Social Media Basics: How NOT to be a Fashion Blogger
Balancing social media, blogging, & fashion requires an abundance of work & effort. I've got some social media basics to get your foot in the door. I am a social media marketing manager, so I have hands on experience with successful social media tactics. Today's lesson is all about being a fashion blogger. Or rather how not to be a fashion blogger. Follow these social media tips & tricks to create your best blog. :]
DON'T have more than 10 photos - It's important not to have too many photos in your posts. It influences the time your webpage takes to load & nobody wants to see 47 photos of the same outfit. All too often have I scrolled for what seemed to be forever in order to get to the bottom of the page, only to find that's it. 232 photos & no text & nothing to draw me in (or keep me or others coming back). Keep it under 10 photos. This is vital.
DON'T have zero text - Having no text on your posts makes it so your page has zero SEO value. If you want your page to rank higher & do better, you should consider creating some actual content -- not just having billions of photos. Give the reader some information: Why did you choose this outfit? Where can they purchase the items? What did you do that day? Let readers know who you are.
DON'T have huge blocks of text - On the other side of the spectrum, there is a downside to having too much text. If you're showing off your haul -- people love reading about hauls -- don't have a novel's worth of words. Blogging is all about scanning. This is the number one thing I learned when switching from print to digital media. Break text up into chunks to make it easier on the eyes.
DON'T have huge blocks of text - On the other side of the spectrum, there is a downside to having too much text. If you're showing off your haul -- people love reading about hauls -- don't have a novel's worth of words. Blogging is all about scanning. This is the number one thing I learned when switching from print to digital media. Break text up into chunks to make it easier on the eyes.
DON'T leave spammy comments - I wrote a whole post on the DOs & DON'Ts of leaving blog comments because it's extremely important. Don't leave a blog promotion that's longer than your comment. Don't be generic. Don't copy & paste. Don't be afraid to be honest. Make sure your comments to other bloggers are sincere & thoughtful, not just "great post" with links to all your social media. No no no.
DON'T be afraid to be you - Despite their carefully curated Instagram, nobody's life is perfect. Their egg white scrambles & Gucci sunglasses are all a part of a tailored social media plan likely put together by a marketing firm. Don't feel like you need to follow suit. Be yourself. You don't need only designer clothes to feel like a true fashion blogger. I often buy thrifted or sale items & I have no shame to share that.
DON'T forget to add links - It's important to add clickable links within your posts. You want to give readers the chance to explore related content if they so wish. For example, I talk about the do's & don'ts of leaving blog comments, so I made sure to add a link that you can visit. Some may want to read up more on the subject while others will skip it. Give your readers some more content to browse!
DON'T be afraid to be you - Despite their carefully curated Instagram, nobody's life is perfect. Their egg white scrambles & Gucci sunglasses are all a part of a tailored social media plan likely put together by a marketing firm. Don't feel like you need to follow suit. Be yourself. You don't need only designer clothes to feel like a true fashion blogger. I often buy thrifted or sale items & I have no shame to share that.
DON'T forget to add links - It's important to add clickable links within your posts. You want to give readers the chance to explore related content if they so wish. For example, I talk about the do's & don'ts of leaving blog comments, so I made sure to add a link that you can visit. Some may want to read up more on the subject while others will skip it. Give your readers some more content to browse!
You may want to read Social Media Basics for Bloggers.
Blogging isn't easy otherwise every human would do it. Social media is just as difficult to master. There are so many ways to do things. Stay true to you & don't feel the pressure to be someone you're not. Which of these tips was the most helpful for you? Were you making any of these mistakes? Don't be shy. Leave a comment. :]
Follow me for more social media tips & tricks of the trade:
So, overall I didn't do TOO bad on this list...
ReplyDeleteBut, I am guilty of creating posts with more than 10 photos, whether it be an outfit post or a travel post. I have a REALLY difficult time narrowing things down. I guess I always think something catastrophic is going to happen if I don't include that one specific photo! Who knows how my mind works haha
I love when bloggers include text and links to further information about their post, because I'm always curious to learn more, so I try and do the same when it's applicable.
It's sad to me that "Don't leave spammy posts" is something that has to be told to people. Shouldn't they just know?
Thanks for all these tips, Carmen! Adding to my Pinterest board now! xx
http://amateandarottweiler.blogspot.com.ar/
When it comes to photos, go for an even balance -- full shot, back, side, details. But if there's 6 shots of your shoes, ehhh. You'd think don't leave spammy comments would be obvious, but it's not. :p
Deleteit's not easy is true!!! great post sweety!!! i like so much ;)
ReplyDeleteCheck it out my new post: http://honeyandcotton.org/elegant-and-wedding-dresses/
This was so helpful! I've been promoted to running my company's marketing department in the last few months with no qualifications or prior experience, so it's really helpful for me to see your advice posts with regard to social media management as I can put quite a lot of your tips into action for work as well as my blog :) xo
ReplyDeleteLJLV | UK Personal Style
Awesome & congrats on the promotion. Hope these can help with your marketing! :]
DeleteI have to agree with the no ten photos thing. But as far as no text, one of the biggest fashion bloggers Atlantic Pacific doesn't write a thing, so there are always exceptions to the rule. -Hanna Lei
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind this post is for beginners, not people who've already built their empire. For those starting out, having no text absolutely affects your rank.:]
Deleteheheh this is super funny. i love it :)))
ReplyDeleteNatalie Off Duty
So now that I've learned that, all I need to do is get some fashion sense. Maybe I'll just leave those posting to the pros. Great tips though. SEO is very important.
ReplyDeleteTexas Jak
www.novermyhead.com
We all have our own sense of style -- jeans & t-shirt or designer names only. Own it. :]
DeleteThe amount of "Great posts!" I get and that is it, kinda gets me annoyed. It makes me wonder if they even read the post!
ReplyDeleteAngie x |~ Chocolate & Lipstick || UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog ~
They very likely did not read it & only want to get their own name out there. It will backfire. :]
DeleteI loved this post! It's so important to actually have something to say when leaving comments on someone's blog, rather than just an excuse to leave your link haha. If you're going to all the effort to comment, why not put something meaningful and actually connect?
ReplyDeleteErin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty
Absolutely. You said it perfectly. Have something to say -- a suggestion, a story, a compliment. :]
DeleteTruly great advice! The idea of texts is really useful, I think I might follow on that! I still love to post more than 10 photos when it is from a trip i took!
ReplyDeleteLove
Pili
pils13.blogspot.com
In moderation, it's fine. Use your discretion when it comes to photos because not everyone has a fast computer or 20 minutes to let the page load. :]
DeleteI'm not a fashion blogger but I sure did learn from these tips. :) I think most of these could be applied to other blogging niche as well especially the "Don't be afraid to be you."
ReplyDeleteIt's really important to be honest as I think most people appreciate real and honest posts more than just sugarcoating the topic.
Very true, these are pretty universal tips when it comes to blogging. Honesty is important but there's a fine line of boundaries. After all, an opinion is just that -- an opinion. :]
Deletegreat post :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.itsmetijana.blogspot.com/
Great post! Thanks for sharing. I use this useful since I'm new blogger :)
ReplyDeleteNina / elvishmess.blogspot.com
Totally agree! I always do 10 or less photos, too. :)
ReplyDeleteStyledByBlondie.com
Yes, I just saw your last post & I was quite excited. :]
DeleteCouldn't agree with this post more!! Spammy comments are the worst!!
ReplyDelete<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
It's so easy to spot a genuine post from an attention seeker. :]
DeleteI really, really agree! When people leave comments like "just found your blog, want to come follow mine?" I just cringe!
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ meandmr.com
Indeed. Those copy & paste ones are just terrible. >.<
DeleteI love that you're sharing social media tips to help others in the blogsphere! I agree with everything you wrote and I have so much to learn about SEO! I did see someone comment that you don't always have to write anything in your blog posts, but even tho I love Atlantic-Pacific's style, I feel like I don't really connect with her since I don't have an idea of what her personality is like. Content can take time to write but it's definitely important so your readers can be more relatable to you!
ReplyDeleteTina
www.justatinabit.com
You make an excellent point Tine & I feel like others would agree. It's hard to gather who the person is, which makes it difficult for others to connect & want to come back. Guess that goes with my "be yourself" tip. Content is key -- both in terms of personality & SEO. :]
Delete*Tina. :p
DeleteOh these are such awesome tips!! I'm guilty of having more than 10 pictures though. Its just too hard to narrow down!
ReplyDeleteX, Carina
Running White Horses
Keep it simple. Front shot, side/back shot, details. 4 frontal shots is excessive. :]
Deletevery helpful. I love browsing through fashion blogs and I like blogs the best with fewer pictures but with short text: precise and to the point.
ReplyDeleteTo the point is perfect. You understand what they're saying & it doesn't take 20 minutes to read. :]
DeleteI love this post and I've been trying to reduce the number of photographs I use in posts! xx
ReplyDeletefashionismyfirstlanguage.blogspot.ie
Awesome job. It will help your readers! :]
DeletePerfect post. I actually did a screenshot and saved your list! :)
ReplyDeleteShauna
www.lipglossandlace.net
Woohoo. Thanks Shauna. :]
DeleteGreat tips! I always try to keep the number of photos on my blog around 4-5. Not that I don't love looking at other people's outfits (obviously I do), but I'm with you, I do not want to see 10+ pictures of the same look.
ReplyDeleteShannon
Clothes & Quotes
Yep, after photo 9 most people have seen every angle. :]
DeleteI think the most helpful tip (for me) in this list is the one about keeping your text short, but not long. It's all about finding that perfect balance. I used to write a lot more in each post but I finally accepted the fact that my writing is not my strongest asset, it's my photography.
ReplyDeleteWhen I shortened my text and focused my time on creating a few really great shots I had a lot more engagement. :o)
V
Life+1
Not too long, not too short. Juuust right. Like Goldilocks. You know, I urge you to keep writing. :]
DeleteThe best tips! I hate it when there are like 500 photos to scroll through and they all look the same after a while, it's much better to pick a selection of the best ones! It's also so important to be true to yourself!
ReplyDeleteHayley-Eszti ♥ www.hayleyeszti.com
That's exactly it. They all look the same!! 47 photos is unnecessary. :]
DeleteThese are really great tips. I love hearing what other bloggers have to say about how to grow your blog because it's something I'm always working on. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
wildflwrchild.blogspot.com
Keeping checking in, Melissa. I'll keep giving tips every week/two. :]
DeleteGreat tips! I agree with many of these points - especially spammy comments. I don't mind promoting your blog (please do - I want to visit!) nor do I mind knowing when you have a new post. But when it's like "Like me on Facebook", "Please follow me on BlogLovin'"... I feel like they're missing the point of blogging.
ReplyDelete- Sarah :)
www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com
I don't mine a link either; I love it! I like to see new blogs, but that's it. Advertising all links is not the best tactic. :]
DeleteThese are great tips and I agree with all of them. I'm not a fan of 50 outfit photos in one post and it really bugs me when a post doesn't have ANY words at all! It just makes you (the blogger) come off like you didn't even try very hard on that post.
ReplyDeleteJessica
the.pyreflies.org
Exactly, it shows the reader that someone else took your photo & you plopped it on your site. Give us something to hold on to -- personality. :]
DeleteGreat advice! I don't like to see more than like 7-8 photos max.
ReplyDeletewww.beautyandcolour.com
I totally agree with all of these tips!! Love it!
ReplyDeleteLove, Wendy from http://CollegeCheese.com
Thank you for sharing this post. Great inputs. Will try to keep that in mind.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Liza
www.lizacorner.blogspot.com
Great tips. I am not a fashion blogger but I think this is helpful to other bloggers like me too :) Anyway, I came across your blog since we happen to have the same name hehe Had a nice read on your blog Carmen :) x
ReplyDeletewww.cottoncarmen.com
Hi Carmen! & yes, these tips are applicable across the blogging spectrum. :]
DeleteIt's so nice when more experienced bloggers take the time out to give advice like this, thank you! How long have you been blogging? I just reached my six month mark and things are moving along alright, I definitely feel the ups and downs especially since moving to a self hosted server!
ReplyDeleteDanika
www.danikamaia.com
Great question. Technically I've been blogging since 2011, but that was more of a writing/poetry outlet. I've been seriously blogging since early 2014 & have been a social media manager just as long. :]
DeleteHi Carmen! First, thanks so much for visiting my blog! I'm also in digital/social media and I can't tell you how happy I was to discover you are too. It's rare to find a blogger that also has their feet in the field. These tips aka DONT's are so on point!
ReplyDeleteXo Miriam
www.scriptsofflair.com
Thank you Miriam. :]
DeleteI think the first advice is indeed important! When I started blogging I used all pictures I like by now I only take like 6 pictures for my outfit shots and therefor rather write a bit more :)
ReplyDeletexx
It's hard to narrow down photos, but it's like a well-tailored closet. Less is more. :]
DeleteThanks for the article! I think you confirmed a lot of what I was thinking and I appreciate that cause i think as a new blogger you're always wandering if what you are doing is right. The only thing is the article is social media basics, but it seemed to be more about how to compose a good blog post then effectively using social media. Just my thoughts :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks
http://www.mahogany-closet.com/2015/01/first-link-up-mahogany-closet-mondays.html
This is part of an on going social media series & blogging is a form of social media (in my professional opinion). Thank you for stopping by. :]
DeleteThe other day I saw a post with a ton of photos. So many, that I just had to go back and count them. THIRTY-TWO PHOTOS. No text. Like are you kidding me??
ReplyDeleteCOOCOO FOR COCO
Such a perfect post Carmen! Wonderfully written! I totally agree with you
ReplyDeleteKeep in touch
xx
www.JuneWantsItAll.com
Very helpful list and yet simple to follow!
ReplyDeleteSO true!! I'm not a fashion blogger, but this stuff definitely applies to general bloggers, too. Very helpful post!!
ReplyDeleteSophia
someplaceinthemidst.blogspot.com
I've never heard about 'less than 10 photos' rule... Hmm I really need to review my posts. I read somewhere that the best length of your blog post is somewhere between 300 and 1000 words. Personally, I do not follow it and write as much and as little as I feel, but probably it's true that no text at all or a very long text is not a very good idea.
ReplyDeleteAnd - yes! - be yourself is the most important tip! Thumbs up for that!
http://stylesprinter.com/shoe
Be yourself is the key! Love it. I am so guilty of the great post...but not because I didn't read it but because sometimes I only have time to write great post..lol. I try to say more. All about showing fellow bloggers support. :) Really good tips Carmen. :D
ReplyDelete