For every blogger, there’s a different reason to write. Some write to create a memoir, some to inspire. Some are primarily focused on one topic – say, parenting or books – and some, like mine, are all over the place, depending on what’s on our minds on any given day. Here are some thoughts about bloggers and what we do.
1. A blog is only as interesting as the person writing it. There are blogs others love that I don’t care for, and blogs I adore that others find boring. THIS IS GOOD. With over 152 million blogs, it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone. That’s a lot of people with a lot of things to say.
2. If you don’t like the language a writer uses on her blog, don’t read it. It really isn’t something you should concern yourself with – the best thing you can do is click away from something that offends you. The same goes for those who write about sex, or religion, or politics. Or, if you’re a blogger, here’s an idea – write a rebuttal to whatever it is you don’t like. Create a dialogue. I’ve had some of my most successful posts that way.
3. There are some who believe that bloggers should keep their blogs pure and free of ads and sponsored posts because sponsored posts and ads take away from the blogger’s authenticity. There are some who believe that writing for a few measly dollars isn’t worth losing the purity and integrity of their blogs. There are those who say that writing sponsored content turns blogs into advertising machines, taking away the value of the original content created by the blogger.
This is bullshit.
Many blogs successfully integrate commerce and creativity. I have enormous respect for bloggers who can write interesting and entertaining sponsored posts. It’s not easy to do.
4. For those who say it’s a shame to write a sponsored post and “pimp out” your sacred space on the Internet, I say it’s none of your business. Whatever bloggers want to do with their blogs is up to them. And if it bothers you to read a blog because sometimes there are sponsored posts, bear in mind that a blog is not just a pad of paper. There are expenses that go into it such as hosting, spam-filtering (my service has protected me from over 200,000 spam comments since I started using it), newsletter services, legally-sourced images, and more. If you like a blog, give the writer a break if every so often there’s a sponsored post. She’s just trying to keep her little slice of the Internet afloat, more often than not – though some bloggers are quite successful at creating income, and they work their butts off doing it.
5. For most personal bloggers, earning a living from their blog isn’t why they started writing – it was because they wanted a place to express themselves. And 90% of the requests they get to write sponsored posts, whether for money or a box of energy bars, are not worth their time. However, I’m always happy to see my blogging contemporaries have a sponsored post – it means they’re making some money. Even if it’s just enough to pay the aforementioned fees to keep their blog up and running, it’s good.
6. Along the same lines as sponsored posts, many blogs have sidebar and banner ads (look to your right…there they are). These can be a steady source of income for the writer, depending on the blog’s traffic. There are also often Google ads on a blog, and if you pay attention you’ll notice that the Google ads will mysteriously be for things you may have just been looking at online. This is because of cookies that follow you all over the Internet. If you see an ad and are considering making a purchase, click on it from the blog. The blogger will make a little money if you do. Ditto Amazon links – you can buy anything through a blogger’s Amazon link, not just what they may be featuring.
7. A note about subscribing to blogs – if you like a blog, subscribe. When advertisers and sponsors consider working with a blogger, the number of subscribers she has is a big factor in whether they are interested or not. If you don’t want to read a blog post that comes to your mailbox, just delete it. It’s that easy. And you can always unsubscribe if you are really unhappy with a blogger.
8. Most writers have blogs because it’s a creative and simple way to connect with readers and share our ideas, lives, and thoughts. Most of us aren’t making a living at blogging – some are supplementing full-time jobs, some are hoping to write a book, some are selling something (a service, for instance), some are making enough to have coffee each day – but I doubt there are many who are writing personal blogs who are in it for the money or thinking they’ll be able to retire on earnings from their blogs. And yet, when the opportunity to make some money comes, a blogger would be foolish to pass it by if she thinks it’s a good fit for her – after all, no one wants to work for free. And as much as most of us love writing and being bloggers, it’s also a lot of work.
So give bloggers a break. We’re working hard. A few dollars doesn’t hurt.
And remember, if you don’t like a blog, you don’t have to read it.
Sharon Greenthal
Sharon's blog, Empty House Full Mind, focuses on observations of the world from the midlife empty nest. Sharon is the Young Adults Expert on About.com. Sharon writes for the Huffington Post and Purple Clover. Sharon is the mother of two grown children - a daughter, 26 and a son, 24. She lives in Long Beach, CA with her husband and their perfect dog, Lambeau. Instagram: sharongreenthal
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Carol Cassara says
Sharon, you raise some really good points. As you might expect, my take on it isn’t black and white. One thing that differs is that I know quite a few bloggers who are trying to make a living or heavily supplement their lifestyle with ads on their blog. I am not one of them, but: That’s one reason why so many of us bemoan the paltry handouts vendors offer us in exchange for our glowing worlds. It’s an insult. We see value in what we offer, they see nearly free marketing. That’s reality. I just ignore those offers. I’ve seen blogs do extensive advertising very well and I’ve seen them sell out big-time in that their content shifted significantly in less than positive ways. The content becomes skewed commercial (here’s one example: processed food. From a healthy eating blog to recipes with processed, salty commercial products, a 180 turn in content and something that absolutely impacts integrity) Some of these really great topical bloggers at MB can and should be picked up by sponsors for their very good content. I can name half a dozen right off the bat. I, along with so many others, read them religiously and hope they attract the sponsors they deserve. But it’s a move not everyone can pull off skillfully. I think these bloggers can. The key word in your post is “if she thinks it’s a good fit” If it is, grab it. If not, pass it by.
Sharon Greenthal says
As in any medium or profession, there will be those who are skilled and professional and those who are not. Blogging by it’s very transient nature attracts a lot of hucksters – people who will reinvent and re-label themselves on a whim, hoping to attract more and different advertisers and readers (as your processed food example shows). Being able to determine what works for you and your blog is the key to successfully writing and promoting sponsored content.
[email protected] says
Thanks for this one Sharon!!!
Sharon Greenthal says
Thanks to you for your terrific website!
Barbara Younger says
You go!
I have a daughter who makes good money blogging, and she is constantly harassed for having sponsored posts. I’ve encouraged her to ignore the haters. I think it’s often simply a form of jealousy. Don’t those people read magazines, which are filled with ads and product endorsements? And what about television? Bah humbug to those who don’t think bloggers are entitled to income.
Sharon Greenthal says
Exactly – our blogs are our own little magazines, as is this website. Without ads and sponsored posts, there’s no way for bloggers to earn money, especially early on. Glad to hear your daughter is able to make good money! That’s always inspiring to me.
Lisa Froman says
Sharon, first off, thank you for including a link to my blog as an example of one that is used to inspire. It means a great deal to me because that’s pretty much my “pay,” the idea that I am inspiring, helping, offering something of value to others. I write as a labor of love, to inspire and uplift and share universal truths that I hope will help people on their creative or spiritual or life journey. I don’t run sponsored posts, but that’s not the purpose of my blog. (Besides, I’m doing good to just learn the basics of blogging, lol.) I have no issue with anyone who runs sponsored posts or ads (though yes, I hope they are in alignment with the blog) and I do see it like advertising in magazines or on TV. I am happy when I see people are making money or having success from their work. I know from experience that it takes time and lots of energy to write an essay, and that creative expression has value. I don’t like it when I read how some well-established brands take advantage of writers by offering crumbs. But in the end, like you said, bloggers are in it for all kinds of reasons. I’m fine with it all and really appreciate the variety of voices, content, moods expressed on Midlife Boulevard. Such a rich tapestry and I am so happy to be connected to all of you.
Sharon Greenthal says
Your blog is an inspiration, Lisa. I’m so glad to have connected with you too.
Lisa Carpenter says
This is fabulous, Sharon. Each time I write a sponsored post, I chuckle and say to myself, “Hey, if Jimmy Kimmel can do it, I can do it.” Kimmel’s humorous take on sponsored posts — aka ads — and the way he features Guillermo and himself being dorks while plugging product is proof you CAN be authentic in your advertising. And just like folks who don’t like that on Kimmel’s show can change the freakin’ channel, those who don’t like it on a blog can freakin’ stay away.
Lisa Carpenter says
Ah, I just realized one of the links in your post was to one of my sponsored posts. Thank you! *mwah!*
Sharon Greenthal says
You are a champ at writing sponsored posts, Lisa. Happy to share!
Lynne says
Thanks for this great post, Sharon. I was apprehensive about writing sponsored posts, but I went ahead and did it anyhow, for the reasons you stated. It isn’t a lot of money, but it helps pay the hosting fees, domain renewals, etc. Plus, I found that my regular readers like to hear what I have to say about the various products. I feel that it won’t hurt my blog to have a little variety, as I make sure the sponsored post is a good fit before I consider running with it.
Aussa Lorens says
You make a lot of good points! Ads never really bother me. I don’t have that option because I’m hosted on wordpress but I’ll confess I’ve been curious what sort of money people make from them… but yeah, that’s not something that’s going to keep me away from someone’s site. Unless it’s a huge pop up that covers the screen, in which case I want to scream! But that’s usually just forbes or something 😉 Excellent points here!
Anne says
Thanks for taking on this issue and helping to provide some clarity. Yes, readers would be amazed to realize how many “opportunities” most of us turn down every day so we can selectively earn some honest income while providing a public service that draws on our professional skills.
Helene Cohen Bludman says
Thought-provoking post, Sharon. I agree that if you don’t care for a post or a blog, just move on! No one is forcing you to read it. Ah well, haters gonna hate. And also, thank you for mentioning mine. <3
Jennifer Steck says
I comment on sponsored posts when the product is something I can relate to and the presentation is well done. I have no problem with bloggers earning money off of their work, instead, I’m thrilled for them. Congratulations to all of you!!
Tarana says
I’m still figuring my way out as far as sponsored posts go. In fact, I was one of the few who used to snub blog advertising! I now realise the power of blogs. Why shouldn’t we use that to our advantage, right? I love so many blogs who also do sponsored content.
Sharon Greenthal says
I’m glad to hear you’ve “seen the light” :). Your hard work is worth a lot.
Carol Graham says
I’ve been on the fence regarding this issue because I am so new to this arena. At first I didn’t like the idea or the look of the ads, but they can be done with taste, as you pointed out. My question is, where do you start? Where do you find the ads that would compliment your blog or?? Very informative post. Thank you
Sharon Greenthal says
There are programs available to bloggers including Massive Sway, Tap Influence, Sverve and more. As your blog grows, PR companies will begin to contact you directly. Also, you can apply to be an affiliate on Amazon.com or at http://www.cj.com. Good luck!
carol graham says
That was very kind of you to send me that information. Thank you so much.
Travels with Tam says
I would love to be able to write a sponsored blog! You are so right about it being okay to do!
roz warren says
Thought-provoking and entertaining. I enjoyed the read. Thanks!
Louise Douglas says
I just want to say that this post is right on point, Thanks for writing this as I found it by using the keywords sponsored posts because I was wondering if it’s worth it to allow sponsored posts on my blog. it’s a nice thing to be able to make a little bit of money on a blog because it takes time to write posts on blogs. Thanks, Sharon, for that info you gave about the program availability
Sharon Greenthal says
I’m so glad you found it helpful, Louise.