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It’s kind of crazy to think that I’m entering year two of being a full-time blogger. My friends and family overwhelmingly supported my decision to pursue this dream, but it was really nervewracking to think that I wasn’t going to have a paycheck every two weeks while I was on this journey. I’ve learned so much about myself and my potential over the last year, and I’m excited to see what I can accomplish in year 2!
One thing about being self-employed? You never want to plateau. After a crazy busy holiday season, I was able to reset over the last few weeks, recharge creatively and think about how I’m going to improve this year. Here’s how I plan on becoming a better blogger this year.
5 WAYS TO BECOME A BETTER BLOGGER
Take Advantage of Any Opportunity to Meet Someone in Person
Working from home has been odd this past year. I struggled with it at first, because I always had to physically go into an office when I was working from my 9-5. When I first had a wide open day to do whatever I pleased, it was a little bit of a hot mess to be quite honest. I would either end up doing laundry and become distracted in my own apartment, or I would work a 14-hour day because I didn’t have a reason to log off.
Since I work on a desktop, I can no longer bring my computer into a coffee shop to work during the day. However, this year I’m making it a point to leave my apartment if possible and meeting the brands I’m collaborating with in person. I live so close to New York (I’m only 1.5 hours away by train), and it’s quite silly that I didn’t make an effort to go into the city 1-2 times a month to set up meetings with folks. I’m headed up to New York twice this month, and I’m meeting folks in person in Philly tomorrow for a collaboration, and getting out of my house to mingle with people IRL is helping me get my energy and passion back for my brand.
Collaborate With New Creatives
After the holiday season, I felt like I was in a creative rut. In 2016, I had to work with a variety of different photographers to produce content, and in the end, that ended up being a really good thing: the more creatives I had the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with, the stronger my brand was.
In 2017, I met my boyfriend, who happens to be a professional photographer. While he’s a fantastic photographer, it got to the point where I didn’t feel like working with anyone else because I already knew who I wanted to shoot with. I started to notice by the end of the year that I was coming up with the same concepts for shoots, over and over again.
Last week, I headed up to NYC to shoot with Laurel Creative, and immediately afterward I felt amazing. I felt refreshed. Recharged. Ready to conquer my next project. This year, I’m hoping to expand my portfolio and collaborate with more local creatives so I can keep producing fresh, original content.
Stop Caring About Things That Aren’t Important
Listen: it’s good to care. It’s good to put effort into creating good content, to develop new social strategies and to put together the best portfolio possible. However, there’s a lot of crap in the blogging world that you really shouldn’t care about. Oh, that influencer got picked for this opportunity over you? Cool, keep it moving. Is this blogger using bots to cheat on Instagram? It doesn’t affect you. Did this brand take four weeks to approve your draft? No need to stress. 2018 is the year where I’m not sweating the small stuff because quite frankly, I have better things to do.
Take A Social Media Detox Day
I’ve already started to do this, and I feel so much better. Instagram can be really…exhausting. This sounds silly, but every move I make on the platform is super calculated and curated, and it’s also the platform where most brands request ads on. Usually, on a Saturday or Sunday, I’ll take the time to disconnect from the platform: I’m not engaging with any content, answering DMs, or posting new content on my own. I’m either out with friends, sitting and watching a Netflix marathon, or traveling — but not scrolling my life away on IG. I can’t tell you how refreshing this has been!
Remember Why You Started Blogging in the First Place
Now that this is my full-time career, sometimes blogging stresses me out and at times it’s not very enjoyable. Chasing down unpaid invoices, getting passed over for opportunities, and scrolling through endless contracts aren’t always fun. However, I started my blog because I love creating content. I get a rush whenever I have an idea for a post, and I can execute that idea from start to finish. I love the opportunity to meet other bloggers across the country. I LOVE getting to know the people who read this little blog. And lastly, I love that this blog has taken me to places I’ve never been before.
Printed Maxi Dress (Also Here) | Leather Jacket | Handbag | Similar Booties | Earrings | Scarf
Photos by Laurel Creative
I’m definitely gonna take of these ideas into my own life. I really wish this year would be the year I make blogging my job but I feel like I’m still light years away haha
Marta – http://www.aroundcolours.com
I love this list! And I love your last point. I recently had that A-HA moment too and it really refreshed my perspective!
Xx Taylor
http://www.lightscameracatwalk.com/
Love this list! Also good to know that I’m not the only one that sort of swung the pendulum on “work from home” days. I don’t blog full time (yet – that’s the dream!) but I made a big effort to take days where I did nothing but work on my blog and business. It essentially went one of two ways – some days I would power through filming, editing, posting, emailing etc with no breakfast, lunch, or breaks. Other days I did….nothing. lol. BALANCE!
Can’t wait to see what you do this year!
xoxo Kelsey
http://www.blondesandbagels.com
First, beautiful look all over. Second, congrats on taking that leap of faith. One day for me, maybe. Third, great article and even better inspiration for me to reach out to other bloggers. I really do need to get my butt in gear and meet more creatives as you call it. Thanks for the push.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
I am blogging for 10 months now, and I can totally relate to the need of social media detox day. It is so hard to implement it though 🙁
Well, I leave for Africa soon, and hopefully internet signal in some places will force me to take on your idea lol
I am blogging for 10 months now, and I can totally relate to the need of social media detox day. It is so hard to implement it though 🙁
Well, I leave for Africa soon, and hopefully internet signal in some places will force me to take on your idea lol
http://www.pipeaway.com
Oh my! This was so inspirational to read, thank you for sharing your thoughts about blogging and the year of 2018 blogger goals. I have just started blogging about few weeks ago, still learning everything. Have a great new year and all the best for your blogging career. 🙂
Love this post, Alicia. I wish I lived closer to NYC because it’d be so nice to be able to meet with brands in person sometimes without paying for a flight haha.
I love collaborating with other creatives even if it’s just to sit down and discuss our goals and plans and get feedback. I am just loving everything you are doing! Thanks for sharing!
Love your post!
I love your outfit, your writing and this whole post!
Amen to the social media detox day! I’m just starting to implement it and it feels SO good!
Lauren
https://www.basicbabelauren.com
I love this look on you! Sometimes maxi dresses can be “summer-y.” This is the perfect winter/fall look and still a beautiful maxi dress.
I love this post – such a refreshing approach to the new year! I love the idea of taking a social media detox day. That would be such a great way to take a break and come back to Instagram refreshed and inspired!
xoxo, Cecilia // sunnysidececilia.com
I can relate to so many points you made. Epecially Instagram. My post’s are also curated. I like to take a few days away from it. I’m eager to find a separate working space. Working from home has so many benefits, but it would be nice to distance myself from work. Great post!!