Tank: Nordstrom| Denim: Zara| Heels: Shop Stevie| Handbag: Street Level| Sunglasses: Quay| Necklace: Kestan| Purse Pom Pom: Kestan| Watch: Daniel Wellington| Bracelets: Alex and Ani|
It’s been a little more than a year now that I’ve started blogging and already I feel like I have learned so much! I honestly couldn’t be more glad that I took the plunge and started this journey. Putting yourself out there and sharing all the different aspects of your life can be very challenging, but very rewarding at the same time. Below are five things I have learned in my first year of blogging.
1. You can build some pretty amazing relationships
I honestly have to say, I have met some of the most amazing girls on this blogging journey. It’s so funny how even though I have never met these women, I feel like we’re such great friends. It’s so refreshing to be able to support and learn from one another, while lifting each other up. I love opening my social media and seeing all of the support I get from my followers and blogging girlfriends and doing the same back for them. I can honestly say that the people I have met and relationships I have built have been the best part of all!
2. It’s a lot more work than it seems
Most people just think you pick out clothes, go take pictures and post them, but it so much more than that! Yes, you are doing those things, but it takes a lot of time and planning things out. Besides the whole taking pictures side of it, there is a lot of time behind a computer screen, replying to emails, writing and planning content etc. There’s a lot more that goes into than I think most people realize. I give all of you blogging babes a lot of credit!
3. The possibilities are endless
When I started blogging I never realized what you could actually build your blog and brand into. Yes it takes time, consistency and patience, but really the sky is the limit! I love that you can make it whatever you want and have full control over your brand. With all of the negative backlash with social media, I have to say that there really is so much positive as well. You can literally start a brand/business from the ground up and make it into a full time job. There is something so fulfilling about that.
4. Stay true to yourself
One of the most important things I have learned is to always stay true to yourself and what you believe. There will be a lot of companies contacting you to collaborate, whether it’s for product or money. It can be tempting to want to take a lot of offers sent your way (hey, who doesn’t want free stuff?), but if it wasn’t something I would actually want to go out and buy myself, than I don’t take it. I always want people to know I’m being authentic and only promoting products that I love and actually use myself. I would rather pass on an opportunity and have my followers trust my word and integrity.
5. Don’t compare yourself to others
This is a big one! With the blogging world being so saturated these days, there are a ton of bloggers out there. It’s so easy to look at the next girl and think, “How does she have so many more followers” or “How did she get that collaboration”. The fact of the matter is you don’t know what that person did to get to where they are, so just focus on your own journey. I’m a firm believer that if you stay motivated and put in the work, there’s no way you can fail. It’s great to support other bloggers and build relationships, but it’s just as important to make sure you’re not looking at what others have, and focusing on what you need to do to get to where you want to be.
It’s been an amazing year building my blog and social media outlets! Looking back to a year ago, I never would have even imagined I’d be where I am right now. I can’t wait to see what kind of opportunities the next year brings. A special thanks to all of you who make blogging possible, and to all of the people who have supported me along the way! I love you all!
Xoxo,
Danielle
