14.9.12

Value Yourself As a Blogger

I was inspired to write this post because I just read another post on Social Dialect about participating in blogging contests for free. It's true that when I first started I was excited to get any kind of opportunity to work with a business or brand, but it's time we all started valuing ourselves as bloggers so we can set a high standard.

Yes, we all have to start out somewhere, but when posting for other brands and businesses, never do so for free. This not only devalues yourself and your blog, but also means sponsors and businesses will expect other bloggers to post for free, too. It's a lose-lose because you are setting up your future as a blogger. Post for free once and they will expect it again and again.

It's time businesses value us as bloggers and, for us to get the respect we deserve, we need to value ourselves first! I admit that when I was new, I was much more likely to post for free, maybe for the possibility of winning a prize or gift card, but it seems like this action has backfired since I often receive more emails wanting the same.

Here are some helpful hints for getting paid the money you deserve:

1. Set a minimum value for review items. If you don't want review items under a certain amount, don't be afraid to say so. Set your standards for businesses.

2. Include a Policies page on your blog. Make a policy page with your disclosure, as well as your review/giveaway policies. This way you can always have it there for reference if a company asks.

3. Watch how many do-follow links you use. Many companies will ask for do-follow links, but keep in mind that you can be penalized for this. Many bloggers are hesitant to use do-follow links for other companies because of this possibility. In fact, many businesses and blogs have already been penalized for purchasing these links.

4. Remember that time = money. You should be paid by your time. For reviews, you are paid by receiving the product. For sponsored posts you should be paid an amount based on your stats, followers and Page Rank. If you are writing or advertising for someone else, you are working for them and should be compensated!

5. Stand your ground! If you charge XXX amount or a a certain minimum amount for review items, don't accept less. Some will inevitably not respond or comply, so don't get discouraged. I've had companies say no only to contact me a week or so later to say they changed their mind. They want to see if they can bargain with you and will shop around to find lower prices. Don't compromise your standards.

Do you value yourself as a blogger? I know starting out can be frustrating, believe me! I have been there and never thought I would get bigger reviews, but be confident, stand firm. In time your blog will grow and your house will be full of goodies to review... maybe even too many.

15 comments:

BrettBMartin said...

great post!

Fiddlin' Dandi said...

Good tips. Thanks.

Amanda said...

Thanks for sharing. I too used to do A LOT of stuff for free until I learned from some super helpful "big" bloggers. I think posts like this are what newer bloggers need to help them stand up for their worth!

West Valley Animal Rescue said...

I could NOT agree with this more Roxanne!!!

Jenn Hiles said...

I'm not much of a blogger but I def. believe you guys should be well compensated. It's easy to see how much time and effort goes into many blogs. It looks like a full time job plus!

Anonymous said...

Love this post!

Julie Kieras said...

This is a greet post and reminder...the only thing I would say is that dofollow links themselves are not illegal, it's the paid dofollow links that violate google terms of service... Giving bloggers and friends dofollow links is fine... :)

Unknown said...

Interesting-- I'm not blogger-- but I do read a lot to see what is going on-- nice piece-- good standards to remember

Children Teaching Mama said...

Hi Julie, I have to completely disagree with your comment about do-follow links. Any time they are used, you put yourself at risk for being flagged by Google. I know of other blog that have been and, for that reason, many blogs refuse to use them at all or very sparingly. How would Google know if they are paid do-follow links? There is no way to distinguishe between paid and unpaid... And google is not going to do the research to find out.

Amy said...

Yeah i see where it can be contradictory with the do follow links. I personally have let too many links slide through as do-follow... just because of how I am posting (sometimes i publish a post from my phone, and im limited on options) i do my best to go back and no-follow them afterwards, but im often wondering if its already too late. I still will do a freebie post here and there, but the company i do it for, has been extra good to me (and usually are just copy and past items with no links). But the rep also knows that I wont post every one that he/she sends me either. I am still learning - and glad to know i have other bloggers to help me through all my learning processes

Unknown said...

Good advice. I will remember what you blogged if I ever decide to start blogging.

Celticlady's Reviews said...

Great advice...thank you..

Unknown said...

I want to start blogging, but I'm afraid I won't have the time, and will not keep it up...Thanks for the advice!

marylou said...

I love to read but to sick to keep it up.I hope somethings i have signed up for like the rafflecoper(which i thought i was suppose to) does not make me look like a blogger and stop me from winning some contest.Never have received a answer on this and can be left on fb at msakosky
I really appreciate all you do for us.YOUR stories are such a joy and treat to read i just wish i could win a reader no fancy nothing just getting weaker to keep up;You all make internet fun again.

Denise Taylor-Dennis said...

Great post I appreciate the encouragement. I agree we should not sell ourselves short.

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