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This is an area that I am really struggling with.
When I started blogging about two years ago {on another website}, I admit I got caught up in the whole review and giveaway thing.
I loved being able to try out products with my family and then write in my own words my personal experience with them. I had lots of companies contact me. Some were just happy that I would review their product and others had specific criteria that I had to follow.
I was doing about three to four reviews a week and about a year later {yeah I can’t believe I lasted that long}, I got completely burnt out.
I took a step back and thought, This isn’t fun anymore. That’s when I knew I wanted to go into a new direction.
Life Without Pink was born.
While I occasionally do a review/giveaway, that is not my full purpose with my blog. I love sharing stories about my family and life experiences.
But here is the thing.
I am trying to break into social media and find a job to help support my family.
I get contacted every day by companies that want me to write posts for them, review their products, become brand ambassadors, etc. but all for FREE!
I am at a cross road.
How long can I keep doing this for free?
I do pick and choose. I work on a few projects that I feel will help me gain the experience, make new contacts and most importantly ones that I believe in.
I will admit I am afraid at times to turn down projects in fear that I won’t be contacted again. Crazy right?
I look at my blog as a brand. I spend tons of hours building my name, writing content, connecting with others and putting myself out there.
If companies want to be apart of my brand then I feel that I should be paid for it or at least get something in return.
I would hope if they are contacting me it is because they enjoy reading my articles and believe in who I am.
Are all bloggers worth the same thing? Probably not, but every blogger is worth something.
Liz from Mom 101 said it best,
“Even if you’re just starting out, even if you have 10 readers and two of them are your toddler twins, your time and effort and endorsement are worth something.”
I have met so many intelligent, business savvy and creative woman bloggers. They are social media gurus with lots of experience on twitter, facebook, engaging with others and blogging.
They are very influential.
Obviously brands are getting the point that mom bloggers are an important part of the puzzle. They understand how powerful our voices really are.
The Clever Girls once said,
“Bravo to the brands who already recognize the value of having social media power users work on their behalf and are willing to pay for that benefit.”
Yet I still find the relationship between a blogger and a brand confusing.
While I am struggling with this topic, I know so many other bloggers are as well. Most of us are timid when it comes to counter offering brands with a proposal but how long should we be doing this for free?
One thing I have learned is to know your stats and your readership, so that you can intelligently discuss with a brand why you should be paid. In the end, they are trying to reach your target market through your voice and efforts.
There are many woman in the blogosphere that I use as mentors. I watch how they have grown their blog into a business and the smart choices they have made.
A few of them are Jennifer James, Liz from Mom 101, Clever Girls, Alli Worthington, Kelby Carr and Trisha Haas. These are just a few that I know off the top of my head and there are so many more.
We all have our own agenda with our blogs. Some write as a hobby or to advance their careers while others try to turn it into a side business.
Whatever your goals are with your blog, my one advice is to stay true to yourself and remember you are worth every penny!
Mary from The Mommyologist and I will be making our announcement on Wednesday. Hint; its a really AWESOME contest that we are sure you are going to love!
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
I have also been thinking a lot about this subject. I am really unimpressed with how many PR companies and brands think what we do is not worth paying for. In my experience those companies that do recognize what you are worth are the ones worth working with.
I also have a fear of turning things down. I too spend a lot of time as you do and a few months ago i had to step back and remind myself why i started. I am relatively new – only 7 months old but if i want to keep doing this for me long-term i have to avoid the burn out.
Great post!
.-= Devan @ Accustomed Chaos´s last blog ..Gluten Free Breaded Chicken -amp Jalapeno Havarti Sandwich =-.
the problem is that PR, inherently is media exposure for a product/servce. When a PR person contacts the NY Times to write an article, the NY Times does not get paid. Of course the reporter is an employee of the NY Times… but PR is fundementally made up of free opportunities. (My husband works in PR). I know its a dicey question. An interesting disucssion and it will be interesting to see where it goes in the next 6, 12 months and even years from now.
.-= harmskills´s last blog ..Three 4ths =-.
I figure that these are our blogs, we’re using our space, taking up our time- so we should get something for doing PR. It just depends on what that something is that you want.
Can’t wait for your announcement!
I understand where you’re coming from – building a brand through social media takes a LOT of T I M E. Unfortunately, this season we’re in (with small children at home that we WANT to be home with) doesn’t allow for a lot of extra amounts of that!
I’m confident you’ll get to where you want to go, it just may take a little more time than you’d prefer.
Because your time is so precious, I’d encourage you to hold out for those opportunities that VALUE your time, talents, and brand as they should be.
Of course companies will take whatever exposure they can get for free – but if your goal is to monetize, then keep that in your vision and accept nothing less. Also, it’s important to recognize that you’ll be representing each other – who do you want to be representing?
Have you really ‘defined’ your brand/blogging purpose?
Did you/do you start blogging as an avenue to make extra money, or to connect with others? Do you have a defined niche that propels your content ? Stay true to that and companies will have a better understanding what you represent on a consistent basis and they’ll be more likely to attach themselves to your brand.
Just keep that that at the forefront of your blogging mind and you’ll be ‘good to go’ even if it does take a little longer than you’d like. Also, don’t be afraid to approach them – you don’t have to wait for someone to come to you, and worry that you’ll stop getting offers – do you your own research, think creatively how you could benefit someone elses brand (that you truly believe in) and market yourself to them!
Looking forward to your BIG announcement!
~h
Brilliant. I feel the exact same way. We are worth something and our time and creative energy ought to be recognized. Sometimes I feel like the only people who really recognize our worth are our fellow bloggers. I agree with what you said about staying true, sometimes it is good to be reminded.
Thanks for writing this, I can’t wait for your big announcement!
I have been thinking about all of this a lot too. Since my blog is fairly new, I have been contacted much by companies to do reviews/giveaways but I know I should put myself out there more. I agree that our effort is worth something. Afterall, I am building my home/brand!
Can’t wait for the big announcement!
.-= Rachel {at} Mommy Needs a Vacation´s last blog ..Recipe of the Week- 4th of July Flag Cake =-.
I am trying to start blogging a lil more regularly as I would love to do more with my blogging, I’m just not sure how or if it’s even possible!
Can’t wait to hear your announcement! xx
.-= Marylin´s last blog ..Sunday Snippets 3 =-.
Great advice! It is very easy to get caught up in the “free” stuff you receive for reviews and I love offering giveaways to my readers. I don’t do many….maybe one per month or so. They are fun, but are also alot of work, and I can see getting easily burnt out.
.-= Tree´s last blog ..Monday Minute 7-5-10Here We GO- =-.
I hear you loud and clear.
I easily spend 10 hours a day working on content, editing, photos, networking, emails, etc for my blog. My blog is 2 yrs old, but I just got serious in the last 6 months. (And I have five kids screaming in the background!)
I have found my voice, I have my vision, I’m just have to make sure I am being heard!
.-= Crystal & Co´s last blog ..Weekly Meal Plan 36 =-.
Fantastic post. I think this is something we all struggle with. I got obsessed with doing reviews for awhile too, and decided that I would only do them, and giveaways, for products that I really support and would use myself. I have several giveaways going on right now in conjunction with a blog hop, and it’s so tiring. I give props to the gals that do it all the time! for the stuff that I might only get a free item in exchange…well, I’m okay with that as long as it’s something I can use and is a savings for my family.
I’ve decided that while my personal blog may not ever be a huge moneymaker, I *can* use it as a proving ground for my writing and that down the road, it will pay off in the way of other free lance writing gigs. I’ve already made some inroads in that regard and I’m encouraged so far!
Will retweet this post for sure!
.-= gigi´s last blog ..truffle brownies =-.
I have only been blogging for a few months and have not done any giveaways or product reviews yet. I can see how it could make someone really burnt out and stressed. Best of luck in your decision. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am looking forward to reading more of your blog.
Thank you for a great post! Very informative and well said. Good Luck to you
.-= Melissa (Confessions of a Dr.Mom)´s last blog ..Lessons From The Yogurt Lady =-.
This is interesting. As a new blogger, the world of reviews and giveaways is all new, and I haven’t really figured any of that out. I’m curious to read throught these comments and see what others have to say.
I sent you an award to today.
I can always count on a little sunshine when I stop by here! Come by and grab it when you have the chance.
.-= Adrienne ´s last blog ..It aint easy being a big kids mom- =-.
I struggle with this too…but I’ve gotten a bit ballsier (is that a word)? about it lately. It is already hard enough to balance my blog life and my home life, so if I’m going to write a post, etc. for a brand, then I think that I should be compensated in some way. It should be a mutually beneficial relationship.
I am with you on the whole review and giveaway thing too. I only do them once in a while…because I think they take away from the blog content. I much prefer working with brands in other ways than doing product reviews. People visit my blog to laugh…not to read about products!!
I kinda know what you mean even though I blog as a supplement to my store. My struggle is, what to write about…there are woes as a business woman, as a mother, as a wife, as a friend. I believe that my personality is important, but who really cares. I guess I am still trying to fall into a stride. But as more and more mommies get into blogging, perhaps you should evolve even more. For example, your experience with someone stealing your posts. You could partner in with a copywriter and charge an affiliate fee for other bloggers who want protection. There are so many things that you can do and your engaging personality will make it easy to create the partnerships.
I love your raw honesty…it makes me keep reading…and responding.
Really great topic! Like you, I struggle with this. I work part-time as a marketing director but would LOVE to just blog! However, I wanna do it right so I know it takes time to build up. It sounds like you’re going about it the right way.
This has been really top of mind lately because I just watched this presentation from the EVO conference. It ties in perfectly to everything you just said!
http://www.slideshare.net/StephanieSmirnov/stephanie-smirnov-at-evo-10
.-= Melissa ´s last blog ..Five Must-Have Shots to Take on Your Next Beach Trip =-.
It is funny that that you mention this topic right now. I struggle with this–but not because I am constantly being contacted—because in fact, I am not being contacted at all. Well that isn’t true—I had one publisher send me a book to review–that I have not reviewed because I am still not sure about my take on the book. My newest reality is that another blogger is claiming that I am infringing on her trademark with my blog name—one that I have worked so hard to develop – for me- to tell my story. We clearly all started blogging for a reason, but sometimes I wish that we would all try to remember that reason (instead of trying to be competitive).
I was at an event last month with the DC Metro moms- with brands—to discuss this very issue of branding– and the relationship between bloggers and brands. Clearly there is alot that needs to happen for brands to really understand us… I think it boils down to something that you said–building a relationship. Baby steps?
You are such an amazing mentor to me– as well as to many others I am sure.
.-= Cara Mamma´s last blog ..From the ground up…part 2 =-.
I am only 6 months into blogging… but within a week or two I realized I wanted to blog for fun… though I had started blogging thinking I would turn it into a PR business… it quickly changed to blog for bliss… enjoy and hope for great opportunities! Other bloggers inspired me to enjoy it and find the crafty me again… find the inner writer… find the baker in me again… the cook in me… slowly I hope to find a nitch for myself that may or may not include a bit of advertising and a bit of an avenue to earn a little spare change for the family… but I want to enjoy this b/c it is an amazing world of incredible people who encourage and inspire those around them… =) I hope I am a blessing to those who read my blog… as others are to me! I am rambling to say I feel lucky to have found the blogging for bliss kind of folks to encourage that side of me in this world first!
I agree with you. While I have not been approached I agree that you should be paid for your time and effort. Your blog takes time and effort no matter what so if you are going to be helping a company out, why not get paid for your time doing it? It’s only fair.
I’m very excited about your announcement tomorrow girl!
I feel different things about this:
1) A lot of bloggers making the most noise about how we shouldn’t blog for free? Are making a lot of money off their blogs and stand to lose a lot of biz if marketers decide they can get more bloggers to do the stuff for free.
2) Maybe, for that mother of toddlers who has three people reading her blog, a free vaccuum is a big deal and makes the time spent reviewing it all worth it.
3) That being said? We DO have value, and we should get paid for work we do. Once companies realize that, then hopefully everyone would be getting paid.
3) Decide what your blog is and go for it. I don’t have a review blog. I don’t read review blogs. I do occasionally have a giveaway or I’ll review something that I personally use (that a company didn’t provide me with or whatever) because I love it and want to share with my readers.
Just my 2 cents. Which is 2 cents more than I’ve ever made from blogging!
.-= Cheryl @ Mommypants´s last blog ..The Red Dress Club =-.
I really enjoyed reading this because while I’m not a blogger who’s specifically going out there with the expectation of being paid for my giveaways/reviews, I know there are others who do this. Like you, for instance.
I don’t think that it’s wrong for you to go out there and expect to be paid for what you’re doing. After all, your giveaways/reviews probably entail much more thought and effort on your behalf and, not to mention, you have made a BIG name for yourself. I just do what I do for fun, so I don’t stress…not that I don’t want to make the companies look good, but you know what I mean, right?
When I get frustrated: people who ARE unworthy of being paid for their reviews/giveaways and unfortunately I think there are plenty of these! If you don’t have a brand, so to speak, you can’t expect people to want to drop money for your writing, you know?
Best of luck, Tina! You are NOT being too demanding. Pass up offers and better offers will come! I will tell you right now that I enjoy the times that I get to read your blog because it’s REAL and not consumed with giveaways and reviews.
I don’t like turning things down either, but I am definitely not interested in being a giveaway blog. I do get your point completely. We are a force to be reckoned with and as bloggers our voices should be valued and appreciated. You’ve said it amazingly well, Tina.
.-= erin´s last blog ..Share a Spoon-A Sweet Summer Appetizer Thatll Make You Swoon- =-.
I haven’t done giveaways. I have reviewed some books for publishing companies. No pay other than a free book (which I was okay with)
Doing an entire review/giveaway with a product is a lot of work and time, and you should get paid for it. If the free product isn’t enough to make it worth your time, then it isn’t worth it.
I have been contacted by a few companies, but felt that they either didn’t fit in well with my blog, or weren’t promoting a product that I wanted to be associated with. It is hard. I fear becoming a “review blog” too.
What I have been thinking about more and more lately is trying to get involved in a good ad network. There must be some secret to it that I just don’t know yet, but I will figure it out.
.-= Tracie´s last blog ..Pictures that Deserve Wall Space =-.
This is something I’ve really been thinking a lot about myself lately. I always want to get my name out there (primarily because I’m trying desperately to break free of the corporate mold I’ve been in for years) and I always love to learn from the success of my peers. But I’m never quite sure how to go about asking for compensation either.
I wish you the best of luck. And remember: just because you say no every now and then doesn’t mean the offers won’t keep rolling in. Thanks for an awesome post!
.-= Charlotte´s last blog ..and we danced all night =-.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot too. It does feel like every pitch in my inbox is just a long winded version of “do this for us for free.” The course that feels best for me right now is to only work with brands and companies that I trust, believe in or would *like* to work with and hopefully build relationships with them as time goes on.
.-= Catherine´s last blog ..Cornmeal Pancake =-.
I have not done any giveaways, I’m not entirely sure how that would fit into my niche.
So far I have only done one review (others are in the works) but they are not reviews that anyone has approached me with. I am involved with affiliate marketing and the one review that I did was on a great product that I am promoting as an affiliate. I am planning on doing other reviews similar to that.
.-= Stacy´s last blog ..10 Reasons to Appreciate Difficulties =-.
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