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“You only live once, and the way I live, once is enough”. Frank Sinatra
I can’t believe today marks the one-year anniversary of my Elegant Duchess Fashion blog. Time truly flies by when you are having fun and this blog has brought so much joy to my life. None of this would have been possible without your continuous support, encouragement and genuine interest in what I create.
I started my blog a year ago today as a creative place where I can curl into in my free time and let my imagination run free. 2017 was the year where I felt my life was literally like Ground Hog day. Every day felt exactly the same. Wake up alarm at 6am, get ready for work, commute for hours, work, gym, home and play Candy Crash for hours (I know!). Even travelling or hanging around with friends was not enough to bring the sparkle back. This is when I thought why not embark on something that I have always been truly passionate about, that is fashion. It’s passion that energizes me for the long-haul. 1 year into my blogging journey, I am happy to report that I am still going strong.
I have always been getting questions from my friends and family about my outfits, skin routine, hair, make up, travel tips and what place would be better to share all of it than a blog.
It’s been such an exciting journey with so many ups and down. I’ve learned so much this and last year about blogging and more importantly about myself. I want to thank each and one of you for your support and to be able to do what I love!
Elegant Duchess is definitely still work in progress with so many things that I would like to change, improve and learn.
My blog has opened up so many doors for me that would have remained closed had I quit. I discovered new opportunities in social media strategy and writing, I have met and befriended people and companies, I have found my style and confidence. Most importantly, I have found a meaningful way to share tips and tricks and hopefully inspire people along the way.
Special thanks to my husband who has supported me in each step through my many moments of frustration, losses of motivation, and all the way back again to joy and excitement. He is the one who actually dislikes photography and has never wanted to spend hours taking photos (when instead he could be playing sport). However, the huge majority of the pictures that you see on my blog were taken by him.
I rounded up the top 5 things I’ve learned as a blogger that I hope you will find helpful whether you are considering starting a blog or are already a pro!
1. It’s incredibly hard work
A lot of people tend to assume that blogging is an easy and quick way to success, and that it’s all about showing off and getting freebies. How many times I was asked how many collaborations I have had, how much money I’ve earned, and let’s not forget that sympathetic head nodding when I try to explain (don’t even know why?!) that I set up my blog as an expression of my passion for fashion that I want to share, and not a vehicle for collaborations. As nice as it is to take on a collaboration now and then and get to know new brands, it’s hard work and lots of commitment that I can’t always sign up to due to time pressure.
Blogging it’s not an overnight success as many may think. It’s almost 24/7 commitment. Have you ever noticed on the web that there are a lot of dead blogs out there. All of these blogs started with excitement. They started with purposeful energy. Now they are just gone.
2. Consistency
Consistency is incredibly important in growing your blog. Trust me I have had days that I questioned the meaning of blogging with so much media manipulation that I wouldn’t have had an idea otherwise if it wasn’t for blogging. It’s so incredibly hard to get visible with all the ridiculous algorithms flying round aimed at stopping media accounts growth. However, I know that my readers expect a blog post from me at least once a week. Therefore, being consistent is so important. I feel like the more you post the more exposure you get. I find that posting at the same time each week also allows my readers to expect what is coming and it also holds me accountable. If you’ve been following me for a while, I usually try to have a blog post once a week on Thursday. Initially I was posting twice a week however it put a lot of pressure on me alongside a full-time work and running the Elegant Duchess Boutique.
3. Time Management
Being a blogger is a 24/7 job and it’s important to plan what can be done every day otherwise before you know it – you run out of blog posts, ideas and your engagement starts declining.
On contrary to what a lot may think blogging is not about taking nice pictures, showing off your lifestyle and getting a lot of freebies from companies. This is such a distorted picture of the true hard work behind it. It might look easy and appear effortless, however a lot of time and planning goes behind each blog post from scouting the perfect location to getting the right clothes, accessories, to doing your makeup and hair, posing (that doesn’t come naturally to me), trying to get the perfect shot, drafting posts and more technical side behind the photography, website coding and more.
To write a meaningful post can take any time from a good few hours to even a few days, especially when I have to do a lot of research about the topic. Selecting and editing photos requires an enormous amount of effort and knowledge about photography. I still have so much to learn but I have come a long way since the very first post last year. How about all the technical bits and bobs like creating galleries, widgets and adding links so you Guys have an opportunity to recreate the same looks. I have spent countless days trying to learn HTML and RSS coding and so much more to create something that looks effortless and interesting to my readers.
Let’s not forget all the work behind setting up the website and continuously changing the coding to ensure my website is up to date. I have been working on my website on my own without any help from developers and trust me it’s incredibly hard and at times frustrating work.
As you can see planning and time management is incredibly important to keep this blogging machine oiled and running.
4. Active Engagement
This is extremely crucial especially when it comes to growing engagement. I know I’m stating the obvious but posting a new blog does nothing. It’s called blogging /social media for a reason. The more you interact with your followers or similar bloggers /accounts the more engagement you will get in return. I have to admit that this is the most time-consuming step in the whole process, promoting your own work. After all you do want your post to be read by people, that post that you spent days putting together. I actually enjoy reading other blogs, not just scrolling through pictures and posting irrelevant comments as I have had at times under my posts.
I strongly believe in setting aside time, maybe an hour to two a day during the week and a few hours during the weekend. This is usually sufficient, however I do spend so much more time reading other blogs. It’s such a great way to find out more about new fashion trends, beauty products, brands I have never heard of or learn about new travel destinations.
5. Being Authentic
I have been told a number of times that I should post what other people like or expect in order to gain more likes and comments. This is why I started feeling like my life was like Ground Hog day as other people’s expectations drive our lives more and more. We end up living our lives by doing everything society asks us to do, because we want to be accepted and being different requires a lot of courage and confidence.
For me, fashion and style are forms of creative self-expression, a vehicle to experiment with shapes, colours and textures in order to uncover our personal styles and this is the statement included in the ‘about me’ section on my website that I blog by.
As much as it is important to me to share a relevant content, I’ve learned that it’s okay to just be ME. I know it’s hard at times to see others getting more likes or followers, but my goal as a blogger is to inspire women to be self confident and be supportive of one another. As a result, I have posted things that I like and that speak to women who are similar and have the same taste in fashion as me.
Thank you again for your continuous support and sharing this super exciting journey with me. I hope you found this post helpful especially if you are a new blogger and are trying to figure it all out. Trust me, everyone is still “figuring it out” and that is the whole beauty of blogging because the possibilities are endless.
“The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything”. Frank Sinatra
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You are so right about all the hard work that goes into starting and maintaining a blog, everyone makes it look so easy though. I recently started my own blog.
I just came across your blog and I’m so glad I found it. Good job on staying true to yourself and not giving into the pressure of society! Congratulation on the one year mark and good luck to you on growing in your blog 🙂
http://innapishtoy.com
Thank you beautiful for your kind words! Kisses 💖😘💞
Great post babe! This is so important!!
XO, Jessi
https://jmalay.com/polka-dot-mini-date-night/
Thank you Jessi 💖😘💞
First of all, happy blogniversary (better late than never!), and second of all, I can relate to all of your points here. I find it a bit discouraging to put so much time and effort into this little baby we have created and not getting the response we would like, but at the end of the day blogging is about staying true to yourself and try to inspire others while doing so. I think you have a very unique fashion style, very classy and elegant indeed, and you should exploit that to your advantage. Last but not least, thanks a million for your continuous support on my blog, hope we can meet in London one day, babe! Sending lots of loveeeeee
Saida | She talks Glam
Thank you Saida so much for such a beautiful feedback! It has really made my day 💖😘💞
Wow! Congratulations on your first year! How incredible that you’ve accomplished so much in just a twelve months. It has been so fun and enjoyable readingy our blog and seeing your elegant looks each week xx Keep up the good work xx
https://dreamofadventures.com/
Ahhhh thank you sooooo much . Kisses 💖😘💞
WoW! You outfits really fantastic dear!
Congretulations!
http://www.recklessdiary.ru
Thank you beautiful 😘💞💖
That’s fantastic dear. And, what a sweet husband you have. I love these photos and the pink dresses are gorgeous. Congratulations! <3 xx/Madison
FASHION TALES
Thank you Madison 😘💖💞
Congratulations! Happy anniversary! I love your style and the content on your blog.
http://www.comfycozyup.com
Thank you sooooo much girl! 💖💞💖
Congratulations on your blog first anniversary!
It’s a big success that your blog is so professional, I really like it!
Thank you beautiful! Means a lot 💖💞😘
Congratulations on one year! What a milestone!
Chanel | Je M’appelle Chanel
Thank you Chanel 💖💞😘
Congrats on your first year of blogging babe! You’ve shared some great points in this post, particularly just how much hard work goes into maintaining a blog 🙂 How lovely your husband takes most of your photos by the way, that’s so sweet!
aglassofice.com x
Thanks Gabrielle. Kisses 😘💖💞
Happy one year blogiversary love! I think so many of us that blog can relate to the five things you learned. You’re doing an excellent job so far and will only continue to grow. I’m on my second year and have seen how much I’ve grown. Also my blog has transformed according to my lifestyle changes as well. The key is to continue to be yourself and you’ll be just fine.
Xoxo
http://www.stylemefancy.com
Thanks beautiful for your kind words. Kisses 😘💖💞
Congratulations! I can’t believe that you only have been blogging for one year. Your blog look so professional that I thought that you had been blogging for a lot longer. I am so impressed!
http://whatmakesmesmileblog.com/
Thanks Freja! I have put a lot of work and effort into this blog and I’m so glad you like it babe 😘💖💞
Happy Blogiversary, girlie! I’m so glad I’ve discovered your blog and connected with you over the past year. You’re so talented and I love your style. I couldn’t agree more with all of the tips you’ve shared and lessons learned in growing a blog, all so very true and important. Thanks for sharing and cheers to many more years of blogging and much success!
XO,
Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR
Thank you Jalisa, you are the sweetest. I really appreciate your feedback 😘💖💞
A big congrats, lady- job well done and cheers to many more years of success!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you Ashley 💞💖😘
Congrats! Your blog is great!
https://leraseyo.blogspot.com
Thanks beautiful 💖💞😘
Congratulations on a very successful first year! I think we have a lot in common -my husband is also my (reluctant) photographer and I also develop my website and blog myself (I had no idea what a widget was before I started blogging!).
The hardest part for me is being consistent and managing my time. I also totally agree that blogging is much more hard work than people realise and it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who occasional struggles!
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
Thanks Julia. I so appreciate your kind words babe. Have a wonderful week 💖💞😘
Nicely written dear and congratulations on your 1st year. Your words are so relatable, I agree others thought that it’s all about showing off what we have and our lifestyles. I’m thankful for the insights and inspiration. Have a pleasant week.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Thank you beautiful. Have a lovely week 😘💞💖
Amazing!!
https://julesonthemoon.blogspot.com
Thanks babe 😘💞💖
Hi Duchess
First of all, congratulations on your good work. I know we sometimes have ups and downs but there is no doubt that the work of blogger is very rewarding for the wonderful comments we received and this is very good for our self esteem (for me it is). Your husband is a great photographer, your photos are stunning. Keep inspiring me with your elegance and I wish you many successes !!!
I wish you a wonderful week.
xoxo
marisasclosetblog.com
Ah thank you Marisa for such a great comment! It put a smile on my face 😘💖💞
You look stunning! Congrats babe!!
XO, Jessi
https://jmalay.com/best-face-masks-every-skin-type/
Thank you Jessi 😘💖💞
Happy blogiversary girly!! Keep on sharing and posting 🙂
xo,
H
http://firsttimethings.com/
Thanks babe. Kisses 💖😘😍
Congrats on 1 year! That is so exciting! You look absolutely GORGEOUS in red here, and I love how you styled your hair.
Happy new week!
-Kate // http://www.classyandkate.com/how-i-keep-my-skin-healthy-in-the-summer/
Thanks Kate! 😘💖💞
Congrats on one year! Love your style!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
Thank you Samantha! Kisses 😘💖💞
Congratulations on the one year of blogging. I am a little bit over my 2nd year and I can tell you that it only gets better!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
Thanks Didier! 😀
Congrats for anniversary and wish you all the very best for many such successful year!!!!!you look gorgeous.
Have a nice day.
My New Post | Instagram | Bloglovin
Thanks babe 💖💞😘
Congratulations! Beautiful pictures and words!
Have a lovely day 🙂
Rosanna x
Thank you Rosanna 😘💖💞
Congratulations Never give up on your dreams The best things do take time and persistence Do what makes you happy I love your posts and your inspiring style. Can’t wait to much more to come. xoxo Cris
https://photosbycris.blogspot.com/2018/06/a-day-out-to-celebrate-zaful-4th.html
Ah thanks Cris! It means a lot 💞💖😘
Happy Blog Anniversary! Beautiful looks selection! I would like to have everything in my closet.
kiss
https://www.tuestilo.eu/blog/33_Lenceria-fina-gran-aliado-de-la-mujer.html
Awww thanks baby! Kisses 😘💖💞
Congrats on the one year babe !
http://www.pardonmyobsession.com/
Thanks Caroline 😘💞💖
Happy blogaversary! This post is a nice way to mark a year of blogging (and I really like that first red dress on you!). I cringe when I see ‘nice post’ comments from people who didn’t even spend the time to read the post also, I like to read what people have written and add to the conversation when I leave a comment, sadly I think that it’s a rare thing nowadays!
Hope that you had a wonderful weekend 🙂 We had a birthday party for my eldest so it was a bit busy, but lots of fun.
Away From The Blue Blog
I know babe, it can be frustrating at times. Thankfully We also get a lot of nice and meaningful comments that make me wanna write another post! I’m glad you had a great party! 😘💖💞
Happy Blog Anniversary!
So true, blogging is a lot of work. Those who don’t blog think it’s super easy and as though we don’t do anything all day. LOL!
Looking froward to your next post!
http://www.fashionradi.com
I know babe. It’s ignorance and no willingness to actually understand all the hard work behind blogging. 😘💞💖
I love your blog and I’m so happy for you – a massive congratulations on your one year milestone! I love blogging and you’re totally right, it is hard work, but it’s always worth it! x Stay blogging – you’ve graced us with gorgeous style for a year now and I’ve enjoyed every minute! Cheers to an amazing future for yourself and your blog! x
Marina Rosie x
https://marinawriteslife.blogspot.com/
Thank you beautiful! It means a lot 💞😘💖
Let me start with congratulations! You’ve grown very much during this year! I wanted to address one of the things you wrote in your post about meaningful comments – I actually wrote a comment about it today under a different blog post of a girl, who felt like she has nothing to read on blogs because these all feel the same. We, as bloggers, try our hardest to express what we feel/like/want and to get an answear of “nice post” sort is very demotivating. How did you cope with it?
Dorota
http://www.fetchcandle.wordpress.com
Thanks Dorota. I know the feeling, this can be quite frustrating but you can’t help the fact that bloggers start blogging for all sort of reasons. Bearing this in mind there is a lot of focus on just increasing the base of followers and website views and therefore very little time to actually read other blogs and get engaged. On a brighter side there are so many wonderful bloggers that are truly inspiring, post amazing content, engage a lot and my focus is on those.
I couldnt agree more with your comment about non constructive feedback, if you have nothing nice to say just say nothing. 😘💖💞
These looks are so pretty! 🙂
Love it!
X Merel
http://www.andathousandwords.com
Thanks Merel! Kisses 💖😘💞
Yayyy congratulations!!! Yes, it’s a hard work to maintain a blog, almost full time job. Everyone thinks is so easy but it’s not. But it’s a lovely way to express yourself and create lovely content and also interact with other bloggers. It’s a beautiful community to be a part of!! x 🙂
Yiota
https://pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com/
I couldn’t agree more babe! 😘💞💖
I love these photographs, you look absolutely stunning in all of them and I adore your style. I also love your story, because I started reading your blog quite late, I don’t think I ever came across your origin story. I know what you mean about having life feel like Groundhog Day haha.
Have a great week!
Amy; Wandering Everywhere
Congratulations on your first year of blogging!!! I have enjoyed a lot reading your posts during this time and I hope to continue reading them in the future!! Keep up the amazing work!
Andrea.
Seize your Style
Thank you Andrea. Kisses 💖😘💞
Congrats on reaching 1 year! That’s always an exciting mark. You’ve had some beautiful outfits!
Raindrops of Sapphire
Thank you girl! 😘💞💖
Congrats on the first year! I felt the same way as you before I started blogging, I was lost and kind of sad with no sprakle, blogging brought me back to life
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Thanks Laura. Blog power! 💖😘💞
I totally agree with you! Congratulations <3 I wish you lots of success.
Thanks babe 💖😘💞
Happy one year blog anniversary! What an accomplishment to pass the one year mark! It definitely isn’t as easy as it looks or seems for sure so I applaud you for sticking through it and making it your own. I think all of your tips are right on and definitely consistency and authenticity is key! Here’s to another successful year babe! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Thank you Christine. Kisses 💞😘💖
Totally agree!! you look so lovely here!! Gosh, that red dress outfit is amazing on you!!
http://www.jessicabroyles.com
Thanks Jessica. 💖😘💞
I love how elegant these looks are. Nice colors.
http://sophieatieno.com
Thank you Sophie 💖😘💞
Congrats on this milestone and I wish you many years of successful work.
Love the look.
Keep up with the good work.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Thank you sweetie. Kisses 💖😘💞
Congrats on this milestone and I wish you many years of successful blogging. I totally agree with you on everything said…
Great looks..
Keep up with the good work.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Thanks beautiful. Kisses 💖😘💞
Absolutely stunning photos! Love the look doll. Thanks for sharing!
Have a great week!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
XO
Thanks Len. Kisses 💖😘💞
Congratulations! Personally I’m happy you decided finally to start a blog and the reasons why you did it make definitely sense to me. I agree to every single word your wrote here and who doesn’t blog never ever know what effort is behind each blog. And it makes me smile that your husband neither likes photography and prefers to make sport – this is exactly the same as for my husband 🙂 Keep up the good work!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Thank you Rena for your kind words! I do enjoy reading your blog, so many funny stories! 💖💞💖
Omg congratulations on 1 year of your blog babe!! You’re killing it! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for the next year 🙂
XO, Jessi
https://jmalay.com/why-i-stopped-breastfeeding/
Great outfits. Congratulations on your one year success.
custom made white dress shirts
Thank you so much! 😀
Congratz on your first year milestone!
xx
Lizzie | Takeoffs & Landings
Congratulations! Your outfit is absolutely gorgeous!
Have a nice week!
Gil Zetbase
Thanks! Have a great week 😘😀
Congratulations!
Oh you look so fabulous in all those pics.
Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/
Thanks Ann 😘💖💞
Congrats! That’s an incredible milestone. I loved every word you said.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Thanks Courtney 💖💞😘
Well done babe, that’s so exciting and so great to hear that you’re enjoying the blogging journey!
x Rubi
Pose & Repeat
Thanks Rubi 😘💖💞
Congrats on one year of blogging! I’m always happy to visit your site and you always look so elegant and beautiful!
xo Yvonne
https://www.aproposh.com
Thank you Yvonne, it means a lot 💞💖😘
Congrats on your first year! SO proud of you and you look AMAZING!!!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thank you Vanessa. Kisses 😘💖💞
Congratulations hon for completing one year in blogging. I visited your blog after a really long time. But I have been loving your style so much when you post on twitter. Wishing you all the best and loved reading your tips. Thanks for sharing lovely lady. Keep posting your pictures lovely. 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
Thanks Via. I really appreciate your feedback. Kisses 💖😘💞
congrats on your one year anniversary!
https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
Thanks babe 💖😘💞
Congratulations darling. you look stunning
new post :check it out
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2018/06/treehutco-theo-blue-wooden-watch.html
Thanks babe! Kisses 💖😘💞
Happy blog anniversary darling! Maintaining a blog truly is hard work, I can only agree on all your points. Kepp up this good work!
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
Thank you Simone 😘💞💖
Woow! I haven’t got words, you look perfect!
Have a great day and congratulations ot this first year milestone!
xx
La ilusión de Nina – http://lailusiondenina.blogspot.com/
Thanks babe! Kisses 💖😘💞
Ohhmmmy congratulations dear.
You did a great job and i love all your elegant and stylish outfits
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
Thank you Jane. It means a lot 💖😘💞
Congrats my friend! So true being a blogger is it a hard work! thanks for the motivation and tips very helpful 😘💖
Thank you Sophie 💖💞💖
Happy blog anniversary! I have been enjoying all your travels looks. You are an inspiration!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you Kathrine! 💖💞😘
Congrats my lovely friend! Such ana amazing milestone!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
Thank you Paola! Kisses 💖💞😘
Congrats!! You’re right, being a blogger is a lot of hard work!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Thank you Jennifer! Kisses 💖💞😘
Congrats! I quote you word by word! Keep going like this!
Don’t Call Me Fashion Blogger
Facebook
Bloglovin’
Thanks Francesca! 💖💞😘
Congratulations! That’s an amazing milestone. Everything you wrote has been true in my limited experience. It’s often difficult to understand how much work a blog is before you actually start blogging. I hope you keep enjoying your blog for many years to come.
Kathrin | Polar Bear Style
Thanks Kathrin. I’m sure I will 💖💞😘
Congretulations! What an achievement in one year! Keep up the good work babe!
Thanks babe! 💖💞😘
Happy Anniversary!!! You look stunning!! 😉
kisses
Agnese & Elisa
http://desiresinstyle.com/
Thank you both! Have a fab Sunday 💖😘💞
Beautiful dress, kisses!
http://www.alasdeangel.net
Thanks babe 😘💞💖
Happy one year blogging anniversary Beautiful! And to many more successes! 🌷♥️🌷
🌸🍃ROSES FOR FRIDAYS 🌸🍃| by mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
Thank you Mia! 😘💞💖
Congratulations on your one year anniversary hun, totally agree with your points! Continue doing what you do best and long may it continue.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you Lovely! I really appreciate your feedback 😘💞💖
Congratulations for this first year milestone! I can remember when you started as immediately I felt the style and the difference from other blogs I follow 🙂 I hope you’ll continue to be yourself as this is key and of course that you’ll continue with great posts and pictures! Have a beautiful day xx
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/05/31/organic-food/
Ah this is so incredibly kind of you babe! It means so much to me that you actually remember my beginning! I still remember how I was super excited when my first post came out! What a feeling that was 😘💞💖