This is great info Jess – thank you! As someone who just launched a blog, it’s eye opening realizing just how much work and how big of a learning curve there is to ALL of this! I would love your insights on how you determine pricing for your sponsored content – maybe in a future post or podcast? I’m not even close to a monetizing point but hope to be down the road. Thanks! 🙂
I would love to hear more on this suggestion from Lisa as well! I am launching my blog in the next couple weeks, so also far from the dream of monetizing, but want to start with a clear plan and make the best decisions to set myself up for future success the best I can! Thank you for your article and inspiration! <3
I love this post. I think all too often the reader does not know which posts are sponsored because the writer is not upfront, although I think less now than in the past with the new regulations. At the end of the day I personally do not understand how a reader can get mad if you write a sponsored post, its your blog, your space and your job.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Really appreciated this post, Jess! Thanks for always being so transparent. It’s something I really admire and love about following your blog.
This is so interesting and I really appreciate you being so transparent about it! Is sponsorship changing – meaning is it being regulated? I’ve noticed recently that bloggers who never disclosed sponsors before are now (shortly after I read a few news articles calling out the industry). Also, when did you first start being paid? I have been blogging inconsistently for years but finally found my voice/niche this year and have been very consistently since. I certainly don’t expect to make lots of money doing this (I truly just enjoy writing), but it would be nice to cover some of my childcare costs 🙂
Love this post, Jess! Always honest and transparent- two of the many reasons I enjoy following along! Xo
Jess, you are one of very few (ok, two!) bloggers I trust in terms of sponsored content. Your transparency, the fact that what you’re selling seems to be things that you would actually use, and your sincerity shine through. I have noticed with so many bloggers that there is a point at which their blog seems to “jump the shark.“ You can just tell that whatever it is they’re selling when this happens is either something so ridiculous they would never use or kind of a bottom of the barrel type thing. And for me, that’s when I unfollow. I agree and understand that everyone has to make a living but if that living is based on me purchasing things that are recommended then I have to feel that it’s genuine. It is definitely for you but for so many, it is painfully obvious it all comes down to the almighty dollar. You keep doing you!
This was fantastic! I’m a (very) new reader to your blog and enjoying every bit of it! Thank you for the honesty in everything you write xx
Loved reading this post! Very insightful. Leaving this comment here just to say that I’m VERY much looking forward to becoming an avid listener of your podcast. Thanks for all that you do!
Aw thank you so much Ashley! I am super nervous but also really excited to launch at the end of this month. Really appreciate your support.
Thank you so much for this information! It’s hard to clearly understand what is paid/sponsored/collaborated etc as a new blogger. If a company sends me product in exchange to use a picture – if I post about the picture do I need to say sponsored or ad if I use the product they sent me? Or if I collab and my readers get a discount code do I still have to say sponsored or ad? I want to be clear with my readers and transparent as well, I just don’t feel like I’m aware of all the guidelines. Thanks!
Hi Jess Ann!
Loved this post, especially as someone who just launched a website and has a steady-growing following. I am constantly wondering if I should be the one to reach out to the brands to get my name out there (and only to brands that I like/feel align with my brand) but also, I want to have them pitch to me as well. Making money can be the tough part without giving away some of your own brand. I love how you choose. All of your helpful blogger tips posts have answered so many questions for me, so I really appreciate you taking the time. Would love to listen to a podcast!
Xx,
Betty Ann
Love this – such a thoughtful look at the behind the scenes and why we make the decisions we make!
You’re such a delight in today’s blogging world! As always, thank you for your transparency and content.
Thank you so much Julie x
Such a good post! I hung on to every word, you totally could have written more! The business of blogging is so fascinating, and sharing the work that goes behind your work always encourages me to support even more! Love the transparency and your writing style is effective and interesting.
Thank you so much Lisa! Really appreciate it xx
Jess, I’ve followed for a long time, and really applaud your growth. When you talk about finding your voice, its apparent and authentic. Really appreciate that!
Thank you so much Becky, really appreciate that.
It seems like many bloggers don’t consider something sponsored if they received for free, even if it was unsolicited, so it’s good to see that you do feel like it’s murky but that it is sponsored.
God, I love your honesty so much. Most bloggers are so superficial about this. You’re so real and it is actually a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the job. Thank you for sharing and discussing the challenges that come with the job. Although…I still wish I could be a full time blogger!!! haha 🙂 I think full time bloggers today have it hard because you have to hit the perfect balance of social media and blogging. Getting people to your page, while maintaining content on the feed, you know? Go you! Love your blog and have been listing your name on my own “must reads” for months now.
taylor from ataylorstudio.com/journal
Hi Jess,
I’ve been researching how to start a blog (which has been overwhelming) and came upon your site. I really enjoyed this post and found it super informative. I am an introvert also and hope to be a successful blogger in the near future. Thank you for all of your insight and honesty. I look forward to following you from this day on.
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