Presented by: Dana Holler CvilleFashion.com June 28, 2011 Fashion Blogging 101 Presented by: Dana Holler CvilleFashion.com June 28, 2011

Why blog? Blog as a business -> revenue Blog as a way to advance your business Blog as a social tool

Renowned fashion blogs Sea of Shoes What I Wore Adored Austin

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL FASHION BLOG? Clear, colorful, focused photos Interesting subject matter (for example, styling a new trend several ways) Features that captivate the reader and encourage two-way communication: Polls & surveys Engaging discussion topics Responding to readers’ comments to encourage further discussion Engaging in social media (Facebook, Twitter) Challenges (for example, wearing same scarf, different ways, for one week) Set yourself apart from the rest - be a “pioneer” or start a niche blog (for example, blogging about one topic – like shoes – or covering fashion in a specific city)

Blogging faux pas Narcissism - appearing to be too into yourself Blogging too frequently (several times a day) or not often enough (once every two weeks or less) Being negative (overly critical of others’ wardrobes, etc.) Not staying true to your own personality and style

My background Graduated from Appalachian State University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s in Business, focus on Information Systems No fashion education, but obsessed with fashion magazines A little journalism in college Currently work full time as an IT project manager

About Cville fashion Local “niche” blog Started in September 2010 Content includes: Sales and fashion-related events in town Outfit ideas using items from various local stores Some coverage of beauty ideas and trends Occasional contests Personal fashion (outfit photos, etc.) Main goal of Cville Fashion: to promote local fashion – boutiques, designers, and events 273 Twitter followers, 100 Likes on Facebook

Monetizing your blog Advertising – free to set up Google AdSense You are paid when a visitor clicks on the ad Affiliate marketing You are paid when a visitor clicks on the ad AND purchases something from that site Several sites offer this, for example, Commission Junction) Commissions may come less often than ad clicks, but are worth significantly more when they do occur Writing gigs Local magazines Guest columnist for other sites

the reality of blogging for $$$ Can anyone guess how much money I’ve made in advertising in my first nine months of blogging?

the reality of blogging for $$$ Answer: $5.83 Reality: Most bloggers use their blog as a supplemental (not primary) source of income.

Writing gigs Have written guest fashion columns for Suzy Said Charlottesville Currently write one fashion column/month for Charlottesville Woman’s blog Currently write for the quarterly (printed) version of Charlottesville Woman Real world advice: Expect about $50/article for paying gigs

Challenges of blogging Time (work/life balance) Coming up with new content, getting inspired (writer’s block) Getting the word out and generating site traffic

What’s in it for me? Little money, but… A presence in our local network of bloggers Helping the community by promoting local businesses A creative outlet Perks Invites to special events in town Spots on local radio

What can you do? Learn basic computer skills – typing, uploading/copying photos, creating hyperlinks Find something unique to write about – a style, a story, a challenge, your designs Start blogging for free – set up a blog at tumblr.com Read fashion magazines – keep tear-outs to make your own inspiration boards (I recommend InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar) Read “deep” material too – books, and magazines like Vanity Fair – to stimulate your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills Read fashion blogs frequently Learn and practice photography (basic skills, at the least) Learn photo-editing software, like Adobe Photoshop

Questions???