Survey Results and Questions Answered!

For the first time, I decided to share my annual survey results with my readers!  I don’t know why I haven’t before … I guess I just thought it wouldn’t be interesting to anyone but me. But let’s see if anyone else is curious.  Plus I answered a few questions I was asked too!  And of course I’m announcing the gift card winner!

 

How old are you?

 

First off, how old are my readers?  Well, I think the breakdown is pretty much what I would expect. Most of my readers are 40’s-60’s … and we’re super happy to have you 20’s, 30’s, and 70 and ups along for the ride as well!

 

Reader Question: How does sponsorship work? How do we know how you really feel about the product?

This is an excellent question and I’m so glad someone asked it!  I’m fortunate to have a full time career as a teacher to support me financially and blogging is my hobby, albeit one that has turned into a little business.  But the bottom line is that I blog for enjoyment and I can pick and choose my collaborations carefully.  All the brands that I work with regularly are brands that I feel really good about supporting.  Sometimes I get paid a fee and/or commission from a brand.  A lot of this money goes into the expenses of keeping a blog running: web hosting, tech support, promotions, photographers (or camera equipment), etc.

There are bloggers making big bucks (and more power to them!), but most of us are just breaking even.  I do have a dream of making enough from blogging that I could teach part time.  But rest assured, if that ever happens, it’s only because of the support of my readers and I’ll always put helping you before making money.  After all that’s why I started this in the first place!

I always tell the truth in my posts.  I tend to appreciate high quality clothing, but I’m the first to admit giving in to the occassional fast fashion and in that case, I’ll usually describe the products as … “fun for the price” .. which means just that. It’s not going to last you forever and it’s not the best quality, but it’s fun … for the price!  And if something is going to wrinkle, I’ll show you that too!  You can always email me or DM me if you have any specific questions about products. I really love hearing from my readers!

Also, I’ve stopped a few collaborations when I was unhappy with the product.  I honestly can’t say that’s happened with a clothing brand yet, but it has happened several times with beauty products. If you’ve been following me awhile, you may remember a skincare system that I was trying out and I was supposed to check in with the results later.  Well, I wasn’t happy with it, and so I just ended the collaboration.  I tried an eye mask that I was allergic to and a tooth whitener that made my teeth hurt.  I just told the brands that I wanted to cancel the collaboration. I probably wouldn’t write a bad review, because maybe the products will work for someone.  But I will never recommend something that I don’t like. Ever.

 

Next question, how long have you been a reader?

 

A nice mix of new and veteran readers! I want to thank the readers who have been around awhile!  It’s so nice to know that some of you have been with me for years!  And a welcome to the new readers too. I hope you stay awhile!

 

Do you use the LiketoKnow.It app?

 

For those of you who don’t know what it is or have never tried it, it’s a free app for your iPhone (and brand new: for Android users as well).  Just go to your App Store and search for LiketoKnow.It, download and use it free. With the app, you can follow your favorite bloggers and scroll through outfits with shopping details and links.  So let’s say you are looking for an outfit idea, and aren’t in the mood to see photos of sunsets and food, you could just scroll on the app instead of Instagram.  Or if you see an outfit you really like on IG, you can screenshot it and then go to the app for shopping details and links.  Also you can save items you really like on a wishlist for later.  I’m always curious where style bloggers are finding their cutest pieces, so I play with it all the time.

Reader Question: Have you ever run across brands who scam bloggers?

The only thing I’m aware of is a brand that offers bloggers “free” items and then tries to charge them $79 for shipping!  LOL.  I’ve also heard of scams going on with the loop giveaways on Instagram. I’ve always stayed away from them anyway.

Other tidbits from the survey, most readers learned about my blog from another blog, which is super cool.  Most of the over 40 bloggers are so sweet and supportive of each other.  Love that about this community.

I also learned readers read my blog on every device … phones, laptops, desk tops, and tablets … pretty much an even mix.  Trend reports say more and more people will read things on their phones, so we’ll see if those percentages change over the years. I still prefer to read blogs on my lap top, but of course the handy phone is always right there and so I do read blogs on the go a lot too!

My readers shop at a variety of places, which is nice because I do too!  Populars answers were Nordstrom, Macy’s, Chico’s, J.Jill, Target, Loft, Old Navy, Bloomingdale’s, Anthropologie, H&M, J.Crew, Talbots, Marshall’s, DSW, New York & Company, Soft Surroundings, Lands End, Banana Republic, thrift stores, and so many more!

 

Another reader question: How do you blog and teach full time?

Haha, that’s a sweet question.  I really enjoy blogging so much that it’s my me time!  But yes, like all of us, I struggle with balance.  Blogging and fashion bring me a lot of joy, so I make time for it when I can.

And let’s not forget the $100 gift card! The winner is …. Heidi Michelle (@heidimichelle)  .. check out her beautiful art work on Instagram and send her a congratulations!

Ending thoughts …

So to end Dolls, I really and truly appreciate each and every one of you so much.  I created this blog almost five years ago because I thought women over 40 needed and deserved a fun, happy place to get style inspiration, without unrealistic expectations, judgments, etc. I’m loving my middle years and I want to inspire every women to love hers as well. And I know that a good outfit won’t cure cancer, but I know how it can make a women feel … and women who feels confident and happy can do anything!  I write the kind of blog that I want to read. And I’m always open to suggestions! Please feel free to email me (fashionshouldBfun@gmail.com) or DM me on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

Fun & Fashion,

Dawn Lucy

 

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