7 Tools Every Fashion Blogger Needs
I had a phone call with an aspiring fashion blogger today. She had questions for me about getting started in the blogging industry and her excitement was exhilarating. To me, there’s nothing better than helping others get started in this industry. To have the knowledge of someone who has been blogging for 6 years and keep it to myself would be a shame.
Recently there have been a few key tools that have been incredibly helpful when it comes to blogging. These are tools that I use everyday, and tools that I literally could not live without. I hope these tools help every fashion blogger become more productive and successful with your blog!
- A calendar or planner -I’m not the best when it comes to laying out an editorial calendar for the month ahead. I try to plan when I can, and at other times I’m scrambling to get a blog post together the night before. The one thing that keeps me somewhat on task is a planner. I’m not a google calendar person. I have to literally write things down. My Day Designer has been a lifesaver. It’s like my blogging bible where I scribble down notes, post ideas, and plan the week ahead.
- Instagram Editing Apps– I’ve received a ton of love on my post about How To Make Money On Instagram, and a post that I’m currently working on is about How To Edit Your Instagram Photos. Stay tuned for that in the next couple of weeks, but in the meantime you need to download FaceTune, VSCO Cam, and Afterlight and familiarize yourself with them!
- A Photographer– This seems like a no-brainer, but investing in high-quality imagery is crucial for your blog. My husband is an amazing photographer, but about 2 months ago I started working with a local photographer here in Austin, and it’s been an amazing experience. Editing photos takes a lot of time & effort, and we just didn’t have time for it anymore. I’m also able to shoot multiple looks at a time, which is really beneficial.
- An Affiliate Network– If you’re going to be posting fashion photos, you deserve to get paid when someone purchases something that you’re wearing. Two of my favorites are Rewardstyle & MagicLinks. You have to be accepted into Rewardstyle so you will need to make sure you meet all of the criteria. MagicLinks will accept users who have a blog or Youtube channel as long as you are a legitimate person who is looking to monetize your content.
- A Reliable Laptop– I say laptop instead of computer, because I’m always on the go and need to take my work with me. Obviously this is a no-brainer, but if you’re really serious about being a fashion blogger, a reliable laptop is essential. I have a MacBook Air and absolutely love it. I’ve had it for years, and it’s still working flawlessly. Totally worth the investment!
- A Budget-Buying clothes in the beginning isn’t easy, unless you have a budget or some side money. In order to break into the business you’re going to have to save some money that you can set aside for new clothes. A lot of times you can reach out to brands or collaborate with local boutiques to get you started, but that isn’t always the case, and you want to make sure you have consistent content to keep your followers engaged.
- A Killer Work Ethic– I don’t think most people understand how hard a fashion blogger works. It’s like any business. It takes a lot of work & a lot of time. If it’s something that you love to do, then all of the long hours are totally worth it!
SHOP THE POST:
Have I missed any tips that have made you successful as a fashion blogger? Feel free to leave them for me in the comments! As always, thanks so much for stopping by!
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I need to favorite this post!! I couldn’t agree more about each one of these tips. I am planning (haha..planning) on getting the Erin Condren planner sometime soon! My boss has one & it seems perfect what what I need, but I will also check out the Day Designer one as well. Also, I really need to look into Affiliate Networks. I am not too familiar with how it all works, especially since right now I am just trying to get started and am just thrilled that I’m putting together quality fashion post consistently. But I would like to start doing this very soon! Thanks again for sharing; this was super helpful! -xx Anna
http://www.annaclarkeblog.com
I LOVED this post, and have been enjoying following you on Instagram. It took me awhile to find my niche and place. My blog focuses on fashion, travel and lifestyle, so my IG was a confusing cluster of random travel photos, outfits, and other random bits. I never knew what to focus on. Recently, I’ve been working on just focusing on fashion. Even while traveling, I focus on outfits (but with a killer back ground behind! Think Tuula Vintage ;))
For me I found the most frustrating aspect was finding someone to take my photos. My fiancé doesn’t have the patience, so I’ve worked with local photographers. I still edit most of my photos, and it’s incredibly time consuming. However, I’m also super picky and have had bad experiences with photographers editing the images. I’m just a beginner, but I recently hit 11K on IG and was so pumped about that. I’m proud of myself. Posts like these help me a lot! I may be emailing you in the future.
Keep rocking it!
Chelsea
@inspirationindulgence
Thanks amazing Chelsea! Yes, a photographer can be a HUGE help! Maybe you can find one who will also edit photos?
great tips! while im not a fashion blogger by a stretch, these tips would be highly great for crafters/diyers like myself..definitely checking out those Instagram apps – always need help with my photos
thanks for sharing these!
Great tips – thank you for sharing! Have you heard of the Instagram app, A Color Story? Should definitely check it out for your future post! 🙂
Rebecca || http://www.simplysapough.com
Yes to the work ethic! Blogging is a TON of work!
I love the photographer idea. As a fitness blogger, I haven’t really thought about it but think I should. Quality photos help EVERY time!
Lee Ann this is so fabulous, thanks for sharing! I have been blogging for 18 mos and still don’t have the monetizing thing going much…the techy stuff bogs me down a lot! I have applied to rewards style several times..no dice :/ I do have shopstyle. Photography is number one on the list..I am just now finding pro photographers that are reasonable…
BEst to you!
xo
Valerie
You are so right about all of these and I can definitely relate when it comes to the photographer. My husband used to take my photos too but I switched to a professional photographer a while back and I’m so glad I did! My hubby was a decent photographer and I still have him take photos in a pinch, but it’s just way easier this way!
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
I use my Google calendar to map things out but I also totally rely on a huge white year long calendar. It’s so helpful but so oldfashioned. I love it!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
My husband recently told me he was over taking pics too… I love working with my photographer because shes always open to pay and location and number of outfits. These are all great!
I wish I could be a style blogger. Haha. Y’all always look so pretty. I feel like it takes way too much for me to think about that. Great tips. I think most of those apply to all bloggers. 🙂
I think 6 and 7 are super important! You need to budget your blog!! It can’t just be random purchases! And blogging is not easy, it requires a lot of work I wish more people understood that!
These are great tips, Lee Anne. I think getting started with some of these things are difficult, but having a good work ethic is the most important! Thanks for sharing this! XO, Sarah | http://www.thebellainsider.com/ | http://www.instagram.com/sarah_thebella
Loved this post! I am relatively new to the blogging scene and have been trying to see how I can profit from my blogging, and these tips were super helpful!
As a college freshman, it is hard to find a photographer. Do you have any tips for finding a local photographer? Thanks so much! xoxo
Great tips! I definitely agree having a strong work ethic is a must-have! Blogging is hard work and anyone who thinks it’s easy is crazy! 🙂
these are great tips and I feel like they are tips I can actually use and create within my own blog. I really need to get better about using the affiliate networks. I am SO bad. And, finding a photographer — think your husband can come teach mine 🙂
This is a really great post…all of these things are really necessary for bloggers!
This is such a great post! I couldn’t agree with you more about the planner and work ethic points. Being organized and having a strong work ethic are crucial to succeed in any business. I’m excited to try out some new photo editing apps for Instagram soon. Now that I have a new phone I finally have room 🙂
Definitely all necessities! Two things I need to work on though it being better about a planner and a budget (such a horrid word 😉 ). Great post!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
I agree with majority of these. Not everyone has someone to take photos of them so I know some bloggers use tripod to take their pictures.
Im just starting as a new blogger so anything helps! I dont have a photographer, bought a tripod but i may be able to ask a few people to catch me in my OOTD lol any other suggestions?
You literally nailed each detail on the head. These are exactly the things you need. Without a planner we’d be walking in circles all day.
I love this post! I always have the hardest time sticking to an editorial calendar even though I know it would probably help tremendously, lol. I’m also thinking of hiring a photographer and hearing how much easier it’s been for you makes me want to finally go for it!
xo Brie
http://www.sophistifunkblog.com
Love this! I really need to invest in a photographer because my fiance is becoming way too busy to take my photos each week.
xoxo, Jenny
I am downloading those apps right now!! Thank you – was looking for some better editing apps!
These are all definitely true! I invested in a laptop right before I started my blog and a good work ethic is key! Now I am looking to upgrade my photo quality and buy a nicer camera.
Great tips! I’m also not that diligent when it comes to content planning – I tend to fly by the seat of my pants! – but I’m trying to get more disciplined about this. I’m hanging out (and hoping!) that Apple release a new MacBook Air this year which will be my long-awaited treat to myself.
This is such a great post! I started reading it earlier and got lost in the Day Planner haha. I love the Day Designer system and there are new covers since I last checked. Great tips- cant agree more!
Good post and totally nailed it with all of the requirements. Blogging is hard work!
– Hannah, http://www.thecatsandcoffee.com
These are great tips! When I first started blogging I didn’t have a laptop and I didn’t realize how much more difficult I was making things for myself.
I also know it can be costly to work with a photographer, but I found an amatueur photography group in Houston that will do photo shoots just for the experience. They’re just hobbyists, so instead of having to ask a professional who relies on their photography skills for an income to either discount their services or work for free, I’m able to get great pics without the guilt.
I’m finally using my planner! Oops. I’ve been going off the seat off my pants for almost a year. Ha. And as far as the closet…well, I’ve never had a problem with that. 😉 Great post, mama!
xo
http://mykindofsweet.com/
As a magazine fashion editor, I say yes to all of this. I speak with a lot of fashion bloggers every day and this is a great and informative post to coach them on how to kick off a successful run as a fashion blogger. Lovely blog!
Thanks so much Mandi, so sweet of you!
Super helpful! I went into blogging totally blind and it has been so awesome and so hard at the same time! These are great tips. I am looking forward to reading more! I totally need help!
Totally agree with all of this but especially that last point – a killer work ethic! You defo need to be determined to get to where you want to be.
Lottie xx
http://lottielamour.co.uk
Love this, I didn’t even think about affiliate networking. These will have to be something I try I out!
Great tips! I’m so glad you mentioned work ethic — I don’t think people realize how much work truly goes into blogging!
What a great post that any fashion blogger should read!
Lauren
Great post! I recently wrote about the benefits of having a professional photographer, and it totally changes the game!
Also, I am investing in a calendar app now, because I need to get better about organizing myself and managing my schedule in that way.
I really loved this, it’s so great to be reminded and learn what others are doing.
So good!
xo
Krista
http://www.hundredblog.com
That was so helpful! I feel like I am still quite new to blogging, because I didn’t understand the importance of planning until now, lol. I definitely need to work on organizing my schedule around a day job to get better at blogging. Thanks so much for this post!
http://www.yuliannova.com/
Totally agree with all 7!
xo
http://alliesfashionalley.com
As a food blogger, all of the above apply. Especially the planner!!
Amen! When I tell people I blog they just look at me like I’m the laziest person. They have no idea that its a full time job, even when you hire out photography.
I really needed this post! At times blogging can be discouraging especially since I’m doing it while being in college. Sometimes it good to get motivation from other bloggers who have been where you are. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
So true about the work ethic. It is so much work!
Thank you so much for this information. And I’m totally agree with you when you said that bloggers work hard. This post is so amazing. Thank you again for posting this type of information.