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

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

3. Renowned fashion blogs
Sea of Shoes
What I Wore
Adored Austin

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Questions???