When I tell people I'm a full time blogger, they automatically think it means that I make a shiz load of money from blogging, when the truth is, it's a struggle, just like most jobs. I won't go into the ins and outs of what I earn because I don't want to...
Let a bish explain...
The amount I earn might seem low to a lot of people but some people reading this might not earn an income and would love to be in the same position as I am which is why I won't be sharing how much I earn.
What I will say is that by blogging full time, I've had to be open to freelancing in other areas. For example, I do social media for another company, I write articles for another and can even advise on things such as SEO. It's an entire package and there is no 'one thing' that I can bottle up and sell. If you're intending to go full time, you better be ready to hustle.
Now that all of that is by with, shall we get back to answering some full time Blogging FAQ's?
Why did you decide to go 'full time'?
For me, it wasn't a case of thinking 'I'm now earning more blogging than I am in a job'. I've been determined from day one that this is the end goal. Since starting my blog seriously, I really wanted to make my hobby my job. It makes the day go quicker and feels like everything I do is for the benefit of my hobby. I started going full time when I was earning just enough to survive. That might sound like a stupid thing to do, but I think committing to something, forced me to succeed if that makes sense.
Do you just do what you want all day long?
The thing about self employment is that if you don't work, you don't get paid. There is no 'minimum wage', paid sick days and holidays. If you don't work your arse off every day, you don't get the rewards and suddenly you need to be carefun of how many sharer bags of crisps you're buying at the weekend - LOL! #NoShame..
But how do you guarantee an Income?
Honestly? you don't. If you take the plunge into full time blogging, then be aware that there's not a guaranteed income. I would recommend opening yourself up to other 'blogging jobs' as I mentioned. If you're good at designing logo's - sell them on etsy. If content writing is your thing, then look for content writing jobs online. Sure, those jobs are invariably 'one off's' but it's an income. Take it where you can get it. It still allows you the time and freedom to work on building your brand.
Do you have to register as a business and do tax returns?
That's like asking if it raining in Scotland? Of course! If you made a living out of sneezing, the tax man would want your tissues. Whether you agree with it or not, if you earn from your blog then you need to register as a business.
Being a boss girl (or boy..) means putting on your big girl pants and doing 'adult' shiz. At the moment, you only need to pay tax if you earn more than £11,820, however, even if you don't earn that amount, you do need to provide proof of this and a full earnings summary to the tax man. If you'd like a full blog post on how to register as a business, how to file tax returns and all that yeehaw, then let me know because it's wayyyyy too much info to put in this blog post.
How do I explain my job to people?
Uhh... if I had the answer to this, every blogger or 'influencer' in the land would use it. I have to admit, it's sometimes a bit of a challenge explaining what I do as a living. I'm usually subject to 'How much do you earn?' 'So how do you earn money?' 'How many followers do you have?' questions. The best thing I can suggest is explaining it thoroughly to your nearest and dearest so that they fully understand, then for 'everyone else' I would suggest saying 'I'm a self employed journalist'. No-one asks questions! It's not a lie, it's just not the whole truth and you won't ever have to memorise how many insta followers you receive in a month.
Humans though. Why can't we all be like dogs? no judgement, always cheer each others day up, never rude, full of fun. Ahh, tis' the dream.
Cut the crap, How do you get advertisers on your blog?
This is the million £ question that I can't answer definitively. What I can say is that building good content and promoting yourself on social media is how I've had dozens of advertisers approach me. I know you think I'm talking through my arse. I remember googling 'How do you get advertisers on your blog?' and finding similar advice a few years ago. I thought at the time the person giving advice just didn't want to share their 'secrets'. Trust me, there's no secrets. Do you really think the internet could keep a secret?
My genuine advice is to focus on strengthening your brand (blog) and social media platforms (followers - don't buy them, it makes you a moron and brands can see through moron-ness... And if I'm honest, probably won't work with someone who calls moron-ness, moron-ness. Fail.).
Another tip is to make sure your email address is clearly visible on your social media profiles (if you make it hard to find, no-one will bother!). Aside from that, approaching brands is an option. For this, I'd recommend having a media kit which covers everything from your stats, to your audience demographics, how you can benefit the brand you hope to work with. You can design one yourself on Canva where there are loads of templates and free resources. Again, if you want a full 'guide' on this, let me know.
So if I just go on social media and copy you will that work?
Heeeellls to the naaaaahh nah nahhhhh, it's more likely to end up with a bitch fight and social media drama that FYI doesn't attract followers OR brands...
I'm bitter about this. Someone who asked me for help once did this to me. Copied my social bio's, copied when I uploaded, my hashtags, blog post format, followed ALL of my followers and even had the audacity to email brands that I work with and telling them that "Holly recommended I contact you".
Imitation is not flattery, it's annoying and will land you on your copycat ass. You're better than someone else's content anyway! Why copy? by all means, take inspiration, learn from the masses and even take notes from others, but FFS! do your own thing luv.
How do I get free shiz?
There's a winning formula to getting free shiz. It goes like this...
THERE IS NO SUCH F*"!?NG THING!!!!!!!!!!
Put the work in the same as I do and prove that you're worthy of it. There's no such thing as 'free shiz'. The sooner 'new' bloggers learn there is no 'fast pass' to success, the better for us all.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Back to reality. If you have any questions, just ask. In fact, most bloggers are happy to help to an extent. You can find me on Twitter (@hollysturgeon). If I don't answer it's because of three scenario's:
1 - I don't know the answer
2 - I don't like the question
3 - I'm watching some variation of 'Real Housewives'.
I hope my full time blogging FAQ's help in some way!
H x
