Should You Consider Sponsored Posts for Your Blog? - BobWP Monetizer Podcast

As another way to monetize you blog, you may have considered writing sponsored posts.

There are two options when it comes to sponsored posts:

* You publish a post on your blog that someone else has written about their product or service.

* You create a post about someone else’s product or service.

Now these are two very different options, and kind of like comparing apples and oranges. Among the considerations, at the top of the list, is your audience and what will work for them.

I’ll share here my thoughts on the second option, since that’s the one I have experience with. You should make decisions based on your own needs, so keep an open mind here.

For more than a year I wrote sponsored posts, in my own style, in the format of a product or service review, and specifically around WordPress. I didn’t create them so much as the average pros-and-cons review, but rather simply sharing what the product or service could do for you the reader and then leaving the decision to you. Of course, if there was a feature that I would have liked to see, I would mention that.

I had my own guidelines and my only input from the owner of the product or service consisted of any specific elements or pieces they wanted me to be sure to cover.

But a month or so ago, we made the decision to no longer feature sponsored content on our blog. There were several reasons for this, but primarily I just wanted to get back to having all that appears on our blog totally our choice. It was a good run and I had the opportunity to give my readers insights into products and services I may not have written about.

My Three Recommendations When Adding Sponsored Posts to Your Blog

Think About Your Readers

Yes, I’m returning to this. But it’s important to mention again. Especially if you have an established blog and are adding sponsored posts to the mix. Put yourself in the shoes of your reader and think of how this move might change the landscape of your content. Obviously going to sponsored posts written by others will be a lot more obvious—and possibly jarring—to your audience.

Stick to Your Guidelines

The guidelines you create may be loose or strict, but don’t budge on them. The minute you do, you will open up a can of worms for future posts as well as your relationship with that customer. Give an inch and…well, you know the rest.

Determine a Fair Price

Don’t skimp on this. Depending on who you will be attracting as potential sponsors, they likely will try to negotiate. Stick to your guns. Also, make sure you are charging what you should charge based on your reputation and traffic. Don’t compare yourself to others who are doing the same thing. And while it’s tempting to price low to get more customers, your time is valuable. Think of it as you would with any other professional service you offer.

One More Thing

One important piece that I forgot to add in the video: In all cases, remember, you will need to include a disclaimer. It’s required and to be honest, it’s a good way to keep the transparency of your monetization efforts known to your readers.

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