What do I learn from being a Manchester blogger based? It has been a year since I touched down in this city, and I think a year is more than enough to experience the culture and Northern British accent. Many people asking me how the fashion scene is like in that city? Are there a lot of opportunities for blogging? And how the people are like? Here are the honest answers from a stranger living in Manchester like me.
I have heard so many people saying London is the best in terms of the opportunity in the fashion industry, also the fashion scene, which I think it is true. I love the variety of the styles in London more than here because you can actually see the street style people, though they are not a fashion blogger. However, Manchester is alright too! Compared to where I am from, fashion blogging industry in the UK is 100% better. I think the opportunity is everywhere if we really 'want' it.
I have heard a lot of complaints like "Why it is so hard for me to become a blogger? How come I haven't received any emails regarding the collaboration? OMG I am so bored with this industry!" Whenever I hear these words, I just stay silent because I have nothing to say. The question is "Have you tried your best yet?" If you cannot answer this question, then it means you haven't. It is important to bear in mind that fashion blogging in the UK is very competitive, and it is vital to be different in order to stand out from the crowd.
The blogger community in Manchester is very lovely, you will be able to find a lot of great people. It is normal to come across both genuine friendly fashion bloggers, and those who always there for freebies and fame. Actually, they are everywhere in this blogosphere, who wouldn't love freebies!? It sounds harsh, but as you know I am not gonna lie and say everything is so perfect, everyone treats me like I'm a princess or something like that, it's bullshit. I don't really participate in the community that much because I am quite busy with my MA and other things that I have to do. However, I join some of the events, as well as, take a photo for some bloggers who reach me. I always up for the photo shoot for bloggers because I am freelance photographer, and I love taking photos, so they know where to find me.
In terms of the collaboration, personally the best advice I can give is to be 'different' You just have to find your unique voice, and photography style. If you can make your blog become interesting, I am sure that you will receive lots of emails sent from the brands who want to work with you. You can reach them first by sending them an email that you are very interested in working with them, BUT not like "Hi, my name is xxx I have 10k followers and I wanna work with you, here is ,my blog. Thanks" This type of message always puts me off because it sounds like a brat to me. It is not about bragging how many followers you have, it is all about showing what you have got! Introducing yourself, and showing them what you have done in the past. That is probably better than trying to tell how big you are. There are a lot of big online pure players based in Manchester including Missguided, Pretty Little Thing, and Boohoo, also a lot of PR companies who always host the fashion events for bloggers. I think the opportunity is quite great! But remind yourself that, the fashion industry is a bit stingy, so you may not be able to get the cash in hand.
What about working with the media agency? Most of the agency I have worked with are either in London or oversea. The agency is a group of people who find the bloggers for their clients. If your blog meets the criteria of them, chances are, they may drop you an email. I love working with some of the agencies because I get paid. Some might pay you in cash, while some may give you the vouchers to purchase the clothing brands of your choice.
However, the quickest and effective way to work with the brands is to "find your style, and be who you really are"
