After a long time traveling during her college years, Malu Vanni decided to settle in Sao Paolo, and start her own blog to share her nomadic lifestyle and passion for everything design-related – interior design, architecture and, most of all, fashion. Her blog may be only seven months old, but it is already counting many followers across her social media accounts. Based on her experiences so far, Malu discusses setting up and promoting a blog, the challenges she faces along the way and shares her future plans for her blog.
What inspired you to start your own blog?
I love everything related to the creative world. I have always been into fashion, art, photography, interior design and architecture. I spend so much time reading blogs, magazines and books about these issues that I started to fancy the idea of having my own space. I lived in many cities – Buenos Aires (my hometown), Rome, New York and Sao Paulo, where I live today – and the idea of starting a personal journal about my experiences in different countries seemed very attractive. At first, I started writing articles to myself about fashion trends, trips and restaurant reviews, and I realized I enjoyed so much writing about my interests and experiences that finally I decided to start my own blog to publish them.
How important is the name of the blog?
I guess it is important because it is your “brand” and the way you will be known. In my case, I could not make up my mind, so I just went with the initials of my name, MLV. I guess it is not the best name for a blog, but it is minimalistic and simple, and that is definitely part of my identity.
How difficult is to find a blog niche?
Personally, I think that is the hardest part. It is important to define right away what subjects you will write about, what your style will be – either your personal style, your writing style or the way you take photos. I think that if you have a clear answer to these issues, it is easier to find a niche, and attract a specific audience that will feel inspired by your style.
What is the best way to promote and grow your blog?
Social networks are definitely the best tools. I love Instagram; it is my favorite social network because I find it to be the easiest way to get someone to visually understand the style, mood and identity of a blogger. I can decide to follow or not to follow someone in just seconds. I think it is an excellent tool to show who you are in just a glimpse. Being featured in important fashion Instagram accounts (with a lot of followers) is one of the best ways to grow my audience. In order to get featured, I try to take quality pictures, wear interesting outfits, and tag the brands I am wearing, or places I am visiting, and Instagram accounts about fashion.
Posting on my Facebook page with direct links to my posts also increases the audience of my blog. I always notice a growth on my metrics the days I post on Facebook.
And, finally, I would say that interacting with other blogs and bloggers, commenting on other posts and Instagram photos – basically, creating a community is definitely one of the strongest tools to start growing, specially at the beginning.
What is your main audience and how did you reach out to them?
My main audience is women around my age from Argentina, Brazil and Spain. I reached out to them mainly by building a community and interacting via Instagram.
How important is it for your business to attend fashion week?
I love attending to fashion events, because, besides seeing new collections, it puts you on the scene and it gives you the chance to meet people from the industry.
What are the best tips for building long-term relationships and partnerships with brands?
I started blogging only seven months ago, so I do not have tips regarding this issue. I have collaborated with some brands, but no long-term relationships yet.
What is the biggest challenge about running a blog?
To be constant and to produce professional and well-thought articles and photography.
What advice would give to anyone looking to start a blog today?
Blogging requires developing and mastering skills such as writing, photography, editing, internet knowledge and self-confidence. I find it to be really challenging to try to learn and improve every day. I have picked up new habits since I started blogging; I tried new things, I met new people (virtually and personally), I visited more places – basically, I am having a more active routine. A blog can be a personal realization in many levels, so I would totally encourage people to go for it. There are a lot of bloggers today, but do not let that overwhelm or discourage you, just focus on your own space and your interests.
What are your ultimate plans for your blog/blogging career?
My blog is really young and it started out completely as a hobby. It has given me a lot of personal gratification and, for me, this is the reason and a purpose to keep on doing it. I guess I see where it takes me; I do not expect much really, I just enjoy the process of doing it, and how the blog encourages me to improve my skills and try new things.
Images © Malu Vanni via MLV Blog
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