When I started Waketon Road a little over a year ago, I had no idea what the blogging industry really looked like. I was so drawn to this world of beautiful imagery capturing fashion, travel and lifestyle. I knew I wanted to be able to express my creativity and passions just as all of my favorite bloggers do. What I didn’t know is how much work it is and how challenging the journey can be. Over the years blogging has changed. It started out as a small niche of people who were expressing their creativity for the love of it. As time went on and bloggers began to monetize, the industry shifted.
Before I go any further, I do want to say that I fully believe bloggers should monetize their content. The amount of time, money and creative exercise that goes into creating blog posts is worth compensation. Brands started noticing that their advertising budgets stretched further when working with bloggers who have engaged followings, rather than a glossy ad in a magazine. Bloggers are much more relatable than the models on the runway. I know I much prefer the testimonial of a new skincare line from one of my go-to bloggers than a commercial on TV.
With this change and the possibility of earning a good income, more people started blogging. This is where most people get discouraged. Whether you are a relatively new blogger, have been blogging for a while or if you’re thinking of starting one. It can feel overwhelming to look at such a heavily saturated market and think you want to take that on. This is where I say “DO IT!”
The blogging industry has changed and it won’t ever go back to the way it was. The “OG” bloggers like Julia Engel and Julie Sariñana, among others, have their niche as the top-tier. And good for them… they started back in the days when there was no money involved. It was passion that drove them and that’s why they have been so successful!
In today’s Blogosphere, there are so many more types of bloggers. There is no right or wrong. Some make money as Instagram converters where most of their sales come from affiliate networks and hosting “try on sessions” for their followers to see what they’ve bought recently. Then there are lifestyle bloggers who incorporate all areas of life into their blogs. From recipes to weekly advice. There are so many different directions to go.
To me, the most important thing in such a saturated market is to find your unique voice. As I said, passion will lead to success. Don’t be caught up with all of the numbers or dollar amounts. There is plenty of room for success at all levels. One new blogger popping up in your area, doesn’t take any success away from you.
In the future I only see blogging becoming even more prevalent. With relatively low start-up costs, it’s a great way for people to create something of their own. We have such an entrepreneurial generation, so I don’t see a decline in blogs any time soon. But as I said, the blogging industry has changed, so it’s important to change right along with it. There is no limit to how many bloggers one person can follow. So if you are passionate, find a way to share it! xo Bryn
Also, this post seemed like the perfect time to give a huge shoutout to Sam who just launched her blog, The Current Classic! Go check it out, it’s amazing!!
Shop the Look:
Dress: Shein, Shoes: Mango, Bag: Kayu, Lip: J.Crew (sold out)
Love this post, Bryn! I am actually talking about something similar next week in terms of staying true to yourself when blogging and not being caught up in what everyone else is doing. I love what you are creating with Waketon Road, thank you for sharing! 🙂
Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com
Thanks so much Taylor! I appreciate that! Can’t wait to read your thoughts next week! xo Bryn
I could not agree more! It’s been so fun to learn more about this world and make it (somewhat) my own with our little corner of the internet. Great reminders Bryn! 🙂
Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
Thanks Katherine! It’s definitely a fun journey! xo Bryn
AMEN! This industry has definitely shifted, but I think people need to realize monetization is a part of it. I hate that people think a sponsored post and being genuine don’t go hand in hand.
http://www.mollyonthemoveblog.com
Thanks Molly!! I hate that too, especially when I know so many of us only work with brands we value and admire. Hard work deserves compensation! xo Bryn
Love this! Have a great day ahead, lady!
Thanks so much Jenn! xo Bryn
Well said Bryn! I couldn’t agree more! It is definitely about finding your voice and sticking to it!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thanks Rach! It’s so true! Everyone has something to say! xo Bryn
Love this dress! The colors are gorgeous!
xx
Courtney // https://courtneylivin.com
Thank you Courtney! xo Bryn
Loved this post, and completely agree with all that you said! It’s definitely hard for me to retain motivation when I think just how many bloggers are out there, but like you said – having the passion and drive will always keep you going! So obsessed with that pretty dress and those cute espadrilles, Bryn!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
Thank you so much Lauren! I definitely feel that too, it can be overwhelming to see so many out there but at the end of the day it’s worth pushing forward! xo Bryn
Such a great post, Bryn!I love this outfit and agree with what you’re saying. Lately I have been really discouraged and I need to remind myself that I started this with zero intentions of monetizing
Thank you so much Coutney! It can be so easy to get discouraged but that’s why I try to remember it’s all about passion! You’re doing great! xo Bryn
I loved reading your thoughts on the blogging industry and I completely agree, it’s no important to find your own voice. I love blogging so much and I’m so glad I started.
xo | Cindy Elena
http://www.boringclothes.com
That’s great Cindy! It’s such a great creative expression and I definitely think there is room enough for everyone! xo Bryn
Loved reading this post Bryn! It’s so try to value collaboration over competition as there’s room for everyone in this blogging world!
And this dress is so cute!
Kileen
cute & little
I completely agree with collaboration over competition! Thanks so much Kileen! xo Bryn
Bryn! As you know, yesterday was a crazy day for me as I was officially announcing the launch of my blog. I didn’t get to read your post until now, and I am so touched. I feel incredibly grateful for your friendship, and I am so excited for it to grow. I can’t thank you enough, girly! xo
I love what you have created! So happy that we have connected and I hope we can meet in person soon! xo Bryn
All of that is so well said, Bryn. The industry has changed and evolved over the years so much – even across the different topics of blogging. I started out as a food blogger, but my passion was always fashion. I created my fashion blog and I’ve run into a completely different set of challenges blogging about fashion. There’s so much work that goes into it, and I really believe that you have to truly love what you’re doing to be successful. Otherwise it would feel like a LOT of work, instead of something that’s so much fun (and also at times a pain in the butt). Very well said, I agree with you 100%.
Jess | TheVogueVoyager.com
You could not be more right dear! Blooming is hard and it does involve a lot of work. and hey, I’m glad I met you 😀.
I meant “blogging” duh! One thing on my mind these days 😂
I think it can be hard not to compare yourself to others even though I REALLY try not to. One thing I find is that I get easily overwhelmed by all the things I “should” be doing to drive traffic…video, commenting, pinterest, instagram, facebook, seo, google analytics, twitter, actually blogging, photo editing, etc the list goes on. I’ve tried to focus on my own progress and learning and go from there.
xo, Maddy
http://cassidylou.com/
Way to go Bryn, follow your dream. So proud of you. – Amber’s mom
I love this post Bryn! People don’t often realize the work that does into our blogs, and they also don’t realize that the reward is so much more than “free stuff”. It’s a passion project, and we do it because we love it, and someone else’s success doesn’t mean your failure.