At this point there are millions of blogs in the world. New posts are published every day, and new blogs launch all of the time. Some of these bloggers/influencers manage to make successful careers from their content. They work with big brands, they write books, they tutor, and coach other bloggers and they earn good money.
But, a blog is not a get rich quick scheme and it isn’t an easy money method. As with the days when I was a freelance journalist, I find that many bloggers struggle to be seen and treated as professionals. We spend weeks chasing payment, many emails we get from brands expect us to work for free, and it can be scary to send off rates to brands we love. Over the years, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to work a number of large and small brands. From that experience, here are a few things I’ve noticed helps if you want to be taken seriously as a blogger.
Change Your Domain
Most bloggers start with a .wordpress domain. Or maybe you have a Blogspot domain. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s a fantastic way to dip your toe into the blogging world. It’s a chance to learn the basics without a big commitment, and it’s an ideal start. But, as your blog grows and it begins to morph from a little side project to a side hustle, these free domains are not enough. It’s time to get your own domain name, with a .com ending.
Personally, I made this change after landing my first couple smaller brand collaborations. I wanted them to feel confident working with me, and I wanted future brands to see my professionalism.
If you make that change, it’s also a good time to take a look at your blog name and the rest of your domain. Is it the same? Does it still suit your brand? It’s much easier to change your domain name early on, but it’s never too late. Just make sure if you make a significant change, you change all of your social media profiles and other related accounts to match.
Present Yourself Professionally
If you want to be treated as a professional, you need to act like one. Honestly, I will say this is my biggest pet peeve. I’ve heard PR reps mention never hearing back from a blogger. I’ve spoken to brands that were burned after sending product that a blogger promised to review and then getting nothing but crickets.
Treat this like a job, whether it is your full-time gig or just a fun hobby. To me, that means responding to emails. Fulfilling your end of the deal. Being honest with a brand about what you can deliver, what you thought of the product, what you need to make this collaboration successful.
If you have been using your personal social media accounts, create separate ones for your business. Make sure you are professional on these accounts and that you speak to people and conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times. That doesn’t mean that you can’t chat and build relationships with your audience, in fact, as a blogger that’s something that you absolutely must do, but be aware that anyone can read everything you say online.
Change Your Emails
If your emails are coming from a personal account, that needs changing too. Find Professional email hosting, use your blog address and add your logo to your signature.
But, there’s more to it than that. When you send emails, they must be well-written, well worded and professional if you want the recipients to take you seriously. Make sure you check your spelling and grammar and that you never use slang or informal language. Having essentials like invoice templates that you can use easily can also look much more professional than just sending requests for payment. While I still use gmail for my blog. My email still contains a professional looking image and signature.
Work on Your Blog Design
The design on your blog is another essential if you want to be taken seriously. Newbie bloggers often get excited and throw everything at it. There are pictures everywhere. The layout is filled with bright colors and large swirly text. There may be pop-up windows and music that begins when the page opens.
Make things more professional by working on your photography, including lots of white space, thinking carefully about the layout and keeping things simple. Your blog should look good, be easy to read and work quickly. Consider keeping a single theme or look to your blog so that everything fits together in a cohesive whole. This is easier said than done but it goes a long way in making your work look intentional.
Your content should also be of a high standard. Work on your writing, use a grammar checking tool, break the text up with photos and graphics and make sure that all of your content either entertains or informs your readers.
Get Over Imposter Syndrome
I think we ladies tend to do this more than men. We doubt our abilities. We doubt our worth. We wonder if we are good enough. We worry that a specific brand hasn’t reached out. We compare ourselves to another and feel the weight of not measuring up.
I think, imposter syndrome is huge for bloggers. Rather than play the comparison game or get down on ourselves for not being at a certain level or partnering with certain brands, consider what you do really well. Have a running list of the things you excel at. Have your elevator pitch ready about why you and your blog are a great outlet for brands to partner with. Know your demographics and be able to speak to them.
Consider… If you went into a career as a lawyer, would you automatically expect to be representing big clients? Would you expect to be the best from day one? Or, would you expect to have to take your time to improve your skills and build a reputation? Blogging is the same. You can’t compare your beginning to someone else’s peak. We each have our own unique set of talents and skills. Use and foster yours and don’t compare.
