Hello, Gorgeous! This whole week on Blush & Camo is dedicated to reflecting back on 2016 and looking forward to 2017. On Instagram last week I ask you ladies what type of blog posts you wanted to see more of and the overwhelming response was blogging tips. Since I doing some #serious reflection this week I thought I would be a little vulnerable with you ladies and share the 3 biggest blogging mistakes I made this past year.
The reason I am writing this post is to share with you ladies my mistakes in the hopes that you may take something away from this post and not make the same mistakes I did! Plus, it’s always healthy to do a little blog reflection:).
Ok, with out procrastinating any longer, here are the 3 MAJOR blogging mistakes I made in 2016…
3 MAJOR BLOGGING MISTAKES FROM 2016
1.) NOT REQUIRING SOME PAYMENT UPFRONT FOR SPONSORED BLOG POSTS
This first one was my biggest mistake I made in 2016- by far. In the blogging world sponsored posts are usually an agreement between the blogger and the brand you are working with. Each sponsored post varies depending on the brand you are collaborating with. Some companies require you to sign a contract, but many companies do not.
I would say the majority of the brands I’ve worked with on sponsored posts do not have a contractual agreement. It’s simply an honor system that you hold up your end of the agreement and the company will pay you. I would say 99% of the brands I’ve worked with uphold this verbal agreement and there is no issue.
However, this past year I had some issues with a brand or two not paying (or waiting an unreasonable time to pay). They simply “forgot” or I had to continue to ask them about payment. This was extremely frustrating- especially when you count on that money to help pay for your blogging expenses such as hosting, photo editing programs, etc..
LESSON LEARNED: To protect yourself I would ask companies to see if they would pay half your fee before the blog post/social media posts go live and then the other half after you have completed everything agreed upon for the sponsored post. That way if something like this does happen you are compensated a little for all the time, work, and money you’ve put into the post. I hope none of you ladies have to work with a brand that “forgets” to pay you or simply does not hold up their end of the sponsored post agreement. But, if you do, this is a simple way to ensure you get compensated a bit for your hard work ( because we all know blogging take SO much time!).
2.) NOT TAKING BREAKS WHEN I NEEDED THEM
Blogging is an amazing journey, not necessarily a destination. It’s so important to unplug or take a break when you need to throughout the year. I totally understand that as your blogging community grows you’ll feel more and more pressure to put out more material and post more often. Also don’t forget that you are only human and totally need to take breaks whenever you feel is necessary.
Unplugging for everyone means something different so it’s important to define what unplugging means to you. For some blogger babes this means shutting everything off for a day or longer and using that time to recharge. Some bloggers simply post less on social media. There is no right or wrong answer for how you should decide to unplug- it’s just important that you carve out time to do so. You’ll be surprised at how reenergized and inspired you are when you “plug” everything back on and start posting some amazing material.
This past year I got a serious case of writer’s block and it was because I wasn’t taking time for myself. I honestly hadn’t done that since I started Blush & Camo and because of that it was really hindering my creative process.
LESSON LEARNED: This year I want to take specified times to unplug and just enjoy life without social media. I don’t do this because I am tired of blogging- I want to do this because taking breaks means you love the community of women who love your blog and want to ensure that every time you post it’s something that inspires them or adds value to your little piece of cyber space!
3.) THINKING I NEEDED TO ALWAYS BE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
This was a huge mistake for me this year. I always thought that I needed to be on social media. What if I missed a blogger babe post and didn’t comment? What if I wasn’t able to comment back to every amazing comment someone left on my picture? What if someone get offended that I haven’t been able to comment back on their pictures as much as mine?
As ridiculous as these questions may sound, this is what I struggled with this past year. I was completely obsessed with being on social media. This was totally unrealistic and not sustainable. Before Chuck and I started our 9 months of long distance I would sacrifice time with him to being on social media. I am completely embarrassed to admit this, but it’s true.
LESSON LEARNED: It’s totally unrealistic to spend all your time on social media- it’s just not healthy. All you can do is your best every single day. Sometimes that means only spending 5 minutes and sometimes you have an entire hour you can dedicate. Always put your family first before social media and I promise your followers will totally understand.
*** If you have very little time to spend on social media try commenting on other women’s pics before answering your own. The reason for this is because you want to support your blogger babes or just pages you love to follow in general. Then, once you have a chunk of time you can start responding back to comments women have left on your handle (oh, and it’s OK if you can’t answer every single comment. I promise.)
What did you think of these blogging mistakes? Can any blogger babes relate to this? I would love to talk with you in the comments below! If you have any friends who would love to read this post feel free to share this on Twitter or Facebook:).
Follow me along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for daily style inspo and if you loved this post don’t forget to share with your friends:). Both your friends, and myself, will thank you!
Thank you SO much for stopping by Blush & Camo!
xx Julianna
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I am the SAME way with social media andI hate it! I get stressed if I can’t get on for an hour (or two!) every day because I feel like I need to be consistent. This was a good little reminder that it’s okay not to be so crazy about it haha. I’m going on a trip next week and I’ll definitely give myself a break!
xoxo,
Lauren Emily Lindmark
dailydoseofcharm.com
Hi Lauren! OMG I was totally obsessed with it and realized that I can’t be on social media during all my free time. It’s totally ok to take a break and decompress. Have a wonderful time on your trip babe!
xx Julianna
Thank you Juliana for these tips. It’s hard for me to imagine you having writters block because you are always putting out great content but then again i know that even the most talented can suffer from it!
You’re the sweetest Sharon! I had writer’s block for almost three months and it was so hard to feel inspired during that time. Thank you for leaving such a kind comment. Sending you lots of love!
xx Julianna
Great point about being paid half upfront for sponsored posts! That’s so frustrating. And I completely relate about social media! Hope 2017 is an amazing year for you!
Jamie
Treats and Trends
Thank you so much Jamie! Sending you tons of love today and I hope your week is off to a fabulous start!
xx Julianna
Another great post, gorgeous! I’m going to have to find a balance between blogging, work, and life this year. Good luck with your goals. We all need to remember that sometimes being off social media means you’re off doing bigger and better things!
Thank you so much Casey! I loved your comment about being off of social media:). Happy New Year and I hope you’re having a fabulous week!
xx Julianna
I think these are great! I haven’t gotten any sponsored posts. Just starting out ☺️ But I’ve beeen doing a lot with my daughter on IG for about a year and a half, and I’ve definitely had to learn it’s okay to step back from social media. You need to be unavailable haha! And available to others in real life!
I could not agree more Kristina! Sending you tons of love today and I hope you’re having a fabulous week!
xx Julianna
I love, love loved reading this post. I can resonate with all mistakes! I think it is so important to take a break, especially with social media. I found that I was putting IG before my fiancé and I felt guilty as hell. At some point, you have to recognize what is most important. I’m going to be emailing a question your way soon!! XOXO
Thank you so much Chelsea! I loved getting your email and chatting today! Sending you lots of love!
xx Julianna
YES to all of this! I couldn’t agree more!
xx, Bri || http://www.Neutral2Neon.com
Thank you so much Briana! Sending you tons of love today!
xx Julianna
Great tips and I always take a break from blogging 🙂 The summer most especially! I just love to have my summers for me and my insta 🙂
xo, Jessica || The Petite Diaries
That’s such a good idea babe! Thank you so much for sharing!
xx Julianna
AH Julianna! Such great mistakes to learn. I realized this year that I needed to unplug for a bit. It’s hard you truly become so wrapped up in the world. You need a break!
xx, Christina
https://www.christinabeex3.com/
I could not agree more beautiful! Sending you tons of love this week!
xx Julianna
Oh my gosh, I can totally relate to ALL of these! Especially the first one. I had trouble with a company and paying for the sponsored post I had done for them. It took them almost 4 months to pay me! Maybe even writing up your own agreement would be helpful? I’ve thought about doing this as well in order to protect myself from this happening again! Also – unplugging has been a huge thing for me. Over the holidays it was SO nice just to unwind and spend real quality time and not think about work or blogging 🙂 I hope you have a great weekend, dear! xoxo
Hi Chelsea! OMG I had a company that didn’t pay me for almost 6 months and it was so unprofessional. I totally agree with writing your own agreement to protect your time/money! Thank you so much for the sweet comment and I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend:)!
xx Julianna
Your always providing such a great tips. The commenting on social media thing really got me at the beginning of 2016. I now just comment on other accounts versus feeling the pressure of responding to my comments. I always respond if there is a question though. Being present and spending time with family is way for important.
Thank you so much Emily! That’s exactly what I started to do because I realized I was spending all of my time replying to comments and it just wasn’t possible to answer them all (as much as I want to answer them all!). I love your Insta and your style (it’s amazing!)! Sending you tons of love today babe!
xx Julianna
These are all great words of advice! For sponsored posts, did you reach out to the company to partner with them or did they contact you? In the beginning, what is the best way to try and start working with other brands? Trying to grow and love all your wisdom 🙂
Thanks Julianna!
Hi Katherine! I did both:). I reached out to brands I really wanted to work with and I also received emails from companies as well! The best way to start working with other brands is to simply contact them:)! It’s really that simple! I love your Insta and personal style! Sending you tons of love babe!
xx Julianna
I completely love how open you are here! #3 is the most true for me right now- I’m putting #IRL people before social media this year. Sending you lots of hugs, Kait
http://www.baskinginburgundy.com
I’m doing the same thing Kait! I’ve found that being on social media less has allowed me to start getting more creative inspo and actually helped with preventing bloggers block! Sending you lots of love today!
xx Julianna
Totally agree that you do not have to be on social media all the time, even if you are trying to grow your blog. I don’t want to live life on my phone. I want to live life. Period. It’s a hard lesson for me to remember! Love the photos + this post.
xx
Courtney
http://www.thedaringdarling.com
Thank you so much for the kind comment Courtney! Sending tons of love your way and I hope you’re having a fabulous weekend!
xx Julianna