As a blogger, you have the opportunity to make some extra money if you sell sponsored blog posts. But what exactly is a sponsored blog post, and how do you sell them?
Keep reading to find out! (Or take my free email crash course to get sponsored)
A sponsored blog post is a post that features a product or service in exchange for compensation. The compensation can be in the form of money, free products, or other perks.
For example, if you were to sell sponsored blog posts to an online retailer, they might compensate you with a gift card so that you can buy something from their store.
In most cases, the sponsor will give you specific guidelines as to what they would like you to include in the post. They might want you to mention a specific promotion or sale that they are currently running.
Or, they might want you to focus on a particular product that they offer. It's important that you follow these guidelines so that the sponsor is happy with the final product.
But it is also important that you share your honest opinion.
It's fine to sell sponsored blog posts and see your bank account grow as long as you don't hold back with genuine feedback. Never put a brand above your readers.
When talking to the brand, ensure they understand that.
Now that we've gone over what a sponsored blog post is, let's talk about how you can go about selling them. The first step is to compile a list of potential sponsors that would be a good fit for your blog.
For example, if you have a baking blog, potential sponsors might include kitchenware companies or online retailers that sell baking supplies. Once you have your list of potential sponsors, it's time to start reaching out!
The best way to contact potential sponsors is through email. Send them a brief email introducing yourself, your audience, and your blog.
Explain that you sell sponsored blog posts and ask if they would be interested in working with you. Be sure to include links to your blog and social media accounts so they can see your work before making a decision. Also, include relevant website metrics in your pitch.
If they are interested in working with you, then it's time to negotiate terms! If you're a blogger, you know the importance of sponsorships.
They can provide much-needed financial support and help you to reach a wider audience. But how do you go about negotiating with sponsors? Here are a few tips.
First, do your research. Find out what similar bloggers are charging and what kind of benefits they offer sponsors.
Second, be clear about what you're offering. What kind of exposure will sponsors get on your site or social media channels? How often will you mention their products or services? Be sure to have this information ready when you start negotiations.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Remember, the worse they can say is no. So go ahead and ask for that extra perks or higher fee that you know you deserve.
By following these tips, you'll be able to sell sponsored blog posts and negotiate successful sponsorship deals that benefit both you and your sponsor.
Once everything has been agreed upon, all that's left to do is write the post and send it over to the sponsor for approval. And that's it—you've successfully sold your first sponsored blog post!
If you want more detailed advice and learn the strategies I used to close six figures in sponsorship, check out my entry-level Get Your First Sponsor course.
You don't need as many visitors as you might think. Small bloggers have engaged audiences.
One of the main reasons that brands love working with small bloggers is because they have engaged audiences. This means that when a blogger posts about a product or brand, their followers are likelier to listen and take action.
Readers feel like they know the small blogger and can trust their recommendations. In contrast, followers of big blogs may feel like they are being sold to and are less likely to take action as a result.
That's why you should consider selling sponsored blog posts even with just a few thousand monthly visitors.
Another reason that brands love working with small influencers is that they are more relatable. Brands want to be associated with influencers their target audience can identify with.
When the Influencer promotes the brand, the target audience is more likely to view the brand in a positive light. Additionally, small influencers tend to be niche, meaning their followers are very passionate about the topics they post about.
For example, if you are a small fashion Influencer, your followers will be passionate about fashion and will therefore be interested in any fashion-related content that you post, including content from brands that you partner with.
Finally, another reason that brands love working with small bloggers is that they are usually cheaper to work with than big names.
Small influencers generally have smaller followings and therefore charge less for sponsorships and promotions. Additionally, small influencers are often just as effective as big ones when it comes to promoting a brand or product, making them a great value for brands on a budget.
There are many reasons why brands love working with small influencers and why you should too! Smaller Influencers have engaged audiences who trust their recommendations, are relatable and deliver great value for brands looking to get maximum impact for their budget.
If you're an up-and-coming Influencer, don't be discouraged if you're not being approached by major brands just yet—keep growing your following and perfecting your craft, and eventually, you'll get there!
Selling sponsored blog posts is a great way to make some extra money as a blogger. If you're interested in pursuing this option, be sure to reach out to potential sponsors via email and include links to your work. Once you've found a sponsor who is interested in working with you, negotiate terms and then get writing!
If you're struggling to get sponsors for your blog, podcast, event, or virtual summit, I can help you.
I recorded a short course that teaches you the strategies I used to close six figures in brand deals. Check it out here.
