Blogging, aka writing a “web-log” in early 2000s speak, is fast becoming a competitor to traditional media in terms of breaking news and op-eds (opinion editorials). This is especially true in the fashion world, where editors like Vogue’s Anna Wintour have admitted that style bloggers are one of the biggest influences in the fashion industry at the moment.

Who knew that learning all that html and good grammar could pay off? Now you too can influence designers like Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schoular sitting at home in your pyjamas.

Here are some tips to starting your own fashion blog:

1. Think of what type of blog you’d like it to be. A fashion blog, for example, will generally focus on designers and shows and offer reviews and critiques. Style blogs tend to post about the street-level style of well dressed fashionistas – in this case, you better have a good camera and know how to use it! Some bloggers even focus on themselves, showcasing their own outfits each day. Or, if you are absolutely crazy about a certain accessory (like bags or shoes), don’t be afraid to create a niche and focus on just that.

2. Write a lot. I once heard that a day in the world of the internet is like a week in real time – meaning that time moves quickly online and readers like to see content uploaded constantly. Haven’t posted in a week? Sorry to say, but you may have lost some readers. Find out if your blog allows you to schedule posts in advance so that you can write them beforehand. The most important thing to do, however, is to recognize this new activity that can potentially take up as much time as a part time job.

3. Post a lot of pictures. Especially in fashion, a photo can speak a thousand words – do I really understand what you mean by those teal satin peep toe Christian Louboutins with the ruffle on top?

4. Make new friends. A huge part of driving traffic to your site is commenting on other people’s blogs and leaving your URL. Twitter and Facebook are huge resources now too. Not only will you be able to find new readers, reading other blogs and feeds can help you find out what other people are writing about and join in on the conversation in a meaningful way.

5. Love what you do. Like I said earlier, blogging has the potential to take over your life. Many people have started out with a part time blog, only to see it become their full time job (see Bryan Boy and Tommy Ton). Ton, for example, started off going to Fashion Week on his own dime and photographing fashionistas as they left. Now he’s huge and highly involved in the fashion industry – and still lives at home with his parents in the GTA.

Make sure you are writing about something you love. If it seems no one else is writing about it, that’s an even better reason to try. Don’t be afraid of trying new things – you never know when you can be the next blogger Marc Jacobs names a handbag after!

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