Aussie Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle blogger Steph Adams has a few fans – more than 500,000 globally. So what’s the key to her online success? And what’s her advice for other bloggers? Find out…
Steph Adam’s has worn a few colourful hats in her career. She has worked as an Art Director over Vogue Australia, Vogue Living, Net-a-Porter, British Vogue, Elle UK, Conde Nast Traveller, Marie Claire, and Harper’s Bazaar UK. But it’s been her blogging at www.stephadams.com that’s garnered her the biggest fan-base.
So what’s her secret to success? We pressed her keys to find out…
What was it like working on glossy fashion brands in London and Australia?
“They have all been different experiences. It was harder in London as it’s a completely different climate, so this obviously effects the look and feel of the magazines over there. It’s very different to the Australian magazines. Also, Europe is right at the door-step, so a lot of the shoots are in Paris (2hrs by train), Florence and Milan. They have a lot more coverage of celebrities as London is the heart and melting pot of the Fashion Industry.”
Why did you move from magazines to online?
“At the time I was working at Gourmet Traveller as an Art Director in Sydney, when my now husband had come over from London and proposed, so it meant I had to move to the UK. I started my design studio, working for myself as a designer, while I built up more experience in London working also as a freelance designer for various magazines. It wasn’t until I worked at Net-a-Porter [www.net-a-porter.com] as an Art Editor in London that I realised that online was the way forward. Don’t get me wrong, I still love to read a good magazine though!”
Tell us about your website…
“My style is really classic and the readership ranges in age from 16 – 60+. I always try to post what I love. It ultimately came about from the set-up of Steph Adams Creative, where I’d post my client work, which covered all walks of life, from Beauty and Fashion to Lifestyle and Travel. It seems to have grown from there.
What’s the key to your online success?
“Post what you love, be authentic and true to your own style.”
Biggest mistake bloggers make?
“Posting always about themselves. Thinking that everyone can be a blogger.”
How do you feel about bloggers posting undeclared ‘reviews’ for their advertisers?
“It depends if it’s authentic or not. I think you can tell when it’s genuine.”
Blogs versus mags: WDYT?
“I think they should start working together. I attended a conference in New Zealand at the beginning of this year that talks more about how online is the way forward and the ones that keep their heads in the sand will only be left behind.”
Do you make money from your website?
“Yes, through sponsorships, affiliates and collaborating with different brands.”
Do you have staff to help with your site?
“I design, write and illustrate. I upload two-three times per week. I have contributors and a PR working for me.”
The Future: What’s next?
“The site is something I enjoy doing and that I’m passionate about. I’m really just taking one step at a time.”
What’s your secret to success? Tell us below!…
