Doing What I Love (For A Living)
Once upon a time…
I began blogging in 2007, because I couldn’t find any style blogs or websites that focused on women over 50. (How things have changed since, and for the better!) Starting a blog was easy; I opened up a free Blogger (blogspot) account, picked a template, and started writing. And then kept going.
In 2012, I went to log on one morning only to get an error “this website does not exist.” WHAAAAAA???? 😱 I had no tech support, no “help desk” to go to. Blogger is a G**gle-owned platform, and I could find no resource or contact to learn what had happened or why. Five years of work had vanished just like that. After a few days of panic and no answers, I tried to log in to Blogger for about the 100th time and received a response asking me to reset my gmail password. I did, and a few hours later my blog re-appeared, intact.
I never found out why my blog was removed, or whether the password reset was what brought it back. What I did learn, and fast, was that on most free blogging platforms, you do not own your content. The platform provider does. (That also applies to social media platforms like Instagram.) This was unacceptable to me, so I started researching how to set up a self-hosted site.
Taking control…
In 2013, I migrated une femme d’un certain âge to a self-hosted WordPress platform. That means that I pay a web hosting service to store and deliver my data to the internet as as you see it here. Over the years I’ve:
- upgraded the hosting platform to accommodate increased traffic, for faster loading and to improve your reader experience,
- contracted for ongoing tech support and guidance from chloédigital,
- invested in some format upgrades for better performance across all device types,
- utilized an email service that allows you to subscribe to receive new posts,
- hired a freelancer periodically to update old links and expired content
I don’t have a staff and still do most of the day-to-day work on the blog myself, but even so it now costs several thousand dollars a year to maintain.
Going Pro…From Hobby To Livelihood
In 2016, the company I’d worked for since 1993 was downsizing. They offered me early retirement and I accepted, hoping I might be able to make a modest living doing something I love. And for the most part I have.
Unless they are selling their own products or services, bloggers generally make money four ways:
- Collaborations with brands (often in the form of sponsored posts)
- Affiliate links that pay a small, variable commission if a reader makes a purchase after clicking on a link (at no additional cost to the buyer)
- Display advertisements
- Donations or paid subscriptions
Bloggers can make a lot of money with sponsored posts. I haven’t done them often, and only accept offers for brands or products that I would otherwise recommend or believe would be of value to you.
Almost all of my blog income has been from commissions from affiliate links. That’s allowed me a large degree of independence to write about and recommend products authentically, and not because I’ve been paid to do so. But with so many brands and retailers struggling to stay afloat, I’m not sure that I can count on this as much in the future.
I’ve always wanted all of my content to be free and accessible to everyone, so am not yet ready to consider adding a subscription paywall.
That leaves display advertising. Other than a couple of small business ads early on, I’ve mostly turned down opportunities to have display advertising on the blog. I didn’t want it to negatively impact your reading experience.
But I’ve recently made the decision to incorporate some display ads on a test basis, for a couple of reasons. First, I’m trying to “walk the walk” when it comes to sustainability and consumption. Being able to diversify my blog income means I’m less directly reliant on purchases for support. Which means that I can focus more on creating content that’s not necessarily product-based (something many of you have told me you’d like to see).
In the near future, I’m planning to roll out some personalized style services that I hope will be helpful and support what I do here. (Much now is dependent on the situation with Covid and how long we need to maintain distancing measures and travel restrictions.)
You may begin seeing ads within the next few days. There may be more placements for an initial trial period to test what’s most effective. After that I’ll be able to tailor how many and where they appear. I appreciate your patience and support as we work out any issues, and as always, thanks for reading.
Bon weekend!
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I appreciate the interesting background information about the business side of the process and your thoughtful approach to it. Wishing you continued success.
I truly appreciated this as I’ve often wondered if you do this for the pure joy of writing about things you love and sharing that content with others. I’ve never known how bloggers monetize their work (which they certainly deserve!! ) Thanks very much for the thorough and transparent explanation of where you’re going with Une Femme.
Also, I am very pleased to read that you will occasionally veer into non-fashion topics as you’ve done this past week. Your writing on the topic of what is going on in our cities and in our lives was rich and thoughtful and I truly appreciated it.
Totally agree with Sue. Several blogs I’ve followed over the years have disappeared but you remain
strong and I appreciate your efforts. Please keep blogging. I’ll follow no matter how it is presented!
I hope you’ll be able to offer virtual personal style services as well as in-person. I’d love to see that.
Sounds good to me, all the best…
As another over fifty (umm, way over fifty!) blogger, I commend you for listing the facts in such a concise manner. I struggle with the same funding issues. It is indeed a challenge to make a living as a blogger when you want to remain loyal to your style and the products you buy and admire without advertising revenue. I have always admired you as a person and also the way you present information and products on your blog. I wish you continued success as we move forward in this new reality.
Could we assume that the advertisements in your blog would be vetted by you and would be something you would wear or recommend? I value your taste and feel I can trust you
Thanks! The ads will vary but I’m able to select the product categories.
Good Morning Ladies, Thank you Susan. I cannot imagine how much time you put into this beautiful blog of yours. Much appreciated by many. I for one do focus on reducing consumption in ALL areas of my life and trying to lessen my impact. I don’t shop often because I feel I have “enough”. When I do I hope to get at least 5 or more years wear out of it. I do purchase the occasional Eileen Fisher as the quality is good and I support their sustainability efforts. Also Patagonia products. There are some FAIR TRADE companies out there supporting Indigenous artisans including mzfairtrade.com They make hand spun, dyed and woven goods from sheep they raise. Beautiful artistic purses. I also use mostly vintage Native American silver and turquoise jewelry some other ethnic and somedays all pearls. I never even gave a second look to Eileen Fisher until I saw some of your posts. I live in the stretch crepe pants and some of the longer jackets and sweaters, always bought on sale or consignment or Ebay. You used a phrase once that I recall and stuck with me “Long over Lean” I am 5’3″ so that makes me look taller or not chopped up.So based on that combo your previous style goes better with what I already have and really sets the background for the jewelry and the occasional scarf. I am so happy for all that I have learned from you. I keep it simple and it is never a struggle to get dressed HA! I do like when you shop your closet .Demographic 64 female still working full time. Wear scrubs to work so that makes it easier. So for all that you do Thank you very much.
What an interesting read. I do find though that I am reading less of the blogs that have just so much advertising included. I find it very hard to follow the actual blog post. I know people do need to make some money but I do find I’m following less of those who are trying to sell something.
I enjoy reading your blog and appreciate that it is not subscription based. Best wishes on your next phase. A few ads certainly won’t detract from your excellent bligs!
Change happens, and we all adapt. Keep up the good work.
I agree with Sue’s comment above. There are a few blogs that I’ve stopped reading (even one this morning!) simply because the page was so distracting. Sometimes it’s hard to find the real blog content with so much happening on the periphery, even in the middle of the page! So I appreciate your efforts to keep your blog “clean” for easier reading. While I understand the reasons you’ve given, I hope that you’re able to find a happy medium with number and placement of ads ( don’t make me have to x out of an ad to see the writing…please?!?!)
Hi Susan, I understand completely and it’s one of the reasons I’ve held off putting ads on the blog for so long. I’ve checked out other blogs using the same ad service and presentation I’ll be using, and am comfortable that they will not be disruptive or hide my content.
Thank you for the transparency. I know we can trust you to continue the dialogue about what works best for us and for you. I think your style blog is my favorite not just because of your good taste, but due to your obvious intelligence and common sense.
Une décision mûrement réfléchie. Ma confiance est en toi. Votre blog est très apprécié.
I have always liked your style and how you actually own and wear what you show. Change can be a good thing!
Im sorry to hear all this. Please dont allow pop ups and distracting ads. I really hope this doesnt change the experience but I understand your situation. Are you still recieving commission from the links? I have used them quite a bit throughout the years
Hi Julie, I’ve specifically avoided pop-up ads…they make me crazy! I am still receiving commissions. However, some retailers I’ve relied on have recently declared bankruptcy/filed Chapter 11, and I expect that I will not be paid for commissions earned in the last few months from those businesses. Time will tell.
I found your explication of the ins and outs of blogging and your own evolution of great interest. You write with clarity and precision, making even more technical topics comprehensible.
I’m sure the result of your decision to host ads will produce the same class act we’ve come to expect from you!
Thank you for this very informative piece. Times change and one must change with them. I wish you luck with your new advertising adventure. Is there any chance that you might get ads or affiliate links from some French companies? It would be fabulous to purchase French scarves, etc. and have your blog benefit.
Susan, I very much appreciate everything that goes into your wonderful blog. Allowing ad content to help defray costs is certainly understandable. Thank you for sticking with us!
Thank you for the explanation of how your blog works, the history and the changes to be incorporated; I find them interesting as I have been reading for years.
Susan, you said, “Bloggers can make a lot of money with sponsored posts. I haven’t done them often, and only accept offers for brands or products that I would otherwise recommend or believe would be of value to you.”
This is the reason I still read here, and the reason I no longer read other blogs or follow those fashion bloggers on instagram. It is one thing to recommend a product; it is another entirely for someone to be hawking something every day–it is distracting and causes mistrust to some readers like me regarding the sincerity of the recommendation of the product. Those are quite easy to identify, so I have moved on.
Two things:
Your new personal look is the best ever; there is nothing like tweaking good advice, improving it and making it your own, which you certainly have.
Also, no less than thirty items in my closet–from jackets, to blouses, pants, purses, shoes, travel accessories, have been or are still in my wardrobe and closet and they are all stars–particularly the snakeskin metallic low heeled shoes. I always look for your recommendations.
Thank you and wishes for continued success.
Appreciate the update and heads up on where you are needing to go with your Blog. Things change and sometimes we have to make changes we wouldn’t normally do , but you gotta make a living. We are living in strange and uncharted times and I think your decisions have been made with everyone’s interest at heart. Whatever you need to do will be just fine , I’m sure, and no one wants to lose seeing your Blog every day. It will all work out .
I am glad that you took the time to explain all this. Even from the beginning of the year (pre-Covid), many of the blogs I read have had posts that seem to be exploring other ways to increase their income. I appreciate this transparency. I will echo the comments from Sue & Susan (am laughing that they basically have the same name as you!) about the ads in the middle while they are reading. I find that very problematic while reading–it’s one thing when I’m reading the NYTimes, but confusing when I’m reading a fashion-oriented piece. One doesn’t know if it’s blog content–which is the whole point of the ad, I’m sure. So, one suggestion I have–and I thought about this yesterday as I was scrolling down through the sales–it resembled those inserted ads. And then, when you posted a pic of Chico’s cropped cargos in sage that you said you owned in navy–it would have helped me had that been accompanied by a photo of you in them. I really like seeing clothing on you because you have a similar build to mine, and when I went to the Chico’s site and saw the navy, I couldn’t tell if those zippers were too much of a “feature” the way the model was posed. I mention all trying to say it might be a way to distinguish content from advertisements, as I do understand the underlying need to increase income in some manner, and appreciate you are trying to do it with integrity, unobtrusiveness and fairness to your readers.
You’ll be seeing them in an outfit post soon, I promise! 😉
I am impressed at the types of services you have decided to outsource and receive help with rather than try to do it yourself. I appreciate your willingness to tell us all about your thinking in relation to how you make income on this blog. I wish everyone else was so transparent!
This is a very interesting post, Susan. I always wondered how blogs work. And, I love your blog because of the diversity of your the subject matter. You may be a Spring and I’m a Winter, but we’re the same age and your issues, travels and clothing styles resonate with me.
If you do include ads in future blogs, I really hope that they don’t become an issue with reading through your blog like Susan (6:08am) above, points out. I started to follow another American blogger, lovely lady with pertinent content, but the non-stop ads popping up throughout her text drove me crazy. I contacted her about this, but this irksome situation couldn’t be rectified. So I cancelled my subscription to her blog. I sincerely hope that does not happen with your blog. And, you work so hard to produce such quality blogs, you deserve to receive some payment.
Thank you for your transparency. I’ve enjoyed your blog for years and will continue to follow. Sure, it can be annoying to navigate through the advertisements on some blogs, but it’s a small price to pay for interesting content.
Thank you for sharing your experience Susan, it was very interesting to get your insight into blogging. The idea of ads doesn’t bother me and I totally understand the need. I’ve enjoyed reading your postings and would definitely be interested in any other offerings you may have. Because of your authentic writing about your experience with Red Leopard, I was motivated to do the same exploration of color – so I think that your ability to motivate is already laying the groundwork for more personalized service. We don’t share similarities in the way we look, (I’m a winter and I’m taller) but I connect with the concepts and ideas that you speak of – and in my opinion that is what is important!
I support your decision to include ads 100%. Blogging is a lot of work, and the way you do it it IS a job, and you just make it look easier.
Thank you for the information. I, along with others , have often wondered how this type of passion transitions to a blog and then to compensation.
Hope to run into you again! (Met @ French Kande)
As far as ads go- some are tolerable but the elusive pop- ups you can’t seem to get your finger on are a definite no.
Stay safe.
I love your blog. It’s one I read consistently every day. You have helped me define style choices, given me some good ideas for fashion and jewelry (French Kande!), and inspired me to become more brave with color. I am also a solo practitioner (completely unrelated business), but your writing and business ethos is similar to mine. I’ve noticed that sometimes women don’t feel like they ‘deserve’ to be paid for what they do, especially if they are in a helping profession. You deserve to make a good living for the useful and relevant information you provide – in your unique and authentic voice!
Susan, most of us seem to be like-minded about this post and about your decision to slightly alter your ad policy- that is to say we understand your need to do this and support you because you are honest, transparent and thoughtful in all that you write.
One thought I do have, though, is to consider accepting monetary contributions from readers (NOT a paywall). Many of us might be willing to pay a small amount in recognition of the value you provide (I get another blog from a French-based blogger who makes contributions possible). I wish you continued success as your writing and suggestions are so refreshing, even when some of your fashion suggestions are beyond my budget. Fun to dream!
Hi Susan, I have always been curious about people who host blogs–how they got started and the details of what it takes to make a blog work. I truly appreciated all of the information you imparted. Every morning when I sit down at my computer, I am always eager to read your blog. Thank you for all of the time and attention you give to helping us older ladies with everything from fashion to makeup to travel to books and entertainment and on and on. I also love all of the photos you post, whether it be on something you are wearing, places you have traveled, or your beautiful home and yard. Thank you for this amazing blog!
Appreciate your transparency and detailed explanation of the cost of blogging.
A quick question – I’ve wondered whether or not you still earn a commission if someone uses one of your links to a website–doesn’t purchase that particular item–but instead ends up purchasing something else on the store’s website (at that time). Would hope so, but thought I’d ask. Thanks.
Hi Mary, thanks for asking! Yes, if someone makes any purchase within a given time frame (varies by retailer, but usually anywhere between 1-30 days) and has not clicked on any other affiliate link to the same retailer in the meantime, then yes, I would earn affiliate commission on that sale.
Good to know! I figure if I am going to make a purchase and this helps folks like you continue your work, then why not? Best of luck.
Your blog is one of the few blogs I still follow. I love your fashion, travel & beauty tips.I always like to see your decorating, book & movie suggestions as well.You always include plus sizes which is much appreciated.Some of my favorite items I have purchased are from your recommendations.Now that many retail stores(including my local Nordstrom)are going by the wayside I feel shopping the blogs will become more significant in the future.I love the idea of personalized service.You spoke up on current events this week something most bloggers will not do for fear of losing followers.I applaud your candor & character.Your blog is one of the four blogs I religiously follow.I have dropped a few blogs as their ads were popping up all over the screen making it almost impossible to read their content much less shop their featured items. I want to know products that my favorite bloggers use & will continue to support them thru their content.I also applaud the bloggers who brighten my day but also show the real side of life.We are all in this together.
As a former writer (paperback novels with a major publisher), I know very, very well how hard writing is, how small the income is, and how many people expect your content for next to nothing. Besides the content itself, I read you for your clear yet entertaining style and your correct grammar (grammatical mistakes in professional writing are sloppy!). The ads are fine with me. I always click off sponsored posts, even if I like the brand, because I don’t want to sit and read what is essentially just a printed ad, even if the blogger earnestly proclaims that they love the product and would write about it anyway (Really? That day, that amount, that product, and in such glowing terms?). As for the ads, go for it.
Thanks for the explanation.
This was very interesting. I enjoyed learning a little more about how blogging works. I cannot imagine you doing anything that would make me stop reading your blog. I’m sure you will see that the ads are not ruining our enjoyment of your words and photos. Thanks for explaining. No problems here. It’s perfectly understandable you have to find a way to continue blogging in these uncertain times.
Thank you – I think you’ve taken a very thoughtful and transparent approach to this. Some blogs I used to enjoy (The Vivienne Files) I find I am now unable to read unless I use an ad-blocker because there are so many ads that distract from the excellent content. I feel like we are taught to be consumers from the time we are born (all those “must-haves” for babies), and I’m just not that interested in buying, especially from companies that exploit their workers, pollute the environment, and use unsustainable fabrics, etc.
I love your blog and certainly want you to get paid for the work you put into it, so will watch/hope that the ads don’t become as distracting as they are on other sites.
Many thanks for all you do.
I would love to work with you on personal style, particulary if any of what you plan to share came from your experience with RedLeopard/UK. I am in!
Hi Susan: Like Sue, way above here, I am reading and following fewer and fewer blogs and especially those that have advertisements or those awful popups. I stopped writing my own blog (although it is still posted) last November after more than ten years…it just got to be too much. So I really admire the way you have changed with the times and years! But from my very personal point of view I just hope you will be judicious in your advertising.
My daughter is a full time food blogger. Of course, blogging isn’t her area of study in college – vocal performance. Blogging wasn’t even invented when she was in school. But it has been a great learning and innovative experience for her. There is always new to learn, adapt, update, problem-shoot, you name it. She and her husband moved to Spain a couple years ago and it’s been pretty seamless transition in the blogosphere. It’s a versatile, constantly changing, challenging and rewarding job. I’m so glad you are doing what you do!
Linda, I’m guessing your daughter might write the excellent Gimme Some Oven blog. I had no idea she’s also a musician. How talented. I love using her recipes and following her travel adventures.
Please, please,please no political ads. I love the quiet, thoughtful, helpful aura of the blog. Political ads would change that. Fingers crossed.
No worries, I don’t want them either!!! 😉 That’s one of the categories I’ve declined.
I really appreciate your explanation. Thank you.
Thank you for the transparency. I understand the need for ads to generate revenue. This is your job!
Would love more info sometime on color analysis services that are available here in the U.S.
Thank you
Susan
We are patient readers. Do what is best for you. I’ll be interested in the process.
This is very interesting. For me, understanding a change makes it much easier for me to support. I appreciate your explaining, and I look forward to reading more about your personal style services when they become available.
I agree that ads are a necessary evil for a blogger. I say go for it if it helps you keep your blog content free to viewers. I think charging for blog content (subscription) is the kiss of death for a blogger. On the other hand throwing up a PayPal button for donations is not a bad idea and your readers won’t feel that they are committing financially to something and they can contribute as their budget allows. I notice that many of your blog readers are from outside the U.S. and what might be 19.95/month USD could easily translate to 29.95 or more depending on the current value of the local currency. Anyway these days I would rather donate to causes/charities that need the money. To those who dislike ads you can put up ad blockers. If they just get crazy (and yes I have dropped several blogs for that very reason) you simply unsubscribe. Kudos to you for keeping your blog alive and relevant for so long when so many others have signed off!
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Good luck with the commercialization of your blog. I intend to keep my blog personal and ad-free. I already have a day-job and don’t want to worry about money when I think about blogging; it’s my stress-reduction activity, not one for creating anxiety. But, of course, everyone has their own objective and preferences. I hope the monetization works out for you financially and emotionally.
If you’re paying thousands of dollars a year to maintain this website, respectfully, something is wrong. I have an SEO package with BlueHost and I pay less than $80 a year for the site, my domain name, email (although my email is via gmail), and tech help anytime I need it, which is very rare. I occasionally go through old links and update them, but I’ve been online since 2009 with the same site, and I would not be able to afford thousands of dollars to keep that site going, even though I personally do need it to get clients. My suspicion is you’re being gouged by someone in there. My site started out as a WordPress site, and they do offer a variety of features at different prices, but nothing in the range of more than a few hundred dollars a year. I just don’t want to see you get taken, and I especially do not recommend a paywall; you’ll lose god knows how many potential eyeballs. My fear is that tech companies and tech workers take advantage of those who are not necessarily tech savvy.
Thanks, Alison. I’ve done my research, and compared notes with other bloggers. I’m comfortable with the services I’m using and level of support that I’m receiving.
Susan, thank you for your explanation. I know there’s a cost involved in blogging and it’s interesting to have some insight into the blogging world. I think you are wise to diversify. While nobody really appreciates ads, they must work and I can easily ignore them if I’m not interested. I love your blog and have purchased several things through your links and will continue to do so.
Hi Susan. I have no doubt you will make good decisions as this evolves. I’ll be here as always.
As a blog consumer, I read blogs as a modern day version of coffee talk around the kitchen table with neighborhood friends. When a friend becomes that woman selling over-priced candles, kitchen gadgets, lingerie, jewelry, etc, etc, it ruins the relationship. Just my two cents. I will skip over ads.
Yours is often among the first emails I open during my daily scroll – for ideas and candid assessment. I so value your ideas, introductions, commentary, straight talk.
Appreciate the transparency and understand the desire for this direction. But, wonder how to maintain credibility and objectivity?
Will endorsements reflect your true opinions, or be influenced by sponsorship? Will sponsorships affect your commentary on competitive products? Will you feel comfortable posting negative reviews of sponsored products? Saying nothing – an act of omission – is an unfortunate direction, as I have come to rely on a straight story from you. And so, this new direction introduces a note of caution that has been absent thus far..
Wish you luck.
Hi Lily, perhaps I wasn’t clear in my post. I’m not planning to do more “endorsements” or sponsored posts. The display ads I’ve mentioned will be automated images appearing in various locations on the blog. I fully intend to create content as I always have: honestly and objectively.
R…E…L…I…E…F
Thanks, Susan. I’m sure your many fans appreciate this clarification. Look forward to our continuing relationship.
Love your blog and insights on fashion and travel. I do appreciate your transparency. That everything works with the ads.
A virtual color consultation would be awesome. I have enjoyed following your journey with color. I find as I get older it is more difficult to determine What works best for me.
as others have mentioned it was interesting to get an insight into the admin of your blog. i have bought multiple things via links on your blog and dont have a problem with ads
Thank you for your clear explanation of the blogging process as I think all of us certainly appreciate it. I especially like your blog because you model outfits and readers can see what clothes look like on a real person. So many blogs only list outfit ideas and it’s more helpful when we can see what the suggestions look like on a real person.
Great explanation and, a very well thought out blog. Blogging, the learning curve, the content schedule are all very time consuming and our time is money. I admire that you worked for the majority of the time you have had the blog. I tried that. Back in 2013 for a year. And with a 12hr a day job in product development, merchandising, travel and showrooms, I could not keep up. I admire that you are looking in all directions for solutions and it sounds like you found a way to begin this new phase. And thank you, thank you for no advertising ‘in motion!’ They drive me crazy too!
I really like the idea of consulting. Your color experience in London was such a good read. And we have seen the amazingly positive results…
Good Luck, Susan
My only annoyance about ads (other than vulgar or borderline porny ones) is that some feature shapeless loose clothing as “age appropriate”. I certainly read newspapers (in print or online) though there are ads. The only content I pay to read (other than journalism) is related to my work or studies.
Appreciate your explaining the history and giving us a heads-up about future changes. Wishing you the best!
Hi, Susan,
Excellent explanation! I wonder if you’ve considered Patreon as a potential source of income. I use it to support several authors and I know at least one blogger who’s trying it. Might be worth a trial balloon. I’ve read your blog for ages, it seems, and share your passion for Paris.