
Happy FRIDAY my loves!!! Really excited because today I’m off to Atlanta for Create + Cultivate! So honored to be a part of the “Renaissance Women” panel and will be speaking about what being a modern millennial woman means to me! Jaclyn Johnson, the founder of C+C will be moderating, and we’ll be talking lots about how to get started in this industry, how to grow your blog and expand into new business ventures (design, creative direction, etc.) and more! Will any of you be there? If so, please do come say hi, would love to meet you! If you can’t make it to my panel, please come by bebe’s booth after for a meet and greet! I’ll be there at 5pm! Will also be hosting mentor sessions from 1:15-2:30!
I wanted to leave you guys with a few tips I always try to keep in mind while growing my blog and career. These are the elements I think are most important to follow as a new blogger if you’re looking for a bit of direction and a basic place to start! Hope they’re helpful! Would love to hear what tips you have for me too! Happy weekend!
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Be consistent!
Post three to five times a day on your social channels and make each post as personal as possible. Focus on driving traffic back to the blog by incentivizing your followers with great outfit or product posts that they’ll want more details on. In the beginning, I did a lot of giveaways and contests to drive traffic to my site, which helped a lot.
Once you start seeing engagement, you will soon find your niche and following. It’s important to stay true to yourself as a blogger and your passion. I always focused on combing my music career with fashion and beauty. As time went on I incorporated a bit more lifestyle elements into my blog such as food and fitness, but I never lost sight of why I started my blog in the first place.
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Quality
I spend a lot of time making sure my content is always high quality, the coloring of each photo is consistent and on brand, and I’m serving my audience with the information they are asking for. One of the biggest challenges for bloggers is to create content that is consistent and unique. I focus on creating high-quality content that is unique, interesting and inspiring to my readers and keeps them coming back to my blog. The apps I use to curate my Instagram feed are VSCO, Snapseed, and Facetune. VSCO features all my favorite filters such as S2, A6 and F2. I use Snapseed to brighten up most of my photos and remove any unwanted shadows. I also like using the saturation feature on Snapseed to emphasize the color of certain objects, scenery, clothing or food. I use Facetune to bring out any details in my clothing or accessories that tend to be a bit blurred out. And lastly, who can live without the smoothing app? My go-to for selfies! Just make sure you don’t over smooth your skin.
Something exciting I’ve been working on is remodeling my blog! I’ve spent a lot of time deciding what to change and how to improve the blog as my aesthetic evolves and my following continues to grow. I have always kept my blog easy-to-navigate for my readers and designed it in a way that is true to my aesthetic and brand. However, it is time for an update and I’m excited to share the new blog with you guys very soon!
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Teamwork really does make the dream work!
Find a great photographer to partner with that can share your vision, or team up with other influencers and take each other’s photos. You will feed off of each other’s creativity. The blogging industry has become very saturated and it’s important to use your blogger friends as inspiration and collaborate with them on projects that can benefit everyone. My blog is a constant work in progress and I’m always looking for ideas to improve and grow my vision. It’s important to find a team that can share your aesthetic and vision.
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Get organized.
Once jobs start rolling in, keeping deadlines and post dates in order can be daunting. Make sure you’ve got a system in place from the beginning so you don’t become overwhelmed. When my blog really started to pick up, I wasn’t as prepared as I should have been. Keeping my calendar organized is something I rely on daily to schedule my posts, events, shoots, and arrange my content. I also use Planoly to organize my Instagram feed. When I post content for the brands I work with, they have to be scheduled on time and posted during high traffic hours. Apps such as Iconosquare can help you track your followers and analyze ideal posting-times for your photos.
For the past few months, I’ve been working on a really exciting project for Naked Cashmere. It has been a challenging process coordinating 10 influencers and bloggers for a shoot as well as being in charge of the advertising, styling and overall look of the campaign. GoogleDocs has been one of my go-to platforms for projects like this because my team and I can collaborate ideas, information, and resources in a convenient matter. When I travel for work, I am still able to put forth a collaborate effort with my team, so we can all be on the same page.
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Vision
Be clear with yourself about the intentions of your blog so that other people can be, too. It’s important to never lose sight of your core inspiration, if you try to post about too many different topics, your blog’s overall theme might get lost. The better intent you have for your blog and readers, the better your blog will be in the long term. Stay true to your vision including everything from the branding, logo, website to the content of your blog. Soon after I established my vision for the blog, I set goals and objectives for myself. Seeing the results and being recognized for my creativity didn’t come immediately. When I finally started seeing results is when I knew my hard work and drive led me to something amazing. Blogging has opened up many opportunities for me and as lucky as I am to be able to do what I love everyday, I commit everything to executing my vision on a daily basis.
Sharon Wu
Such a great post — quite possibly one of my faves by you so far!!! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us and for sharing your tips on how to grow as a blogger. I have always wondered how other people do it so it’s nice to see a different perspective :) I believe that consistency is definitely key to success in pretty much anything we choose to do. Have a wonderful weekend, Jessi! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/career/gig-industry-knowing-your-worth/
Jessi Malay
Aw thank you babe <3 So glad you enjoyed the post and can relate!! Just read your post from today and absolutely loved it as well..thank you for sharing your experience as a blogger :)
Jalisa
This is such a wonderful post, girlie; thank you for sharing your tips and suggestions on growing ones blog, everything you’ve shared is extremely helpful! I hope you have the best time at the event and have a wonderful weekend as well!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Jessi Malay
Yay!! So happy it was helpful to you hun :) Check in to my snapchat to see more from the event!! <3
Rose Wang
Such a helpful post girl!! I’m in the process of starting my own blog and these tips were really helpful. Being consistent and organized is really important for me!!
Xoxo, Rose
Jessi Malay
That’s amazing love!! So excited to hear you are starting your own blog!! <3
Amy
Great post Jessi! I know a lot of girls are looking for ways to turn their passion into a career, and I think your tips couldn’t be more spot on. Thanks for continuing to serve as a role model and inspiration, and sharing the lessons you’ve learned along your journey!
xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com
Jessi Malay
Thank you for reading Amy :) That makes me so happy to hear :) I think you already do an amazing job at applying all these steps into following your passion <3
Bloggers Issue Magazine
Hi lovely,
Congrats, your blog post will be featured in Bloggers Issue Magazine
http://www.bloggersissue.com
Jessi Malay
Aw thank you for the feature again!! Love your online magazine Xx
Emma Engmark
Such a great and helpful post! Thank you so much for sharing this.
http://styleonheels.com/
Jessi Malay
Of course babe!! Thank you for reading :) Xx
La Bijoux Bella | by mia
Oh what a treat for a Friday. Wonderful tips to beautify our blogs and lifestyles is the way to go! Merci for the tips. :)
Have yourself a fabulous Friday! :)
La Bijoux Bella | by mia
Jessi Malay
So glad to hear the post was helpful to you love <3 Hope you benefit from some of these tips!! Xx
Silvia Rodriguez
I did not know your blog and I loved it, will frequently
http://www.elblogdesilvia.com/2016/10/lifestyle-blogger-sky-view-las-vegas-the-strip-ilog-de-moda-influencer.html
kiss
Jessi Malay
Thank you for stopping by hun!! So glad you found it!! Will check your blog out too <3
Jasmine K
This is such a great post! I got so excited when I saw that you posted something about blogging. I have been struggling trying to grow my Instagram following. (www.instagram.com/JasmineKaurr) Do you have any tips on that? Would love to get your advice!
– Jasmine K
http://www.myeunoia.com
Jessi Malay
Aw thank you babe!! Just took a look at your Instagram, you have a great feed!! Try finding a theme/aesthetic for your feed. For example, I use the same few filters and apps to edit almost all my IG pics (usually VSCO- S2, A6 etc) ..this creates a nice flow and consistent theme for my IG feed! Also try using trending hashtags such as #instagood #instafashion #picoftheday ..even if they are not related to your photo specifically, it will attract more people to your photo! :) Hope this helps <3
Christian Winsor Torres
i enjoyed this post !! very helpful and insightful. youre a huge inspiration!
Jessi Malay
Thank you Christian!! Glad you enjoyed the post :)
Carmen
I love VSCO and FaceTune. I’m always interested in knowing what more successful bloggers do. Typically, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to growing a blog but consistency & quality are definitely some of the most important aspects. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Jessi Malay
Yes me too!! So happy the post was helpful to you hun :) I agree, consistency and quality is key in anything I do :)
Molly
Such a great post! I’m definitely working towards blogging becoming a career :)
Xx
Molly
http://www.trendychickadee.com
Jessi Malay
Glad this post was useful to you babe!! Love your blog <3
Sindy
Hi Jessi, these are great tips that I am striving to keep up with. I hope to be consistent as the weeks and months go by. Sometimes life gets in the way and you lose focus. Thanks once more
http://www.sindisosdiary.blogspot.com
Jessi Malay
Yesss totally can relate to you on that on babe!! But just keep pushing through it and creating content that you are passionate about :)
Amy Arnold
Have fun in Atlanta! These are great tips. Thanks for sharing.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Jessi Malay
Thanks Amy!! Follow along on my snapchat for more!! Xx
Bibi
Great tips babe – love your blog and content! x
http://www.bibigoeschic.com
Jessi Malay
Glad you enjoyed the post love <3 Hope you had a great weekend!!
Radi
It’s always so great to learn from other bloggers like you that have so much experience and drive. I love it and will keep all these things in mind. Thanks Jessi!
http://www.fashionradi.com
Jessi Malay
Thank you for your sweet comments Radi :) So happy this post was helpful to you girl!! Love your blog too! <3
Carmen
I loved reading through those tips! You made some great points, it’s definitively super important to stick to ‘Quality before quantity’ :)
Thank you so much for this inspiration :)
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com
Jessi Malay
Yesss SO happy you were inspired by this post love <3 Hope you had a great weekend !!
Siffat Haider
These are such amazing tips. I wish I’d had something like this to read when I was just starting out as a blogger – you really hit the nail on the head.
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Jessi Malay
Aw that means so much to me love <3 I think these tips are definitley important to keep in mind at all times Xx
Jessie
Great Tips. Thanks for sharing Jessi! I could really use some of those tips, especially ‘quality of quantity’. Totally agree on that :)
Xx,Jessie
http://www.4evajessie.com
Jessi Malay
Of course babe!! Glad the post was helpful to you!! <3
Docdivatraveller
These are really awesome tips! Thanks for sharing! I love your blog!
http://www.docdivatraveller.com/
Jessi Malay
No problem girl!! Glad this post was helpful to you! :)
adaora
Great Tips
Adaora x
http://www.adaorasoludo.com
Jessi Malay
Thanks for stopping by Adaora :) hope you had a great weekend!
emily
This is such a great post! Your tips are super helpful and very informative, thanks so much for sharing babe!
x Emily
http://shedoes.com.au
Jessi Malay
Aw that means so much to me babe !! Thank you for reading as always :)
Comfy Cozy Up
Great tips! I’m learning….
http://www.comfycozyup.com
Jessi Malay
Yay!!! So happy to hear that Hun!! Xx
Iuliia
Jessi, thank you for so useful post very much!
Welcome to my new design blog :)
Iuliia,
http://lookonblog.com/
Jessi Malay
That’s amazing!! Will definitely check it out girl!! Glad you enjoyed the post !!
Safinaaz
This is such a great post. Thank you so much for all the tips in helping your blog grow into a career. Quality is one struggle I think everyone can relate to. Love the idea of working with other bloggers.
xo
Safinaaz
Grey Canvas
Jessi Malay
Yes of course babe!! So happy to hear you found the post useful! Quality is definitely one of the most important aspects of my blog! Hope you had a great weekend <3
Jessica
Great tips! I love using VSCO for my insta photos! And I definitely agree that teamwork is super helpful when trying to grow your blog!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
Jessi Malay
Thanks girl!! And yes me too..seriously can’t live without VSCO for my Instagram feed!! <3
Miki
Thanks so much for sharing this Jessi. As a new and growing blogger, I really look up to so many successful and inspiring bloggers such as yourself. I loved this post and always appreciate that kind of insight. I am still working on improving, and agree with everything you say above, especially having a vision and sharing quality content. Happy Monday babe! :) Have an amazing time in Atlanta!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Jessi Malay
Aw that’s so sweet babe <3 Thank you so much :) I love your blog and all your content is amazing..keep pushing Xx Will be posting a recap on Create & Cultivate soon!!
Hailey Pham
I found you on IG…and love this post!! Thanks for sharing! I’m new to blogging and just had a baby girl…I was hesitant about launching an official blog but now I think I’m gonna do it! :)
Hailey
crystal coba
Hi Jessi!
Thanks for this post ! Its been so helpful. I’m new to your blog. If you haven’t already posted about how you got started with your blog, will you in the near future? I would love to know more about you and your success! I love your stuff and style! Im trying to get my blog started. I recently got fired from my job, but it was a job I hated. When I left, people really encouraged me to start a blog and YT channel, so I finally did it. Now Im in fashion school learning about something I love and that interests me..I’m hoping my blog can also be a way to get my name out there aside from it being super fun! I am just starting and would love more tips like this from you! you’re amazing! Thanks for sharing!
lyrics
great post girl :)
Trishna
This was such a great and helpful read, blogging full time is the dream and this post made it seem somewhat possible for me! Have a lovely weekend :)
tipscapsule.blogspot.com
russelpaltridge
Hi, all the time i used to check weblog posts here early in the daylight, because i like to learn more and more.
Amaa
Hello Jess,
Thank you for your tips to help others! I was curious as to if you have joined a community of bloggers? I see so many sites to connect bloggers with companies or communities of bloggers helping each other out. They may even all follow/like/comment on all members feeds as well from what I have seen.
I want to join some but not sure which are best.
Thank you!