Future of Blogging | Where It’s Going & How to Stay Ahead

Of course the future of blogging is never guaranteed but a few things are pretty predictable. The way to spot these trends is the minute you see any ounce of differentiation or bloggers doing similar things that’s when you know it’s going down. Blogging started as a simple outfit of the day, before hashtags even existed, shot with a cheap point and shoot camera. Then, they went to multiple shots with a high quality DSLR. Then, they went to outfit shots with a little blurb about what the blogger is doing or upcoming events she’s attending. Now we know every aspect of bloggers’ lives from every angle and a blog is not just an online diary, it’s a full blown business. 

Lifestyle Branding

Look at We Wore What, talk about Digital World Takeover, Danielle is on fire! What was once a blog of outfit inspiration around FIT has now transpired into Home Wore What, He Wore What, We Ate What, and We Went Where. WWW is encompassing interior design, men’s fashion, food, and travel.

My girl, Lauryn from The Skinny Confidential has been ahead of the game for quite some time going from a health and fitness blog to a lifestyle blog which includes healthy recipes, home decor, fashion, boss babe interviews, unorthodox wellness tips, and a workout guide.

How To’s

How to’s have been popular for a while but they’re gaining more traction as we enter an era of information overload where everyone wants to know everything about anything. And where do they go for this? Google.

Can’t figure out how to wear culottes? Google it. A million “how to wear culottes” tutorials pop up. It’s a smart idea for you to join in on the action.

24/7 Interaction

People want to know what you’re doing, who you’re with, and where you’re going 24/7, especially if you’re a blogger. Snapchat (notanothrblonde) and Periscope are the best apps to interact with your readers.

Remember that time I said Periscope was going to blow up? Well it’s happening now with more and more bloggers signing up every day.

Podcasts

Podcasts are one of those things that never really go away but sometimes it’s more hot than others. Now is that time. There are a ton of great podcasts out there right now from Sophia Amoruso’s #GIRLBOSS radio to Man Repeller’s has Monocycle. And as I mentioned before I’m launching my own podcast so stay tuned and check back… you don’t want to miss this one.

Videos

If you can’t get a live fix from Periscope or Snapchat, YouTube is the next best thing. More and more bloggers are incorporating video into their blogs and why wouldn’t they?

People are visual and videos are a great way to get your audience even more engaged and help people put a face with a voice. If you don’t know where to start try saving all your Snapchats and making a YouTube mashup. Yes I know it’s genius.

Products

If you are a blogger you should absolutely capitalize on your following by putting out a product. Clothing lines are already huge amongst bloggers. Rumi Neely has Are You Am I, Shea Marie has Same Swim, and Sincerely Jules has Sincerely Jules. This is all great news because consumers are shying away from fast fashion brands and headed towards lesser known designers to spice things up.

Mark my words again when I say every big time blogger will put out a book at some point, probably sooner rather than later. The Blonde Salad, The Skinny Confidential, and Man Repeller are already there. Are you next?

Graphics 

This kind of goes along with “how to’s” where more bloggers are going to be sharing their top 5’s, DIY’s, and best places to ::fill in the blank::. The Skinny Confidential and Fashionlush are pros at this.

Business

Blogging is no longer just a hobby or pretty pictures. Blogging is a full blow business and industry! And many of these bloggers are so big they have a team like Zanita, We Wore What, and The Skinny Confidential. It’s way more work than non-bloggers think.

Trend forecasting

Trend forecasting has been around for years and Instagram makes it easier than ever to predict what the trends are going to be. If you follow the top bloggers you’ll have no problem pointing out what’s about to be hot and what’s not.

Research emerging apps

It’s harder and harder to catch up and stay ahead with new apps coming out every day. By the time you master one, it’s dead and there’s a newer more complicated replacement.

To avoid falling behind the best thing you can do is take to trusty Google every once in a while and research emerging apps. Just a quick browse at what’s going on and if one app catches your eye, it’s likely to be the next big thing so pay attention!

Pave the way

 The best way to stay ahead is to be yourself and try new things. The majority of people who get popular from blogging have a unique voice and can take a killer picture. Stop wasting time trying to be someone you’re not or doing what everyone else is doing. DO YOU.

That was a lot to handle I know, but what do you think? Do you have anything to add to the list? Tell me below.

xx