After a lot of thought — and yes, a strong desire to see a bit more profit off this blog — I’ve decided to do some sponsored posts.
I’ve avoided doing them in the past. I tried one the first year that I blogged. I felt weird about it afterwards and have steadily avoided them since.
Also, I don’t like that most sponsored posts are guest content. I’m a control freak/writing snob.
I’ve let other people’s content on my site a total of three times (not including the Freebie Friday lists, which are just links).
The only time I’ve been completely happy/comfortable was my mom’s. But she’s a) a better writer than me and b) the one who made me a writing snob. So she doesn’t count.
But given our financial situation, I think it may be best to at least stick a toe in the water. I just want to assure you that I’m not going to go crazy with them.
Any sponsored post will have to be:
- Something that actually applies to readers’ lives
- A product or site I believe in
- Labeled a sponsored post
- Written by me
I’ve turned down three offers in the past four months because at least one of those standards wasn’t met.
That said, I have finally found one I’m comfortable with, and I’ll be posting it in the next week or two. Hence the heads up.
I guess I just don’t want you to guys to think that I’ve sold out… more than I actually have, anyway.
Do you guys mind sponsored posts? Are there any specific topics you think would be helpful?
Donna Freedman says
I think you’ve developed a group of readers who trust you not to mislead them. Since you have very strict guidelines for what will/won’t pass muster, you’ll do fine with the occasional sponsored piece.
Donna Freedman recently posted…Roommates, cheap dates and more.
carrrie s says
I don’t mind! I have no ideas, though. Best of luck! I hope it’s fruitful for you!!
Sherie says
Not at all!! You are a source of info.
Emily says
Don’t mind a bit, especially given the conditions you’ve laid out. Good luck!
Holly N says
I dont mind at all, especially since you have standards! Any ways, your writing is enjoyable to read and I would like to see more of it.
pen says
Some sponsored posts are fine with me. Thanks for being honest with your readers upfront about the decision.
Catseye says
I don’t mind one bit, Abby. I understand and I think everyone else will, too.
Joss says
Nothing wrong in making money to keep the lights on so to speak if you’re in the drivers seat. My husband has a news website and has been successful in doing the sponsored post thing. Working for yourself can be tough. It’s really not such a bad thing if it’s a new restaurant/product etc people might want to hear about.
Cindy Brooks says
I’m normally not a fan of sponsored posts, but I like that one of your conditions is that you write it yourself. I get tired of seeing the same post 20+ times because it was written by some corporate media person and the blogger(s) know nothing about the product or topic. Thanks for having some stringent rules about what you’ll accept. I’ll be interested to see your posts. If I don’t care for them, I won’t read them. But….I will stick around for your regular posts because I enjoy them very much and usually learn something.
Kalie Brooks says
People can decide what sounds helpful for them to read, and everyone understands the need to make money. I’m sure you’ll uncover some helpful products or services for the rest of us.
Kalie Brooks recently posted…Open the Door to a Lifetime of Vacation Savings
Susan says
Hey, a girl’s gotta eat. Hope you can find things that meet your standards.
AuntLeesie says
Sponsored blogs are a kind of online “review”, which can save readers time, money and gasoline. You’re not going to favorably “review” a product or service you don’t like. Readers can decide for themselves if the product or service is something they’re interested in. Bloggers dedicate time every week to their posts, so it should be no big deal if they’re able to earn a bit of money for their efforts. The only thing I dislike is pop up ads vs. the kinds of ads that run in the margins on the page for readers to click on if they choose, and I’ve sometimes done so on your site and others.
As for suggestions? I’ve never been good at organization. It’s an ongoing (lifelong?) process. Readers like me read your blog religiously because it speaks to the unique issues health/wellness bring to personal finance. So, for example, getting affordable life insurance can be near impossible. And any tool that provides an uncomplicated way to save is great. My DH and I are trying to save about $30k-$40k in the next few years as well as fund a vehicle. Not an easy task. Especially if one tends to feel overwhelmed, exhausted or is juggling a bunch of medical tests.
Hannah says
I actually don’t mind sponsored posts. Many of the sponsored posts that I’ve read have been supremely helpful in helping me identify tools that would help me solve a problem at a lower than expected cost.
SherryH says
I have no objection, particularly as you plan to mention that they are sponsored posts up front and do the writing yourself.
The sponsored posts I’ve enjoyed on other sites in the past are the ones where the company sends a product for the blogger to try and review I think we can count on you to give your honest opinion! It’s not a bad way to learn about new and potentially useful products that are out there.
I’ve been trying to find the link, but I think it’s bookmarked on my old computer. I used to read a blog called _Mommy Wants Vodka_. A company once sent her a bathing suit and (unsolicited, I believe) and requested that she take a pic of herself in it and post it on her blog. So she put on the suit and posed in her yard–holding up a big mucking chainsaw in front of her with a maniacal grin. It was such a quirky, offbeat thing to do, and I loved her for that. I don’t think the company offered to pay her, though, just sent the unsolicited item.
Bryan@Just One More Year says
I don’t mind a sponsored post As readers, we can chose what we want to read or ignore. 🙂
I think that as long as you stick with your principles, you will be true to yourself and feel good about writing a sponsored post for your blog.
Bryan@Just One More Year recently posted…A Tale of 2 Employees’ Finances – Billy
middle class says
I generally skim sponsored posts unless you also get a deal for your readers! I’m on board with that.
middle class recently posted…HTSMC: Letters to Blue Cross (and other insurance companies)
Barry @ Moneywehave.com says
I haven’t accepted a true sponsored post yet, but I have written about companies where I believe in them. My personal preference is to write on their website. Now that I think about it, I should probably charge when I write about companies regardless =D.
Barry @ Moneywehave.com recently posted…Are Immigrant Children Better Off?
Thomas @ i need money ASAP! says
Ah sponsored posts, thats a tough one. Some bloggers take it too far and it becomes obvious they’re just selling space on their site to the highest bidder. But others are able to do it in a way that seems natural. I don’t mind a sponsored post, especially one written by the blogger themselves and for a product/service they would endorse anyway.
Thomas @ i need money ASAP! recently posted…Biking To Work To Save Cash
Abigail says
Good! Always glad to hear it won’t automatically turn people off.
diane @smartmoneysimplelife says
Sold out? Never! You’ve only sold out if you play *their* game, *their* way. I reckon go for it!!!
I’m hopeful of making some income from my blog, too. It’d be nice to at least cover costs but a bit more would be awesome.
I hope you get some great (and well paying) offers.
diane @smartmoneysimplelife recently posted…Stop Impulse Spending with this Neat Trick
Abigail says
Good point. And yes, I definitely wouldn’t mind some great offers. I guess we’ll see.
MJ says
I don’t mind sponsored posts when they’re from writers that I trust. I think they’ll be fine on here, and I’ll enjoy reading them even more knowing that they’re making a positive impact on your financial situation.
MJ recently posted…By Design or By Default
Abigail says
Sounds good to me!