A Heart to Heart
I’ve had something on my mind for while now but sometimes, it takes time for me to figure what I want to say, or if I even should. Some will wonder why I feel the need to address this at all. Which is fine, but I am the type of person who can’t keep anything inside. This is one of those things.
Sponsored Posts.
As a blogger I sometimes share a post with you that is what is referred to as sponsored. That means, a company has given me a product to review and/or paid me to write the post.
I want to talk a about that today. About what it means to me and why I do it. This is about me and you, the reader.
I want to go back to the beginning for a moment. When I started blogging I did it strictly for fun. I’m happy to say, it is still fun. I enjoy it immensely. I like the relationships, the sharing of ideas, the pleasure I get when someone likes something I did or an idea I shared. It’s really satisfying to get to do what I love and feel good about it. I can not tell you how amazed I am at the support you have shown me. I am thankful and humbled every day.
and that is not lip service
When Fox Hollow Cottage was a little over a year old, I started running advertisements on my site. I made a little bit of money from that and it helped to cover the expenses I incurred having the site hosted and lots of other things that go along with running a blog. I was spending more on it than I was making but I liked it so much and it made me so happy. I still worked my other job while doing it, but after a time I was able to step away completely and blog 100%. That was wonderful because blogging is very fulfilling and where my heart was at 100% anyway.
Writing this blog is now my full time job. It has grown and with it so have my opportunities. I need you to know that when I am offered potential sponsored posts, I think about it very seriously. I turn down a lot of offers, some of which pay very well, because I don’t want to write about things I think you guys just will not care about. Or bore you.
Why I Say Yes To Sharing Sponsored Content
I say yes when – it’s a product that will authentically fit in my home or life. Maybe it’s something I’d love to have for my home or family or something I would actually buy anyway! Like when I got to review the Tassimo brewer and offer one as a giveaway. I not only got to review something really neat, but give one away as well! That is my favorite. I don’t want to share something fabulous and say; “oh look at this blah-blah isn’t it great?” I want to say; “Guess what? YOU can win one too!”
I say yes when – It’s something that I think you will like too! Like decor, furniture, rugs, lighting… home improvement products, etc… something you would expect to see here. Sometimes it’s something a little more personal; like Poise hot flash relief (that was a FUN post!) or Sheba cat food (I love my babies!). I strive to make sure it has something to do with my life. There is more to me than home decor you know {winks}. Speaking of… I’d love to review a Mercedes and I’m just warning you, I will take a free car and not care if every one of you hates me. LOL!!!!!
Seriously though, it’s nice that blogging has this sort of “perk”, because there are a lot of things that blogging does not have. Like a set salary or hourly wage. I don’t get a regular paycheck. This is not a complaint at all, more a showing the pros and cons. There is no insurance. There are no sick days, personal days, paid days off or vacation time. That is all fine. It’s still worth it. Because I enjoy it so much. If I didn’t I would not spend the hours I do at it!
When I worked a conventional job and I wanted something I would work overtime, save for it or use a bonus check on it. Now, working hard affords the extras in a sort of different way. But I still work for them. You can also be assured, I still thrift store shop, junk, hit garage sales, diy and spend my share at the Dollar Tree. I’m still the same girl.
With some new opportunities on the horizon, I felt like I needed to talk to you about it, so when I share them you can be happy for me. It’s nice to get a bit of a reward for all the energy, time and so much of myself that I have put into this thing called blogging. So while it might look like I’m getting “free stuff”… remember, nothing in this life is free.
If you read this all… Thank You!
I have never been any good at short & sweet.
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Excellent post, Shannon. I feel the same way…I also think you are awesome! (I was singing that last word)
Oh my what a voice you have 😉 Thanks sweetie!!
This was informative and from the heart and explains what you do quite clearly. It’s nice for people to know, if they wonder. I’m good with all your sponsored posts–they’re really well done. 🙂
Thanks Shannon. I was concerned that people might get the wrong idea and I wanted to educate them on what sponsored posts mean to and for me. I can’t speak for what they are like for others, but wanted a good communication between myself and my readers. They are very important friends 😉 I’m glad you like the way I present them. I really am selective about what I accept.
I love your blog. If I find something that doesn’t work for me I just pass it up and wait for the next posting, just that simple. When I go into a store I don’t hold it against the sales person because she gets a pay check. So be happy that you have the ability to share things with all of us because I am.
God Bless!
Thank you Shirley! Blessings to you as well (:
I think you have a nice balance here. You inspired me to do my own * room flip * which i’ m still working on. I have an itty bitty personal blog..and man. The time it takes to photograph and edit pictures.Insane sometimes! Granted, I also don’t have Photoshop or a great camera, so it takes a bit longer. Yours are so well done,I imagine it takes you a bit of time too. I can see why it’ s a full time job for you.
Can’ t wait to see what’s up your sleeve next. And if it’s a car, be sure and post to Facebook since I check there most often! ;D
Have a Super Duper week!
Steph
I love everything that you share. You are very well balanced and loved!
Debbie
I am happy for you in whatever your new sponsored opportunity is. I’m sure I’ll read about it soon 🙂 I would love to be at a place where I could blog full time and feel I need to explain why I’m writing sponsored posts, so I say good for you Shannon! Hugs!
Thanks for the vote of confidence!! I hope your full time dream come true for you as well!! Shannon
You go, Shannon. I saw Traci’s AND Nester’s posts on this in the last week and I feel like I will need to address it soon as well. Like you said, the reality is that nothing is free and sponsored posts help offset the time and money we pour into our blogs because we love it. We only share things we truly love and would use in our own lives and I never want anyone to think that it’s not authentic. Such a tough balance. Thanks for sharing this, my friend! xo
Hi Claire! I do feel like it’s a trade off, and we definitely work for it (:
Yes we do! Oh and I remembered Nester’s wasn’t a post but rather a lengthy but awesome reply to a reader on her recent Kleenex post that said “sponsored posts made her blog seem untrustworthy”. Of all things!
Shannon, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with sponsored posts, and you explain that option very well! So many women are now “working at blogging,” that I wish I could, too! I know Beneath My Heart got some flak for doing sponsored posts, but most of understand that it’s a part of what you do, and ignore (or explain to) the ones who don’t. Maybe they’re just all jealous, like me!
Thank you Kirby. I did see that. So far, I have never gotten a unkind comment about any of my sponsored posts (knock on wood). I have had this on my mind since last Fall. I knew I was going to be getting the opportunity to work with a particular company… and I put off talking to you guys about it. I really felt the need to speak on it before it came up, and of course I put it off until the verylastsecond.
Great post Shannon and nice of you to share the backside of it all. I think as long as there is balance and you believe in the product or really want to try it, it truly is a good thing to share with your readers.
I think balance is key as well Debbie. It’s really important to me not to offend my readers.