Oh, how I do love blogging! But it does come with a price-tag from time to time. Towards the end of last year, I went from full-time work back to part-time work, which halved my income. Don't get me wrong, there's no way I regret my decision, it just made blogging a little trickier.
However, I quickly realized that you don't need all the beauty products in the world, or a closet full of clothes to be a great blogger. The great thing about running a lifestyle blog is that you can write about anything and everything in your life! Sure, if I treat myself online or buy a new lipstick I will want to share it with you guys. But I let go of that voice in my head that was saying "You need that latest Urban Decay palette, or people won't think you're a good blogger!" oh please. These things are nice and exciting to have, but I will get to that stage in my career eventually.
Here are my tips for blogging on a budget:
People love personal posts!
These are always my favorite posts to read, if I'm honest and they barely cost a thing. Tell us what's going on in your life. Any challenges you faced lately? Got some goals you're aiming for? Tell us about it. I love reading about what people have been up to. I think we are all a bit nosy like that! Take inspiration from around you and turn it into a post.
What if I want a new template?
If the free themes aren't doing it for you, there's tonnes of great ones available on Etsy for an affordable price. I know I wasn't happy with my blog until it looked how I wanted it, and you don't have to pay $100 for a custom job. Search around for a theme that you love and it will make you excited to blog again. Believe me, it's the best investment you can make for your blog!
Get your camera out
It doesn't matter whether you have a digital SLR or just your IPhone camera, use it to document your day or an event. Put your latest Instagram pictures together in a post and show us your skills! Or do a photo challenge and show us the results. Some of my favorite posts to put together are made up of just photos. It's really helped me improve my photography/editing skills in the process too.
Stick to drugstore makeup
As much as I wish I could show you my favorite MAC products, I have honestly never been able to afford to buy any. Considering there are so many great dupes and other brands like Rimmel, I don't feel like I'm missing out either. It's not a smart idea to blow your budget by trying to impress your readers with various makeup items. Plus, drugstore brands are relatable to everyone. I don't know how many times I've been put off a blog post because all of the makeup was from the likes of NARS and Bobbi-Brown. They're great and all, but not everyone has that kind of budget.
List it up!
Anyone else have a thing for list-making? It's honestly one of my favorite things to do. I love reading these kinds of blog posts too. Write down happy things, ideas, things you're looking forward to, or even your to-do list!
Work on beauty posts gradually
I've always wanted to write a post on a brand focus or even a makeup collection revamp, but it can be a very costly trip to the mall! Instead of spending all of my money in one trip to the beauty department (although it is tempting...) I will only buy one or two products each week and eventually build up a collection to blog about. That way I can still blog about what I want, and I'm still left with money for petrol.
Take advantage of sales
Any time you see a beauty post or haul on Hello, Steph, you can assume that there was a sale of some kind. Since my money is limited I have to be smart with it and make it go as far as I can. Don't get me wrong, I do splurge every now and again, but I just can't resist a bargain. Sales are my weakness, OK?
Hopefully that was helpful to anyone else blogging on a budget!
Let me know what you think in the comments
Steph x
These are some really great tips, thank you :-)
ReplyDeletemoremindfulyou.blogspot.com
Glad I could help : )
DeleteSteph x.
These are such great tips!!! I always take advantage of the sales and ever only buy high end makeup as treats x lovely post as always x
ReplyDeleteNicole x
have you joined my new blogging community #SpeakUp about raising awareness of issues that affect young people health and wellbeing! Find out more here http://thriftyvintagefashion.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/new-exciting-project-speakup_17.html
Thanks Nicole! Maybe when I reach my blogging goals I can treat myself to something high-end! x.
DeleteSome great tips here, I agree that sometimes blogging can be really hard on the wallet. I love reading personal posts too but I can see why people may be hesitant to do posts like that- it can be s really daunting thing, sharing personal aspects of yourself online.
ReplyDeletewww.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au
Thanks! That's very true. I think some people find personal posts easier than others do. Blogging has definitely made me more confident to do it.
DeleteSteph x.
I don't think it's impossible to blog without loads of money, which I don't think a lot of people realise. You could also definitely get more than one post out of one product, you just have think a little laterally in that case! The best fun with blogging is being imaginative and realising you're not only worth how much money you have. Great tips :)
ReplyDeleteSaoirse Sterling at XLeptodactylous
Exactly! When I started blogging I wanted to do posts like everyone else (mostly beauty) but now the most fun I have are posts that cost nothing and are just relevant to my life. I like the way you think : )
DeleteSteph x.
I'm a newbie to blogging, so thanks for the tips! :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the blogging community! So glad I could help. Make sure you join #TheGirlGang on Twitter, it's the best way to get to know other bloggers : )
DeleteSteph x.
These are really great tips, Steph! I have noticed that people enjoy personal posts more and lists are also the way to go. And I am thinking of changing my template, so I will sure check out Etsy for that :)
ReplyDelete-Leta | The Nerdy Me
Thanks, Leta! I noticed on Twitter polls people wanted more lifestyle and personal posts, and they're the ones I like most too.
DeleteCan't wait to see what template you get!
Steph x.
Great post. My blog is still fairly new and so far I've been pretty good at keeping costs down. It's my little side project, a hobby. I enjoy it but i can't justify spending lots of money in it! X
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm glad you liked it. That's fair enough, and you really don't need to spend money to be great at blogging. I hope you're enjoying it so far!
DeleteSteph x.
Woow, clap hands for your true and lovely words. I really agree with you, also this way you will be true to life and people will love your posts more as they will be able to buy/ relate to what you say and share.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
JULIE | cuteiinstgram.blogspot.com
Yes! So glad you agree. I hate the pressure of having certain products that all other bloggers seem to have. It's not real life is it?
DeleteThanks, Julie : )
I love the themes on Etsy, some of them are really organised and lovely. I agree blogging can be quite costly but you don't ALWAYS have to blog about your newest purchase. I also love reading personal posts, it's like getting to know a friend.
ReplyDeleteSally ~ DiagonSally
They're really nice, right? So glad you agree! That's a great way to describe personal posts, I love getting to know bloggers through them.
DeleteSteph x.
These are some helpful tips! I'm going to have a look at the templates, I have been wanting to change mine for a while now. Thank you :) x
ReplyDeleteWww.itsbethansblog.com
So glad I could help! The one I have now only cost me $20 : )
DeleteSteph x.
This was so interesting and helpful, especially as I'm a student! I need to save all that I can! :) xx
ReplyDeletehttp://christyjaneparker.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/sale-haul.html?m=1
I'm glad you found it useful! I'm the same, any money I can save help!
DeleteSteph x.
I struggled with blogging when I first started because I didn't have a job/any sort of stable income and I just didn't know where to start, wish I found these tips a few months ago! I prefer it though when bloggers are on a budget/spending ban because I can relate to their posts more if that makes sense? I'd rather read a review praising a cheap drugstore makeup product that I would've never thought about trying than reading one about an Urban Decay palette because I already know its probably going to be amazing!
ReplyDeleteMollie Victoria Beauty | Blog
I know it can be really hard, especially when you're just starting out. OMG yes! I'm so put off by blogs that only have really high end makeup that I seriously cannot afford. I love drugstore reviews too! So much more relatable. Glad I could help!
DeleteSteph x.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a refreshing blogging post to read. I often find it really difficult and materialistic when it comes to content or photogrpahs, love the tip about lists and drug store make up.
ReplyDeleteBecky; http://www.rebeccamarie.co.uk xxx
Thanks! I do too, and everyone's blog pictures start to look the same because they've rushed out to buy all of the popular products. It's always better to stand apart anyway : ) I'm glad you liked it!
DeleteSteph x.