CONTENTS
“But is being the editor-in-chief of a wedding blog a real job?”
Oddly enough, I get asked this question very often. I think that many of us are a bit like UFOs. "Digital diary writers". Me, my life, my work, blah blah blah. Talking about light subjects doesn't bring enough seriousness. So yes, let's not lie to each other, I don't save lives, no more than my postman or my accountant. I may be a bit less useful to humanity, but I bring my touch of lightness and prettiness.
I know the world is not really turning round, but I like to think that a maxi dose of love is comforting. Madame C's blog has become my weapon against the gloom, distilling her beautiful stories and inspirations. But don't be fooled. Behind this apparent lightness, there are also years of work.
On Instagram, I invited you to ask me your questions on the subject. I thought an article would be the best answer…
How did you start?
In the beginning, a young mother who slept little. It was in February 2007. The nights were short, I always loved writing and sharing.
At the time, no blog existed on the subject. Oddly enough, I could have written a mom blog, I preferred to chat about weddings. I dreamed of becoming a wedding planner, a blog was less radical. So I was the first and today, I am quite proud of this particularity.
Over the years, Madame C's blog has made its own little place for itself. For 9 years, the blog was a sideline activity. Today, it is at the center of my professional priorities. And that changes everything. In 2 years, my audience has doubled and those who know, know. With the arrival in force of Facebook andInstagram, many blogs stop their activity. It's sad because an instagram account can't have the same relevance as a blog.
How do you choose your subjects?
By feeling, according to the seasons, my desires and my encounters. I like the idea of being surprised and welcoming the unexpected. I receive a certain number of submissions every day, each selected report is the subject of a real favorite. This choice is totally subjective, it never calls into question the quality of the submitted report or that of the universe presented.
How long did it take you to make a living from your blog?
I started this blog as a hobby alongside my "real" job. I posted articles episodically, when I had time and inspiration.
Two years after launching the blog, I dropped everything and decided to launch my wedding planning company. That same year, I set up a little editorial routine. Almost every day I published an article. Consistency is essential when you want to grow a blog. And the work pays off. The readership followed and so did the clients!
The decision to monetize my blog came very late. A small problem of legitimacy and priority I think :)
In the end, it's only been 4 years since I set up paid partnerships on the blog. The first year, I made a small turnover of €5K. Then, it quickly multiplied by 4. And for the past two years, I've finally found a business model that makes sense in relation to capitalized work.
But today, the blog isn't my only source of income. I manage several projects:
- coaching one-to-one entrepreneur
- Business support of wedding professionals
- Madame C's Blog
- The organization of Kids Festival etc. launched at the end of 2015
- The last born, Sunday Grenadine : a lifestyle blogzine dedicated to the family.
A designer recently called me a "slasher", I think that's the right term :)
How do I organize myself? I get up very early and I dream big.
What are your sources of monetization on the blog?
The Address Book
For 1 year, the address book has become paid. It was a long reflection because I always think about the readers and their needs. For 6 months, I rethought every detail of this new address book. Search by professional category, by region, a more detailed personalized file and the possibility of consulting it in French and English. A differentiating asset for foreign readers and professionals who wish to reach this target.
Depending on their budget and communication strategy, professionals have the choice between a 6-month or one-year subscription.
In hindsight, it's certainly the best decision I've made for the blog. I've had a great reception and I get a lot of requests, but there's no question of filling in the gaps. The selection is demanding because I want it to be qualitative and in line with the world of the blog.
membership
When a reader decides to buy a product through the blog shop, I receive a commission via the affiliate platform concerned. And it is completely transparent for the customer since it does not impact the price of the product. This cost is passed on directly to the "advertiser" brand. It's a good deal since in the end everyone wins. And I only select favorite products :)
So yes, it is a real ant's work but it has become a source of additional income which is always good to take. To give you an idea, I earn around 10.000€/year thanks to this system.
Partner articles
Being very selective, I refuse 80% of sponsored article proposals. Of the 200 articles published per year, I only accept 5 collaborations.
Why? Most of the time because the universes do not match that of the blog or the expectations of the readership. I could earn much more money but there is no question of transforming the editorial of the blog into an advertising hodgepodge. I like the idea of being selective for the readers but also for the partners who trust me.
Sponsored Social Media Highlights
Here too I will surprise you again but on @the blog of madamec, “sponsored” highlights are extremely rare. The account was launched on November 20, 2016 and it still has
On Facebook, Same fight. However, I offer "POST BOOSTS" to brands so that their articles are more visible. It's become a bit of a jungle with the new algorithm.
What annoys you most about your relationship with brands?
Lack of consideration. It is not a generality but it is quite recurrent.
Between you and me, it's tiring when a brand sends you its "Communication Manager" to exchange your services. When I return them my media kit, the response is not long in coming:"We have no budget allocated for this operation." To which I respond in an equally polite and direct manner: “I don’t have any “free” working time allocated to your brand communication.” (Makes sense, right?)
At the time of crafterization, brands have adapted their communication. To strengthen this feeling of proximity and reach their audience, they use influencers via social networks. The deal is simple, to gain visibility, brands suggest to influencers to praise the merits of their products to their community. In exchange, the influencer is paid or is offered products in kind. I do not question this system which adapts to new consumer trends. I myself have accepted nice gifts as a Mom on favorite products that I could have bought. On the other hand, via Madame C's blog I refuse. Because it's my job and I don't pay my bills or my shopping with gift cards.
What is your position on #fakefollowers?
Pathetic.
It's like teaching my kids the art of cheating to succeed in school. Some wedding professionals endorse this practice to lure future brides and grooms into their nets. They equate it with a "commercial practice" in the same way as advertising or a sponsored post. But buying fake followers and fake "likes" to show how popular you are, I admit that apart from flattering their ego, I don't see where the commercial practice is hidden? And let's be clear: THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NOT ADVERTISING!
So I say no to this practice and I take the opportunity to share the reporting of my two Instagram accounts on hype Auditor :
-
- HypeAuditor – @clementine.marchal
-
- HypeAuditor – @leblogdemadamec
For those who would like to explore the question further, I invite you to watch the video by Guillaume Ruchon aka @guiruch :
And I remind you that developing your Instagram account is a long and time-consuming task. But for those who want it, anything is possible. You just have to work, practice, test, and learn to get to know your community well. For example, @the blog of madamec takes on average 700 followers per month and it is a daily job.
How do you see your business evolving in the years to come?
There is no plan. I don't see myself blogging weddings until I'm 60, but I don't ask myself too many questions. I live in the present and have no shortage of projects :)
And why not a blog for the elderly? Mémé C, that's great!
What are your new projects?
I am currently working on a crazy project around marriage, but it requires big investments so stay tuned...
And I am launching a new concept by the end of the month focused on female entrepreneurship. The idea is to organize 4-day creative retreats to share, inspire and escape. The first retreat will take place in October in Marrakech in an absolutely crazy setting. #staytuned
What is the secret of your success and longevity?
« I believe that everything is possible for those who dream, dare, work and never give up. » – XAVIER DOLAN
This little phrase is my mojo. There is no secret, just a lot of work and willpower.
And some rules that allow me to move forward in the right direction:
- I don't try to be like my neighbor., I prefer the original version.
- Competition is healthy because it pulls upwards.
- I don't waste my time criticizing, envying or grumbling.
- I am alone master of my successes and my failures
- I do not grant my attention only to people who show me kindness, I skip the others.
- I have no regrets, all the experiences I have had have been beneficial to me.
- I love life, love, family, friendship. And I consume it with a maximum dose of bite and generosity.
Saya Photography
You are our sugar candy! I really think it is important to take your place! This chance to be self-employed and become aware of the values of things like remuneration for a given service! Have a nice day, our Clem!
Clementine
Saya PhotographyThank you Saya! It is essential to assert yourself without denying your values and your personality. And stop believing that earning a living is a dirty word. We are all here with a business perspective, we can just do it with heart and conviction :)
Amélie Gouttenoire
Great post! Thanks for all this info, it's super interesting And it feels good (that's the thing: you do us good!)
And congratulations for all these hats, now there’s a modern woman!
Clementine
Amélie GouttenoireThank you Amélie!! For your enthusiasm and your support, it makes me smile :)
Leoncie's house
Thank you for this article, very comprehensive and with the Madame C touch: smile and kindness!
Clementine
Leoncie's houseThank you Laure! Smiles and kindness are life :)
Sophie
Thank you for this very complete and realistic article. It confirms my desires and aspirations even if we are not in the same niche. And then we have exactly the same philosophy. It sometimes feels good to see that we are not aliens.
Thanks again for sharing and congratulations on your work.
Andrea Hardouin
A meaningful and very enriching article.
I really like the frankness with which you presented yourself.
Big crush on the very last part…
I try to follow the same rules every day, even if it's not easy every day!
In any case, congratulations on this great success!
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Charlie
Hello,
Your blog really makes me want to, even more want to. Yes, to blog. I created a small blog a few days ago (!!) to put "briefs", to tell thoughts and ideas.
But as you say, it's becoming a blogger's job. That's why I look at blogs as important as yours.
Sincerely
Charlie
Clementine
CharlieThank you Charlie. It took me a while to admit it, but yes, blogging is a job. And I am very proud to be part of this beautiful dynamic.
Good luck to you then!
Clementine
Gigi
A stripping down faithful to the one I know little about but for whom I have great admiration!
Clementine
GigiThank you Gigi! I feel so grateful for all these lovely thoughts <3
Cedric
I am delighted to read such a journey in which I partly find myself. Authenticity is one of the keys to success. Looking forward to continuing to read you!
Clementine
CedricThanks Cedric! Authenticity and empathy are definitely keys :)
Julie
Hello Clementine,
I was following you closely when I was organizing my wedding (22/09/2018) but now I discover the woman behind the blog and I am amazed! I really like your way of thinking and I recognize myself in it so much!
Well done for everything and looking forward to discovering the rest!!!
To be continued… ;)
Clementine
JulieThank you Julie for this nice compliment.
I can't wait to reveal the rest!!
Have a nice weekend :)
greatcampaign
Without a doubt, I prefer the original version!
And I admit that with Mémé C., you probably have something there ;).
And to all those who "dream" of becoming influencers, it is good to remember that a turnover is not a margin :).
Clementine
greatcampaignI think the market is not yet very mature but in 20 years we will be at the top!
Clearly a turnover is not a margin, especially in my case since I am in business and I have other activities which generate significant costs.
After depending on your status, as a blogger you have very few expenses. But before generating sufficient profits to live off, you will need a lot of work…
Pearlly Studio And Co
In all transparency, this is what we are looking for today… A really interesting article in our eyes, full of kindness, I agree, I approve… <3
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