BLOGGING ON A STUDENT BUDGET*
February 08, 2018Much of blogging centres around your ability to give your all to the hobby and keep up with your fellow bloggers. Brands increasingly want more and more from us, from high resolution images and flatlays good enough to feature on the biggest brands Instagram accounts, to investing money in a memorable domain, clean theme and countless apps to help keep you ahead of the game. I've previously written about how I don't consider myself to be a perfect blogger, and subsequently it can be hard trying to keep up with my fellow bloggers when I'm blogging on a student budget. Today I wanted to share with you all my tips to balance blogging with your student budget and how not to get caught up in keeping up with everyone else.
INVEST IN PROPS
When I started to get into blogging properly, my photos were quite simplistic. I didn't appreciate the work that goes into getting that perfect flatlay shot, and I certainly didn't see the benefit of including numerous props in my photos. After realising that props can really make or break a photo, I went to my nearest Primark and stocked up on essentials. Homeware sections of budget stores like B+M, Home Bargains and even Poundland, Asda or Tesco are full of potential props that you can also incorporate into your home as ornaments or little knick knacks to help brighten any room. I bought a collection of items that I could use in any photos, and there's absolutely no shame in repeating props in the majority of your pictures. Why waste money on loads of different props for different occasions when you can just make do with what you have? Anything is a prop if you use it correctly. Craft equipment like cards, ribbon and stationary are some of my favourite props to use and you can buy them anywhere and everywhere, and they won't break the bank.
BUY AND SELL APPS
Investing in props is important, but it's also equally as important to invest in long-lasting equipment that will help improve your overall blogging experience. One of the first things I did as a student was invest in a new phone and laptop which thankfully my student loan was able to cover. However, with the rising cost of rent and bills (more about that later!) even as a student can take up the majority of your money, and not everyone can afford to buy a laptop, phone or a camera brand new. That's where apps like Depop, or Paperclip* can be useful. Local buy and sell apps where you can buy second-hand equipment at budget prices will certainly take the financial strain off your shoulders, and they're also a great place to get rid of all the unnecessary items you accumulate as a student, like textbooks, old clothes and those items you swore you needed when you moved to campus, but that you actually haven't even looked at since you moved in.
Paperclip has even partnered with Student Money Saver and they have rolled out marketplaces exclusive to SMS users and similar marketplaces across universities in the UK. And you don't have to factor in money for fees when listing items because they don't take any extra, saving you a little bit of extra money!
WORK OUT YOUR BUDGET
Everyone's financial circumstances are different, and it's important that as a student you plan and budget according to your loan, and any other income you get. My dad has always been big on budgeting and every year before the semester starts, he sits down with me to factor in how much I'll be spending between loan instalments. I need to consider rent payments, fluctuating electricity and gas bills, travel money, grocery shopping, textbooks and once that's all divided out, I can then turn my attention to any spare change I have. I am definitely not opposed to treating myself as long as I can afford it, and not everyone can afford to fork out on all the latest trends that are always changing in every genre of blogging. When considering whether or not I should fork out on something, I always consult my budget and think about any other activities or outings I have coming up before I even think about spending money on a new jumper or foundation. You don't have to be constantly spending money on your blog every month, if you simply can't afford to or if you don't want to. And you certainly shouldn't do it just to keep up with everyone else.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT DON'T WORRY
As I've already mentioned, there can be an enormous amount of pressure on all of us as bloggers to strive to the same level as other more experienced and well-established bloggers, who are able to afford to splash out on all the latest trends. Trying not to get sucked into the competitiveness of blogging is easier said than done sometimes, but the one thing that I've personally learnt is to deal with what's available to me and make the most of it. Be that everyday items to use as props, or balancing the quality of my photos with my very limited editing skills. There's no need to be constantly splashing out on fancy equipment just because everyone else has it. If you don't have it, don't worry because there are always alternatives that won't break the bank and leave you struggling.
DISCOUNTS ARE LIFE-SAVERS
Now this is where following more experienced and well-established bloggers can come in handy. Most have affiliate links and discount links for all kinds of products, and by clicking them and using their codes you not only benefit your fellow bloggers but you also save yourself a little bit of money too. And don't forget to use your student discount as and where you can - even that 10% savings can benefit you in the long run.
There you have it! My simple but effective tips to help you make the most of blogging on a student budget. I hope you enjoyed reading!
Until next time,
Rachel x
*This post was sponsored by Paperclip and I received financial compensation for this advertisement. However, all views are my own and any links are in keeping with ASA guidelines.
10 comments
I've always loved Depop but the fees are a little bit annoying so I might have to try out Paperclip! I also recently had bad customer service from the Depop team so I'm tempted to switch over now. I definitely agree that there are cheaper alternatives to things and you shouldn't feel pressured to have the latest 'cool' stuff, I find so much more satisfaction now in finding cheaper bargains/dupes! x
ReplyDeleteAlice | www.accordingtoalicex.com
I stopped using Depop a while ago, because the amount of hassle you get from buyers is ridiculous! There's only so low you can take the price down to before you're essentially robbing yourself. I'm exactly the same, as much as I feel satisfied at working towards buying something expensive for myself, cheaper alternatives are definitely something to consider! x
DeleteI loved this post gal! I use depop a lot but I've never thought to look for blog props there, haha! Such a great idea! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Kate, I'm glad you enjoyed! x
DeleteHi! OMG, I can relate SO MUCH to your post! As an student living abroad for her final uni year, expenses are quite high in rent, food and basically stuff to survive. So, keeping a blog must be one of the things I must keep financially controlled. I only pay for my domain once a year, and invested quite a long time ago in a nice blogger theme so, my expenses on blogging are quite low but still I always try to get the most of it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your advice and tips!
Best,
Amanda
www.somethingfashion.es
Thanks so much Amanda! I'm glad you manage to make the most of your blog while living abroad, and I hope you're enjoying it! x
DeleteBeing a student it can be hard to keep up with all these bloggers who have a stable income, when i got my student loan it covered the cost of a macbook which has helped so much! I also like to invest in cheap props every now and then, but i make sure to budget and not spend over £2 on each prop because it can be hard being a student!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Ellie! My loan gets separated between my main account and my savings account, so I can save up for more lavish expenses. Setting yourself a £2 budget is a really great idea! x
DeleteI still have student discount and it’s only the best thing that ever existed! I constantly bang on to people about it, I have a habit of walking into stores and saying ‘Oh, I get student discount in here!’ I’m definitely going to miss it when I eventually lose it.. 😩
ReplyDeleteAndi | www.andthenzen.co.uk ✨
I regret not taking more advantage of mine while I had it, because when I lose it I'm going to be devastated! x
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