TaxTaxBlog tips
It’s tax season, which means some of us are receiving tax refunds in the coming weeks. Before you go spending away on things you may not need like more makeup, after setting aside a portion of your refund, think about using some of it to invest in and improve your blog.
Using your income tax refund to invest in and improve your blog all depends on where you are currently in the stages of blogging. Is it a hobby or something you are hoping to turn into a business? Either way, I think that the more professional and clean your blog looks, along with great content are things that keep the readers coming.
Below are just a few suggestions on ways you can Use Your Tax Refund to Invest in and Improve Your Blog.
1. Use Your Tax Refund to Invest in getting your Blog a Facelift
Of course, the content of your blog is important, but it’s the look and feel of your blog that draws in your readers. You want to make sure your site has a clean look, has text that’s easy to read, is easily navigable and searchable, and has social media buttons, a contact form, and options for readers to subscribe to your RSS Feed. My advice is to use your tax refund to hire a professional designer, check Etsy for layouts, or use a theme (WordPress) from sites like BluChic.
2. Use Your Tax Refund to Invest in a New Camera and Lens
You have the content, but what about [great] images? Clear, crisp images that help tell a story keep the readers interested and engaged.
I own an iPhone 6, which takes amazing photos, especially when the lighting is great! However, camera phones are not always the best option when using them to take photographs that will be on your blog. If you rely solely on your camera phone for images, try bumping up to a digital camera with higher megapixels, or even a DSLR if that’s in your budget. I use a Sony alpha 35; however, I’m about to upgrade to a Canon or Nikon.
The lens you decide to get depend on your photography needs. If you’re taking portrait shots with smooth, blurred backgrounds, pick up a 50mm f/1.8 lens. For product shots, try a macro lens (50mm f2.8).
3. Use Your Tax Refund Invest in a Tripod & Remote
Now that you have your camera it is time to set yourself up with items that will help you use your camera to its fullest potential.
I wasn’t lucky enough to have married a photographer, which is why I invested in a tripod and a remote. Both allow me to take my own photos that aren’t shaky nor out of focus. A tripod that allows you to tilt your camera is optimal.
4. Use Your Tax Refund Invest in Lighting
No matter the camera you own, it’s the lighting that takes your photos to a whole other level – seriously. If you invest in an expensive camera, you want to make the purchase worth it, and the built-in flash is not always the best option. Also, some of us are not fortunate enough to live in areas where natural light is plentiful, which is why investing in or making your own light kit is a good idea. This way, you’re able to take awesome photos regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.
I’m going to upgrade to the My Studio MS20 Tabletop Professional Tabletop Photo Studio Kit ($179/ Amazon.com) and a Ring Light ($88/Amazon.com), but I currently own the PBL Studio photography Video Light Kit that I picked up from Amazon.
5. Use Your Tax Refund Invest in an External Hard drive
Photos and videos tend to be large files. Trust me, they take up a lot of space, and if you’re storing them on your computer’s hard drive, don’t. Use your tax refund to invest in an external hard drive. The hard drive will allow you to backup all of your files to a safe place, and prevent overloading your computer’s internal hard drive, which can slow down your computer, and in some cases cause it to crash. Yup, I’m speaking from experience.
6. Use Your Tax Refund Invest in Props
I’m new to the world of props for photos, and I see how important they are. They add a bit of pizzazz to what would be an otherwise drab photo. Props aren’t even expensive. You can pick up items like artificial flowers, foam boars, vinyl backgrounds, etc. from Michael’s, a craft store, a dollar store or Etsy.
7. Use Your Tax Refund Invest in Photo and Video Editing software
I think this is optional. There are plenty of free online photo editing tools out there like Picmonkey and Canva. I know because I’ve been using them for the last few months since FinalCutPro and Photoshop make my computer crash (yeah, I need a new computer). Both of the online photo editing tools, along with GIMP (download) get the job done, and are free!
Non-bloggers, over on Beauty and the Bump, I share 5 Smart Things You Should Do with your Tax Refund.
How do you plan on spending your tax refund? Will you use it towards improving something on your blog?
New York City makeup artist, beauty and mom blogger . I immensely enjoy helping myself and others feel beautiful inside and out, which is why I started this blog and my YouTube channel. If you have a beauty or makeup related question, contact me. Your question could be featured on the site! I also accept guest post submissions, check the guidelines.
***Brands and PR firms sometime provide press samples of products for review consideration. These brands are not guaranteed a review on Makeup by Kim Porter Blog, nor do we accept payment of any kind for our reviews. For more on our disclosure policies, please see my terms . 36 Comments on 7 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund to Invest in and Improve Your Blog
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Self-employed, so what tax refund??!! But I love your suggestions. I need to save up for a real camera or use my AMEX points
My recent post NeoStrata Intensive Eye Therapy
Aww. The downside (maybe not) of having your own business. Hmmm yes, I guess you can use your AMEX points. Thanks for reading 🙂
I definitely would love a remote for my camera and more props. Food styling props can get pretty expensive. Great suggestions!
My recent post Girls Night out at Streets BK
You just reminded me to backup my blog! Thanks!
My recent post Play Love Laugh Natural Nail Polish – and Giveaway! #playlovelaughbeautymommynailpolish
You're welcome.
Great ideas! I'll be saving mine for a down payment on a new car.
My recent post bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream First Impressions
Thanks, Phyrra. A new car is a great investment, especially living in Fl.
I'm getting a realllly nice tax refund this year… paid for a trip to London! Woohoo!!
My recent post Get the Look: Fashion Week Fresh Face & Bright Eyes
Oh Yay a trip to London sounds really good.
Fabulous post, girl!
My recent post Whiter Teeth Before Braces with Express White Toothpaste
Thanks, Justina.
We're actually getting a small refund, this year. I've already aid claim. I can't get a whole lot but it should get me some more lighting, a tripod or two, maybe a few products… I'm a good shopper.
My recent post Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum First Impression
My refund is only going to be good because we bought a house last yr. It's never more than 5k otherwise. Share some shopping tips lols
Great suggestions. I'm eyeing a new camera!
My recent post February Empties :: Murad, The Body Shop, Cetaphil, Alterna, Caudalie
Thank you. Which camera are you thinking about getting?
I love the idea behind this post 😀
Thanks
Great ideas! I just got a new camera and some nice lenses to go with it; the 50mm 1.8 is amazing!
My recent post Fuss-free Half-up, Half-down Ponytail Tutorial For Frizzy Hair
Which camera did you buy? I'm trying to see if I can trade-in my Sony, and make buying a different camera cheaper.
Canon 60D. Sold my Rebel T1i and asked for partial funding as Christmas presents so I didn't go bankrupt. It has certainly changed my blog!
My recent post LookFantastic Beauty Box February 2015 unboxing, review
I wish I was getting a refund! haha
My recent post FingerPaints Picnic in the Park collection!
Aww man
My tax refund goes to home improvements *cries* I want lighting =(
My recent post Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipsticks Swatches + Review // Spring 2015
That's where some of mine is going this year as well. The life of a homeowner sigh
My tax return this year is going towards our nursery for the twins. But I agree with your tips, especially if you're serious about blogging.
My recent post My Favorite Chanel Fragrance
Awesome list. Our tax refunds go to pay off credit card bills or loans from the previous year so we are never in debt… I need to save up for a new camera… so that is surely on my list to save for.
My recent post Honey’s Favorite Spring Fragrances 2015
These are all super ideas! I would have loved to get a new camera and lens, but this years refund went to the high interest credit cards lol.
My recent post Mini Perfume – Unguent, Unguentarium, and U
Yes I am definitely looking forward to getting my external hard drive. I pray to the heavens above each time I have to delete something, hoping it won't all be swept away into internet oblivion. We work hard all year for the money so might as well make it work for you.
My recent post Pura d’or Argan Oil Premium Organic Shampoo and Conditioner
You just reminded me I need to do mine :-/
I'm getting a new lens and a lighting kit this year. And probably some props too!
Really good ideas!!! Now if I could only get a refund… I haven't seen one of those in over a decade! lol
Wow. great (needed!) article right now. Self-employed for 2014, so not exactly getting a refund, but love the post for highlighting priority investments! thank you
I keep seeing people put up posts talking about using cameras for posts and stuff. I've always used my phone or the crappy webcam for youtube and pictures, perhaps that is part of the reason my work doesn't look as great as I'd like it to. I may have to consider taking this advice and making the investment. I doubt my wife will want me messing with her fancy smancy camera. LOL. I'll try that approach first though, thanks for the advice!
My recent post Tom Ram TRG Fitness
I definitely could use a new camera lense! Thanks for the tips!
My recent post Easy DIY Jewelry Dish
An external hard drive and props are what's left on my list of things to buy. I just bought more lights to get my vids together.
My recent post My Favorite Fragrance Of All Time
Great post! I've done all of the above except get the hard drive. That is on my list because my edited packages for youtube have files that are sooo large. They take up space on my computer. I love my Canon but definitely get the t4 or the t5 because the t3i (which I have) doesn't have an automatic focus. I have the 50mm f/1.8 lens and it's amazing.