I've been learning about media kits and had been thinking about making one for a while, but I didn't think my blog was "big enough" to need a media kit. Then an opportunity to work with a company arose and they asked interested bloggers to send their media kits in. I knew if I wanted to try and get involved that it was time to make one.
As I worked I started to really define why I blogged and what I wanted to blog about. I hadn't ever really wrote these things down and it gave me a lot more direction than I thought it would. I want to share the top 5 things I learned by creating my media kit.
1. The original focus of my blog wasn't driving me. When I started this blog I wanted to be an awesome fashion/shoe blogger like Sydney from The Daybook. What made blogging really difficult for me was that I didn't have the money to keep up with the trends. I've loved fashion blogging and I'm going to continue because it has helped me figure out how to express myself through my clothing, but it might not be the sole purpose of my blog.
2. I needed to use my skills better. I studied journalism in college and that is my true passion. I love writing, but, again, when it came to the fashion posts I was trying to be someone I wasn't. I really enjoy writing the lifestyle and parenting aspects of my blog because it gives me a chance to really write. Not just be witty and talk about clothes.
3. I needed to focus on my audience more. It's easy to think people don't care about what you blog about when you don't see thousands of followers, but I learned that this mindset can hold you back from growth. When you start looking at what your readers are interested in you'll be able to create better posts that will reach your audience on a deeper level.
4. I need to set goals. Setting goals is such an important aspect in life and I wasn't bringing that to my blogging. I have a bad habit of not being consistent, and without clear goals for my blog and ultimately my business I wasn't going anywhere. Simply by creating my media kit I was making a goal to work with other companies. Now I have to set more goals so that companies want to work with me as well.
5. Don't be afraid of the next step. While I was creating my media kit and writing emails to companies I wanted to work with I kept trying to talk myself out of doing it. I didn't want to be denied once I put myself out there. Finally I said to myself, "The worst thing is they can say no and nothing changes for you." Realizing that life would either stay the same or move forward helped me to push the send button and put myself out there.
If you want to learn more about creating a media kit I suggest using this guide and then using this guide to draft your pitch emails. Jana at Life Could be a Dream is amazing and you should probably follow her blog while you're there. ;)
14 comments:
This is so helpful as I have been considering making a media kit too but wasn't sure if my blog was big enough! Thanks for the push to go ahead and do it!
Even if you just make it for yourself I think it's worth the time!
What a wonderful resource! I can also relate to the intentions when I first began blogging. I love fashion too, but it becomes so overwhelming and I don’t have the budget either to keep up with it all. It’s great you’ve found your voice!
Thanks Kelly! I think fashion blogging is fun and I've learned a ton, but I have many interests, so why just limit my blog to one? Seriously check out those links at the bottom if you haven't written a media kit yet. I LOVED her advise!
Love this <3 I just finished mine today, and like you, I am a professional journalist. It's been so much more important for to WRITE and use my true skill set than just posting recipes. Loved this post.
It's so exciting to "meet" another journalist! I feel so out of the game since I don't work in a newsroom anymore! I love being able to just write again-now that I'm not holding myself back!
This post reflects where I'm at perfectly! I have a blog media kit, but have quickly realized I need to start treating my goals like I do with goals at work... seriously. So naturally, I loved this post. Hustle on, Rebekah!
I learned to state what direction I wanted my blog to go towards. Like what was my voice, who is my audience. Making my media kit took a long time because it actually made me think!
So true! I created a blog media kit about a month ago and it really helped me realize where I needed to focus on in my blog and to set more specific goals. Once I did that, I saw tremendous growth in my blog!
These are great realizations. I still get nervfous putting myself out there to companies, but it does get easier the more you do it. In my experience, most companies are happy to work with me and are glad that I've reached out to them. I hope this is encouraging news to you. :)
It is encouraging news for me! It's also helped me feel more confident about approaching companies! I feel like I'm prepared to work with them. They can take me seriously because I've come prepared. Thanks Sierra!
Haha thanks Chelsea! I'm in the same boat. I've been super casual with my blog, but I want to step it up and I need those deadlines and consequences for not getting things done on time! I need a stricter boss, I'm much to lenient with myself! ;)
What great realizations! I have come to many of the same conclusions (especially focus!) and it's good to be able to both write about what you love and have readers that enjoy it!
Thanks Jenn! I've always heard the quote "A dream is just a goal that isn't written down" but I never really applied to to my blog. I think that writing things out and planning can really help you see where you want to go and how you can get there! Thanks for dropping by!
Post a Comment