Date Posted: Tuesday 26th July 2016
DIARY directory recently caught up with male grooming blogger Mr Luke Christian. Founded in September 2015, Luke covers all aspects of male grooming and has worked with brands that include Bluebeard's Revenge, Calvin Klein, Debenhams, Estée Lauder, Floris London, Giorgio Armani. Jo Malone, Kurt Geiger, Kiehls, Tom Ford and MR PORTER to name a few.
Listed in DIARY directory in the digital influencers subsection, along with 1000+ categorised influencers for PRs to work with, Luke provides insight on how the blogging world differs for male bloggers and how he stands out in his niche; how he likes to work with brands and his highlights so far, as well as sharing his advice for other guys wanting to break into blogging.
Who are your core readers?
My core readers are predominantly men who view my blog from around the globe, such as The United Kingdom, America and most recently, Russia.
When and why did you decide to start a blog?
I qualified as a trained beautician in June 2015, so a few months later, in September 2015, I wanted a platform in which I could share my Male Grooming tips and knowledge with men who like to take care of themselves.
How do you feel like the blogging industry has changed over the last few years, especially as a male blogger?
I am still relatively new to the blogging industry, so personally I haven't noticed anything as of yet. However, I do feel that bloggers are becoming more respected, and that our voices are being heard on a more serious level.
What makes your blog stand out from others in your category?
I am a trained beautician, so having knowledge within the Beauty & Grooming Industry has given me the tips and help, which I can offer to my readers. I also have a huge passion for all things Male Grooming, so I make sure I can bring fresh insight for my loyal and new readers, to keep things fresh and exciting! I often get feedback from brands, PR's and other bloggers that my blog doesn't look like a blog? So perhaps, my blog layout/format helps me to stand out too.
What advice/top tips would you give PRs looking to promote their clients through your blog?
Everything that is placed on my blog is everything I have produced myself. The wording, the photography, right down to the layout and format. I would never place any 'pre-written' content on my blog, as that would be lying to my readers, and they have now come to expect a certain way of writing. To also tell me straight off, what it is that is required of me, and what I will receive in doing so.
Are you forthcoming when it comes to PRs/brands requesting stats?
Absolutely! I have always been honest with them, and I have no qualms in sharing my social media stats. I have a media kit, which is updated monthly, and it's extremely humbling to watch the stats grow.
What has been your favourite project/collaboration with a brand to date?
This is a hard question to answer! As cliché as this may be, all of my projects/collaborations have all been equally wonderful, and I still find it so flattering whenever I get approached! Perhaps, my favourite 'moment' to date, was being a finalist in the 2016 UK Blog Awards in two categories; Beauty + Fashion and Lifestyle. It was a magical night!
What are the challenges you often face?
I find that male bloggers as a whole get overlooked very easily. I think when the term 'blogging' gets used, instantly you may think of a few female bloggers, as opposed to males. So I find this rather challenging when trying to break down that barrier.
Any advice for other guys wanting to break into blogging?
Don't get too bogged down with what other bloggers are doing. Focus primarily on what you want to do, and don't forget the reason why you wanted to start blogging in the first place.
Where do you see blogging in five years time?
An industry waiting to explode.
Mr Luke Christian in 'digital influencers'
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