What It’s Really Like Being a Blogger

Chatting to the fabulous BB team on life as a blogger and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

There are a lot of challenges and hard work along the way. But like any dream, if you want it, then the hard work will pay off and the rewards, well, they are pretty awesome also.

The challenge though, to keep going. Even when you think it’s not worth it, it is. Blogging can take you anywhere. Whether you want to be a freelance writer, or develop a career writing for an online publication, like a fashion magazine or a small industry specialist company.

The world is your oyster and there are so many wonderful opportunities waiting for you if you decide to make the jump into being a blogger.

I’ve been a writer my whole life, since I was six when I wrote my first book on ABC’s, LOL. Of course, most of my work is unpublished and sitting under the bed in a box, waiting for the right moment to shine and be published. In the meantime, blogging is a great creative outlet.

Blogging has given me the opportunity to express new concepts and ideas on the topics I love, travel, lifestyle, beauty and health and share those experiences with you, the reader.

BB founder Renae says: “Being a blogger is a job that has already taken me around the globe several times. I have learned that what readers want is detail, the minutiae.

Yes, they want to know which hotel in Paris to stay in, but they want to know why and they want the nitty gritty, like the thread count of sheets, the taste of the coffee and which bar the single guys are in closest to the hotel.

It’s the same with beauty, restaurants or anything – the question readers seem to constantly ask is; Is it worth it. And as a blogger I see my role as telling them the truth about whatever it is, I am road testing or reviewing.”

BB writer Anisha has learned the more you write, the better you get and says “Try and write something every day no matter what form it may take. I truly believe it’s through going through a volume of work you get closer to mastering the skill of writing and being able to effectively engage with an audience.

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I’ve also learned people want honesty. This means as a blogger, being okay with being vulnerable about your inner thoughts and allowing others to take a peek at what you are truly feeling and thinking.

Blogging is a magnificent way to gain new insight. Through reading about others’ opinions about certain subjects, you are allowing yourself to temporarily take on an unfamiliar perspective as you research a new topic.”

BB writer Zoe says: “Making connections is vital to blogging. I’ve learned developing industry connections and contacts is so important. From following up with PR companies, to knowing who to contact for the latest tips and stories, having a good contact book can make being a blogger so much easier. I’m enjoying developing and expanding these contacts and getting myself known.

And don’t be afraid of the hard stories. Sometimes, I’ve shied away from writing harder, more challenging pieces out of fear they won’t be read as well, or they must just be harder to write. But doing these helps develop my skills as a writer, and it helps to build up a reputable portfolio. 

Being a full-time student, having two jobs, AND being a blogger can be hard to manage! I’ve learnt to organise and utilise a daily calendar (list-writing is a big yes in my book) and ensure I know exactly what is coming up at all times.

Being busy all the time has also helped develop my time management skills, and it’s made me realise I can take on a lot more than what one would first think. It’s taught me to persevere, put my head down and get the job done.” She says.

BB writer Tara says one of the great things she loves about being a blogger, is all the amazing events you get to attend, as they make you step out of your comfort zone.

“Often you have to go to these events by yourself, on behalf of the team, which means you’re forced to mingle with other journalists and influencers. As someone who would identify as a big introvert, this can be difficult. But it’s so important in the industry to make those connections.

Working for Bondi Beauty has certainly pushed me out of those comfort zones in this respect, but it’s been great at pushing me out of my shell and helping me to grow as a person also.

Ideas come from everywhere – When it comes to online journalism, there is such a high demand for LOTS of stories ALL the time, which means you constantly have to be coming up with new content and new ideas. As such, it’s important to constantly be inspired. You have to keep your finger on the pulse of other publications for new story ideas as well as social media for new trends and studies that may be immerging.

This is both challenging and exciting because you also have to keep on top of all of your correspondence. Whether that be through social media, WhatsApp, or emails. As a blogger, you are constantly being sent press releases from Public Relations and you need to keep on top of those emails, along with team emails too.

It can be hard to stay on top of all of this, so it’s important to develop a system of either flagging or making note of things you need to follow up on so they don’t fly under the radar as this could mean you miss an opportunity for a great story.”