Welcome to Lesson 14 of 30 Days To Your Profitable Blog challenge! Today we are going to discuss the crown jewel of blogging known as sponsored blog posts.
You’ve probably heard of sponsored blog posts, but there tends to be a lot of confusion about them. You may wonder how to obtain opportunities to write sponsored posts, how much to charge, and what your audience may think about such posts. These are all common questions. I’ll attempt to answer them in this post. Keep reading to discover what you need to know about sponsored blog posts.
What You Need To Know About Sponsored Blog Posts
A sponsored post is one in which a company or brand pays you to promote their products. This can be done in a number of ways. Sometimes the company provides you with pre-written content, but you’ll usually be asked to write your own post that includes the brand’s pre-determined talking points. Some posts may be advertorial or promotional in nature. You’ll be asked to share information about a particular product, its features, and benefits. It’s also possible that the company will simply give you a basic product summary and allow you the freedom to create a post according to your own guidelines. Companies might ask you to craft and share social media posts, as well. There are various options.
Where to Find Sponsored Posts?
A good way to find opportunities for sponsored posts is to go through a network. This is especially true when you’re just starting out. Networks connect bloggers with sponsors. Signing up with a network puts your blog in front of companies that pay for sponsored content. Some allow you to see opportunities you may qualify for and then apply for campaigns. Popular networks include IZEA, Social Fabric, TapInfluence, Acorn, Real Clever, and Blog Meets Brand. Another route is to reach out to companies on your own to solicit sponsored posts. Look for a marketing contact on their website or reach out on social media to introduce yourself. Always provide representatives with an idea of what you have to offer and why they would want to work with you in order to get the best results.
How Much Should You Charge?
How much to charge is something that can get complicated. It’s dependent on factors like your readership, engagement, social media following, and email list, among other things. It also hinges on brand budgets. Some companies have a predetermined amount they’re willing to spend on campaigns. There are various rate algorithms across the internet, and everyone seems to have a different idea of what is fair. Do some research and decide a range you’re comfortable with. Don’t hesitate to turn an offer down if you feel it’s not worth your time and effort.
Sponsored blog posts can be a lucrative addition to your monetizing efforts. I recommend giving them a try. Do you have any brands you wish to work with? Comment below.
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