Source
Hold onto that remote–
there’s a lot to be said for these commercials
Who loves commercial breaks? No one, unless you have to pee or they’re the fantastic ads aired during the Superbowl. But commericals are a bit of a sticky wicket because they are necessary. If you want to see your nifty TV shows, you’ve gotta pay for them somehow (and unfortunately, the right arm you donated to Comcast last month somehow still doesn’t cover the bill?). So we pony up, and suffer through yet another ex-Jenna Maroney Tropicana orange juice commercial because Revenge never gets old.
The thing is, this blogging world isn’t so different than TV. While we bloggers are always instantaneously full of effortless wit and deep life-changing insight, we are still human. I know, I’ll let you take a minute to digest this mind-blowing (and perhaps totally sarcastic) revelation. We still have families who house goldfish crackers in bulk, wrecked minivans to repair on a frighteningly regular bases, and there is, of course, the water bill for the showers we try to squeeze in at least every few days.
Also, we work incredibly hard at it. Pouring your heart and soul out publicly a few times a week? Not so easy. Doing it with minimal spelling errors and a general respect for proper English language? It can get tricky. Throw in endless hours doing the necessary networking so you don’t get buried in the blogosphere and trying to beat the latest Facebook algorithims so you can get at least 10 eyes on your status updates, and well…it’s a lot.
On Monday I already went on about why this gig is important to me. And it is, so, so important to me. Dr. J and I have prayed about it until God’s ears hurt, and the upshot: this is what we’re doing right now. But it is hard, very hard, and getting compensated for the hard work would be swell. Not so I can make a ton of money and be famous (show me a blogger who has done that and I’ll say, “Yeah, I know, The Bloggess is awesome”), but so this job could have the normal result of any other job: I get paid for it so I can help pay our bills. Maybe even do something crazy like hire a sitter once in a while so my kids can get attention while I work?
So this brings us to the commercials–this is how bloggers get paid and they are going to happen. How do the commercials look on a blog?
- ad space in the sidebars (maybe banner ads on the top and bottom too).
- Sponsored posts. This is when I dedicate an entire post telling you about a specific product or service. I can promise you this will always be something I genuinely think is cool and as a bonus, many of these will have neat giveaway for you, my readers, so it’s not a bad thing to tune into these posts.
- Social media touts, or posts/pins/etc. put up on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Google +.
What can you do? Just like a real commercial, if they really irritate you or you have to quick change up a load of laundry, tune out. It’s okay. I won’t know, and I understand. I am so thankful to have readers who do this and don’t complain, tolerating the paid stuff because they know it needs to be done.
However, if you’ve got a spare second, like I said, tune in. You might find some really cool stuff through these posts and winning something is always the best. I remember the first time I scored a treat through a blog giveaway and burning my new lux candle was so sweet! (Thanks, Caffienated Chronicles of a Super Mom!)
Also? You could help me. Any likes, comments, or shares dramatically helps me boost my reach, especially on Facebook. YES, IT MAKES THAT MUCH OF DIFFERENCE IF YOU JUST CLICK “Like” ON ONE OF MY FACEBOOK STATUSES. This is a good thing for me, because it helps increase my stats overall, which can in turn help me get better and more compensated opportunities for me (companies regularly check bloggers’ numbers).
And as I mentioned before, Facebook is really making it challenging by limiting who they show our posts to. If you don’t already like Mom of the Year, or could ask some friends to follow me, this would truly mean the world. It’s a small thing, but makes a big difference. It is always super-helpful if you sign-up to subscribe by e-mail to get posts (upper right-hand corner on this blog).
In short, thanks for your patience. And now back to your regularly-scheduled programming. xo, readers.
More than Mommies nailed this explanation of compensated blogging.
THANK YOU, ladies!
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Kathy Radigan says
This perfectly explains the reality of blogging!! Thanks!! When I first started to blog I vowed never to do ads or sponsored posts but then as I got more and more involved with it and nobody handed me a check for all the work I do I started to see ads as viable option. Also, as bloggers we sometimes find out about a great deal or great product and it’s fun to share this with our readers! Thanks again!!
Meredith says
Exactly what you just said, Kathy. And thanks for the support!
Sara says
It’s like with everything on the internet, the only to get people to see products is to have ads. I like how they are not the tacky ads that flash on screen and “scream” at you. And yes, I have found cool stuff that bloggers have discovered or things on their sidebars that I think are cool!
Meredith says
So glad mine aren’t screaming at you–and thanks for putting up with me, Sara!
Kathy at kissing the frog says
Right on Mama! This should be shared everywhere advertisers are trying to reach us.
Meredith says
A weird thing to explain to them, huh Kathy?
WhenCrazyMeetsExhaustion says
Your post could not have come at a better time. I feel like all of my sponsored “stuff” is for naught because what I want to say is THIS, but what I have to say is “Check out this link…” and I kinda feel like a sell-out. Thank you for reminding me that this is, in fact, part of what pays our bills! xo
Meredith says
Honey, your sponsored posts are always classy and fun and I ENJOY reading them–keep it up. And please keep introducing me to the good stuff!
Synnove @ Don't Chew On The Dinner Table! says
I look forward to hearing what you have to say about some of these products. I have discovered a couple of really useful products by reading the sponsored posts of those I trust to tell me the truth about things. I know you wouldn’t steer us wrong!
Meredith says
Aw Synnove, this is kind! Thanks for your faith in me 🙂
Jean says
You explained it perfectly! A year ago, I didn’t understand. Now I do. And I still have an awesome bracelet I bought after clicking through on one of your links 🙂
Meredith says
Jean, this makes me so happy to know you found something through here and like it so much!
Diane says
Sounds like a brilliant idea! I’d love to do it! Have no idea how to get started . . .
Meredith says
It can be so tricky connecting with brands at first, Diane, I know. But I think it gets a bit easier after you connect with a good ad network? Or not, since I don’t even really know what I’m doing!
thedoseofreality says
Standing up and applauding at my computer. All of this times one million…which is also the amount of pennies I would like to earn this year from blogging! 😉 Can’t wait to share this!-Ashley
Meredith says
Now THAT sounds like a game plan, Ashley! Bring on those pennies!
Harper says
Just want to say kudos to all of you wonderful writers out there living the dream. This business is hard work and so many people, even IRL friends and family, don’t realize how important sharing, clicking, etc are. You are all inspiring me to one day dig in and make a successful go of writing again. For now, I love reading and sharing your work. Keep the dream alive ladies!
Meredith says
Harper, these words mean THE WORLD. Thank you for saying this!
Dani Ryan says
YES!!! A million times YES!!! This post sums up so many things I cannot put into words! Perfect, as always! xo
Meredith says
Thanks for always “getting it”. xo
Norine of Science of Parenthood says
Nicely explained. Especially about Likes and Shares. I hear from my IRL friends all the time, I saw your post. Loved it. When I asked if they “liked” it, they’re always surprised that it matters. Thanks for a great post!
Meredith says
It DOES matter–so much, right? Thanks for the encouragement, Norine!
Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms says
Nailed it! Perfect tone and explanation for the way it is to blog. Ellen
Meredith says
Thanks, Ellen–appreciate it 🙂
Crystal says
Thanks for sharing! Great post!