Blogging Tips & Suggestions
In a recent plurk I asked for some suggestions for new bloggers (and us oldies!). Here’s just some of the suggestions:
Amount of Blog Posts
It seemed that it was the group’s agreement that the average number of blog posts is, on average, 7-10 for the week. Of course there could always be a week that has several events or a few major releases from several designers. This 7-10 posts per week is a good rule of thumb.
Zoe Demar shared the idea of creating a flickr account and blog only the favorite pictures. Flickr can host many of the photos of those that just don’t make it into blog posts or even to post there instead. Sharing all the outfit details and slurls make it a unique way to show off all those items without the need to blog.
Flickr Fashion Photo Samples: Mochi Milena | Occasus Jayaram
Voshie Paine suggested to post compilations of the daily finds. This is to be sensitive to the readers of the blog. Too many posts can be overwhelming for readers and soon to be cumbersome when browsing history. Also, grouping items from the designer together helps. When a designer offers a pack of items, try using them together in the same post. Those items that don’t fit into that post, save them for another post at a later time. There is no harm in not blogging everything.
Tenshi Vielle, on another plurk, advised to set up a blogging schedule. This could remedy the clustering of posts if there is a high volume. Try setting a post or two to publish when you are normally offline. This is a great technique to target a new audience.
*Be mindful of your daily blog amounts as not to spam feeds. Seeing a blogger repeatedly on the feeds doesn’t do the blogger or the designer being reviewed any justice. Some feed owners will remove those blogs as its considered spamming.
Blogging Items as Reviews
Don’t feel that you have to blog items given. Its ok if those items aren’t appealing for one reason or another. Talk directly to the designer before blogging. Delivering a negative blog post may not be well received with your readership or could be damaging to the designer. There is a line between bashing and critiquing. Over time, this balance could become more clear. Also, ask questions to the designer. Readers may want something beyond the facts they can obtain from visiting the store themselves.
Review Copies Policy
Isabeau Reinard feels, as do other bloggers, that developing a solid base of guidelines. This foundation could include stating that not all items will be blogged. A way to help manage this would be to sort out those items that aren’t typical of your own inventory or personality. Also, keep in mind that what you received doesn’t need to be reviewed/shown in a blog post right away. Keep the policy simple and be courteous. Demanding items is never received well by anyone. Remember: Designers don’t have to send anything, if they don’t want to or might just send everything!
Review Copy Policy Samples: Fashion Ascension | Luna Jubilee | My Second Closet
Features versus Reviews
With the last two topics covered, it was suggested by SarahtheRed Aurbierre to help define the difference between “features” and “reviews”. This is something that is viewed differently by each blogger. Some see the terms being one in the same where others, like me, see it as two different elements. Here’s my take on the two words:
- Features: This for those posts where I have put a look of the day together or items found on shopping trips. These posts are more about the overal look and less about particular item(s). Also, typically review like feedback is not shared in the post.
- Reviews: This is reserved for strictly those things shared as review copies. It typically consists of items from one designer. Discussing the layer options, seam issues, color options, etc. are the normal facts offered. Reviews can also offer facts about the store or the designer.
Pictures
More useful suggestions from Zoe was lighting, poses and editing. Make sure you are using ideal lighting. Utilizing the windlight settings like Caliah Settings or a similar lighting environment is most ideal. Use of proper poses is key. They should not be distracting or take away from the items being shown. The pose is just as critical as the item being blogged. Editing should not mislead the reader as to cover issues with the product. If editing was done on the photo, make note of it as a footer perhaps.
In closing
Read others blogs that are well-known, check out different review copy policies and browse the feeds. Forming your own blogging style and letting your own personality be your guide with a little common sense is always best.
These tips and suggestions are merely just that – tips and suggestions. Those mentioned in this post, like me, are not authorities on this subject but do have blogging experience and a solid history of blogging.
Thank you to all those who commented in my plurk!
