If you’re a blogger and have sung along to ‘Bitch better have my money’, and truly meant it, this post is dedicated to you. I consider myself so blessed to be able to work for myself. However, I’ve said many times that the life of a content creator is far from all glamour. I’ve discussed, on many occasions, all the un-glamorous things that go into blogging, but today I wanted to address finances.
This is a topic I rarely ever touch on, but here’s the reality of things: bloggers are essentially freelancers. What I mean by this is that we are our own bosses and negotiate our payment terms and condition with brands directly. While we may have contracts worth X amount of dollars, the reality is that we are often paid SUPER late. While the average person working an office job gets paid every 2 weeks, no matter what, brands are often late in paying us. So what do you do when a situation like this comes around? How do you prepare for it? Here are my three tips:
Come up with a payment plan
When possible, try to ask for 50% of payment upon signing the contract and 50% upon completion. While not all brands will be on board with this, especially with smaller contracts, it’s always worth asking.
Follow up constantly
Thankfully I have an amazing agency that deals with brands directly and hounds them when they are late. However, I constantly follow up with my agency to make sure nothing slips between the cracks.
Be smart when spending
You may have secured $10k in contracts on a given month, but you have to factor in the fact that those payments may be late. Don’t go on a reckless shopping spree with no back-up cash just because you’re expecting a large sum to come in. The only thing that will result in is you having to dip into savings or acquiring debt.
Fellow bloggers, how do you deal with this tricky issue?
Photography by Erin Leydon
As a newbie blogger, I’m definitely no where near making my own income with my blog, so I didn’t realize that brands will pay you late! That’s unacceptable and super unfair but probably, unfortunately, the norm. I hope your methods of a payment plan and following up works! I appreciate all the work you’ve done on your blog! 🙂
Kim
Simply Lovebirds
I would’ve never thought about asking for 50% upfront! Also, can we talk about how amazing that dress looks on you? So stunning!
xo | Cindy Elena
http://www.boringclothes.com
First of all, I love your dress and this whole shoot – so stunning!! You literally look like a supermodel. Second, I’m so happy you brought up this topic. Freelancing is really hard, even though certain aspects of the job look easy and glamorous. I agree with you about asking for 50% up front, as it makes it equal and fair for both parties. Thank you so much for sharing this 🙂
Ciara
http://www.ciarasalloum.com
These are great tips, I would never think to ask 50% in advance. Love this outfit on you.
Nina’s Style Blog
Such a classy ensemble lady! Loving that high neck! And interesting read to boot, although I’ve been blogging for over 7 years now (I know, so crazy!) I’ve never encountered any issues with payments. At least not yet, but knowing that you’re asking for 50% up front gives me more ammo to negotiate. Awesome.
Thank you for the blog visit babe, hope to see you back for my latest travel guide: Japan in 10 days- The PERFECT itinerary for Japan first timers!
Xx- Julie
Haute Khuuture Blog | Instagram
Thanks for sharing this useful insight about payments..you look gorgeous.
Love
Nistha
https://www.fashionistha.com/grace-in-lace/
Great post Siffat! That’s always so hard to deal with it… You look beautiful in this dress and I love your ballerinas!
http://violettedaily.com
That high neck dress looks INCREDIBLE on you! So chic and styled with those shoes. Both of them look like quality pieces!
http://www.talesoftwoblog.blogspot.com
Love the around the neck tying.
WOW.. This is Amazing
first of all I would like to compliment you on this outfit! this color is made for you babe! just wow!
Second I love that you take the time to talk to us about all the issues that comes with being a blogger! Many would never do that.
I am stille working full time since blogging in Denmark is not the best way to earn an income yet but hopefully it will get better soon.
Thank you again for another great post! 🙂
Love this dress!You look stunning:-)
http://www.lostindaydreams.com/
Seriously though, this combination of the dress and the shoes is just genius! Love love love! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Beautiful dress!
Kisses!! 🙂
http://www.alasdeangel.net
I’m nowhere near making a good amount of money from my blog, but these are great tips to keep in mind! Thanks for sharing.
http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
Firstly I love this outfit! But secondly this post is amazing! Its so great to hear some real talk about the financial side of blogging!
http://www.georginahart.co.uk
I’m so glad you shared this. This is an on-going issue for so many bloggers, and really anyone who is a freelancer. I’ve worked for myself for many years, and this is always the most frustrating aspect. I’ve also found that its very surprising who you have to chase for many. It’s always the ones you think won’t be a problem!!
These are excellent tips – have contracts in place, receive a deposit if its a first time client, and don’t be afraid to follow up!! Its nice to know we all have similar struggles…and therefore need to support each other.
Lyndi
http://www.stylecalling.com
Stunning dress! Super love this look!
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
One of the reasons i love your blog is because you always bring interesting topics to the table. The thing is being a blogger is hard, nowadays. And like any other person we have bills to pay, so it’s really hard when we don’t get payed on time. Anyway, saving is the key word, at least for me.
I’ve been wondering about reaching to an agency (i do work with several ones in Portugal, but they didn’t give exclusivity), so i’d love to know if you have any tips on that.
Talking about the outfit: it’s absolutely amazing. Love it from head to toe.
Have a wonderful day dear.
lefashionaire.com
LOVE the ruched neck and sleeve details on this dress babe… so chic! <3
XO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/favorite-statement-tops-100/
besides this look being amazing and me dying over those gorgeous miu mius, you advice is also spot on! Thanks for the tips!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
So beautiful! <3
http://www.meriwild.com
Stunning outfit!
Hugs Bella, http://nouw.com/bellss // Instagram: bellaskoog
My sister has been blogging for a few years now and she always has to struggle with late payments and keep all the books in order to know when you need to chase up! Thanks for the useful tips, I hope to be able to put them in practice once I manage to monetize my blog 🙂 And how gorgeous is that dress, Siffat? I love the dramatic collar and figure-flattering cut. You nailed it as always! ♥
Saida | She talks Glam
Love love your dress!!
These are definitely some great tips, too! I think it’s so important to speak more about the behind the scenes!
Alya / moorizzla xx
What a gorgeous dress, girlie! I love the color and fit, as well as those shoes paired with it. Also, you’ve shared some really great tips to consider when seeking out collaborations. Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you have a great weekend!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Gorgeous dress and your shoes are amazing! It’s great that you have an agent to help you with payments. Have a lovely weekend.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Having an agent does tend to help with things so it’s great that you are getting things sorted that way. I have been doing freelance for about ten years on the side, so when it comes to blogging, I just have the brands sign my contract and/or factor in all the details with my concessions in their contract. I get all of the details out of the way before I start a collab so that there are no discrepancies on expectations on both sides. Your outfit is so beautiful.
FASHION TALES
A perfect nude summer dress!
MissGrey.ro
https://missgrey.ro/blog/ce-purtam/detalii-chic-in-cele-mai-frumoase-rochii-de-seara-de-la-cannes-2017/
Getting 50% upfront is such an awesome idea! Thanks for the insight, Siffat <3
Blessings,
Edye | http:///gracefulcoffee.com
Have a wonderful long weekend!!
I am glad you enjoyed reading my recent post and thank you for the comments!!
As on this month, MyLyfeMyStory has been officially renamed as Harija Ravi 🙂
Harija Ravi
you look fabulous and definitely stunning!
and that shoes! <3 reminds me of ballet and i'm a ballerina so imagine just how i love your shoes! hehe 🙂
have a great day dear, saying hi all the way from the Philippines! 😀
xoxo, rae
http://www.raellarina.net/
What a statement dress that is! And yet, you style it so effortlessly!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
this outfit is everything so chic. x
lippie x
http://lippie143.blogspot.co.uk/
WOW! The pictures, dress and YOU look amaziiiiing! great blog! xx
Great post, I’ve been reading up about bloggers working with agencies to help assist them when it comes to the business side of things. Glad to know they will contact the brands you’re working with for you, kind of a reliever to be honest lol
And as for this dress, I’m absolutely obsessed ! The color and neck and sleeve details are beautiful ! ❤️
This look is to die for, I so love your outfit dear and your photo as well! Sad to know that some brands pay late, but still we’re lucky to have them. 🙂 Great post!
Hope you could drop by to my blog too.
xoxo,
Katrina Isha