This document provides advice on turning hobbies into a business or career by starting a blog. It outlines 6 steps: 1) find a passion, 2) start creating content by writing, reviewing, photographing or videoing, 3) choose a name, 4) start a blog, 5) promote through social media, and 6) monetize the blog through advertising or affiliate links. An example is given of a food blogger who turned his hobby into a freelance journalism career through his blog and social media presence. Overall, the document encourages exploring personal interests as potential business ideas and provides tips for launching a blog as a first step.

1. From Blog to
Business
Turning your hobbies into your career
Lizzie Fane, ThirdYearAbroad.com

2. My business…

5. Being your own boss
PROS
•Independence – freedom to make big decisions
•Entrepreneurial, challenging and creative
•Learn a HUGE range of transferable skills very quickly
•You can start while you’re at university!
CONS
•Irregular hours
•Little pay (if any!) at the start
•Uncertain future
(You have time for breakfast!)

6. Start a company?! Me?
THE TRADITIONAL WAY:
•Spot a problem that affects
a lot of people
•Solve it creatively
ANOTHER WAY:
•Take a step back and look
at your degree choice
•What are your hobbies and
interests?
•Start telling people about
them!

7. STEP 1
Find something you’re passionate about.
e.g.

8. STEP 2
Start writing, reviewing, photographing and (even better)
videoing.
You’re amassing content!

9. STEP 3
Think of a good (brand) name.
•Witty
•Memorable
•Alliterative
•Spellable…
•Unique
•RELEVANT
Check if the domain name is free on 123-reg.com

10. STEP 4
Start a Blog.
The most popular ones are:
•Blogger
•Wordpress
•Tumblr

11. So for Example…
Say your passion is food.
•Review restaurants/cafes/shops/fairs you visit
•Photograph your latest creations
•Write about seasonal/controversial/interesting issues
•Include jokes, links to blogs/videos you like and cartoons
•Note down special offers/discount cards/useful websites
•Create a spreadsheet of your favourite food writers’ and
bloggers’ web addresses and Twitter usernames (‘handles’)
•Try to discover a theme – Vegetarian? Budget? Family?

13. James Ramsden (Wordpress Blog)
•James was already a ‘foodie’ at Exeter
•He has a blog, a Facebook page and
4,500 Twitter followers
•Through social media he was discovered
by The Times and is now a freelance
food journalist
•He uses social media to promote The Secret Larder Supper Club
which he runs with his sister in North London
•30 people come to his house every Thursday & pay £30 for a
themed 3-course meal
•He has just published his first critically-acclaimed cookbook…
and so it begins!

14. STEP 5
Self-promotion.
•Twitter: Tweet each new post to your followers, communicate
with them about your shared area of interest.
•Facebook: Especially for artists and photographers – showcase
your new work, encourage interaction.
•Flickr: Highly engaged community of photographers: great for
building your reputation and showing off your portfolio.
•YouTube: Create your own YouTube channel and make videos
on your theme – you could become your brand; sell yourself
through your blog.

15. STEP 6
Monetise.
•Content is King!
•Money follows the eyeballs!
•Once you get a lot of hits, you can get money through
advertising and affiliate links.
AFFILIATE LINKS?
Companies give you commission if you sell their products for
them!

16. How to monetise your blog?
• Artists, Photographers, Illustrators: Show off!
• Cooks, Bakers: Experiment with recipes and take photos
• Craft hobbies (knitting, jewellery-making, etc): Teach!
• Music, Travel, Sport fans: Reviews, tips and links: affiliate.

17. The other end of the scale?

18. And finally…
Good luck! And send me a link when you’re up and running!
lizzie@thirdyearabroad.com
Twitter: @thirdyearabroad