I have been thinking a lot about how exactly to handle pitches. I do receive compensation for some of my posts, which I disclose. Normally, this includes key words and links. I don't think bloggers should be paid for reviews but I do think that we should be compensated for advertising. I receive several emails daily asking me to share information on my blog and I have decided not to post that information for free anymore. There are two reasons for this, one is to lessen the amount of work I am doing. Second, I know other bloggers who are being paid to post information and I believe I deserve the same opportunity. It's not fair to pay one blogger while stiffing the rest. Plus, I have companies who approach me and offer to pay for my services. I don't feel comfortable taking money from one company and then turn around and do it for free for another company. I am kind of irritated with how many people want me to talk up their company but they don't want to do anything to help me out. I want to make one thing clear, I WILL NOT write about a company that I don't have a genuine interest in or that I don't think my readers would enjoy, no matter how much they offer to pay me.
I'm also tempted to stop working as an affiliate, except for pay-per-click opportunities, for some companies. The reason behind this is that when I make a purchase or join a website using a referral link, more often then that I see the offer on a few sites that I trust before joining. So that means that each of them has actually referred me. I don't just join anything, I do research and have to know that it's legit. It's not fair that the third or fourth person makes me but the others don't.
What do you guys think?
I just saw this topic on Mom Bloggers Club yesterday, but thought about it myself a couple days ago after I received another request to post information. My issue is deciding what I'm worth. That's been my question for the last 6 months. I have no idea what "I'm" worth. Is me posting some information for a company worth $25, $50, $100? I have no clue. I have nothing to base it on. No idea what others are making. Like I don't have as many followers as you so would I charge less because of that or would I expect the same amount because we're not The Pioneer Woman or Dooce? LOL Glad I'm not the only one, but I'm still confused!!
ReplyDelete~Mimi
I don't know what to charge either. I wish I knew someone to ask. Even just a ballpark range. I'll let you know if I learn anything:)
ReplyDeleteI definitely think you all (bloggers) should be paid for advertising and any type of work you all put into the company/product wanting you to share what they can offer. I am not a blogger myself but something I have noticed is how much TIME you all have to put into your blogs to make it successful. Even for reviews I think you all should at least get the product for free and one/a few of the item to try and give away to entice more people to come to your blog. This is a win/win situation. For direct advertising it seems it should be a set rate that the people should pay you all for being able to advertise on your blog. That way the company can research the blogs and see which ones they wish to spend the money on. I think if it was a standard fee then no one would feel like they have to justify what they are worth. All you bloggers are awesome :)!
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