tips

What You Should Include On Your Wedding Website


I have a website set up for my wedding for so many reasons. They are a really good resource for both you as a couple and your guests. You can add as much information as you'd like and this can save you some money when it comes down to invitations by not including multiple info sheets. We have our website password protected with the password being only something we would both know, and we are including it on our info sheet. Your website has private information so this is important. Once our wedding has been and gone I'll upload our invitations in a blog post and explain how we made them. For now, here is my advice on what to include on your wedding website.

The info on the invitation
It seems obvious, but what if a guest has lost their invitation closer to the day but saved your wedding website on their phone? Well then, they need the main information. This should include the location, date, time to arrive and whether the ceremony and reception events are in different locations. A lot of other information can be covered in the FAQ.

Your story
It's nice to add a bit about yourselves, not only to bulk up the website and make it look pretty but to give guests some extra information about yourselves. We have added in how we met, the proposal story and our timeline of events. The timeline bit includes each year and what we've done, so in 2012 we met, in 2014 we got a flat together, in 2017 we got engaged for example. We will have been together 9.5 years so I guess there is more to fill in. Your story can include anything you wish. It's nice to add some pictures in where you can too.

Your colour scheme and dress code
I can't stress how important this is. If you don't want guests to wear certain colours, you'd like them to dress in black-tie attire or you want a bit of a theme to your wedding, you really should include a dress code. By including your colour scheme, you can ask guests to avoid dressing in your Bridal Party colours, you could ask everyone to match in say black or white (which looks amazing) or specify if there is a specific colour you do not want guests to wear. The specific colours which come to mind from tradition or superstition are white (bride's dress), black (mourning colour) and red (certain culture's bridal colours and also superstitious from what Google tells me). On our dress code section in the FAQ, we've laid out what formal attire and cocktail attire is (the guests can take their pick) so that those who aren't used to going to formal events can see clear as day what is expected. As a guest, I would find this really helpful, especially if someone wanted tuxes and floor-length gowns because I would see any kind of formal event as wearing a cocktail dress. We have also specified that you can wear any colour and have included the colour scheme in case anyone wants to match on purpose.

How to RSVP
Most wedding website providers allow you to add a page to RSVP on. On our website, we have a little bit of information first, such as what date to RSVP by, alternative ways you can reply (email, posting the RSVP card back etc) and how to RSVP. Ours is on Zola, so you add your guest list in, so when a guest opens the RSVP page it's a lot easier for them. They just have to start typing their first name in the box and a new page will appear. When you make the guest list you check off which events you are inviting people to, for example, the ceremony is an event, the reception is an event, or you could do an all-day event and then an evening event. This works for multiple cultures as you can make separate events for different ceremonies if you're having two, a wedding rehearsal, brunch the next day etc. I would make sure to add to your RSVP, even on a paper invitation too, that dietary restrictions can be catered for so leave space for guests to add in what theirs are. We are particularly understanding as a couple as we're both vegetarians with intolerances!

Travel information
One of the first things guests think of when they're figuring out whether they can attend your wedding will be about the travel. If your website allows it, add a Google Maps feature to pin your locations in. This page overall should include where the wedding is taking place, how to get there, local hotels (if you have a specific one booked out, specify this) and taxi numbers. We have also added some things to do in the area, such as cool places to visit, places to go for walks, and places you can grab a bite to eat at.

An FAQ section
This can include all the extra questions that guests may have on the day. You should include information about parking, whether the venue is accessible to disabled guests, whether plus ones or children are invited etc. You could add in some extra answers to questions like should I bring confetti, what food will be served, whether it's an open bar and so on. All those extra questions that may not be deserving of a whole separate page should be on the FAQ page.

A gift registry, or not
I think it's more common in American weddings to have a gift registry, whereas in the UK it's more common to put money or a gift card inside the card you give. We have added this bit into our FAQ as I didn't end up liking the look of a page being titled something like 'gifts'. We added a simple poem to explain if you did want to gift money, and that wasn't expected, that you could add some to contribute to our Honeymoon. We also added in an explanation too as this is the second wedding we've planned as the first one was completely cancelled. Some guests gave us money in advance too so we've taken note of that. 


Here are some other wedding posts you may be interested in

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How To Create A Blog Post For All Types Of Bloggers


It may be tempting to go straight into doing your post but this can sometimes cause you trouble further down the line. Spending a bit of time thinking about what you want your post to be like is always worth it. Some of the key things to identify are what style you want the post to be written in, such as a review, chatty post or an advice piece. When you have the idea in your head, you can set out a timeline for yourself to achieve your finalised blog post, taking and editing your photos, writing your content and then doing your last checks before hitting publish. Starting a blog is quite straightforward, so to really make the most out of blogging you should plan each post out even if you're just writing for a hobby.  

Taking photos for your blog is one of the most vital elements and can really compliment what you're writing about. One of the most important things when taking your photos is to consider the lighting situation. This can make or break the outcome of your photos. Where possible try to use natural lighting as this will give the best balance. If this isn't possible, aim to use some form of artificial lighting such as box lights or similar. Think about where you'll be shooting to make sure you have a suitable background, while the use of props can really bring your photos to life. There are a whole range of camera lenses available and using the right one can noticeably improve your picture and give you different options, such as blurry backgrounds. I use two cameras for my photos, the Olympus Pen E-PL7 and the Panasonic Lumix G6. After finishing taking the photos, there are a couple of ways to get your photos onto your device for editing. One helpful article about 'How to Transfer Images from your Lumix' explains how to do this. Once your photos are on your device, you can choose which way to edit them. I edit my blog photos on Photoshop but similar programmes and websites can help you achieve the same edit.


When it comes to writing your blog post it can sometimes be the point where you don't know where to start. This is where you can refer back to your plan to see how you intended to write the post and what needs to be included, as this will help you break it down into sections. If you concentrate on a smaller section at a time, it makes it easier to write. Letting your creative mind flow is great once you've got hang of it, but even if you get stuck you can look for some inspiration and you'll soon be right on track. Once you feel that your post is finished, go back over and read through it one more time. This will help you to spot mistakes you may have missed, along with slight improvements that could be made to make your writing that bit better.

It can be easy to publish your post and think that your work is complete but promoting your post is really important to get people to be able to see your post. Think about how often you want to share it and one what platform. Make use of the photos in your blog post to include in your social promotion as this will help to catch the eye of people scrolling through their feed. The better photos you get, the higher quality your Pinterest and Instagram feeds will be, and posts with photos tend to gain more views from Twitter and Facebook. Overall, having better photos should boost your engagement and increase traffic to your site, and help you find more blogging opportunities.


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How To Start A Blog

How to Start A Blog In 2018 Tips & Guidance From A Full Time Blogger
I've been blogging for pretty much four years now, and one of the posts in my blogging tips series has been how to start a blog. I had read blogs for some time before setting one up, and I feel like there are some tips I wish I had read before setting my own up. It doesn't matter what type of blog you're wanting to set up, whether it be broad like this or very niche, reading some information on blogging will really help you get started.

Choosing your platform

There are plenty of platforms to choose to start your blog on. I chose Blogger as it's pretty basic with options to expand further if you purchase a theme externally. Platforms like Wordpress are more in depth with plugins you can use to customise your blog. Other platforms are Wix, Tumblr, Squarespace, and Weebly. You need to decide on what type of blog you are aiming for and read up on what the different options offer you. If you decide you would rather be on a different platform further down the line, you can also migrate your blog over.

Picking a theme

I bought my theme from an Etsy store to make sure it had what I wanted from my blog, such as the sidebar, sliding header, feature posts and more. Pipdig and Creative Market have some other great themes too that provide you with plenty of features to accessible and engaging. If you're looking for a free theme outside of the ones provided, make sure they don't have huge ads on them.

Creating a name

Blogs come in a range of different forms; from hobbies, full-time businesses, professional and more. Your name will help define your blog and set it aside from others. I went with my name as my blog is ran full time but it doesn't confine me to one specific topic such as beauty. Note down a number of different options to give yourself a few different choices. Don't feel like you have to decide on one straight away either, give yourself time to be sure.

Setting up social media accounts

To help your blog become successful, it's important to set up relevant social media accounts to help promote it. When deciding on your social media platforms, try to get one that is available across all platforms. This will be much easier for people to remember and find you at ease. My fiancé's blog is andrewmarksmith.co.uk but had to use @amsblog for his social media accounts so be prepared to shorten or modify usernames too.

Have pages set up

This is a good way to section up the different content on your blog. A couple of useful ones to start with are to have About Me and Work With Me pages. This gives people an area to come to so they can find out a little bit more about you and what type of thing you are looking for when collaborating with brands and companies. As you develop your blog you might find you another page you'd like to add on which can be done in the same way.

Clear imagery

Taking the time to get good photos is definitely worthwhile. This doesn't mean you have to spend hundreds of pounds on a brand new camera. If you have a smartphone then this is a perfectly good camera to use when starting out. Getting your set up right is more important than the camera you are using and getting good quality lighting can make a lot of difference to the quality of your photos. You can always edit your photos later too if you're not completely happy with them.

Plan ahead

It will be exciting when you've finished your first post and ready to hit that publish button. Although you are keen to get your post up, it might be worth writing yourself a few more so that you have some other content ready. This means that people will be likely to start viewing your blog is you start having posts going up consistently. Don't feel like you need to publish one each day as you will probably soon run out. Space them out by a few days as it's better to post more consistently than having long gaps between your posts.


For other blogging tips and tricks, make sure to have a look at my post 'The Best Blogging Tips, Written By Bloggers' for helpful ideas on writing, photography, editing, HTML, SEO and much more.



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The Best Blogging Tips Written By Bloggers


Expanding your knowledge as a blogger and learning new tips is great for your own development. With new algorithms and techniques coming out, us bloggers need to keep on top of the game to progress. I've shared my favourite blogging and social media tip posts that have actually been written by other bloggers that are informative and most definitely useful. I've split them into handy categories to make it easier for viewing, hope you enjoy!

Writing


Photography


SEO


Working With Brands/Bloggers


HTML

Monetising

How I Make Money Blogging - Forever Amber

Instagram


Pinterest


Twitter


Facebook


Other

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Hair Care Tips & Tricks*



I'm someone who really takes pride in their hair, and from working in a salon a few years ago I've picked up some tips to help you make the most of your locks and keep them healthy.

Hydrate

One key tip to maintaining healthy hair is to keep it hydrated. Dehydrated hair is broken to breaks and is harder to brush and style. I previously dyed my hair near enough to a black shade and then decided I wanted to go back to light blonde and it took its toll on my hair. I had to get my hair cut from waist length into a lob to bring it back to life which upset me since I'd always been so kind to my hair. Products like hair masks or good conditioners can revitalise the hair and give it the moisture it needs to be healthy.

Trim

I need to utilise this trick more myself but trimming the hair regularly or having your style cut back in helps prevent breakage. I never used to believe people when the said trimming the hair every few months allows your hair to grow longer as you'd think the opposite. Trimming the ends takes off any split ends which makes the hair stronger and allow it to grow better.

Restore

Sometimes at-home remedies aren't enough, and further treatments such as hair transplants are required. Advanced Tricho Pigmentation Treatment works to replicate the appearance of naturally growing hair follicles for people with little to no hair. It provides the most natural results as possible and can even be used in the brow area to replicate realistic results. It works in a similar way to getting a tattoo and can be used on people with thinning hair to create the illusion of thicker hair too which is great. 

Dying

If you dye your hair like myself, if you're buying the products yourself you need to look into what the right dye is for you. If you create pastel shades on yourself try to go with semi-permanent colours as they wash out and you won't have to strip the hair of colour to remove it. Toners are another great way to change your hair colour without damaging it and there are some great ones on the high street for an affordable price. I would recommend visiting a hair salon if you're looking to bleach the hair or remove colour.


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The Best Beauty Hashtags To Get Your Photos Noticed

Instagram at the moment has been tough in terms of growing your account. With the algorithm no longer in chronological order, it means you're having to focus on high-quality images and promoting your photos to the best of your ability. I take my Instagram photos with my favourite blogging camera, my Olympus Pen E-PL7. I edit my photos mostly on Photoshop and create images like the one below on Canva. Once you've got the perfect images, you need to create a good caption and include the right hashtags. For beauty users you can hashtag brand names from products you've featured but aside from that there are plenty of hashtags that you should include. I've listed my favourites below in a handy Pinterest-friendly image. 
If you're into tips posts, here's some other posts you may be interested in:
The Best Blogging Tips Written By Bloggers
Pinterest Tips For Bloggers
200 Blog Post Ideas
How To Find Blogging Opportunities
How To Promote Your Blog Posts
How To Create A Successful Blog Post
A Basic Guide To Working With Bloggers
How To Start A Blog
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200 Blog Post Ideas For Every Type Of Blogger

Sometimes you get blogger's block and have trouble thinking about your next blog post. I've created a list of two hundred different blog ideas and titles to prompt you into creating the best posts possible. They're created in mind for beauty, fashion, lifestyle, travel and food bloggers so there is something here for everyone. When times are tough and you can't buy something to review, how about using some of these ideas to inspire you to get writing?
1 Inside your makeup bag
2 What inspires you
3 Share a recent haul
4 Write about a makeup collection
5 Facts about yourself
6 Write about a public figure who inspires you
7 Show off a recent vlog
8 An OOTD
9 The best money saving tips
10 Your morning routine
11 Create a cheat sheet 
12 How to take outfit photos
13 Bucket list for the year
14 Share a charity fundraiser
15 Write about the home
16 What's in your handbag
17 Talk about what helps your wind down and relax
18 What you've experienced because of blogging
19 A book review
20 Chat about past hobbies and why you enjoyed them
21 Write a guide to working with bloggers
22 'If I won the lottery I'd spend it on...'
23 Talk about a current trend
24 Share what you do to keep you motivated
25 Food diary
26 Review a subscription box
27 Tell a travel story
28 Share some stories others have written
29 Advice for beginner bloggers
30 Guilty pleasures
31 Chat about your education
32 Bust a myth
33 Pros and cons of being a blogger
34 All time favourite songs
35 Ultimate life bucket list
36 Review some food
37 Chat about something that interests you
38 Top 10 TV shows to watch
39 How to complete online courses
40 Share a skill and give tips
41 Talk about your generation
42 Share a Pinterest board
43 How to pick a university
44 How to make a commute more enjoyable
45 Write a recipe
46 How to improve blog writing
47 Experience a technology blackout and write about how it felt
48 How you take your blog photos
49 Tips for choosing a student house
50 'In another life' if you had chosen a different path
51 How to pick a blog theme
52 How to use apps for blogging
53 Write a guide on writing blog posts
54 Share your favourite recipes from food bloggers
55 Show readers who your favourite bloggers are
56 Write about sexual experiences
57 Plan an event
58 How you've changed since you were younger
59 Host a giveaway
60 A list of your most used apps
61 How to use social media to your advantage
62 A decor wishlist
63 Review a TV show
64 Review some sample sized products
65 Checklist of bands you'd like to see live
66 How to get your dream job
67 Your evening routine
68 Crowdsource on a topic and write about it
69 Things you wish you could have i.e. a luxury home
70 Write about something in the news
71 Host guest posts
72 How to choose an Instagram theme
73 Secrets to success
74 How you edit your photos
75 Write about what you want to achieve in the future
76 Talk about an event you've been to
77 A fashion wishlist
78 Write about an illness
79 How to be self-employed
80 Talk about your regrets
81 A blogging wishlist
82 How you've conquered a fear
83 A roundup of your most popular blog posts
84 Review a makeup product
85 Why working at home is a positive thing
86 Music concert/gig review
87 Write about 'behind the scenes' of something
88 Monthly favourites
89 Share your blog earnings
90 How you started your blog
91 Things you wish you had known when you started your blog
92 Write some fitness goals
93 Holy grail makeup products
94 How you met your partner
95 HTML tips and tricks
96 Create a blog series
97 Write about a makeup experience
98 Share your favourite blog posts
99 How to buy a house
100 Seasonal makeup picks
101 Write an FAQ post
102 Recent snaps to share
103 How to turn a hobby into a career
104 Share discount/affiliate codes
105 Monthly blog goals
106 Talk about something kind you've done
107 A university packing list
108 How you can earn money through blogging
109 A makeup wishlist
110 How to start a blog
111 Review a fragrance
112 Create a list of topics you'd like to blog about
113 Write about something you dislike
114 Visit an attraction and write about it
115 A gift guide for the opposite sex
116 Share your blog stats
117 Money saving tips
118 Favourite nail products
119 Share an experience
120 Celebrity inspired makeup look
121 Favourite attractions in your area
122 Discuss your skin type and how to look after it
123 Show off some photographs
124 Organisation tips
125 How to grow your following
126 Yearly blog goals
127 Create a travel diary in photos
128 How to use blog props in blog photos
129 Make a seasonal wishlist
130 Makeup dupes
131 DIY instructional post
132 Write about mental health
133 SEO tips and tricks
134 Tattoo/piercing stories
135 Things you wish you never purchased
136 A week in photos
137 How to organise your makeup
138 The best products to take on your travels
139 CV improvement tips
140 How to get organised when it comes to blogging
141 Blog photography: All about lighting
142 Write a letter to your younger self
143 Do a tag post
144 Create a challenge
145 Write a gift guide
146 Talk about something that changed your life
147 Hairstyle ideas for different hair types
148 Products that didn't work for you
149 Healthy eating alternatives
150 Music playlist
151 Create a brand focused post
152 Horror stories: Beauty and style
153 Travel bucket list
154 Write about a change of direction in your life
155 Your ideal wedding day
156 A list of life hacks
157 Things you're thankful for
158 Share your makeup routine
159 How to increase your blog traffic
160 Share a life update
161 Write a blogging advice post
162 Your wardrobe essentials
163 Write about your camera
164 Top 10 films
165 How to get through a difficult time in your life
166 Write a sponsored post
167 Celebrity fashion: Get the look
168 What you want your future to look like
169 Talk about how you've changed since leaving school
170 A packing list
171 Things you should always include in a blog post
172 Share some deals
173 A day in the life
174 Things that are worth splurging on
175 Things you miss about a previous decade 
176 Create a festival look
177 Tell a story
178 Write a product comparison post
179 Things you find in the bottom of your bag
180 Favourite restaurants to visit
181 Blogging mistakes that nobody should make
182 Fancy dress/halloween makeup looks
183 Creative gift ideas
184 A room or house tour
185 Best places to visit where you live
186 Things that you've learned to love
187 Reminisce about your blogging experiences
188 Q&A post
189 Share your achievements
190 What you got for X (Christmas/Birthday etc)
191 What's on my phone
192 Travel essentials
193 How to create a successful blog post
194 Interview someone
195 How to make an infographic
196 Review and swatch a product
197 Share tips on a subject
198 How to make your makeup stay on all day
199 Revisit your goals
200 Thoughts everyone has when...

If you enjoyed reading this post, make sure to check out similar posts below:
The Best Blogging Tips Written By Bloggers
How I Take My Blog/Instagram Photos
How I Edit My Blog Photos
The Best Beauty Hashtags To Get Your Photos Noticed
How To Start A Blog
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Pinterest Tips For Bloggers

Pinterest Tips For Bloggers 2017 images pinning advice
Up until early 2016 I had no idea how to use Pinterest or how to make it work for me. By the end of the year I surpassed 15,500 followers, and I'm going to show you how you can too.
Creating Images
If you're creating images for your blog that you want to share to Pinterest, choose wisely how you create your image. I create my Pinterest photos using Canva to create infographics or quotes by either using their free images or designing my own and adding text. I also use Photoshop CS3 to add text to my own images if I'm writing a blog post and want it to reflect my own work, which can be shared to my blog board. Vertical photos work the best as the website and the app are designed to favour long images and they're also more eye-catching. For image sizes, this website shows the best sizes depending on your image.
I know it will be tempting to upload all of your photos onto Pinterest, but you should choose your best images that represent your ability as an influencer or personal style. When I have my own photos to pin, I pick images out of the bunch that I feel will do the best. If you want to showcase a few images, create a long photo and add them in as a collage, so a few landscape photos like this, or more of a 'how to' pin like this.
Pinned Images
Add descriptions to your pins to make them relevant, as it helps the pin show up in searches. Don't add hashtags as they're unnecessary I have found, and don't really add to the photo. Pin high-quality images, as not only will they do better but they're more aesthetically pleasing and will make your boards more appealing. Brighter photos catch the eye almost immediately, so having a range of colours in images you're pinning has helped me improve my profile.
Pin images as often as you can. I try to set out a few times a day to spend pinning, mostly in the morning during commuting hours, around lunch time and around tea time as these are the most active times I've found, based on following mainly UK boards. If your following seems to be based around the world, try and pin over more hours when possible or use a scheduling website to cover more hours in the day. Be consistent to help build your audience and keep them engaged with your content. 

Growing Your Following
Join group boards as they often do really well since a range of different people will be pinning into it. If people follow the group board they often click to see which members are pinning to it, and are more likely to follow you as a result. Group boards also bring new pins to your attention so you can pin them to your own boards, which is another great way to discover pins without going onto your feed or using the search feature.

Follow suggested boards that come up on your feed. Not only are the boards related to images you've been pinning but you'll see that people may follow you back too. Follow other people too as this will help to grow your own following but will also open up other boards to follow to gain more inspiration. If you're a blogger like me, ask on Twitter or Instagram for blogger's Pinterest usernames and you'll soon find if people are interested in your other content, they'll want to follow you here too. If you follow bloggers whose content you enjoy, this will most likely be the same for them too.

Profile
When it comes to creating your profile, you need to do a few things to make it clear who you are and what you're interested in. Try to make your username the same as that on other social media platforms to make it easier for people to find you. Mine for example, is laurahadleyx which is consistent throughout Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, but also the beginning of my email address. In the same way, if you have the same profile image across platforms it will help people recognise you.

If you're a blogger or own a website, add your url to your profile. You'll notice on your referral traffic that people will click through and you'll see Pinterest under 'sources' in whatever you use to view your analytics. Adding your url helps your profile look more professional. Another feature that I love about the profile page is there is a recently released feature where you can put your favourite boards to your profile page which you can see on my profile. If has a slideshow function to show off your chosen boards and since installing it my followers have been increasing at a faster rate.

Boards & Titles
When creating a board, keep the title relevant i.e. Makeup Organisation. A user searching for boards under this name will find this easier that if you named it under something broader, like just 'makeup'. This relates to my second point; split boards up into more niche categories. For example, split up food and drink into savoury food, baking and drinks. If someone is interested in, say for example 'drinks' but your board is 'food and drinks' they may not follow it as it's too broad. 

Make seasonal boards for events or holidays. These will be searched a lot and will cycle round every year so can won't get old and can be updated when needed. If you're starting off a board for the summer months but you're currently in Autumn or Winter, keep the board a secret until you've built it up enough, then make it public at the end of Spring. 

Make your boards have bright, interesting covers to allow pinners to be interested in what you pin. Switch your covers up every few weeks to mix things up and to show you're active on the platform. Move your best boards to the top of your profile page on the desktop version as potential new followers will want to see relatable content first, and boards with the most pins on when they first view your profile to see that you're active. 

Widgets For Your Blog
Until a few months ago I didn't have a Pinterest widget on my blog, and I was really missing out. My widget shows a selection of my most recent pins, which may intrigue blog readers and encourage them to click through to follow or explore your boards. The widgets will often display the last few pins so make sure the last few images you pin are high-quality and intriguing. 
Pin from your blog and social media. Adding a 'share to Pinterest' button helps promote your blog posts which will in turn help create more traffic from Pinterest to your website. On chrome add the extension so people can hover over your images to pin them themselves.
Analytics
View the analytics function on Pinterest to see statistics and use them to your advantage. You can see your profile visit numbers and impressions, activity from your blog, pins that have performed the best, and the people that you reach. You can see where in the world people are viewing your content from, what your audience demographics are like in terms of gender and language, your most favourable boards based upon viewer activity and views from pins from your own website. There is a wide range of information you can analyse from this function and I'm using it almost daily to help tailor my profile and boards to suit my audience to help it to grow to its best.
I hope this post has helped you! Make sure to check out my other tips posts for more advice on blogging and social media.


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Winter Travel Tips with CitizenM | Collab


You may have noticed from some of my lifestyle posts that I love travelling and would jump at the chance for a getaway. I think doing a weekend away somewhere is a great way to experience a new place without having to book loads of time off. Sometimes if you have less time you often pack more things into your itenerary as you appreciate the time there more. I'd love to be able to visit some more European countries, and places like Amsterdam have so many great things to see there. Just in case I do make that trip away, I've written this post to remind myself and of course you, some tips to fully prepare for a trip.

Hotel

It's probably a good idea to pick a hotel that's close to either what you'll be doing or some form of transport link. This means you aren't wasting too much of your holiday getting to the places that you want to see. Choosing one that fits your budget is quite a sensible thing to do but don't think this means you have to have a really basic hotel. If you wanted something with a bit more luxury than your standard offering, CitizenM have some great offerings that could really make your holiday. Especially when you've had a long day exploring, it can make your Winter trip so much better to come back to a special hotel room that caters to your needs and helps you relax.
 

Transport 

If possible, it would be best to book this in advance as you get the cheaper fares and then don't have to get into a panic nearer the time. It's best to look at the different options for getting somewhere as it won't always be the first one you think of. Even though flying seems like the best option, something like the Eurostar could be much easier and cheaper for getting to some cities. I found it so smooth and relaxed when I travelled to Paris using it and would definitely do it again. When travelling around the city, bulk buy tickets for things such as the metro or trams as it's often cheaper and means you don't stop at every station to buy tickets.

Packing

Rolling your clothes in your case will save you a surprising amount of space and means that you won't end up with it coming out creased at the other end. I know it can be all too easy to think you'll need to take half of your wardrobe, but if you pack light then you will thank yourself when trying to lift your case into a taxi or onto a train. Think about the amount of toiletries you take as they can often add so much weight. You can get travel mini's in loads of shops now so this is a good option (plus that I find them kinda cute!). 


Money

Keeping an eye on the exchange rates prior to travelling is always a good option as it means you get the most bang for your buck. You most probably won't get the best rate if you changed your money the day before you go, and similarly if you did it in a train station or an airport on your way. Depending on how much you are taking, there are often better rates for the more you exchange, so it's well worth looking at this so you can benefit from it. If you travel a lot, have a root around your house for any forgotten Euros too! I always come back with some and leave them in a drawer to 'remind' myself to take to my next trip and always forget too.

What are your Winter travel tips and where would you travel to next? Amsterdam and Brussels are at the top of my list for the next trip I take!


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*This is a collaborative post
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A Basic Guide To Working With Bloggers


In the blogging community it's becoming increasingly frustrating to receive emails asking to collaborate when the brand or PR isn't familiar with working with bloggers. On one hand bloggers may feel like they're repeating themselves but on another if it's a new brand they may not know what to expect when emailing a blogger. I thought it would be handy to outline a basic guide to working with bloggers for brands that are new to this way of innovative advertising.

A Mutually Beneficial Collaboration

The first point is that every partnership should be mutually beneficial. Both sides should come away from the collab knowing that they are happy with the post. To begin, when outlining the details of a campaign it's helpful to say what you're looking to be advertised and how it would benefit the blogger in form of consideration (never exposure as you can't measure this). For example, you may want a sidebar advertisement, so in return you should pay the blogger for this advertisement. If you want a product review, make sure the item/s are relevant to the blogger and that they would be happy to try the product out. Don't email a book blogger looking for a beauty review if they don't also cover beauty. Make sure every campaign has something to offer you both for your work.

Setting requirements for eligibility

If you're advertising for bloggers to email you to see if their eligible for a collaboration, set some requirements first to save you both some time. When advertising for bloggers, specify the minimum followers, Domain Authority, monthly readers (unique or combined), and niche (lifestyle, beauty etc). Once bloggers who see they are eligible have asked for more information about the campaign, whittle down whose blog fits in with what you're looking for. You can assess this from reading their blog, looking at their photographs and whether the niche fits in as some blogs cover a wide range of topics and some might be just for one specific area.

Specify what you'd like from the post

It's clear to outline from the beginning what you're looking to achieve from working together. If you're unsure of how a certain blogger works then feel free to ask them. When typing out your email make sure to say you're, for example, looking for a product review to go up within 3 weeks of the blogger receiving the product. If no deadline is set then I would go off a reasonable time i.e. within 30 days. If you're looking at collaborating for a sponsored post, outline your budget or ask the blogger what their budget is, and say what you'd like the post to be about.

Sponsored posts

If you're going to pay a blogger to advertise your brand or product, you need to decide on a few things before contacting people. Firstly you need to decide whether you will be writing the post or whether the blogger will. All links in the post should contain nofollow links and include disclosure that it's a paid-for post with any promotion being labelled as #ad. Secondly, you need to figure out your budget to pay each blogger. You can do this by asking asking a blogger what their budget is, or look at each bloggers statistics (amount of followers, Domain Authority, monthly page views etc). You can break down the cost for hosting the piece and then promoting the piece on social media too. Finally, you should either create an image to go with the post or ask the blogger to, but remember not to lift photos from a website as you won't have permission nor paid for the image. Payments for sponsored posts should be made within 28 days unless otherwise agreed but this should be set out in writing before the blogger agrees to the post, not afterwards.


Finding what's right for both of you

Say you've just brought out a face cream and you're looking for it to be advertised to other bloggers and readers to encourage them to purchase it. You can't go in and expect a blogger to have a review up within a week of receiving it, as it's not long enough to test the product out. Ways to go about this would be to ask them to tag you in any photos that they upload to social media, as some bloggers upload photos as soon as they've taken them. Once a post has been completed, ask to see the link to check that it's okay, but don't ask for extra links to be thrown in afterwards as this hasn't been previously agreed. If you'd like something changing as it doesn't quite work for you, don't be afraid to ask for it to be reworded as we don't mind! 
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