Why I'm NOT Another Blogger Just 'Looking For Freebies'
My blog has taken a step back whilst I have been at university, however over the years I have dedicated hours upon hours creating content for the world to read. Whether it be a makeup review or simply one of my 'write it in the moment' posts, I pour my heart and soul into it. I have sobbed, laughed and have had to relive some of the most difficult times in my life, when writing posts. So when people say that my blog is a waste of time or it is simple to do, it can be disheartening.
Recently, there has been a lot of talk circling Twitter about bloggers and how they utilise their blog and work with some amazing brands. According to a lot of people, blogging is easy. It is simply writing down your thoughts and clicking upload. But I bet all the bloggers reading this post will agree with me when I say that, it is not easy.
When you set up a blog and spend hours or even years creating it, it becomes your own business. Whether, it be a business that generates income in the form of payment or not. I have worked with some brands over the years, most of which have approached me. Some I have been paid for, some I haven't. In no way did I think that by setting up my blog, I would become successful overnight and be earning a solid wage. To be honest, I don't think my blog will ever get to that point and that is purely because that is not what I personally want. If it does then great, if it doesn't it just simply doesn't.
What I think we need to remind people of, is that our blogs are not just words on a screen. They're hours of photography, editing, planning, scheduling, creating, promoting and replying. I put my blog at the forefront of my CV, as it is one of my greatest achievements. It is one of the main platforms that has given me a chance to showcase my talents and ability. I am my own boss and I have done this all by myself.
By starting this blog, I can say that I have created a brand. On my own I have set up the design, I've built my audience of roughly 10.8K followers, I have planned content, planned collaborations, scheduled content across all social media platforms, engaged with my following on all of those platforms... the list can go on forever.
So when the next person or even brand says to you that you're not good enough and your blog is pointless, you can tell them that you are;
- A blogger (obvs)
- A content creator
- A writer
- A manager
- A photographer
- An editor
- A business owner
- A branding specialist
- A marketer
- An Advertiser
- A promoter
- A social media content creator
(Feel free to add more)
After saying all of this, someone might say "You don't need to do it" and that is right, I don't. But I chose to do it. I am not moaning about the fact that I have a lot to do, because my blog has given me so many skills that I am able to transfer into the working world, as well as my Advertising and Marketing Communications degree. But, I just want to make people aware that blogging isn't something you can just start one day and expect it to take off overnight. It is something you need to put a lot of hard work and effort in.
So, if you're sitting there thinking that you are going to become the next big blogger after days of setting up your blog, think again. The reason why I decided to write this post, was because I have had a lot of people asking me how I grew my audience and whether they should include their blog on their CV. And the answer to that is YES. Your blog is the one thing that makes you stand out. It is a creative portfolio of all of your greatest skills. If a brand ever turns you down because you're 'just another blogger looking for freebies', remind them that you're more than a blogger; you are a business owner who can offer a lot of opportunities for brands.
But most of all, remember that you blog for you, no one else. If you start a blog purely to get money or 'free things', give up now.
What are your thoughts?
Let me know in the comments below!
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