[Image via heartifb.com]
Ever wonder about the behind-the-scenes inner-functioning and operations of the blogging world?We attended the two-day Independent Fashion Bloggers conference, affectionately referred to as IFBCON, in order to share the ins and outs of the business side of blogging as well as how to expand (or create) your site and brand.
What we learned:
1. Having an agent: As a blogger, having an agent can be helpful for establishing partnerships and ensuring a check arrives in the mail every month, but it is by no means a necessity to have a successful blog. In some cases it can even be damaging. No one knows what is best for your site better than you. Its important that you partner with companies that fit with your blog and honor your creative vision. In regards to contracts, you should only seek advice from an attorney. They can help you negotiate deals and protect you better than an agent. As long as you stay true to your blog and have confidence, there is no reason you can’t succeed on your own.
2. Controlling Traffic: The recognition your blog receives is entirely dependent on how you post, rather than what you post. Posting during peak internet hours is key. This means that posts should be published when people are most likely to be online. Also, be sure to share your site and update followers on all social media platforms. Take a look at your analytics and see where your posts are receiving the most views and how viewers are being directed to your site. By giving credit to different brands you feature, companies you worked with, etc. is a great way will expand your reach. However, be sure to incorporate the credit naturally – no reader wants to be bombarded with featured products and partnerships.
3. Compensation: This is probably the most difficult and confusing aspect for bloggers. How do you get paid?! Being a fashion blogger, it typically comes from avenues such as giveaways from brands, designers etc., but the promotions you do with these products generally doesn’t involve payment. However, establishing partnerships with companies can often lead to special projects and campaigns, which definitely deserve compensation. Time is money, so don’t be shy about ensuring you’ll receive payment and make sure you have a contract in place to protect you and your work.
4. Iman: as the keynote speaker of Day 2 at IFB CON, Iman offered incredible tidbits of information, perfect sound bites, and useful advice that anyone can consider to better themselves in their career and their brand. Iman, who recently started a blog, which operates like an online magazine (DestinationIman.com), discussed her move from modeling to cosmetics, and now has a line of apparel and accessories at HSN. Some of the best quotes from her from the panel: “I stopped modeling and attending fashion shows so that I would be taken seriously,” “any self-respecting model of color carries their own foundation with them to jobs,” and “Make yourself irreplaceable and indispensable.”
-Danielle Sepanek & Julia DiNardo
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