As someone who also dreamt of writing for a fashion publication, I just want to say what you share on your substack is better than what I’ve read in many of those glossy pages 💯
As someone who recently started dabbling with affiliate links, a giant yes to all of this. I realized I was leaving money on the table for goods and products I would be recommending either way, so as I am starting to this of this more as a business, it just made sense. That said, I also always do my collages and selects first - if something I want to include in a post has a payout, cool, if not, I'm including it anyways. Don't get me wrong, I still have my issues both personally and professionally with my choice to use them - nothing is ever black or white, you know - but in the end, I realized the time I spend making this is valuable, and in order for me to keep going, I need to earn back that value somehow.
You nailed it! I know I still feel a certain way about the way affiliate links are used in a lot of newsletters but for those people who are recommending something from an honest place- I want them to get paid for that!!
I feel the same way! I think it's interesting when you're engaging with someone who clearly is not wearing brand new, gifted clothes every single week. That's when you start to doubt if someone is genuinely recommending a piece or they're just trying to get their bag. I think it's getting easier to spot nowadays!
A lot of the content I see on Substack is real women who are showing what they really wear or buy with their own money - so affiliate links just make sense to me as the consumer of the writing? I also use them on my outfit recaps and with such a small following, some weeks I make $0, some weeks I make more. Either way, it's not enough to be changing how I shop or get dressed!
Meighan; I wish I had thought to include that in my own post! The distinction between someone linking a brand new outfit constantly versus rewearing items builds my trust in them as a writer. I get embarrassed of my “real life” outfits sometimes but then I remind myself I live a real life.
It makes a huge difference to your reader (aka moi & more)..
My brain fully clocks when a creator works w a brand, say, who flies them to fashion week, & from then on.. each of their posts features numerous items from that brand.
I’m seeing a LOT of Burberry & Ilia currently. And oh, Sephora sale 🔗.
YES!! Once you see how it works it’s makes things harder; you can see how the partnerships affect a creator. The goal should be that it doesn’t change you!
100%!! I also just can’t buy all of the things I want to write about and style and recommend, so it’s fun to play with fun options that I think both myself and other people would like - and in turn getting to showcase a wider range of styles and brands! But that doesn’t take no effort, and I like making money off of my effort, you know??
Kelly you’re one of the most transparent people on here and it’s super commendable! The entire affiliate world is so tricky but as someone who makes almost nothing off of paid subscribers, I have to justify the hours (AND ITS HOURS) of work put into the newsletter somehow. It will always be a passion project first and foremost for me - which I know is how you feel about it too. But it’s nice to be able to make a few bucks from it in the process. I think the most important thing is for it to always feel authentic. I also make collages first and worry about affiliate links second, and I also always try and link to the best price retailer! There’s no perfect science but sharing the ins and outs like this hopefully helps everyone understand how much blood, sweat and tears you put into it all! Xx
Yes!! Yes to blood, sweat and tears (tears over that gif last week 😂) and yes to HOURS of work. I think people who use affiliate links should do so with ground rules in mind. Then, like Emilia said, you’re trustworthy with any link!
I love the transparency and FWIW I think everyone should get paid! I also wish more people were more transparent about gifting, affiliate links, etc. Also, I'm saying this as someone who pays for your subscription and would happily use an affiliate link if you recommended something I wanted to buy. To be honest, when people are this forthcoming it makes me trust them more (even though I already do!!) because it means there is a big emphasis on what you're curating for your community.
I also curate items first and link them after. Some of my favorite brands don't do affiliate links but you will still seem me talk about them endlessly!
Also a MAJOR plus on voting with your dollar and ultimately with who you follow, and engage with. That's a form of currency!
Yes, friend!! Yes to it all! I trust your opinion implicitly because you have worked hard to be transparent too! I love buying something through your link because I know your heart for your newsletter!
I want you to know that what I have been thrilled to discover on Substack is a wonderful equivalent to the fashion magazines I came of age with. So you are fulfilling that part of your youthful dream, at least for me!
As a reader of many Substack fashion and lifestyle writers, I appreciate all of the work you gals do to curate good fashion and beauty and showcase cool lifestyle and travel experiences. I do not care about affiliate links. I expect to pay for your hard work that you put into these posts. No one should work for free. Most of you gals are married with children (frankly, the ones I like to follow are because you’re more relatable to me) and you should treat these writing gigs as jobs because they are and as such you need to monetize them. I’m sure your husband would agree. Maximize your value. You in particular are one of the best ones. I always get excited for your posts. Keep up the good work and don’t feel bad for making money. Up your monthly subscription too. It’s not enough. You’re worth it.
I have full body chills at this affirmation. I’m not exaggerating. Thank you for saying that and reminding me of my value. And- yes- this newsletter is a passion project that I dedicate loads of time to so to be rewarded monetarily feels good. And comments like this feel that rewarding too.
People are so nosy about money - how it’s earnt, how it’s spent - and there’s so much gatekeeping around it. You have such an avid fanbase who really rally around you and this is another proof point as to why you do - you really walk us through your purchases and decisions on pulling together your Substack. Thank you!
Thank YOU for reading!! I do think we are nosy about money, hence why The Purse does so well with Money Diaries. I am ALWAYS curious how people afford things and that is amplified when you are your own product, right?! Like “oh you afford that because you recommend this, etc”
Something Laurel Pantin does that I deeply appreciate is putting the price with the item in her collages and round-ups. I have no business clicking on items above certain price points, even though I enjoy seeing them as inspiration! I like that she saves me time and clicks that way!
Yes!! Exactly!! Like if I know something is outside my budget I’d rather know it right away. Plus I can still appreciate it from an aspirational perspective.
YES! to it all! The transparency! But is it because we’re a bunch of deep thinkers over on SS that we feel the guilt??
I agree with all the comments that the hours of work is so so justified. Sharing things and saving people the time of finding the thing!
also, i know this wasn’t the main topic of your writing this week, but the inclusive inspo pics have NOT gone unnoticed. I always appreciate your selections because you find the inspo pics nobody else can and it’s always so refreshing to see style on the millions of iterations of female that exist ♥️♥️
It means so much to me that you have noticed that. I have really been making a concerted effort because I want the people in my own life to feel represented in this space. Thank you for saying this!
From one content creator to another, please don’t ever feel guilty about using affiliate links. This is how we generate income. Think of traditional media, like a magazine. They make money from subscriptions, yes, but mostly from ads. Affiliate links are just ads with better tracking and ROI. And for what it’s worth, I started my career working for glossy magazines and it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. ☺️
HA! Cheryl thanks for making me feel better about my glossy mag failure. While I'll agree that people shouldn't feel guilty about affiliate links I do think people need to be THOUGHTFUL. To use your analogy, I want to be careful about who I'm giving ad space to.
Thank you for your transparency as always! As an editor at my "real" job, I have such a love-hate relationship with affiliate links since I'm forced to think about commission rates constantly. That said, I do use them in my Substack, but like you, I just link if it's something I recommend and do not worry whether it will make me $$. It rarely ever does but I think it's good business to monetize mindfully where you can!
Just wanted to drop in and say that I LOVE your energy and friendliness - you ALWAYS have a nice or motivating thing to say in the chat and you’re just radiating womans woman energy (as in girls girl but for grown ups, but I think it’s not really a thing haha) all around and I love it
Needed to read this!! You hit all the points I've been debating for months so thank you for being so transparent! And thank you for the mention - I've loved finding this corner of the internet where we all love each other lol
Echoing all of Kendall's thoughts! It took me a long time to consider affiliate links because so many people who use them give me the ick, but they feel very warranted in spaces where you can tell a lot of genuine thought and care is going into the work -- just like this very special corner of the internet that you've built!
Of course!! I’m shouting out all the hard work you do and this is a small way to say I see it. And speaking of that hard work, I’m glad you are getting paid for it in all the ways.
I loved reading this! I’m an of fashion blogger and affiliate links were the thing to do back then… now I’m taking a different approach and loved to hear your perspective. You inspired me t put my thought into words about this subject that i agree, we should all be more transparent about!
Kelly I love this post! And as you said up-top, I wasn't expecting it because you've built up so much trustworthiness that I think we know that you're not doing anything nefarious. But I love how you do what feels right to you, and that includes creating transparency around this!! I started using affiliate links for the same reason(s) and in a similar way - pick the items first, add to shopmy page LATER. I haven't included the payout rate for pieces (instead I add the max size they go to). and for the record - you are actually way better than I am at including diverse bodies in your imagery. This is a bias I'm personally still struggling w! Anyway, love it as always. You are truly a bright spot on the internet.
Yes! Maureen I love that you include the max size; a great guiding light for you. I’ve learned a lot in using links and realized how helpful they can be when used well.
Your level of transparency is admirable ♥️
As someone who also dreamt of writing for a fashion publication, I just want to say what you share on your substack is better than what I’ve read in many of those glossy pages 💯
Charu, this makes me want to cry. Truly. You just healed the 18 year old in me.
As someone who recently started dabbling with affiliate links, a giant yes to all of this. I realized I was leaving money on the table for goods and products I would be recommending either way, so as I am starting to this of this more as a business, it just made sense. That said, I also always do my collages and selects first - if something I want to include in a post has a payout, cool, if not, I'm including it anyways. Don't get me wrong, I still have my issues both personally and professionally with my choice to use them - nothing is ever black or white, you know - but in the end, I realized the time I spend making this is valuable, and in order for me to keep going, I need to earn back that value somehow.
You nailed it! I know I still feel a certain way about the way affiliate links are used in a lot of newsletters but for those people who are recommending something from an honest place- I want them to get paid for that!!
I feel the same way! I think it's interesting when you're engaging with someone who clearly is not wearing brand new, gifted clothes every single week. That's when you start to doubt if someone is genuinely recommending a piece or they're just trying to get their bag. I think it's getting easier to spot nowadays!
A lot of the content I see on Substack is real women who are showing what they really wear or buy with their own money - so affiliate links just make sense to me as the consumer of the writing? I also use them on my outfit recaps and with such a small following, some weeks I make $0, some weeks I make more. Either way, it's not enough to be changing how I shop or get dressed!
Meighan; I wish I had thought to include that in my own post! The distinction between someone linking a brand new outfit constantly versus rewearing items builds my trust in them as a writer. I get embarrassed of my “real life” outfits sometimes but then I remind myself I live a real life.
Real life outfits FTW ♥️♥️♥️ they’re what we came for and what we are staying for!
📣📣📣
It makes a huge difference to your reader (aka moi & more)..
My brain fully clocks when a creator works w a brand, say, who flies them to fashion week, & from then on.. each of their posts features numerous items from that brand.
I’m seeing a LOT of Burberry & Ilia currently. And oh, Sephora sale 🔗.
And.. oMG the TRR partnerships. Eek.
It bumps me. I almost wish I didn’t notice.
YES!! Once you see how it works it’s makes things harder; you can see how the partnerships affect a creator. The goal should be that it doesn’t change you!
100%!! I also just can’t buy all of the things I want to write about and style and recommend, so it’s fun to play with fun options that I think both myself and other people would like - and in turn getting to showcase a wider range of styles and brands! But that doesn’t take no effort, and I like making money off of my effort, you know??
Kelly you’re one of the most transparent people on here and it’s super commendable! The entire affiliate world is so tricky but as someone who makes almost nothing off of paid subscribers, I have to justify the hours (AND ITS HOURS) of work put into the newsletter somehow. It will always be a passion project first and foremost for me - which I know is how you feel about it too. But it’s nice to be able to make a few bucks from it in the process. I think the most important thing is for it to always feel authentic. I also make collages first and worry about affiliate links second, and I also always try and link to the best price retailer! There’s no perfect science but sharing the ins and outs like this hopefully helps everyone understand how much blood, sweat and tears you put into it all! Xx
Yes!! Yes to blood, sweat and tears (tears over that gif last week 😂) and yes to HOURS of work. I think people who use affiliate links should do so with ground rules in mind. Then, like Emilia said, you’re trustworthy with any link!
I love the transparency and FWIW I think everyone should get paid! I also wish more people were more transparent about gifting, affiliate links, etc. Also, I'm saying this as someone who pays for your subscription and would happily use an affiliate link if you recommended something I wanted to buy. To be honest, when people are this forthcoming it makes me trust them more (even though I already do!!) because it means there is a big emphasis on what you're curating for your community.
I also curate items first and link them after. Some of my favorite brands don't do affiliate links but you will still seem me talk about them endlessly!
Also a MAJOR plus on voting with your dollar and ultimately with who you follow, and engage with. That's a form of currency!
Yes, friend!! Yes to it all! I trust your opinion implicitly because you have worked hard to be transparent too! I love buying something through your link because I know your heart for your newsletter!
I appreciate you ❤️, but you reading my newsletters every week has been the best "currency" I've received!!!
I want you to know that what I have been thrilled to discover on Substack is a wonderful equivalent to the fashion magazines I came of age with. So you are fulfilling that part of your youthful dream, at least for me!
ROBIN, thank you for saying that. I still have pinch myself at the way the world has worked it out for me to pursue my long-ago dream.
As a reader of many Substack fashion and lifestyle writers, I appreciate all of the work you gals do to curate good fashion and beauty and showcase cool lifestyle and travel experiences. I do not care about affiliate links. I expect to pay for your hard work that you put into these posts. No one should work for free. Most of you gals are married with children (frankly, the ones I like to follow are because you’re more relatable to me) and you should treat these writing gigs as jobs because they are and as such you need to monetize them. I’m sure your husband would agree. Maximize your value. You in particular are one of the best ones. I always get excited for your posts. Keep up the good work and don’t feel bad for making money. Up your monthly subscription too. It’s not enough. You’re worth it.
I have full body chills at this affirmation. I’m not exaggerating. Thank you for saying that and reminding me of my value. And- yes- this newsletter is a passion project that I dedicate loads of time to so to be rewarded monetarily feels good. And comments like this feel that rewarding too.
People are so nosy about money - how it’s earnt, how it’s spent - and there’s so much gatekeeping around it. You have such an avid fanbase who really rally around you and this is another proof point as to why you do - you really walk us through your purchases and decisions on pulling together your Substack. Thank you!
Thank YOU for reading!! I do think we are nosy about money, hence why The Purse does so well with Money Diaries. I am ALWAYS curious how people afford things and that is amplified when you are your own product, right?! Like “oh you afford that because you recommend this, etc”
I’ve often thought about doing it from my POV… hmm maybe sooner rather than later!
Do it 📣 I’d love to read!
Something Laurel Pantin does that I deeply appreciate is putting the price with the item in her collages and round-ups. I have no business clicking on items above certain price points, even though I enjoy seeing them as inspiration! I like that she saves me time and clicks that way!
Yes!! Exactly!! Like if I know something is outside my budget I’d rather know it right away. Plus I can still appreciate it from an aspirational perspective.
YES! to it all! The transparency! But is it because we’re a bunch of deep thinkers over on SS that we feel the guilt??
I agree with all the comments that the hours of work is so so justified. Sharing things and saving people the time of finding the thing!
also, i know this wasn’t the main topic of your writing this week, but the inclusive inspo pics have NOT gone unnoticed. I always appreciate your selections because you find the inspo pics nobody else can and it’s always so refreshing to see style on the millions of iterations of female that exist ♥️♥️
It means so much to me that you have noticed that. I have really been making a concerted effort because I want the people in my own life to feel represented in this space. Thank you for saying this!
From one content creator to another, please don’t ever feel guilty about using affiliate links. This is how we generate income. Think of traditional media, like a magazine. They make money from subscriptions, yes, but mostly from ads. Affiliate links are just ads with better tracking and ROI. And for what it’s worth, I started my career working for glossy magazines and it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. ☺️
HA! Cheryl thanks for making me feel better about my glossy mag failure. While I'll agree that people shouldn't feel guilty about affiliate links I do think people need to be THOUGHTFUL. To use your analogy, I want to be careful about who I'm giving ad space to.
Thank you for your transparency as always! As an editor at my "real" job, I have such a love-hate relationship with affiliate links since I'm forced to think about commission rates constantly. That said, I do use them in my Substack, but like you, I just link if it's something I recommend and do not worry whether it will make me $$. It rarely ever does but I think it's good business to monetize mindfully where you can!
Monetize mindfully!! You really are an editor because that is put beautifully. I want people to be paid but I want to feel like I trust them still!
Just wanted to drop in and say that I LOVE your energy and friendliness - you ALWAYS have a nice or motivating thing to say in the chat and you’re just radiating womans woman energy (as in girls girl but for grown ups, but I think it’s not really a thing haha) all around and I love it
Hahaha my husband laughs at me because I’ll say “this girl I know” even though I’m talking about a 40 year old. I love woman’s woman. Thank you 🥰
Needed to read this!! You hit all the points I've been debating for months so thank you for being so transparent! And thank you for the mention - I've loved finding this corner of the internet where we all love each other lol
HA! Me too. I love my internet friends and I'm impressed with the way you source vintage so I HAD to shout you out.
Echoing all of Kendall's thoughts! It took me a long time to consider affiliate links because so many people who use them give me the ick, but they feel very warranted in spaces where you can tell a lot of genuine thought and care is going into the work -- just like this very special corner of the internet that you've built!
thank you for the shoutout! It means a lot ✨
Of course!! I’m shouting out all the hard work you do and this is a small way to say I see it. And speaking of that hard work, I’m glad you are getting paid for it in all the ways.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HONEST. You are incredible and 100% should be compensated for your labor.
THANK YOU! I'm also excited to read your note because I think your message is empowering.
I loved reading this! I’m an of fashion blogger and affiliate links were the thing to do back then… now I’m taking a different approach and loved to hear your perspective. You inspired me t put my thought into words about this subject that i agree, we should all be more transparent about!
Yes!! Sydne I’ll be looking for your post! Being able to vocalize the “why” of something feels really important.
Kelly I love this post! And as you said up-top, I wasn't expecting it because you've built up so much trustworthiness that I think we know that you're not doing anything nefarious. But I love how you do what feels right to you, and that includes creating transparency around this!! I started using affiliate links for the same reason(s) and in a similar way - pick the items first, add to shopmy page LATER. I haven't included the payout rate for pieces (instead I add the max size they go to). and for the record - you are actually way better than I am at including diverse bodies in your imagery. This is a bias I'm personally still struggling w! Anyway, love it as always. You are truly a bright spot on the internet.
Yes! Maureen I love that you include the max size; a great guiding light for you. I’ve learned a lot in using links and realized how helpful they can be when used well.