Turning your blog into a business is a topic that could be turned into a book, and I’m sure someone has already capitalized on it, {we’ll get to that later}. For now, we’ll just skim the surface with advice that will get you on your way to turning your blog into a business.
turn your blog into a business through branding
Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Snapchat, Bloglovin’, Periscope, email… yes it’s exhausting but if you’re going to use any or all of these platforms you want to brand yourself, which means staying consistent with usernames and content. For instance my username for Instagram, Periscope, and YouTube is notanotherblonde. My username for Facebook and Snapchat is iambrittgrace.
If I could go back I’d make all my accounts’ usernames notanotherblonde. One thing I wouldn’t change is my content. For the most part, my content across all my social channels is unison: fashion, food, fun.
You also want to use your brand name when attending events, on your email signature, etc. This will help people identify you and hopefully you’ll be memorable enough to stick with them for future endeavors, {we’ll get to that, too}.
turn your blog into a business through monetization
Monetizing your blog is something that the majority of bloggers struggle with. I read that only 4% of bloggers actually make a living from blogging. Crazy! But with the right marketing tools and knowledge you could be one of the few.
I discuss a ton of ways to monetize your blog in my new eguide, and in fact that’s one way I monetize, but for now here are a few ways for beginners:
Promotional posts {via Instagram or your blog}
Ad space
Products {clothing, books, etc}
Services {styling, coaching, consulting, etc.}
Sponsorships {long term or short term}
Guest appearances/events
Sounds pretty great right? It definitely can be but if you’re just starting out, you will more than likely be doing all of those things for free, unless you have the traffic/stats to prove to brands you’ll make them money and gain them exposure.
turn your blog into a business with a Trademark/LLC
This is what you do once you’re making a substantial amount of money. LLC’s protect you against being held liable for discrepancies in your blog/business. Basically when crap hits the fan and someone sues you, they can only sue your business, and your personal assets like your house, remain free and clear. Let’s hope this is never the case. LLC’s are also a good idea for tax purposes.
A trademark is similar to copyright in that no one can use whatever name you trademark or else you can sue them, which again, let’s hope isn’t the case. For example, The Daily Love, The Skinny Confidential, and Social Triggers are names that are trademarked.
turn your blog into a business by hiring staff
Again, this is something you will want to look into once you’re established and can’t keep up with the workload. Bloggers like Danielle of We Wore What and Arielle of Something Navy use management companies that are able to weed out collaborations worth their while. Both of the girls have interns as well, which is an awesome way for bloggers to save some serious $$.
turn your blog into a business by networking
This is sooo crucial in developing your blog and business! I recently read Mastin Kipp’s book, The Daily Love, and he says there’s no such thing as self-made and I couldn’t agree more. No one “makes it” alone. We all have had help along the way and that help and those opportunities spur from networking.
Make business cards, personalized pens, bookmarks {like The Skinny Confidential}, and any other marketing techniques that will make you memorable and easy to connect with. Be kind, be authentic, and have an open heart because you just never know where it can lead.
turn your blog into a business by prioritizing
When I first started blogging I came from a place of yes. Yes you can guest post on my site, yes I’ll guest post on yours, yes I’ll blog about this product, yes, yes, yes.
Well after saying yes and experiencing less than mediocre guest posts and products I wouldn’t actually use/wear I found it was time to start saying no. This is another crazy important aspect of turning your blog into a business: staying true to you and your brand. As I mentioned in week 4, your readers come to you for your authentic style. They don’t want to come to a blog flooded with advertisements and sponsored content. That’s no fun for anyone.
You may not get the sponsorships or products you want right off the bat, BUT keep persevering and stick to what’s right for you and your business and you’ll see the opportunities you desire start rolling in.
I had so much fun doing this blogging series. What series would you like to see next? Comment below!
xx
more from the blogging 101 series
HOW TO START A BLOG ON A BUDGET
HOW TO DESIGN A BLOG ON A BUDGET
2 Comments
Will Work For Fashion
09/08/2016 at 11:51 pmSorry, another question. I have an “insta-blog”. Do you think in order for me/my page/following to grow that I need to have a physical blog too?
brittany
09/09/2016 at 3:49 pmI would 100%, absolutely get a real blog. Instagram is NOT a blog it’s a platform to bring awareness to your blog/business. I mean think about the changes that Instagram has already gone through… they can change anything at any minute and you don’t have control over any of it. If you have a blog, you have complete control. You own your blog, you don’t own Instagram or Facebook or Snapchat. It’s too much of a risk, you need a place to house all of your stuff so you can have it forever. That’s what a blog is for. 🙂