Blogger 101: When To Say NO to Sponsorship or PR Offers

As a small-time blogger, most of us earn from our blogs through sponsored posts or PR campaigns. Hence, it can be tempting to say "yes" to every offer that comes your way, especially on those times wherein there seems to be little to no PR activity on your blog. But I advise you: DON'T. That is if you care about the long term goals for your blog. 



This is not to say that you have to be snobbish either. Instead, this is a simple reminder that you have to take good care of the credibility of your blog that you have worked so hard to build. Thankfully, I haven't had weird or ridiculous emails from brands or PR companies. But in case you do, use these guidelines I follow to be able to assess if a particular offer is good for your blog or not:

Check Their Website


Most companies that reach out to you via e-mail will leave their URL for you to check out. This is great because you not only get a chance to know what products and/or services they have, but also use this opportunity to assess the quality and credibility of the company itself. As bloggers, we like to put our best foot forward by enhancing the look and theme of our blog. After all, it is a visual representation of you, as a blogger! The same goes with online companies or brands. You can assess their quality and credibility based on their website.

This is not to say that companies with less than impressive looking websites are not credible or honest. However, if you find that the website is shady, has spammy content or do not provide contact information, you need to be wary. The least you want to do is promote a fraud company on your blog. You would not want to be associated with them.

Keep it Niche-Related

This is a very simple guideline to remember: you have to stick to your blog's niche when working with companies or brands. Ask yourself these questions:

Will I consider writing about this topic even without this company contacting me?
Is this product or company something my readers will be really interested in?
Will I be using these products myself? 

The whole idea is it should reflect your personal interests, as well as that of your readers. If not, then there is no point in writing that sponsored post in the first place. It will no doubt stick out as a sore thumb.

Staying Control of Your Blog

There are instances wherein a PR opportunity is too good to resist. A company with products or services that you think will be in line with your blog's niche offers you a really good price. However, the company wants to bombard your post with links and keywords. It's no good for your SEO. Even if they pay you a good amount of money in exchange for the post, the long term drawbacks on your blog's SEO performance can be worth more. 

Do not fall for the bait. Set your own rules when working with companies on sponsored posts. Remind them that it is your blog and you make the rules. You are doing them a favor, not vice versa.

How do you evaluate offers from online brands or PR companies?



 

27 comments

  1. So glad this information is coming out to fellow bloggers. The truth is that as a blogger I tend research every detail of any company that requests a collaboration , it's best to set a standard rate and priority for it as well.That way the blog can maintain its niche like you mentioned. Thanks for sharing this. Great post

    www.stylenbeautylounge.com

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  2. So glad this information is coming out to fellow bloggers. The truth is that as a blogger I tend research every detail of any company that requests a collaboration , it's best to set a standard rate and priority for it as well.That way the blog can maintain its niche like you mentioned. Thanks for sharing this. Great post

    www.stylenbeautylounge.com

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  3. this is such an interesting read. you have good insights :)

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  4. Thanks for these tips.. always good to keep in mind! :)

    Even though, I don't expect any offers coming my way.. I'm into blogging for myself. ;-)

    YouTube | Blog: Geekette in High Heels | Instagram

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  5. These are such great tips and I completely agree!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  6. These are great tips and definitely something to remember. We definitely try and only do sponsored posts and work with PR firms that match our vision and style.

    XO, Jaime
    RegallySoled.com

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  7. Good advise. It's definitely best to only yes to what works for your blog.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  8. very good read, thanks for sharing!
    http://amanda-speroni.blogspot.ca/

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  9. Great tips! I agree with all of them, especially only working with companies that relate to your blog. Thank you for sharing!
    Rachael
    http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com

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  10. Great advice, thanks for sharing :)

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  11. I love this post. I've definitely turned down sponsors because they didn't fit the brand or my values. :]

    // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

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  12. Absolutely love this post - so true! Never be so desperate that you take on something that doesn't reflect your blog's brand image.

    Morgan
    www.eenymeenyminymorgan.blogspot.com

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  13. Hi! This is a very interesting post and photo even more outrageous! :) I'm willing to look at it forever :))))

    Ask me, please ask a question in a comment on my blog at: http://nastyadeutsch.blogspot.com/2015/07/q-ask-me.html

    Happy Friday!

    xoxo

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  14. This is very important, I have turned down plenty of posts because they are not brand related! Such great tips.

    XO Chelsea http://www.shesaidhesaidfashion.com/

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  15. Thank you for this good information.
    xoxo
    BLOG // FB PAGE

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  16. Great post! I love to hear what other base their sponsored posts off.

    xoxo,
    Kim
    www.champagneistablog.com
    IG: kimcasemyers

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  17. great advice. it's hard not to take every offer in the beginning but you are so right!! xxo
    Jamie
    www.candystilettos.com

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  18. Great advice! I've been getting a lot more offers lately and I've sadly had to reject a lot of companies because it just doesn't speak the same language as my blog and I honestly feel I would be deceiving my readers if I had said yes to them.

    xoxo,
    Maggie S.
    ❤Clothestomidnight.com

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  19. Amen! I've been wanting to write a post warning people against the types of offers that just include a "chance" at being featured without offering any compensation for your hard work. Those are SO frustrating as a blogger because we put a lot of time into our blogs. We can't do sponsored posts with the sponsorship. I feel like small bloggers like me are placed in a tough decision when it comes to that. So frustrating!

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  20. Before I say yes to a company. I always check there website out.

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home

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  21. Really valid tips here! Thanks so much for linking up!
    xo Adri
    www.adrilately.blogspot.com

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  22. What a great post thank you! Now to draft the apology emails! Would love for you to stop by my latest post :)

    xo, Jessica || The Petite Diaries

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  23. I agree about keeping it in your niche. Can you expand more about how linking out to these companies is bad for SEO?

    xx Yasmin
    http://banglesandbungalows.com

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  24. Yes, we shouldn't grab every sponsored post that's presented to us. We must consider if we really believe in the product / service.


    In Transit PH #BigBirthdayGiveaway

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  25. I love the tips- it's so easy starting out to see the money and go with it whether or not you believe in the products. I've actually stopped following certain bloggers because of their affiliation with certain companies.

    Katy
    http://www.alittledailyhappiness.com

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  26. I think the most important important part is staying true to yourself! If you feel like a collaboration is not working out, it is definitely best to speak up and review the terms.

    michellespaige.com

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