What makes a successful fashion blog case study 1

There are so many things that can make or break a fashion blog. I am not going to repeat all the general reasons that make a successful fashion blog. I am going to just report what I have observed from some of the most successful fashion bloggers here as a case study.

Today I will only focus on one blog, Wendy’s Lookbook. I have known her blog for a long time, long before I even thought about fashion blogging. I am a petite and she is a petite, so I often visited her blog to find some style tricks and inspiration. Now since I am seriously in the same business, her blog became the perfect textbook for me to study. Lol!

Her first blog post was in March, 2011 after she got very popular with her YouTube channel. Her early looks are a mix of hits or misses. But there were already many hints of the style she would feature in recent years.
What we learn: give yourself 3 years to evolve your style and find who you are! After you find it, keep it and perfect each single look.

She posts every other day and each post has less than 100 words. She is still using Affiliate links with each post.
What we learn: If you can write something very interesting in less than 500 words then go for it! There are still people who like a short bit of reading, not just looking at the photos. Also, learn how to use affiliate links on your blog.

Her blog receives on average, 100 comments per day. And this is due in large part to Instagram.
What we learn: times are changing and you need a big Instagram following, not just using your blog. If you have more than 5k on Instagram, it is much more likely you are going to attract more paid posts.

Wendy’s blog appearance and layout are very clean and chic, just like her personal style. The photos she uses for every post follow a pretty constant pattern and number no more than 8 or 9. There is always one full body shot to lead and close, and then several different close-ups in between.
What we learn: Too many photos will slow down the loading speed of your post page so keep it clean. (I need to do more clean up on my blog soon too! š ) . Hold a high standard with your photos. Only show the best, not the most. Dare to cut! I really need to work on this one too. Lol!

Share with us what you learned from the big guys in the fashion blogging industry and let us all grow together!
Below is more of my look for today. Have a great weekend!



|Ā Outfit Details |Ā Ā Ā
SunglassesĀ :: CHLOE [similar here. ]
TopĀ :: Max Studio [Similar here. ]
JeansĀ ::Free People [ Similar here.]
BagĀ :: Urban Expression [Sold out. Love here.]
HeelsĀ :: Nordstrom Rack [Loving this. ]
Bracelet::My Arm Charms [Exact here. It is only $8.99 now. ]
| Shop the look |
Oversized sunglasses collection:
Black tank top collection:
Ripped Jeans collection:
Red clutch collection:
Sneak skin booties collection:
My arm charms bracelets collection:
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|TODAY’S LINKUP PARTY:|
Saturday:
Stylish Saturday
Sunday:
Monday:
Style to Inspire with Rhea’s Musings
Mahogany Closet Monday Fashion Link Up
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18 Comments
Janneke
Really great post Grace. Quite an interesting approach, but very interesting and informative.
DAISYPERSON | BEAUTY BLOG + GIVEAWAY
gliang
Lol! Just wanted to see what those big guys are doing. š
Carly
Great outfit and info! Wendy’s lookbook is a great blog!
The biggest thing I have noticed for blog success is it takes time (like years) and consistency
Dresses & Denim
gliang
I totally agree with this! My husband always said I am too pushy. Lol!
amy
Great look! I love the jeans and the loose top. I love Wendy’s blog too. Her photography is fabulous. And I think what makes her blog a success is her unique style. Every look she creates is amazing and different from what I normally see in blogland. Your point about not having too many pictures, and also varying the pictures is spot on. I get really annoyed when a blogger shows the same picture from the same angle over and over again or never shows close ups so I can’t see the detail.
gliang
Lol! I need to work on this as well. Sometimes I love all the photos and have a hard time to cut. š
Bea
Super trendy bag & heels!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
gliang
Thanks Bea! š
Rachel
I need to check out Wendy’s blog, it’s been awhile since I have visited it. You put together a great post.
Cute top and glasses!
Rachel xo
gliang
You are always so sweet Rachel! š
Happiness at Mid Life
Wendy’s blog was one of the first I started following – she’s got great style. I love your outfit too!
Alice
http://www.happpinessatmidlife.com
Would love to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
gliang
She is indeed! š
districtofchic
Such pretty ladylike looks! The trench makes everything look so sophisticated!
District of Chic
gliang
Thanks dear! Happy to meet you here! š
Shian
Interesting post. I’m always looking to better my own blog, and take a leaf out of major player’s books is an important step. Thanks for posting!
Xoxo,
Shian | The Fashion Investigator
gliang
That is a very good way to say it! š
Maria | Looking Glass
I love your booties, and great look! Wendy has a beautiful blog and always looks so chic. Interesting case study, but I always want to write so much when I blog! Guess I need to work on that!
gliang
Lol! Me too! I need to work on that too! š