Fashion blogs are rapidly growing, with new blogs being introduced daily. Fashion blogging is a new world that allows both men and women to show their personal outfits and style on their own website.

Many fashion bloggers also use Instagram to attract people by posting photos of their outfits and lifestyle. Many people admire bloggers or follow them for fashion inspiration. From famous blogger Chiara Ferragni, to ISU alums Brenna Lyden and Kate Arends, blogging has become a successful way to create a personal brand. 

Starting a blog might seem easy, but keeping up with it is time consuming. However, in many cases, it leads to connections, collaborations and a source of income, making it worth the time commitment. 

The first step in creating a successful blog is to brainstorm name ideas. The name has to be a personal brand that will also describe the blog in few words. Keep it original, short and understandable for everyone.

Find a blog platform that is easy to use. Available options include WordPress, Wix, Blogger and Weebly. The Internet is full of host-sites, but not all are free. Start with a free page to experiment with the life of a fashion blogger. After months of working on a personal blog, it’s recommended to buy a domain to actually own the blog and make it more professional.

Select a unique template that will attract readers to the blog. Many fashion bloggers keep the layout professional, using black and white, but color is a good way to show personality and style. Make it fun but organized to allow viewers to read easily. Always remember to have space for photos.

Once the name and template are determined, the adventure of the first post is next. An easy beginning post is ‘outfit of the day’ (OOTD). Add some photos and story behind it. Making the post too long can bore viewers, so maintain a reasonable length with each post. Many readers like to be connected to the blogger. Introducing small aspects about your personal life is a way to connect with readers and grow a larger audience. While the bulk of the blog is focused around fashion, that doesn’t mean all the posts need to be outfits. Use creativity to develop a variety of different posts. Reviews on brands or trend recommendations is also a way to gain traffic to a blog. 

The last and most important tip is to network. Promote your blog by posting pictures on Instagram and sharing the blog on Facebook and Pinterest. Also consider using Chictopia and Bloglovin to further promote the page. 

Have fun, and let the blogging begin.