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Blogging has become a popular option – whether for fashion, beauty, or food. While the social media handles of the bloggers you admire look beautiful with well-curated imagery and a high glam quotient, there’s a lot that is unseen. Followers don’t always realise the amount of hard work, dedication, research and investment of time, energy and money that goes into running a successful blog. Speaking of money, how does a blogger finance their blogging venture? Do they earn anything through it? We got experienced bloggers to share the inside story for aspirants who are thinking about setting up blogging ventures.
Starting Fresh
When starting a blog, the first thing to have is clarity – about your idea and your own capability to be able to produce content for the same. Meenu Goel Khade (@shes_a_sixteen on Instagram), a fashion, beauty, food, and travel blogger point out that organic growth takes time. “As cliched or redundant as they might sound, all the usual points – be consistent, quality over quantity, don’t let the numbers game get to you – are important to keep in mind.”
“Anybody who is starting out should always focus on quality over quantity,” agrees Puja Wani (@pujawani on Instagram), a fashion designer and blogger. “You don’t have to post something every day! You can define the number of posts and be consistent.”
Their advice on the all-important money issue? Don’t depend on blogging as your only source of income, Goel Khade avers. “I started blogging back in 2015 and have had a steady full-time corporate job alongside,” she explains. Says food and travel blogger Sailee Paranjpe (@iforexplore on Instagram), “If you just start off with an Instagram page, money doesn’t come into the picture. The phone cameras today are good enough to use. When it comes to a website, one would have to invest in the server space. Planning and consistency are key if you want to monetise the blog.” Make sure you plan the feasibility and content plan well in advance.
Keep Expenses Realistic And Staggered
“To begin with, start with what you have,” Paranjpe advises. While this might sound obvious, many think they need to go shopping (unless you’re just using this as an excuse to shop) or invest in ‘fancier’ products. “All it takes is fresh, innovative ideas, and a phone with a good camera,” Goel Khade points out. The pandemic has changed the game to quite an extent when it comes to content creation. “If you’d like to work within a small budget, then, thanks to the internet, that has been made more than achievable. You can refer to YouTube videos and make your own reflector at home for shoots!” she enthuses. “On the other hand, if you’re looking at spending on some must-haves, invest in a DSLR with a lens that suits your requirements and a tripod.”
Depending on your main area of interest when it comes to blogging, look at starting out with the stuff and knowledge you already possess, Goel Khade advises. “You can play around with the pieces in your wardrobe instead of buying new things just for a shoot,” Wani tells us, “You can also borrow from friends and family for the shoots. When it comes to pictures, you can self-shoot and even make DIY backdrops.” Paranjpe adds that, down the line, you can invest in a good camera, an annual subscription for website server space, and domain name payments as well as in courses to improve your skills. Another place you’ll have to put in some money, Wani points out: “When it comes to collaborations, not everything is going to be sponsored every time. There will be times when you might have to pay for your travel or commute or photo shoots.”
Invest Right In The Must-Haves
Wani believes in investing in basics. “You can build some amazing looks with good basics. A few statement pieces are also a good investment. Other than that, a ring-light or tripod is a must-have.” Paranjpe reiterates that a good camera, mic and a proper website are what you need to ensure you have. Goel feels that the must-haves for a blogger are subjective. She says that one can get some fairy lights to create a bokeh effect, different types of fabrics and chart papers or handmade papers to use as backdrops for outfit pictures and flat-lay photography, real or artificial plants and flowers as elements to uplift the aesthetics, as also props such as dream catchers, lamps or baskets. “I do not think these are must-haves but they do help add that extra something to pictures,” she is quick to note.
Making It Pay
When it comes to financing oneself as a new blogger, Goel Khade suggests having an alternative source of income: “It could be anything you’re comfortable with.” Paranjpe advises newbie bloggers to be consistent and see how your page is growing; “Invest as required depending on your growth. Continue to freelance (or work at another job) until you reach a point where blogging will pay you or until brands reach out to you.”
Also Read: Looking To Start A Fashion Blog? Here Are A Few Tips
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