Today I want to talk about something that I’ve been thinking about for quite a while -especially since my post The Blogging Dream and especially so since reading a Cosmo article with Sarah Ashcroft. If you haven’t read it yet, follow this link.
Is there enough room on the internet for yet another fashion blog?!
The internet is saturated with fashion blogs; all covering similar things, with similar content and the same/similar aesthetic – flat lays of outfits on a white background, product flat lays with random props in the background (no disrespect to these posts!) I feel like every time I go on the hunt for new blogs to read that this is a recurring theme throughout them.
So what makes me different from anyone else? Why would someone want to read my little old blog?
It’s very disheartening and hard to get your blog off the ground and all of these blog posts/ YouTube videos with tips on how to start blogging that say “Don’t think about the numbers, if you’re doing it for the numbers you’re in it for the wrong thing” are talking utter shit.
I’m sorry, but these bloggers/ vloggers have a HUGE following and have this as their career – you’re telling me that they don’t care about the numbers?! That’s what gives them the opportunities they have, how they earn a living and they’re able to engage with a wider audience due to this mass in following.
I care about the numbers. Not because I’m narccisstic or because I want to be sent loads of products from brands – I just want to know that I’m able to connect with an audience that gets ME! The numbers are disheartening because you put everything into producing content and you want to share that for people to enjoy!
And you know, after reading the article in Cosmo, I felt like utter shit, disheartened and wondering if I should just throw the towel in. I’ve never been a follower of Sarah Ashcroft and definitely won’t be from now after reading that article (to be honest I’d never heard of her!) – she came across as big headed and downright rude. By publishing that comment about there not being enough room for new bloggers, she’s just dashed the hopes and dreams of so many young girls who we should be encouraging to give it their all.
So, back to my original question – is there enough room on the internet for another fashion blogger?
It’s a lot harder to get your blog noticed among the masses of other blogs out there and I’ve come into the mix a few years down the line where most successful bloggers have been at it for 7+ years.
I love blogging and I know I’ve got an audience out there – I just need to find them. I like to think my blog should stand out amongst the many others because I’m funny (I think?!), I’m trying to make fun of my mishaps and giving people a real version of what we all experience. It’s lovely to read these beautiful posts with gorgeous pictures, but the thing is – it’s not real life.
Not everyone has the money to drop on the most expensive clothes/makeup/accessories and sometimes we buy things that don’t work out – which is exactly what The Fashion Faux Pas of Gabrielle is all about.
No one seems to document their style/beauty in this way (not that I can find anyway – please feel free to point me in the direction of someone that does!) and I think that’s why there could be a space on the ever growing internet for me – but only time will tell.
I for one won’t let a rude bloggers’ comment dishearten me anymore and hope that we all stand together to make the best of the internet – sharing is what blogging is all about so I’m sharing the love and letting everyone know that there is hope for everyone!
Other bloggers – let me know your thoughts on the subject and whether you find it difficult to stand out in the massive crowd.
Until next time…
Gaby xxx
audience engagementblogging goalsblogging strugglesfashion blogfashion bloggerfinding your audience
Those were my exact thoughts on Sarah Ashcroft; I didn’t know who she was and her article was so cocky! I do find out difficult to stand out in blogging, and I do think about the numbers but I went into it with no illusions on how hard it would be. Honesty is what’s making me stand out – if I don’t like something, I’ll say!
Definitely and when you’ve got even a sliver of self doubt – reading something like that doesn’t help! Honesty is the best policy and I think that’s the best way for you to shine 🙌🏻❤️
I think saying there’s no room for other bloggers is the worst thing because it takes years to carve out a niche and find your audience. I’m sure her audience didn’t come overnight!
Exactly and based on some of the photos they included in the post, I don’t think there’s anything original about her! Makes me so angry that I started to doubt myself after reading it!
It’s what someone who thinks there’s too much competition would say, on hope of that exact effect. The general negative reaction she’s had from the blogging community, one she’s clearly never been a part of, is pretty uplifting!
So uplifting and great to see everyone standing together against it! I’m glad I’m not the only one to see this for what it is!
Hello Gabrielle,
I find your blog very entertaining and uplifting xx As for the matter of audience I agree it is tricky and especially when starting a new project it is going to take a lot of trying so one step at the time…
I have clicked on the article tagged and I did not know who Sarah Ashcroft was but without defending her what I am reading is to stay true to yourself. There is no space for repeating what others do, which should be the case as everybody is different !!
All the best and I will be checking your blog every time you publish something new xx
Thank you so much! It’s a really difficult thing to do but like you say, we just need to take it one step at a time and not repeat what others have already done! I’ll make sure to check out your blog and so happy that someone’s enjoying my content xxx
I’m so glad I read this post! I thought it was very disrespectful that Sarah Ashcroft, especially when many of her followers are probably bloggers who aspire to her success and maybe were inspired by her to start. So, yeah a massive kick in the teeth.
You’re right, there’s an audience for everyone – we just need to find it! We shouldn’t let anyone but ourselves dictate what we do (easier said than done).
Love the Clarkson GIF too 😉
http://www.hannahgladwin.com
Glad you liked the Clarkson gif too 😉 and thank you! Happy that other bloggers are banding together against this! 🙌🏻❤️
I had some deep inner reflection on this before I started Alternatively Speaking. I didn’t want to even bother starting if I didn’t see a space for my blog in this whole blogging community. After a lot of careful consideration I realized that in the world of beauty products of flat lay displays, etc there was a serious lack of the alternative side of life that I enjoy bringing to the blogging world 🙂 It’s all about finding our audience – its out there!
Britt | http://alternativelyspeaking.ca/
Definitely! I thought the same before I started, but think it’s good to reflect every now and then 😊
Always good to reflect on! I find doing so helps to keep me grounded and focused on who I am and what I bring to the table, rather than being swept up in the ‘expectations’
Hello Gabrielle Banner!
I am really happy how you presented your stand for numerous budding bloggers. In today’s world it’s really challenging to create your own space among the audience. It takes hell lot of time, until and unless one’s blog is providing something relevant and different to it’s audience. I really liked your post. Gonna read your upcoming blogposts too.. <3
Thank you! And it’s definitely challenging! I’ll make sure to check out your blog too and welcome to The Fashion Faux Pas of Gabrielle! ❤️
Hi Gabrielle,
I love your post and your title reeled me as I searched fashion blogs on here. I believe there is room for numerous bloggers to expand on their fashion style and tips, as well as share their life stories. I too am struggling with questioning if I should give blogging my all. It’s quite difficult to get started, but continue being your yourself and making honest posts like these and your audience will definitely grow. I look forward to reading more posts of yours. GOOD LUCK!
Thank you and I’m glad that’s what you’ve taken away – there’s definitely room for more fashion blogs and I’m going to keep on keeping on! ❤️
I just started a blog (after probably years of debating) and I appreciate your take. Thanks for the great read!
Thank you and good on you!
The numbers are like crazy things – it’s the value that a blogger creates.
I had been blogging for a few months and learned that the numbers don’t grow fast. It’s actually lot of technical stuff other than content creation that make some blogs grow big in less time/some more.
I have like fewer audience than you have in this post, but I’m loving blogging, and doing it for myself.
100%! This is one of my most successful posts this year as I think it’s something everyone can relate to – it’s taken me a year and a half to build it up to what it is now (which still isn’t huge!) I think as long as you love it, that’s all that matters 😊
😍👌👌 you are so sweet . I am a new fashion blogger who want to share her life with others. I will feel good if you check out my work https://sakshiibhardwajj.wordpress.com/2017/07/18/what-i-wore/
Just subscribed lovely xx
Hi there!
I love your blog and definitely think we could collaborate.
Here is the link to my blog: 2ohClock.com
Please let me know what you think!
I would love to do a collaboration of some sort.
Hope you’re having a great Monday!
Kind regards,
Cassandra
Thank you! What kind of collab were you thinking of? Email me and we can chat thefashionfauxpasofgabrielle@gmail.com xx
I love this post! I too am just entering this crazy world of blogging and I share the same fears as you do. I attempted this whole deal over a year ago.. gave up very quickly and deleted every post! Thank you for being inspirational and knowing I am not alone in this! I look forward to reading your other post!
Ahh thank you lovely and the key thing is to keep on going! If anything, it’s good to keep your posts so you can see progress you’ve made! I’ve been looking back at my older posts and it’s amazing to see how they’ve progressed so much!
I’ve just started one too. I think there is definately space but it takes time. It’s http://www.luthienthegreen.wordpress.com take a look if you like- I have about two followers and one is me 😂
I agree! I’ve seen quite a bit of growth since I uploaded this post which is nice, but being patient is key! I’ll make sure to go and check it out!
Thank you! Do you have any other tips?
You’re welcome! I’d say; be consistent (make sure to post regularly so your readers know when to expect a post), don’t focus on what everyone else is doing too much and just be you! It’s hard to not get wrapped up in what everyone else is doing, but I definitely think being yourself is key!
Thanks. I agree getting it out there is the main thing. Traffic building takes time