My daughter’s blog

[Anonymous]

PP here--sorry about the typos. Was working on the iPad at first and didn't get it just right.

depths some people go to catch up with "fans" --> depths some people go to catch up with "influencers."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People who are siying blogs are dead aren't reading blogs, or aren't following fashion influencers. There are very few stand alone blogs anymore - most fashion types i read have a blog, an instagram, a twitter account, sometimes a youtube channel, etc.

Fashion still likes blogs because you can have more text and more pictures, widgets, etc. But you still cross pollinate content on each platform, in slightly different ways.

I'd remind your daughter it's a business, and that she should treat it as such. That means a contract, and setting appropriate rates. A few conferences might be a good idea, but I think I might want to go with her at 16. She can decide how seriously she wants to pursue it - some freebies and extra cash are fine and good for a high schooler. You probably don't want her to take it so far she'd want to do it full-time instead of college for example. But if she pushed it aggressively it could be a good money maker for a while. It could also be a fun hobby thet brings her some fun benefits. Riht sizing will be among her first challenges.

I might seek some professional advice - tax lawyer, blogging expert - there are rulesAnd she'll be signing contracts. (or she should be, if she's going to be promoting items).

Wardrobe Oxygen is a local blogger who posts often about the business of blogging. For a full time blogger, I will say she seems to stress/complain about he business side of blogging A LOT (though not as much lately). Totally outside your daughter's niche, probably, but might be worth reading.

A reminder that a minor can not enter into a legally binding contract.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seconding that she needs advice about taxes. Income is income at any age from any source.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's weird that sponsors are reaching out to her. Blogging is mostly dead at this point. It's all on Instagram or Youtube now.

Her blog is on Instagram.

Then it's not a blog. It's an Instagram account.

[Anonymous]

You're getting some great and detailed advice, OP. I wanted to add: If she goes to the conference (and it could be great--just check it out snd ensure it's legit and truly worth the time and money), an adult should go with her. I'm guessing you plan on that anyway, since you're on top of thinking about the bigger picture....No need to be in conference sessions or hover over her interactions with everyone, but don't send a 16-year-old to a conference alone. I'd wager that those who want influencers like her to promote their products may be there pressing bloggers to agree to things that -- as earlier PPs note -- she as a minor can't agree to. And since she's a minor she won't be able to get a hotel room anyway (and I'd be leery of offers for her to stay with other bloggers etc. she might feel she "knows" from online interactions). She's a minor--escort her there. The "helicopter parent alert" haters will come out of the woodwork here, probably....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People who are siying blogs are dead aren't reading blogs, or aren't following fashion influencers. There are very few stand alone blogs anymore - most fashion types i read have a blog, an instagram, a twitter account, sometimes a youtube channel, etc.

Fashion still likes blogs because you can have more text and more pictures, widgets, etc. But you still cross pollinate content on each platform, in slightly different ways.

I'd remind your daughter it's a business, and that she should treat it as such. That means a contract, and setting appropriate rates. A few conferences might be a good idea, but I think I might want to go with her at 16. She can decide how seriously she wants to pursue it - some freebies and extra cash are fine and good for a high schooler. You probably don't want her to take it so far she'd want to do it full-time instead of college for example. But if she pushed it aggressively it could be a good money maker for a while. It could also be a fun hobby thet brings her some fun benefits. Riht sizing will be among her first challenges.

I might seek some professional advice - tax lawyer, blogging expert - there are rulesAnd she'll be signing contracts. (or she should be, if she's going to be promoting items).


Wardrobe Oxygen is a local blogger who posts often about the business of blogging. For a full time blogger, I will say she seems to stress/complain about he business side of blogging A LOT (though not as much lately). Totally outside your daughter's niche, probably, but might be worth reading.

A reminder that a minor can not enter into a legally binding contract.

There are ways child actors have contracts, employment contracts etc. to what extent you can hold a minor to a contract is the legal question that courts decide.

[Anonymous]

Yes, to the tax stuff. Also, I would accompany her to any meetings. A loony could easily say "hey I'm with Forever 21 and we want to pay you for..." just to get her to a meeting place.

There really needs to be a "How to Prevent Stalkers and Loons for Dummies" because there are so many things the under 25 crowd naively do online that can put themselves at risk.

Also, as she gains popularity make sure she has a thick skin. There will likely be haters posting comments to her or going places like reddit to complain and make fun of things.

Make sure she knows not to post anything she would not want a future employer to see. At some point she may tire of being public or she may lose popularity and you want to make sure she does not do anything that makes her totally unemployable. You'd be surprised how many bloggers have gone too far and would see as liability and likely screened out by HR.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's weird that sponsors are reaching out to her. Blogging is mostly dead at this point. It's all on Instagram or Youtube now.

Her blog is on Instagram.

Then it's not a blog. It's an Instagram account.

read.

[Anonymous]

NP. I read this thread and it seems useful info. DH and I ahve been wondering f we should let DD, just turned 17 make her Instagram public. She has a private account and has often 1k likes and she has over 1500 followers on her private Instagram. Sorry if I am saying it wrong, not savvy with these terms. OP, is your DD's Instagram public? My DD almost never links companies but couple of times she did, she was contacted and Four Seasons added her photos to their official Instagram. She also makes Youtube videos, and honestly they are really, really good, travel type, but I am worries doing more would attract weirdos. Any advice from OP or others who know more is welcome. I want her safe, but then I wonder if I am so out of touch with how young people make money on social media, that I am like that one Youtube star Lilly whose skits of her parents make me feel like I am really one of them, clueless old people.

[Anonymous]

Sorry about typos!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP. I read this thread and it seems useful info. DH and I ahve been wondering f we should let DD, just turned 17 make her Instagram public. She has a private account and has often 1k likes and she has over 1500 followers on her private Instagram. Sorry if I am saying it wrong, not savvy with these terms. OP, is your DD's Instagram public? My DD almost never links companies but couple of times she did, she was contacted and Four Seasons added her photos to their official Instagram. She also makes Youtube videos, and honestly they are really, really good, travel type, but I am worries doing more would attract weirdos. Any advice from OP or others who know more is welcome. I want her safe, but then I wonder if I am so out of touch with how young people make money on social media, that I am like that one Youtube star Lilly whose skits of her parents make me feel like I am really one of them, clueless old people.

The Instagram associated with her blog is public- where she posts outfits, pretty interiors, food, her travels, OOTD, etc. Her personal instagram where she posts pictures with friends, family, etc. is private and will not be made public. I would probably keep it private.

[Anonymous]

Congrats to your daughter OP. You've gotten lots of good advice. I would make sure you go with her to everything at this point and review any "contracts" etc she may be offered. I'd also encourage her to watch some videos and start setting aside 15 minutes a day to learn about business as well as think about how she sees parlaying this into something more if she hasn't.

[Anonymous]

I link my Pinterest to many fashion blogs. Once I find somebody that dresses the way I like,I follow them on Pinterest, I save a picture in my pinterest that links to their blog.

It's awesome, treat it like a travel sport.Your are willing to support it but create a budget and go for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's weird that sponsors are reaching out to her. Blogging is mostly dead at this point. It's all on Instagram or Youtube now.

Several sponsors reached my dog's instagram page that my kids maintained with offers of free products in exchange of him wearing it. Not as dead as you think.

[Anonymous]

One more thing to be aware of if she continues as an influencer is to make sure that she is prominently disclosing what compensation (including free products) that she is receiving in return for "advertising" these products across online platforms. Several influencers and companies have gotten into legal trouble with the FTC for not doing so.