How to Make Money Blogging and Quit Your Job

Shop my Amazon outfit on my Amazon storefront here.

If you missed my post on Instagram – I’m so happy that I’m now blogging full time! After starting Emjacquelyn.com at the end of 2018 as a hobby, I never thought I’d say I was a full time blogger! If you’re new to blogging and want to know how you can quit your job and blog full time keep reading!

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through any links!*

1. Invest a lot of time.

Blogging takes time. A LOT of time! People are very surprised to know how much goes into blogging – it’s not just picking out a cute outfit and snapping a photo. There’s so much more involved – and while it’s not necessarily extremely “difficult” work, it’s still work. There’s responding to DMs, picking out items, ordering items, returning items, creating collages, linking up products, finding sales, posting to all social media channels, content creation and brainstorming, SEO, writing blogs, editing images..the list goes on and on! Even while working full-time, I always would spend more time weekly on my blog than my 40-45 hour a week full time job. Tons of bloggers have assistants / VAs (virtual assistants), since the work is never ending!

Here’s how I would spend every M-F for the past year:

-Wake up
-Work 2.5 hours on my blog (while working out)
-Work 8-8.5 hours at my full time job 
-Work on blog until bed (around 7-8 hours)

& REPEAT 🙂 Yes, if you follow me on Instagram you know I barely sleep haha!

COVID actually made this a heck of a lot easier for me because I was able to work from home and could save time commuting around an hour every day.

Outfit details: Amazon silk leopard pjs (wearing a S) // Fluffy Amazon slippers (wearing a M, usually a 7)

2. Commit even when there’s no instant payoff.

This one is super important. Believe me, I GET IT. It can be exhausting when you think no one cares and there’s no point. Especially when you are working full time and emotionally, mentally, and physically drained at the end of the day.

Along this journey, I’ve cried and wanted to give up more times than I can count. The secret to blogging is consistency. Showing up when no one thinks you matter. When you don’t think you matter yourself.

I started Emjacquelyn in 2018. And even when I didn’t see anything, I’ve shown up and posted consistently every day since 2018. I think I’ve only missed a max of 4 days in almost 3 years of posting to Instagram. This is why many people fail to succeed in blogging – they don’t see instant payoff and decide to give up.

Blogging is not an overnight success. There is work that goes into it just like every other job!

3. Learn to improvise.

Over the past few years, I would constantly ask myself ‘What’s the point? Why am I doing this? Does anyone even care?” At many times, I felt silly. Talking to myself in the mirror trying on clothes and talking outfit photos in public – pretty crazy, right? I never thought I could measure up to other bloggers – after all, I’m not rich and I don’t live in a fancy mansion to take gorgeous photos in!

I learned to improvise. Just because I don’t have a fancy, big house doesn’t stop me from sharing  what I love – affordable clothes and lots of Amazon finds! Before I bought my house I lived in an ugly, un-renovated apartment (Boston is VERY expensive!) and had NO lightning. I immediately thought – I can’t do this. My background sucks and no one will like my photos. So I bought a ring light and started using that to take my photos with. My second issue was that I couldn’t afford a photographer. I tried to get my boyfriend to take my photos who would get so embarrassed and as a result, caused SO many fights. So I bought an Amazon tripod (I use this one) and started taking my photos myself. 

Along the way, I learned people care more about the clothes or message than the actual photo. Don’t get me wrong, people love a professionally shot photo but that’s not what gets people invested. Now that I have a porch, I use that for natural light but I still improvise in the winter and take mirror selfies because it’s freaking cold here in MA haha!

4. Make your blog a priority.

Everything that’s not your blog should take a backseat. Not only did I spend 1000% of my free time on my blog, I had to turn down hanging out with people (COVID also made this easier) so I could fit everything I needed to do for my blog during the weekend instead of the week (like try-ons).

I also replaced watching tv with research, responding to DMS, editing photos, doing try-ons, posting/ planning social media posts, engaging, ordering items, linking items, etc (the list never ends!) I can’t remember the last time I’ve watched tv without being on my computer or my phone working.

Outfit details: Amazon silk leopard pjs (wearing a S) // Fluffy Amazon slippers (wearing a M, usually a 7) // Amazon fake plant // Amazon pillow inserts

5. Learn how to do affiliate marketing the right way.

One of the biggest and best sources of my income is through affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing means you get a very small % of commission after someone clicks on one of your links. I have a freebie on the Best Affiliate Programs for New Fashion Bloggers here (it works for lifestyle bloggers too). It covers what an affiliate program is, how to make money with affiliate marketing, top blogging fashion affiliate programs for new fashion bloggers, and how to get accepted into Rewardstyle/ Liketoknowit.

6. Make sure you have a blog in addition to social media accounts.

I can’t say it enough – a blog is so valuable! Obviously, social media is super powerful but a blog opens up so many different opportunities and income streams that don’t exist on social media. For instance, placing ads on your website. By a fashion blogger for the fashion blogger, I created the ultimate eBook that covers step-by-step how to start a fashion blog and start making money.  I provide real, actionable examples and to-dos so you can get your fashion blog up and running and avoid any headache and confusion in the process! You can get my ebook on how to start a fashion blog on a budget and make money here.

7. Increase and diversity revenue streams.

My primary source has been affiliate links from different affiliate programs (download my freebie on the best affiliate programs here) but recently I’ve two new revenue streams: 1. Courses and 2. Ads. Ads are a great source of passive income. It was a goal of mine before 2021 to get accepted into Mediavine, one of the most popular affiliate programs which I got accepted into before January. I cried, I  was so happy! They had changed the acceptance to 50,000 sessions per month which was a BIG goal for me to hit. 

Outfit details: Amazon silk leopard pjs (wearing a S) // Fluffy Amazon slippers (wearing a M, usually a 7)

8. Invest in the right strategies.

If you’re new to blogging and not sure where to start, or have been blogging but not seeing any growth, I can help!

1. Check out my free blogging tips and resources. Learn how to get accepted into Rewardstyle QUICK, which hashtags to use that will skyrocket your Instagram Growth & MORE! Make sure to sign up to get new free blogging tips sent directly to your inbox.
2. Check out my two ebooks –  Learn how to start a fashion blog on a budget  and  Grow your LiketoKnowit Followers 
3. Schedule a one-on-one call with me to discuss all things blogging. Whether you’re a new or experienced blogger, these calls are customized specific for YOU!

I’m so excited to see where this blogging journey takes me next! While blogging is a lot of work, it’s so worth it for me. Now everyday I wake up excited and love what I’m doing.