to a place where your business can be more focused! Right now my revenue sources come from blog partnerships, commission from product referrals (RewardStyle), consulting, photography and content creation.
Beyond this space, I have dreams of writing a book, starting a charity, and maybe one day even starting my own sustainable scarf company. I honestly believe that all of those things are possible, and not too far off, because of this foundation. It’s just about finding the time!
The point to all this is that no matter who you are, no matter what size of an audience you have, this space is filled with so much opportunity. It provides a really strong starting point and foundation for wherever you want to take it, which is so powerful within itself. Especially because…
It’s really a brilliant business venture, if you do it right.
With blogging, there’s not a ton of overhead costs, which is rare in most businesses. This means what you make as a profit goes right to you in lieu of product development or lots of expenditure costs aimed to maintain the business. There are some costs, mind you, but if you do it right, they’re totally manageable and most of what you make can be put toward your personal income. It’s such a powerful business venture for this reason alone!
You can make it whatever you’d like.
I started off this blog as a hobby years and years ago, and did it on the nights and weekends just for the passion. Now, it’s a business venture. I know people who support their entire family off their blog income, some who just do it for fun, and others who are like me and fall somewhere in the middle. No matter what your intentions, this space is truly what you make of it. It’s what you want it to be, as long as you’re willing to put in the time and effort to do it well!
—
Quick pause for outfit details. I wore this look while downtown for a concert a few weeks back, and I think it’s such a great fall look, maternity or not! This Banana Republic Stripe Knit Dress is comfortable and a classic design – and I love that the stretchy material made it work even with my belly! It’s on crazy sale right now – under $30 – so if you’re looking for a great piece to layer, definitely check it out. I paired it with my black over the knee boots, which are a fall and winter must as they keep your legs warm sans tights, layered with a white loose scarf and blush cardigan.
Clearly from the above, I’m a huge believer in the power of this space.
I’ve heard many people ask whether it’s too crowded to enter into this space now, or if blogging is dead. My answer is a hard NO to both.
The industry is evolving, as it has and will continue to do indefinitely because that’s the nature of digital. Next year will look different than this year, and that’s okay. It’s good, actually. If you evolve with it, you will find your way.
I believe time spent creating is never wasted. So if blogging is something you’re thinking about diving into, I can’t encourage you enough to just do it. Everyone has to start somewhere, most people at the beginning. Make your “somewhere” – your beginning – today. Right now. Because even if you don’t know everything, have lots to work on, or find certain elements intimidating, you won’t get there without putting in the time.
And, hey, if you hear someone say “Blogger” like it’s a bad thing, do me a favor and give ’em an eye roll. 😉
Most importantly, I want to say thank you so much for reading! Whether you’re a first timer or have been here for years, I have you to thank for allowing me the opportunity to continue to explore this amazingly wonderful, creative, complex, challenging, evolving profession. It’s an honor, truly, and I can’t thank you enough for being here. xx
Are you a blogger or “influencer”? If not, do you have an interest in starting? What do you think of the space right now? It’s such a fascinating topic, isn’t it?!
PS – How Procrastination and I (Finally!) Broke Up + How To Be A Girl Boss: 7 Tips To Ensure Success + Noteworthy Takeaways From Create & Cultivate NYC + How To Use LiketoKnow.It As A Blogger
