Site: Haute Travels
Founder: Marian Anderson
Site Personality: Haute Travels is where fashion, beauty and travel collide in one haute spot.
Since: 2009
Why is your site important?
I’m a travel and lifestyle writer… I just incorporated fashion and beauty into a subject matter that I already wrote about. My specialty focus is wellness and beauty rituals from around the world. And fashion is something that most girls love!
Is your site profitable? If not, why do you blog? If so, can you give advice to new bloggers on generating income from their blogs?
The return on investment for me with Haute Travels is huge! It has opened the door to TV appearances, big beauty brands, and amazing travel to some of the most fashionable destinations around the world. I honestly get to travel like a socialite without a trust fund.
I’m always surprised when I meet some of the most amazing women on the planet and they tell me that they’re a fan of Haute Travels. I’m also flattered when people who I admire tell me that they love my stories and the educated approach that I’ve taken in creating Haute Travels. It really is a labor of love for me.
My advice to a future blogger … just do it! If you have a passion for documenting your thoughts, loves or anything that makes you smile — then start your blog today.
How do readers respond to you? How many readers do you get to your blog per day?
My readers or followers connect with me on the blog, on Twitter and Facebook. They talk to me daily and often ask me travel questions about destinations that they’re thinking about exploring. Many opt for some of my favorite locales because they trust my judgment. One of my followers booked five nights in the junior suite of a luxury property in Cabo because he loved my story!
My site may see traffic generating a few hundred or less depending on what I’m writing about. I’m extremely happy that the site has generated more than 23,000 page views.
Is connecting to other bloggers important?
Connecting with people who can help you achieve your goals through networking and brainstorming is always a good thing. My inner circle is made up of more non-bloggers who are great-thought partners, marketers, brand advocates and strategic communications professionals who have helped me to elevate my game.
Do you consider yourself a journalist?
I am a journalist with a career that spans more than 15 years in the industry.
What do you do when you are not blogging?
I’m a strategic communications professional and speech writer. I also write lifestyle and travel articles for Heart and Soul and Atlanta Social Season Magazines.
Some of your favorite bloggers are …
Style Strategist by Tonya Evans stylestrategist.com/about, Rock the Look Blog blog.rockthelook.com/?p=2458, Glam Girl Go! glamgirlgo.blogspot.com/
