Valuing Yourself As A Blogger: Your Stories

As we’ve discussed previously, what blog sponsorship really boils down to is valuing yourself as a blogger. If you spend time and effort in improving yourself as a blogger and improving your blog itself, it has value. If you care about creating interesting and unique content that people want to read, it has value. If you spend actual money on your blog to make it better/easier, it has value. Today, we’ll be hearing from a few different bloggers about what types of blog sponsorship they have, why, and how it has happened.

Adrianne – On The Windy Side

I’ve always been really interested in the behind-the-scenes side of the quilting industry (the industry part, if you will), as well as the quilts.  Pretty soon after I started quilting, I wondered if I could make it more than a hobby.  I realised that making quilts to sell was not a winning idea for me, and then came to the idea of taking on sponsors for my blog.  I thought quite carefully about seeking sponsorship, because for me, quilting is a creative release from my serious and analytical job, and I didn’t want to feel constrained in what I was making or writing about on my blog because of my sponsors (you can read more in my post “Thinking about blog sponsorship“).

This is why, for the most part, I have approached sponsors rather than being approached for sponsorship.  When someone joins me as a sponsor, its an implicit and explicit recommendation from me, and I take that really seriously.  I approach sponsors who I love to shop with, or whose products or services I’ve bought and paid for myself (and loved).

When I approach someone for sponsorship, I send out a sponsorship information pack which includes a bit of an introduction (and links) to my blog and my work, my blog stats (followers, page visits, etc) what my sponsorship packages entail, and my pricing.  My sponsorship information pack is the same for everyone (except that I update my blog stats so they are current at the time of sending) and I usually send it with a personalised email saying why I am approaching this particular person for sponsorship and why I think sponsoring my blog would be of benefit to them.  It was scary and super cringe-worthy writing the sponsorship information pack and the first couple of request emails (it’s a lot like writing a CV and a covering letter for a job application) but I think having all the information for potential sponsors up-front is worth it.

My advice to someone thinking about blog sponsorship would be to think carefully about what you want to achieve through your blog sponsorship, and then act in accordance with those aims.  I really think that sponsorship should add value for the blogger, the sponsor, and the blog readers.  For me, blog sponsorship is a nice way to help support my fabric habit, but it’s not an essential part of my income.  My reputation and creative freedom is more important than the financial aspect of it.  That means that I can focus on finding sponsors that fit super well with my own style and values.

Linden – Vine Lines Quilting

I’m currently running a quilt-a-long and blog hop on my blog. I approached the pattern designer first of all to ask permission to run it, and also the designer of the fabric line I’m using and another business owner to ask if they would be willing to donate prizes and or/judge the entries. I wrote each of them a polite email asking them if they would be interested in being involved. I made it very easy for them by making it clear in the email what it was I was hoping they would do, and where applicable, gave them a couple of options. I was very honest and let them know it was the first time I had run one, so I couldn’t give them numbers. I was very pleasantly surprised that all three ladies agreed to be involved.

Melissa – Ms Midge

I have had sponsorship on my blog a handful of times – once during my Cushion for Christmas sew along and then a number of times for Charm-alongs.  Each time, I have approached businesses personally, via email, with a quick explanation of the sew-along/competition I am running and asking if it would be something they would like to take part in.  With the Charm Alongs, I have specifically kept it to Australian businesses for sponsorship, as I felt because it was an Aussie Charm Swap, it would be a great way to promote Australian businesses.

The first charm along, I had a great response to my requests.  However, second time around, it was a little slower and I had to do more personal email requests opposed to putting a post in some promotional Facebook groups and having businesses respond to me. I’m not entirely sure why this is so, but it’s something I’m prepared to keep slogging away at!

I am still sitting on the fence in regards to changing my blog to having continual sponsorship.  I don’t want sponsorship to change the way I approach my blog posts and/or the way I write my blog posts.

Crystal – Two Little Aussie Birds

I currently have one blog sponsor, who is a friend with an online fabric shop. It is an unpaid relationship as I wanted to support them, so I asked if I could put a logo and link in my side bar. As my blog grows, there is more interest and opportunity for blog sponsorship, which is quite exciting! I think it’s important to be open with your sponsors and have clear boundaries from the outset.

Sandi – Crafty Planner

I decided to seek sponsors for two reasons.  First, there is a cost to maintaining an active blog and website.  Since I LOVE creating sewn products and hope my blog inspires people to sew themselves, the time spent working on the blog is enjoyable and, at times, all consuming.  However, between purchasing and maintaining your domain name, dedicated email services, buying hosting space and technical support, the costs start to add up.  I wish I could pay my mortgage with passion for crafts but alas, they declined my craftyplanner business card for payment! Secondly, I love collaborating with customer service driven businesses.  I grew up working in my family’s business and know how hard it can be to market yourself.  Having sponsors I would recommend and use myself means I can promote businesses with great service.

Your Turn

There is one week left in November, and I want to make sure that your questions are answered. If you have any questions about blog sponsorship – sidebar ads, sponsored posts, sewing events, etc – in regards to anything about the whole thing, leave it in the comments and I will do my best, or find someone else, to answer them all!

Further Information

I have loads of great information about all sorts of blogging tips and tricks on my Blogging Pinterest board. Or join the Quilty Bloggers and Instagrammers Support Group on Facebook to “talk business” with others in our niche!

The other posts in this series:
– Valuing Yourself As A Blogger
– My personal experience with blog sponsorship and what I’ve learned along the way
– What Blog Sponsors Are Really Looking For