(This post contains affiliate and sponsored links) It’s been a while since I shared a post on blogging tips, but I’m really keen to start doing it again. I’ve been blogging for a whole 8 years now and have learnt quite a lot along the way. Today I thought I’d share a few of the resources that have helped me improve my content, get a bit more business savvy and earn a little bit of money along the way. I know some of my readers are also bloggers and you find this helpful. For all the non bloggers this might give you a little behind the scenes insight, or hold on tight because I have lots more posts coming very soon!
Up Your Blogging Game
Grow and Glow – There are loads of websites, blogs and resources that teach you the tricks of the trade when it comes to blogging. But I’ve not found anything I love as much as Grow and Glow. This wonderful membership site is the brainchild of Vix Meldrew, one of my favourite bloggers and good friend. She started this fabulous community to take her blog coaching to the next level and has created something pretty impressive. Each month there are new bundles which cover a particular area of blogging very thoroughly. the site is also backed with templates and useful resources. It’s definitely helped me gain direction and get focussed on turning my blog into a successful business.
Finding Work
As well as approaching brands directly, there are also a few sites where brands can advertise opportunities and bloggers can apply. I’ve taken a few opportunities in the past this way and also built some good relationships with brands. They usually have a mixture of paid and gifted blogging opportunities and as a blogger it’s worth checking them regularly for campaigns that are a good fit.
Bloggers Required – This site has a range of both paid and gifted opportunities for bloggers and covers a wide range of niches. I’ve mostly used this to find gifted campaigns. There isn’t usually a strong focus on follower numbers on here, it’s more about finding bloggers who are the best fit. Each job needs applying for individually and you’ll need to put together a strong pitch.
The Blogger Programme – There are always fabulous opportunities on here, again from a wide range of brands. The Blogger programme is mostly numbers based, focussing especially on Instagram. You can view opportunities that are applicable for your following count and the site is very easy to use. Unless you have a large following you will mostly be looking at gifted campaigns only though.
Get Blogged – This platform looks mainly at your DA score. This is a score based on the health, age and backlinks on your website. The paid blogging opportunities on here are ranked according to your DA score and mainly look at writing posts with specific links to other sites. I quite like this way of working as it gives you quite a lot of creative freedom with your posts and lets you put your own angle on posts that link back to specific sites. Payment for each job is mostly based on what your DA score is.
Affiliate Websites
Affiliate links are a great way to earn a little money from the products we share on our blogs and social media. When you share a product on your blog, you can generate a trackable link, when someone buys the product the blogger earns a small commission. It costs the buyer no extra and supports bloggers who take the time to share products that they love. There are lots of different affiliate networks out there, but these are the three that I use the most.
Awin – On this platform you can both be invited by brands and apply to join brands affiliate networks. You can earn commission for each of these brands using links and embeddable adverts, which can be added to the sidebar of your blog or below each post.
Skimlinks – This network is really straightforward, you add a little code to your site and your links are automatically converted to affiliate links. This is great if like me you’ve been blogging for a long time, as it will generate affiliate links even on your older posts.
Shopstyle – This one is really handy as it allows you to create product widgets to include in your blog posts. Your readers can scroll through all the products featured in your blog post and click straight through to them. It looks really professional and is easy to use for both the blogger and the reader.
Selling a product
A lot of my income comes from my Etsy shop, which I run alongside my blog. I sell a selection of gorgeous vintage garments and accessories and I think the shop and my blog compliment each other really well. Some bloggers sell ebooks and other digital products through their blogs and others offer services to their readers. All of these are a great way to boost your income.
I hope you’ve found some of these tips helpful and if you have any questions please comment below.
This post contains sponsored links and affiliate links.
Ways to follow Vintage Frills
Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – Pinterest – Etsy
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