A few days ago, I met up with Phyllis and Renee in preparation for our fabulous Fitbloggin’ session on monetizing your blog. I shared with them some of the new “official” policies I set in place for my blog. Basically, I will no longer accept paid sponsorship for posts/guest posts, no advertisement space nor giveaways.
Yup that means I will not join any ad network anytime soon nor give you an “AWESOME” review in the latest diet product. Essentially I am breaking up the “unspoken Big Blogger Cardinal rules” for validation in the name of making money for my “blogging work.”
Want to know why?
- I am lazy! Take that back, seeking paid sponsorships, ensuring that the advertisements posted in my site are align with my values along with following up with product reviews/giveaways well it is not how I want to spend my time.
- Doing what everyone else is doing doesn’t set me apart from the rest. Why would you visit my site as I write the same product review that 10 other bloggers just did? What is unique about that? I got to practice what I preach to my clients. I can embrace my uniqueness and create a different movement.
- I am OCD about the look of the site. I love that is different from other “Lifestyle Bloggers” that is a nice bridge between my self-love/healthy living and my entrepreneurial ventures. The idea of having other brands cluttering my own well that’s just stupid.
- Exception to the review rule: Fitness Class Reviews will continue because there are fun to do and take. It allows me to try something outside of my comfort zone and there are unique enough that it’s not your typical cookie cutter post. I will share when I received a free class or I paid for it. The opinion will continue to be my own honest opinion because that’s why you care about.
- I choose to monetize my own way. Yes there are going to be affiliate links to products that I absolutely love and I have participated as a consumer. I work as a strategy consultant with many coaches and experts therefore some of these products I help curate to their current existence. That means I know that I am providing my readers a quality service.
- Yes I care about my readership enough to know that you are AWESOME. You deserve a break from all of the flashy commercials and list of shoulds. That visiting my site is a refreshing experience into my own incredible madness/smart/sassy/wit.
But wait? Aren’t you part of Fitfluential, SweatPink, SITS, Clever Network, Latina Lifestyle Bloggers Collective, Latina Bloggers networks, list goes on and one. Yup yes I am. Each of these groups provides me connection with “blogging peers.” Perhaps, I will let go a few of the free “ambassador” positions because they are not in alignment with who I am and what I stand for. I will do it at my own time. But it is my choice whether or not I decide to follow the herd.
Let’s make this a fun game, share with me some of your favorite “unspoken cardinal rules” in the blogging world. What do you think it takes to make it big? Go ahead leave a comment below
I am Laura boutique fitness class junkie in NYC who moonlights as a biz/life consultant for Female Entrepreneurs. I am managing my money, adopting self-care and other loving habits. Most importantly, I am face my fears head on while having fun. I believe that life should be full off Happiness + Joy + Big Dreams
Thanks for these thoughts. I started doing more sponsored posts this past year and am struggling to balance them with my “voice” – I’ve turned down a lot that are not a good fit for me. I definitely think being genuine is key. Hoping to make it back to Fitbloggin again this year, and hear the talk!
Yeah turning down is key. It really is about alignment and letting your voice be heard because that’s what people care about, they want to know you, your experience, your story not the product.
Good for you. I appreciate that you value your readers and their experience more than your own bottom line. And I totally agree with your second point–I hate seeing the same reviews repeated on all the top blogs!
Yeah it really is a process. As I was chatting with Phyllis and Renee it didn’t make sense for my audience since they are already saturated with the same information.
It really comes down to taking risks. At the end of the day I ended up making more “money” by saying no than yes. By the way I just checked your site and it is beautiful!
I really enJOYed this post! Good for you for bucking the trend and doing what feels right for you. I’ve started video and my blog has been neglected but I’m with you – I’m going to talk about products/experiences that move me and I feel will benefit others.
Thanks for the great post!! I agree with you. No thank you on the monetizing. I’m really enjoying a blog and a sudden add appears or pops up or just happens to be over on the right… It’s pretty distracting having random ads listed.. If I wanted to see ads all day I’d head back over to Facebook.