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By Amy Zhang August 30, 2017 in Lifestyle, Style 17 Comments

Blogger Tips & Tricks: Determining How Much to Charge For Freelance Services

One question I get asked a lot (and have wondered myself) is how to determine how much to charge for a freelance service. As you might already know, I’m a huge proponent of the side hustle. But outside of your typical corporate career, how do you get paid? And how much? I feel like talking about money, in general, is considered somewhat taboo. But when it comes to anyone with a freelance career, bloggers especially, it became an almost impossible topic to get any real information on or learn much about. I was recently inspired by reading Refinery 29’s popular series of posts, Money Diaries.

I love the mission behind Money Diaries. Refinery 29 started the series of posts to highlight women across the world. Specifically how these women make and spend their money. They say on the website:

“…We’re tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We’re asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.”

Taking a stab at breaking through this topic, I thought I’d share some of my thoughts and experiences on making money through a side hustle or by freelancing.

Here’s how to determine how much to charge for freelance services:

Figure out the scope of work.

How much work are you being asked to do? What is the scope of the project? Whether you have a fixed hourly rate or a variable rate depending on services delivered, make sure you have an idea up front of how much work you will have to do in order to complete a project. For example: for photographers, a one hour shoot for bloggers probably requires a different amount of work than an editorial shoot for a brand’s lookbook or a wedding.

Freelance writers may want to have a better understanding of how many articles they are being asked to complete and how much research and detail needs to go into each. Influencers may be asked to create one single image for a brand. Sometimes it’s an entire video or lookbook. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify the project at hand!

Identify your personal value.

What are you bringing to the table? Years of experience and expertise? A unique skill or talent? A large social audience? You need to be bringing value through the services you are offering! It’s okay to do work for free to build up your network, your experience, and the quality and professionalism of your work. Don’t be afraid to learn and grow through doing work for trade – you never know what doors might open up!

Once you feel comfortable with the value you’re offering, you can set a price for your services. This rate may vary from project to project – after all, freelancing really is the wild, wild west.

Consider everything you bring to the table.

Say you are a freelance photographer. You may charge an hourly rate for your services, but you also need to account for your equipment (camera equipment is EXPENSIVE), your skill and expertise that you’ve built up over time (a photographer with 10 years of experience is very different than a photographer with only 6 months), and the time and energy spent on editing (which is oftentimes the most time consuming part!). If you’re working on larger productions, you may also need to account for assistants and any additional staff on your team. This may explain why there is a huge discrepancy in rates – some photographers may offer their services for free, while others charge thousands per hour or have a fixed day rate.

For influencers, the size of your audience can determine your rate. This can include a combination of your reach (how many people see your posts on different platforms) and influence (ability to convert sales or drive traffic). Unsure waht to charge? A general marketing rate is cost per thousand (CPM), or rate per thousand impressions. A couple years ago, I read on a popular fashion blogger’s site that she charged $10 per every 1,000 followers on Instagram, but this is probably no longer entirely accurate.

Determine the value of this partnership.

Are you receiving anything in return for the services asked? Whether it’s free product or the opportunity to have your brand cross promoted to a large audience. You should also consider the potential non-monetary benefits of taking on a certain project. I totally get that the hustle is real when you rely on income from freelance work. Just keep in mind that not all value comes in the form of money!

At the end of the day, freelancing can be incredibly stressful but also incredibly rewarding. You are your own boss and responsible for seeking out and taking on various projects. You have to hustle, and then hustle some more – there’s no one handing you projects or telling you what to do.

Make friends in your industry.

One thing I’ve found incredibly helpful is making friends in a similar industry and having someone to bounce ideas off of and talk to. I think having a strong support system is essential in order to have open dialogue on topics that may feel taboo or hush hush.

Transparency and authenticity are so important in the freelance industry. It’s disappointing and disheartening to see so many people taking shortcuts and choosing to deceive brands and partners. Which is why taking steps towards open conversations and transparency in the industry is so valuable.

Freelancers and creatives – what are your thoughts on setting rates and finding work?

xx, Amy

dress: grana | denim jacket: blank nyc (similar) | backpack: sticks + stones

By Amy Zhang August 24, 2017 in Style 16 Comments

Foray Malibu + Everything You Want to Know About the Business of Blogging

Foray Malibu + The Business of Blogging | by The Luxi Look

Last week, I was invited to spend a day hanging at the Foray Collective house in Malibu. My girlfriend and photographer, Lauren, happened to be there as well and we spent the afternoon shooting and catching up. At one point I had to stop myself and just be present and appreciate where I was and what I was doing at the moment – I was in Malibu, right on the beach along the Pacific Ocean. At the most insanely stunning house, shooting clothes from racks filled with gorgeous pieces from some of my favorite brands, with an entire hair and makeup team on hand for touchups and styling.

It was the perfect afternoon filled with hanging with badass creatives and content creators… I had to pinch myself. How is any of this real? As someone who still works a full time job but straddles the blogging world from time to time, the business of blogging is a world I’m still learning about every day and one that continues to astound me.

Not sure what exactly it is that bloggers do? You’re not alone.I wanted to share my take on the industry with you guys to clear the air on what it is that bloggers do and answer any questions you may have.

woman sitting on a day bed at Foray Malibu and sharing Business of Blogging

Here are some FAQs on the business of blogging I’ve been asked and come across during my time as a blogger.

What do bloggers/digital influencers do?

It totally depends on the person – blogging is similar to any creative or freelance job in that it really is up to you to define what it is, and the sky truly is the limit! What I can tell you is, it’s so much more than just taking pictures of yourself. So much detail and planning goes into blogging!

First, there are countless types of blogging.

If you’re reading this post, you’re probably familiar with fashion and lifestyle bloggers. These types of bloggers also tend to use social media (Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube) heavily to promote their content. Some bloggers are only active on certain platforms (Instagram only bloggers are popular right now, churning out high quality photos and content on the ‘gram on a daily basis, YouTubers tend to focus heavily on their video channel, and who could forget Vine Stars?), but the traditional definition of blogging usually involves having your own website and sharing content on that space.

Blogging as a business has been around for decades.

Fashion, travel, lifestyle, food, health and wellness blogs are typically the ones that I frequent, but there are blogs on pretty much every niche and topic. Name a hobby or interest, and I guarantee there are countless blogs on that subject. Today, there is an entire business behind blogging. I’ll focus primarily on fashion and lifestyle blogs since those are the topics I am most familiar on, but the economics of most blogs will be similar. The most successful blogs are comparable to traditional print and digital media publications in terms of their reach and influence, and they work side by side in the fashion industry with designers, brands, PR firms, and marketing teams.

In terms of what bloggers do, the short answer is they are creating and sharing content (information, photographs, videos, etc.) through various digital channels. Many consider themselves influencers as well – curating and sharing their opinions and lifestyles to inspire and influence their audiences. These audiences can be incredibly loyal, making bloggers and influencers extremely valuable to brands. Top bloggers have been known to sell out items and products after sharing them to their fans.

dress: flynn skye | sunnies: wildfox

Why are bloggers invited to so many events and get so much free stuff?

Similar to why magazine editors and other members of the press are invited to events! Bloggers are often invited to events to learn about new brands or collections. Brands launch and share their products, often in a very Insta worthy setting (gotta do it for the ‘gram). This allows them to reach a larger audience through press and influencers than they may be able to on their own. These events are also opportunities for people to connect in this increasingly digital world. Even though so much of the action happens online, you can’t discount the value of in person meetings and communication.

Same goes for all the free stuff. If you’ve ever watched an unboxing on YouTube or Instagram stories, you might be asking yourself how the hell that works. This is nothing new! Fashion and beauty brands have been gifting product to magazines and celebrities for years, hoping to get placement and press. Most brands have a marketing budget which traditionally includes a certain amount to be allocated to press and advertising. Influencer marketing is now often a part of that budget.

cardigan: barefoot dreams

They make money… how?

There are several different ways to generate income as a blogger or influencer. If you own a website or YouTube channel, you can monetize your site or channel through advertising. It typically pays per impression, click, or view. If you have a high traffic site or channel, you can easily make passive income off of content you’ve already created. Another way bloggers can monetize their content is through affiliate links. These are links that pay a small amount either per click or per conversion (purchase) as a way to incentivize bloggers to drive traffic to particular items or retailers.

Through social media, influencers can generate income through sponsored posts and brand partnerships – if you’ve ever seen #ad, #sponsored, or #partner on Instagram, this means an individual is partnering with a brand to promote its products and being compensated for it. This rate varies by individual, brand, and scope of work.

Blogging is incredibly entrepreneurial, and it’s not uncommon to see bloggers creating their own product lines or partnering with brands for exclusive collections. In this day and age, many digital influencers can also be seen transitioning into acting, modeling, or even hosting.

Top bloggers can easily rake in six figures through these various methods of monetizing their content and brand.

poncho: barefoot dreams

Is it difficult to be a blogger?

It depends. Anyone can call post to social media or create a website and technically call themselves a blogger. Creating amazing content that actually draws people in and inspires them is a totally different story. It really depends on you and your goals though. If you’re looking for a creative outlet or an opportunity to share your life with the world, I highly recommend it. Blogging has opened up my eyes to the world and given me a lot of opportunities I would never have otherwise. With that said, it can be a lot of work. Ask any blogger if their job is difficult and they will tell you YES! The amount of time and energy that goes into a single post can be insane.

So… how do I become an influencer?

Like all things in life, there’s no easy or clear cut answer or one singular path to success. I wish I knew the answer and could tell you! Everyone’s journey and story is different. If I had to give an answer, I would say to pick a niche. Choose a topic you’re knowledgeable and passionate about. Then pick a platform (website, YouTube, Instagram, etc.), and just get started. Consistency, passion and quality of content alway shine through.

Do you guys find these kinds of posts helpful? Should I do more? LMK what you think in the comments below.

xx, Amy

By Amy Zhang August 18, 2017 in Style 17 Comments

My Go-To Night Out Look

It’s the weekend, and we all know what that means! Whatever your weekend plans are, it’s always a good idea to have a formula for getting dressed on the weekends. You know, to make things simple.

Lately I’ve been all about simplicity. Simplifying my home by cleaning out my apartment and closet (a project that took hours and is still ongoing), simplifying my diet by meal prepping and finding easy recipes, simplifying my beauty routine by overhauling my makeup collection… like I said before, I’m having a total Marie Kondo moment with everything in my life.

My Go-To Night Out Look

Getting dressed for nighttime can be, um, challenging. Because I am so past the bandage dress phase of my life (RIP) and don’t often go out, I need things to be easy. The most reliable formula for me is always denim and a bodysuit. You can mix and match the types of denim and tops, but this is consistently a winner in my book.

This bodysuit is Nightcap from Haute and Borrowed and it is one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever rented from them. In case you missed my review of the service, you can read it here. It’s the best service and you’ll never complain about not having anything to wear again because your closet is always changing. MAJOR WIN IN MY BOOK.

The great thing about Haute and Borrowed is you can rent more unique, stand out pieces (think: colorful dresses, loud patterns, on trend accessories) and save your money for the stuff you’ll wear all. the. time. Items to invest in: a leather jacket, a form fitting blazer, quality shoes (booties for me), and denim. Things that people won’t question you for wearing over and over again (and if you buy high quality pieces, they will actually last you forever. Or at least 10 years).

Case in point: this denim skirt.

I wear it all the time and I still love it. Same goes for this belt and bag. I really debated getting this bag and I’m so happy I did, it goes with everything and black is always a safe bet when it comes to handbags.

Complete details on this entire go-to night out look are below. As well as other bodysuits and denim pieces I’m digging. Happy weekend!

xx, Amy

bodysuit: similar | skirt: grlfrnd | belt: b-low the belt

shoes: chinese laundry | bag: gucci | earrings: similar

By Amy Zhang August 14, 2017 in Style 20 Comments

Venice Vibes

Venice is one of my favorite neighborhoods to hang out in LA… I love the relaxed, laid back vibes and how close the neighborhood is to the ocean. I’m not the only one, Venice is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in all of LA! It’s easy to see why this beach side community is so desirable to live in. In addition, it’s an eclectic mix of surfers and beach lovers, hippies, techies, and entrepreneurs. Has an incredible food, music, and art scene.

As much as I love hanging out in Venice, it also happens to be one of my favorite neighborhoods to shoot in. Aside from the usual suspects (the boardwalk, Abbot Kinney), I love heading off the main roads and into the neighborhoods. Moreover, each street is unique and you never know what hidden gem is around the corner!

Venice LA Vibes

These photos were taken wandering off Abbot Kinney Boulevard. It’s amazing how you go from the busiest street to a quiet tropical oasis in minutes. The houses in Venice have so much character, if you’re ever in the neighborhood take some time to wander and get lost.

See full outfit details below : ). Jumpsuit is from Haute and Borrowed, but I linked similar styles below. So I’m thinking of doing a neighborhood guide to Venice – lmk if you guys want to see!

xx, Amy

jumpsuit: similar | necklace: sticks + stones | sunnies: pared | bag: similar

By Amy Zhang August 11, 2017 in Style 18 Comments

Three Years Living in LA

This weekend marks three years since I moved to Los Angeles! Growing up and going to school in the Midwest, it never occurred to me that I would end up on the west coast. Moving out here for a new job and a relatively new relationship required a huge leap of faith in myself and the unknown, something that is very hard for me to do. But if there’s anything I’ve learned from this experience living in LA, which has become one of the most important and best decisions I’ve made so far, it’s the importance of learning to trust your gut and intuition.

Living in LA

Building a life and living in a new city is never easy, and adjusting to living in LA was difficult, to say the least. I missed my family and friends, a city that I had grown to love, and routine that felt familiar and comfortable. Making new friends in a new city, learning the ins and outs of a new industry, and adjusting to LA traffic took time and a lot of concerted effort.

But three years later, I have a hard time imagining myself living anywhere else. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love the lifestyle of Southern California. I love the slower pace, emphasis on wellness, and creativity of Los Angeles. Every sunset or glance up at palm trees reminds me how lucky I am to call this place home. I truly do wake up every morning feeling grateful for the life I have and the opportunities I’ve been presented.

Trust your gut, follow your heart, you are where you’re supposed to be.

We hear it all the time. It’s easy to discount our instinct, but it turns out the saying “trust your gut” has actual roots in science. Our stomachs are filled with neurotransmitters, so many in fact that it is actually called our second brain. Those butterflies you’re feeling in your stomach? They shouldn’t be ignored. You know that feeling when you’re taking a multiple-choice test and you’re stuck between two answers? Usually, the answer you’re inclined to choose first is the right one. Isn’t it funny how that works? I’ve always been more logic-driven and rational. But trusting my instinct and going with my intuition has been one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as I get older. I’ve found that it’s usually right and onto something.

When’s the last time you trusted your gut on something? Are you more the type of person that lays out all of the facts before making a decision? Or do you tend to trust your instinct?

xx, Amy

dress: vicisimilar | bag: similar | hat: lack of color | shoes: similar