Hopefully, there will come a time in your blogging career when you finally feel like you’re making it! It can be a long road, and sometimes things move so gradually you don’t even realise it’s time to really knuckle down and get serious about your blog! Here are a few signals to watch out for, so you know when your blog is ready to start turning into a business!
How you know:
1. You’ve decided you want a career relevant to your blog
It doesn’t matter what stage your blog is at, if you intend to build a career in the niche you blog in, or in social media and similar sectors, then you need to hit the ground running. A blog can be as invaluable (if not more so depending on your chosen career path) as a C.V. so treat your site seriously if you plan to show it to employers!
2. You’ve started to accept products or sponsored opportunities
If you’ve started to accept requests for reviews, sponsored posts or attendance to events then that’s a pretty good sign! Make sure you stay on top of any money at all that you make, and record any product you take for free.
3. Brands have begun to get in touch with you!
If you’re starting to receive emails from brands and PR’s- there’s a reason for it. It’ll be safe to assume your blog is beginning to earn respect within your niche. If working with brands is the direction you want to go in then be prepared! Keep a professional tone of voice and get clear about what your limits are when it comes to placing content on your blog.
What now?
1. Get picky!
Remember, making it isn’t about how much money you make- this attitude will see your success become very short lived! Don’t cash in wherever and whenever you can, work in a way that suits you and with brands that align with your goals.
2. Come up with long term goals and a plan of action!
You should really do this whatever stage your blog is at- but if you’re starting to turn your blog into a brand you really need to stay on top of your growth and make sure you’re reaching the right standards. Work out how many new followers you average each week and try to increase this by 50% over 6 months, focus on building your social following as well as the SEO credentials of your blog!
3. Create a media pack with some stats and facts!
A great media pack offers clear information, presented in an interesting way! Include some key facts and figures (social reach, unique visitors on a monthly basis, relevance of following etc) and include some unique images as well! The largest PR’s and SEO’s will have seen literally hundreds of media packs- make sure yours can hold its own!
Any questions?! Feel free to comment below or tweet
Do you have any advice, links or templates on how to create a good media pack?
We can absolutely write up a post on that- I’m sure lots of people need advice on theirs!
I’ll write it up int eh next couple of weeks, if you have any specific questions on the topic feel free to email me with them! It’s