Thursday, October 11, 2012

3 Tips for Sponsoring Blogs

So you have a blog or shop. You love it. You want to spread the word by advertising on other blogs (which I totally recommend because getting involved in the blogging community genuinely helped my business). While I've been advertising on fellow blogs for a while now, I have started paying closer attention to my views and traffic sources since quitting my day job. Gotta know where my money is going and if it's worth it, you know what I mean? And sometimes, what I find, is not what I expect. So I wanted to share a few things I've learned about sponsoring blogs. (Disclaimer: these tips are my own opinions, they don't have to be yours!)
1. Look beyond the followers count - While having a large following can be a big factor when choosing which blog to sponsor, I have learned to pay more attention to a blog's unique visitors, or daily page views. Just because a blog has a high number of followers does not mean those readers are clicking on that site every day. So many readers (myself included) use Google Reader or the like to follow blogs, rather than going directly to the blog site. Those readers don't see a blog's ads. Knowing the amount of actual visitors a site gets per month will give you a better idea of how many people could see your ad.

2. Go big or go home - I know we are all on a budget and it's really easy to go for the cheaper option these days, but if I'm paying for ad space, I want to be seen! ALthough large space is more expensive, it is usually placed above the smaller ads and comes with some kind of feature post. Think about how likely (or unlikely?) you are to click on an ad on a sidebar, and how likely you are to click on a shop link after seeing it within the content of the blog. And again, remember that ads don't show up in readers, so unless you snag a feature post, guest post, etc, some people may not even get the chance to find you!

3. Take advantage - Bloggers who offer sponsorships are offering you a service, but it is really up to you to make it the best experience it can be. I try to take advantage of every opportunity the blog I'm sponsoring offers. And even if I'm not sure if something in included  in my sponsor package (ex: guest posts), I'll ask. A lot of times sponsors want to help you in any way I can. Another important thing is the ad image. The blog you sponsor could be getting pageviews like crazy but if your ad is not eye-catching you will not get clicks (little tough love for ya friends). If you are unsure, ask for help. Most bloggers have a distinct style and know what their readers will be drawn to.

What do you think? Agree? Disagree? More tips to add?

Sponsoring blogs is a learning experience but once you find out what works for you, versus what doesn't, it could greatly impact your business! Good luck!

18 comments:

  1. I totally agree with the "go big or go home" tip. I used to buy lots of smaller ads on blogs, now I just invest in one or two big ones on big blogs. I see so much more traffic and it is more worth my money.

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  2. Thanks for the tips! I'm sure they'll come in handy one day.

    I was wondering though, what should my page views/unique visitors numbers be per day to start offering sponsorship on my blog. I love blogging and would do it anyway, but I'd like to make my blog an additional income source to support my dream of becoming an opera singer.

    Any advice?

    Hanna from www.pearlsandscissors.com

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    1. Hi Hanna, I don't think there is a specific amount. As long as the price reflects the amount of readership, I think you can start at any time! I started out offering ad space for free. Once the demand for ad space grew, along with my readership, I started charging.

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  3. Nice post. I'm just starting to advertise via blog sponsorship. Yours is my first!

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  4. You should definitely add more tips. Button swaps are another good and free option. I have found simply asking other bloggers to swap is a great way to get out there. Plus, you spread yourself across many blogs for free! I also think purchasing ads on blogs that offer features is a great idea. you definitely want to get more for the buck.

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  5. Great Tips! Thanks a lot for posting this!
    would love for you to check out my blog fashion415.com
    xoxo

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  6. I really appreciate this advice! I've been too nervous to buy spots on blogs because I'm not very confident in my ad making skills. I will definitely do some asking around!

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  7. Have you ever considered switching to Bloglovin to follow blogs? I like it because you actually go to each website and can see the layout, ads, and everything.. there's just a little bar across the top of the page so that you can go to the next new post in your reader, it's not distracting at all!

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    1. I have tried Bloglovin in the past. I like using GFC because I can continuously scroll down and see full post after full post.

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  8. Anonymous4:45 PM

    Great tips! I am looking to buy for my first time, so this is a great help and confidence booster!
    Ashley Rae <3

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  9. Great tips! I totally agree with the ad image. I get some sponsors who snag a banner image and use a square image that gets all stretched out. What do you do in those cases? Ask them to get a new image made?

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    1. Yes, if the wrong image size image is supplied I definitely ask for a new image!

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  10. First of all, ADORE the new blog design! I haven't visited for awhile I guess! :) And these are excellent tips. I'm also always one to hunt for giveaway and guest post options. Definitely helps draw attention to your shop! Yay!

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  11. This is awesome. I love your advice on making the most of it. Bloggers who host sponsorship can only do so much- let people know what you want/need as a sponsor.

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  12. Thanks for very helpful advices. Sponsoring blogs can be very helpful, and bring your traffic and new readers, it can be a great option. I think the most important is to choose a right blog and make sure that sponsoring that blog will work for you. Sponsored posts can help you to get more popular, so I think if there’s really a quality service and great content then it’s worth spending money. Any case, all these tips you share are very helpful and worth to pay attention to before sponsoring a blog.

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  13. Love this- we are just starting our blog and are looking to start sponsoring! Thanks for the advice!

    Stephanie
    Citrusandcream.com

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  14. Anonymous1:50 PM

    Just up to date I am going to quit with North and Loans and consider blogging as an opportunity, many thanks for helpful tips!

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Thanks for the comment! I read them all and reply when I can. Please be sure your blogger account is linked to your e-mail so I can do so! (Tutorial on how to do that here: http://tinyurl.com/c6gh9fk) xo JA