Hair Romance

The Best Hair Blog - with tutorials for curly hairstyles and more

  • Home
  • Tutorials
  • Curly Hair
  • Curly Hair Guide
  • Shop
    • Ultimate eBook Bundle
    • 30 Days of Twist & Pin Hairstyles – The eBook
    • 30 Braids in 30 Days – The eBook
    • 30 Days of Curly Hairstyles – The eBook
    • 30 Buns in 30 Days – The eBook
  • About
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • DISCLOSURE POLICY
  • Contact

Notes from the iFabbo Social Media Conference

June 4, 2012 By Hair Romance 8 Comments

I started Hair Romance by saying that a haircut changed my life. It changed me from endless bad hair days to the hair lover I am today. I never thought a haircut could change my career and this blog has taken me places I never dreamed it would.

For example, I went to London for the weekend to speak on a panel at the iFabbo Social Media Conference about how I’ve turned my blog into my full time job.

I feel incredibly lucky that I’ve been able to turn my passion into a career and I wanted to share some of the Q&A from my panel session on the day here for those who weren’t able to be there or watch it live online.

Clare of CClareBear, me, Hayley of London Beauty Queen and Tonia Korakis of iFabbo, photo by Annabelle Joh

My blogging advice

I was asked to give advice for bloggers wanting to write an ebook or turn their blog into a full time job. My advice is:

Think big picture. Do you have a long-term goal for your blog, or for the work you would like to do? If you have a goal you can work back to see the steps you need to take to make it happen. Think big picture, and then break it down into easy to manage process. I find having a vision of what I what Hair Romance to be helps me decide how and what I write.

Diversify. If you want to make an income from your blog you need to diversify and create multiple income streams. I have my ebook, sponsored posts, advertising and I’ve just started using some affiliate links. I also do some freelance social media consulting and photography work. You may not make money from your blog, but use your blog as a tool to achieve offline success. Your blog can reinforce your reputation as an expert and be an online CV to help you gain employment. Like my first point, having a big picture goal in mind will help you decide what is right for you.

Create a useful product. Some of the information in my ebook is available online but in all different places. People are time poor and will buy a product that solves a problem and saves them time. Create a resource that collates all the information and more in one place that saves people time online and puts it in an easy to follow format. Add your original content and offer a unique solution to a common problem and you will have a successful product.

Just do it. The hardest thing about writing, apart from starting, is finishing. Don’t overthink it, just do it. Set a deadline and stick to it. Write something every day and you will get it done.

Top tips from the iFabbo panellists

What would Vogue do? I love Nik Thakkar’s strong branding focus – he always asks would “Vogue publish this?” when writing for his site.

Social media should be fun. Choose the platforms you like best, and where your readers are and focus on those.

Good photography counts. Whatever camera you have, learn how to use it and take the time to edit your photos. Better cameras won’t make you a better photographer. Practice and take lots of photos.

Pick up the phone. Edwina from Amazing PR likes to hear from bloggers and loves an introductory phone call. I was surprised to hear this (and some PRs may disagree) but she liked to make a real connection with a blogger, and having a quick call helps you establish a relationship. I agree with Edwina that connections happen online but that business happens in real time.

Think outside the box. A recurring theme with a lot of online success stories – rather than be the best in a field, people are creating new fields. When Amber Venz’s blog starting closing in on her own personal shopping business, she created RewardStyle to take personal shopping online. Now her personalised recommendations are made online through affiliate links. Offer your unique perspective and that’s wha makes your blog valuable to your readers and to brands.

So it’s back to the hair talk now, sorry to non-bloggers for the diversion from the normal content. Or would you like to see more posts about blogging on Hair Romance?

Filed Under: Hair Romance, My Hair

« Short Cut Saturday – Vidal Sassoon Signature Styles
How to switch stylists in the same salon »

Comments

  1. Jenny Leigh says

    June 16, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    Thanks so much for this post. As a hairdresser, of course I love the hair posts but I always love to learn business too. I’m having fun learning the blogging world. Keep up the great work chick!!
    Jenny Leigh
    Jennyleighsblog.blogspot.com
    Hair*Beauty*Inspiration

    Reply
  2. Normality And Me says

    June 6, 2012 at 1:07 am

    Hi Christina,

    It was lovely to meet you at the iFabbo Conference! I really thought your and all the other panelists advice was really valuable, not to mention inspiring. I agree with Hannah about blogging posts on Hair Romance, they are great from time to time because they show a different side to your blog/life which gives a rounded view to your regular posts. But I think hair is really what you do best and we love you for it :)… Especially Big Hair Friday, it speaks to me on a personal level and helps me embrace me naturally enormous hair!

    Much Love,
    Emily x

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      June 6, 2012 at 3:55 am

      So lovely to meet you too Emily! Big love for your big hair xx

      Reply
  3. Monica says

    June 4, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    Gee all iconic hair blogger together! Great! I loved that.

    Reply
  4. Hannah O says

    June 4, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    It’s been such a joy to watch your blogging adventure over the last year or so – congratulations on your well-deserved success!

    The iFabbo conferences look amazing, and from all the tweets it certainly seems that the attendees got so much value out of it. Gets me excited for ProBlogger this year!

    I think in relation to blogging posts on Hair Romance I think the occasional one wouldn’t hurt, but what I love about your blog is the consistency in your content and message. I know when I see a new email from you it’s going to be about hair, rather than sometimes-hair sometimes-blogging. But that’s just my view, and the majority of your readers may think differently!

    Keep up the awesome work! xx

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      June 5, 2012 at 3:16 pm

      Thanks so much Hannah! Are you going to Problogger too? Looking forward to meeting you there xxx

      Reply
  5. Camila says

    June 4, 2012 at 11:29 am

    I remember one time i read in your blog that people say to you why a blog about hair? i always remember that and you juts wanted and go for that, i think hair can be everything for a woman a way express yourself, so yeah is important i think i can say that thank to your blog i learn a lot, so thank you 🙂

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      June 5, 2012 at 3:17 pm

      Thanks Camilla xxx I do think hair should reflect your personality, and should be fun x

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

HAIR ROMANCE – LOVE YOUR HAIR


Hi, I'm Christina and welcome to Hair Romance. Here you’ll find tutorials, tips and beauty advice to help you to love your best accessory: your hair.
Find out more here...


Search Hair Romance

SHOP HAIR ROMANCE




Learn how to braid your own hair, style your curls and have new hairstyles every day with Hair Romance's ebooks.

ARCHIVES

HAIR ROMANCE

All information copyright Hair Romance™ 2010-2021. Hair Romance is a registered Trademark.

DMCA.com

QUICK LINKS

Home
About
Braid Now course
30 Days of Curly Hairstyles
Advertise Contact
Privacy

CONTACT

Email: thehair[at]hairromance[dot]com

Mail: PO Box 1288,
Darlinghurst NSW 1300

Twitter: @hairromance
Instagram: @hairromance

Copyright Christina Butcher 2020