woman on laptop

 

On the surface, lifestyle blogging doesn’t sound like it would be that expensive a business choice. After all, you need a blog and then… that’s it, right?

 

If you’re considering turning your blog professional or just starting one at all, you might be surprised to learn that there are many unexpected costs that go along with lifestyle blogging. That might sound tough to believe (isn’t the whole point just to focus on you as you are?!) but if you don’t know about them, they’ll be an unpleasant surprise when you get going.

 

Blogging Basics (Blog, Domain, Hosting)

 

The most obvious costs are the ones that allow you to keep your little corner of the internet. That would be the cost of your domain name (which will need renewing annually) and your web hosting. As with most things, shopping around can save you a fortune, but you’re still going to have to pay something.

 

Pro Tip: Don’t go with a web hosting provider that you find at the top of Google – they’re almost always a rip off. Look instead on forums, where resellers will be offering the same service for vastly lower prices.

 

Camera & Equipment

 

While blogging is still a content game, there’s absolutely no doubt that you need to have decent photographs for your blog to flourish. If you don’t, then you’re not going to make the splash on Instagram that you might want, which could be ruinous given how good a source of traffic it can be.

 

You don’t need to buy an incredibly expensive DSLR if you don’t feel the need to, but you’re likely going to need more than your phone camera. Many bloggers also invest in extra lenses and even studio-quality lights to enhance their photos. You’re also going to need to edit those photographs, so add in a PhotoShop subscription too.

 

Keeping Things Private

 

Broadcasting your location and other sensitive information along with your blog is a big no-no, so you’re going to have to invest in privacy. It’s best to make sure your name is not listed in your domain’s WHOIS search; you have to purchase the right to that anonymity. Furthermore, if you’re going to be receiving items as part of blogging (for sponsorships etc.) then you should factor in PO box prices, as using one is far safer than giving out your home address.

 

Items To Review / Display

 

While in time you might get enough companies offering to send you free items, it won’t happen immediately. That means if you want to feature new content or the latest must-have item, you’re going to have to buy it for yourself. You might think you will just skip out on staying up-to-date with trends so you can save money, but you don’t want to be seen as out of touch – it might lose you visitors.

 

Of course, none of the above need be obstacles to blogging. The costs, compared to most other businesses, are relatively small. However, they do exist, so before you dive in, make sure you have budgeted for them.