November 18th, 2009
How To Start a Nail Polish Blog – Part II
Hi all!
Today I have Part II of my series How To Start a Nail Polish Blog. If you haven’t yet read Part I, visit it here first!
You now have your blog name, and have decided which platform to go with. It’s time to pick a template and start blogging! Here are some things that are very important to remember.
Picking a template
- It doesn’t have to be super fancy or be filled with images. In fact one of the first things they say in any book about graphic design (which I am reading about now) is that less is more. Many people think that all the white space on the screen needs to be packed with colors or something to look at. In fact that’s totally the opposite of what you should do. You should have a lot of white space, and keep it clean and clutter-free. Try and think of these words when deciding on a design: clean, open, welcoming, fresh and unique.
- It’s my personal opinion that too much color or girly swirls (or cats) all over the place don’t look professional, and can be really distracting. Maybe think of 3 or 4 colors that work well together and use that as your palette.
- I’m personally not a fan of the three column format (two column is fairly standard), it’s too cluttered looking. Another thing to remember is try not to pick a background color that clashes with the font color. Some people find it really hard to read white font on a black background (myself included). Red and bright fonts can also be hard on the eyes. Try and choose a font style that is easy to read. You don’t want to use any “decorative” fonts (dripping blood for instance) or cursive or bold block letters because most people cannot read for long with those.
Editing
- The number one MOST important tip is…make sure you use correct spelling and grammar on every single thing you write! I’m not just saying this because I have a college degree in English, and am totally anal.
I am saying this because I don’t know anyone that takes any website seriously if it has more than one or two errors from time to time. We all make mistakes, I am sure I have made them on this site. But seriously, this is really important! Use spell check! If grammar is not your strong suit, ask a friend or family member to proof it before you post it.
Photos
- If you are going to be swatching, which I assume you will be, you need good photos! This is just as important as the spelling, in my view. The expectation from readers when they go to your website will be that they will see nice, clear pictures of the polish before they buy it to decide whether they like it or not. If you are taking pictures with a cell phone, that’s not gonna cut it. My iPhone takes really good pics, but not macro shots of polish. When I started I wasn’t using the best camera, and my pictures quite frankly sucked! When I look back I am horrified that I posted them. Now I use a Canon SD 990 IS Digital ELPH camera with Optimal Image Stabilizer technology and 14.7 mega pixels. This camera takes amazing macro shots, which is what I use for all my polish pics.
- Watermarks. Don’t do them. I did them at first, but then realized that I hated them, and they took away from the photos. I understand a lot of people use them because those eBay thieves LOVE stealing pics and using them on their site. Unless you put the watermark directly over your hand/nails (which looks terrible), they will take them anyway. My pictures are taken from Google and used on eBay almost on a weekly basis. I just email the person, tell them to either remove them ASAP or they will be reported to eBay or link back, and they always respond. It’s just the nature of the biz.
- There are benefits and drawbacks of both indoor and outdoor photo taking of nail polish. I do mine outdoors as much as possible because I feel that natural sunlight shows the color best, and certainly shows shimmery or glittery polishes better. Also I live in a fairly warm climate, so I don’t need to worry about snow or freezing temperatures. Another reason I don’t take photos indoors is because I live in a cave. Ok not really, but my house is very dark, and I get hardly any natural light coming in. I have tried light boxes and lighting systems, but so far haven’t been able to get any pictures to come out halfway decent. I think if I slapped down some major cash for better equipment, it would work out. I might be doing that in the near future.
Hot tipSomething that a fellow blogger told me that helped her a lot was to actually sit down, and read the manual that came with her camera. Many people don’t do that, and they never really understand all the features on the camera, which can GREATLY help (or harm) how your pictures turn out. I did that and it really did help. I still think I need to re-read it again though, I have so much to learn still!
Time and money commitment
- I never realized the huge time commitment this blog would be when I started! I wanted a hobby, but this has pretty much taken over my life outside of work. For me, that’s fine. I had always just assumed that I would just snap a few photos, post them, write something up, and be done. Noooooo, that’s not how it works! I spend each and every weekend swatching or getting posts ready. I spend a HUGE amount of time on my computer or iPhone doing things related to my site. When thinking about the time commitment, realize that you might have to learn a little about photography and writing. You will have to swatch everything, which can be REALLY time consuming, and not so much fun. You have to download and edit the photos, which might mean you need to learn Photoshop or some other software. You have to upload and name the photos. You have to write the blog post and insert all the photos into the post. You have to edit the post. Then once it’s posted you have to monitor the comments, and respond to people. Depending on how often you post, you might have to do this daily or more!
- As you might have already guessed you might need to pony up some moolah and invest in a better camera or lighting equipment. I have bought countless blog related items since I started including: camera, computer, computer software, light boxes (2) and lights, books, etc. Oh and I also paid a company to design my new website. Ca-ching!
- Don’t forget you will also need to buy your nail polish, remover, cotton balls and other nail related accessories! That’s another expense that can really add up. As you probably know, I do get most of the polish on my site sent to me gratis by the polish companies or PR agencies for review. This didn’t start happening until I had been blogging for about 4-6 months though, and you definitely cannot count on that happening.
- Depending on where you want to go with your site, you might want to take some classes like Photoshop, Illustrator, HTML, CSS or photography classes (I have taken classes in almost all of these).
Reference:
Before I started blogging, and even now, I read a ton of books and websites related to my site. Here are the best of the best.
- Problogger website & book
- Blogging for Dummies book
- The IT Girls’ Guide to Blogging with Moxie book
- Photoshop CS4 The Missing Manual book
- Illustrator CS4 WOW! book
- The Non-Designers Design Book
- The Grammar Devotional book
- Digital Photography Tips website
- Search Engine Optimization for Dummies book
I really hope that you find this post helpful and not too “preachy’. Remember these are only my opinions, not the written law! Please let me know if you have any questions or thoughts you want to add.
-VV
2009
It certainly does take alot of time to have a blog – it has been tonnes of fun for me. Hats off to you for all the swatching of new collections that you do. That must take -alot- of time
2009
I will reread posts and find a spelling error and be horrified at myself. Like you, I have a background in English/writing (well, journalism, and now I’m a managing editor). My blog is my creative outlet for writing, and to explore my love of nail polish! I think you’ve done a great job of explaining what folks should keep in mind when starting and maintaining a blog. It also shows that it’s a lot of hard work. I am grateful my boyfriend is so understanding about the time I devote to my hobby! Lucky for me, football season is in full swing so while he has NFL Sundays, I have Blog Sundays
Thanks for this great post, Kelly, and for always being responsive with your readers.
Judy´s last blog ..Another Konad Kontest!
2009
Hi Judy,
When I started writing that post I only intended it to be a short one. Then I kept thinking of more & more & more things that I needed to mention! I had to break it down into two parts because it was so ridiculously long! And I still have a few things I didn’t mention like how to grow traffic, social media, SEO, etc. Ugh, maybe Part III is in order
2009
This is another brilliant post Kelly. I love it. I’ve been blogging for nearly nine months now and I look back at my earlier stuff and really cringe. I think the writing has always been fine but I have finally got the knack of taking better photos.
As for blogging to get free stuff – I’ve been running my blog for nine months now and have only ever been sent three or four items. It is a bit different in the UK I think as so many companies originate in the US and so the UK have to import it anyway. For me this is an extremely expensive hobby but it is actually more of a passion for me so that’s why I keep doing it. It is so time consuming as well – I could literally spend all my free time blogging, swatching and tweeting!
Helen´s last blog ..Models Own – Gold Digger
2009
Hi Natalie, I was just looking at your blog and I have one suggestion to maybe increase how many followers you have. Have your follow button at the side of your blog, not the bottom. I completely missed it when I was looking for a place to follow. And when someone is a follower, they’re more likely to visit your blog because they have you on your reading list. I don’t know if this’ll help. I don’t have many followers myself, so keep that in mind.
Helena´s last blog ..China Glaze Solar Power
2009
Hey Kelly,
This is probably the topic of your next post on blogging – how does one increase readership of her blog???
It’s something that I struggle with…
Cheers,
Natalie
Natalie´s last blog ..Q-Tica Experiment Day 1 (Nov. 19)
2009
Hi Natalie,
I hadn’t planned on doing a third installment, but you make a good point. There are probably some good SEO and social media pointers I could give. So thanks, I will write one up soon!
2009
Thanks for the tips!
Just one question: How do you discover if someone has stolen your pictures? Do you search ebay for them yourself, or do you get some sort of alert when someone downloads your pics from the blog?
I have rather unintrusive watermarks on my pictures, as not to ruin the polish, but as you said, they will steal them anyway, and I wouald like to prevent that.
Solveig´s last blog ..Gosh Golden Brown
2009
Hi Solveig,
People email me whenever they see someone using my pics. I never search for them or anything. They will take them watermark or not, you are right. Watermarks just don’t look good to me, so I prefer a clear crisp photo on it’s own.
2009
Thank you so much for posting this
I did not realize how difficult blogging would be when I started! I have always been a bit lazy with grammar and punctuation,but having to write posts on a regular basis has forced me to remember everything I learned in school and apply it. I even dug up my old copy of ‘The Elements of Style’ just to make sure I was doing everything correctly.I’m still a novice blogger,but I am hoping to improve. Thank you again for all the hard work and dedication you put into this blog.You have a standard of excellence and it shows.Keep up the great work. 
2009
I’ve definitely found that you spend a HUGE amount of time when you start blogging. And I don’t even do as much swatching as you do. I do an NOTD and that’s about it. But to get the pics, write the entry, and put it all up takes up so much time. I’m totally surprised. Hahaha. I would also like to shell out some money for a better camera so I can make my pictures look better, but at this time, that’s really not feasible, which is really too bad as my pics kinda suck right now. But all of these tips have been very helpful.
Oh! I would also like to make a comment on blogs that have bad grammar and spelling. When I see a blog like that, I just leave. I can’t take it seriously at all. This is one of the reasons why I like your blog so much, it’s great to be able to come and read something that isn’t text talk.
Again, thanks so much for all you do!
Helena´s last blog ..Reader Request: OPI Smitten with Mittens, China Glaze Ruby Pumps, Sephora by OPI I’m with Brad and China Glaze X
2009
Hi Helena,
Doesn’t it take up a huge amount of time? It’s so funny how you don’t really get it until you are doing it, then the whole day is gone and it’s like, whoa!!
There is just no excuse these days for bad spelling in my opinion. I mean there is spell check on virtually every program. People need to spend just a little more time reading what they wrote to make sure it doesn’t sound like they are illiterate! There are too many blogs I want to read, and I just don’t have time to deal with people who can’t spell!
2009
Great post! It does take a lot of work to run a blog & I appreciate the time, effort & money that you put into it.
Marisol´s last blog ..Wish they could all be 4 day work weeks
2009
I’m not interested in starting a blog myself, but reading this article really made me appreciate all the time and effort you put into it. Thank you very much for doing such a beautiful job on a blog that I always always enjoy!
2009
thanks for the advice kelly! i too, totally didn’t realize how time consuming it would be to do a blog and do it right–the way i wanted it. and i SOOOOO know what you mean about cost. i’ve been blogging “seriously” for about 4 months and the cost is re-donk-ulous. but of course i justify it because i’m doing it for me. (although i wouldn’t mind if some samples came rolling my way haha) having a nail polish blog has been so amazing and fun and i’ve met an incredible crowd of people that i adore sharing my hobby and passion with, including you! thanks for these posts and your blog and being a personal inspiration for me and my lil’ ol’ creative side!
2009
Hi kelliegonzo,
Isn’t it crazy? All these things I never even thought of came along. Then also I got more and more serious about trying to grow it which meant a better camera and better equipment, etc. I too love all the people I have met online, it’s so fun! Thanks for your nice comments
2009
Totally agree with the reading of the camera manual bit of advice!
Karen´s last blog ..Sonia Kashuk Twist and Shout Kabuki Blush Brush: How Fast Can You Say Magic?
2009
Hi Karen,
You were who I was referring to, good advice lady!
2009
Great tips, but way too expensive for MY budget. So how do I blog, and why? Well, I do the best I can with what little I have (a $40 camera that I’ve been figuring out as I go along, almost 150 nail colors, at least half from drugstores alone, an apartment building with EXCELLENT outdoor light shining in, and me setting up my stop swatching time–four in the afternoon at Standard time works for me), and I’ve found my motivation in trying to quit smoking. Along with a love of color. Basically, what I’m trying to say is, we can only do the best we can with what we’ve already got.
Samantha´s last blog ..Collection Reviewlet: Orly Fall 2009 Matte Couture
2009
Hi Samantha,
So glad you quit smoking, good for you!
2009
Hi:
If anyone wants to co-write a nail polish web blog, you could take the pictures and I would help write the caption and do the leg work, research, etc. and feel you always wanted to start a nail polish, (or beauty web blog) but didn’t want to try it alone, please contact me by email at g stamas at AOL dot com (no spaces) or send me a comment to my feminist web blog “My G Spot,” (I am currently reviewing Bravo’s Project Runway last season BTW). I would love to help you out; I have a passion for nail polish just as much as anyone and would love to start a nail polish web blog with someone who shares the same passion. It might be a fun experience for the both of us.
(Note: Disclaimer: Hi Kelly: Sorry to advertise for a partner in this manner but thought since your readership is so vast that maybe someone might want to start one but is afraid to try it all alone. You can always delete my entry if you feel this is no appropriate a format for your web blog. Or if you know someone who might want to do this with a “feminist male” partner please let me know). Have a great day!
((((Love Kelly))))
Mc Huggs
´s last blog ..Project Runway Season Six: Episode Eight 
Mc Huggs
2009
I think this is a great series, super-helpful =) Even if I’ve been reading thinking “boy, I wish I’d thought of/known about that BEFORE I started the blog,” I think if you go into it with a desire to do the best you can do, you can’t go too far wrong.
Google can also be really helpful. When I started I’d just put in my question (like how to make my tags a drop-down box instead of showing a long list) & I’d usually find an answer. It actually led me to several blogs that are all about blogging – tips & tricks & step by steps of how to change your blog to fit your vision.
Colette´s last blog ..Very Very Late Tag
2009
This is really great info for all of us
I love nail polish blogging and really enjoy it.
AllYouDesire´s last blog ..Zoya Ultra Glitter
2009
Hi AllYouDesire,
Thanks, glad you liked it!
2009
Kelly, Thank you for these tips. Like you, I love to write and I have a job that does not allow me to do that on a regular basis. I am going to be starting a blog later in December that will be all about the house I am buying and renovating, kind of like a “This Old House” in blog form. Your advice has been helpful. Thank you also for the recommended websites and blogs to visit!
2009
Hi Sonya,
That sounds like a really great idea for a blog. I have SO many things I want to renovate on my house (basically the entire thing) so I will be interested in seeing how it works out for you!
2009
This is GREAT information! Thank you so much! I’m definitely going to apply these to my new blog!
2009
HI ainamakeup,
I am so glad you find it useful!
2009
Great post! Most people (who don’t blog/own a site) don’t really understand all the HARD WORK that is put into them!! This is very eye-opening and well written =)
Shannon´s last blog ..Booty Boots
2009
Hi Shannon,
Thanks so much! I certainly didn’t realize how time consuming it would be either, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.