A horrible new marketing trend is seeping into the bloggersphere; bloggers are being approached to be told that they’ve been entered into a competition (oh I have? Er, thanks for that) or being asked to enter where they have to create a campaign for a brand online. If theirs happens to the be best, they can win a prize. If not, ag wat, thanks for playing.
I don’t know about you – and I’m talking to other bloggers here – but I work like a donkey on this blog to create interesting content for my readers who I love and adore. It’s taken me a while, but I’ve finally created a valuable online space that attracts a targeted audience and if brands want to reach that via an online campaign I’m going to charge them for it or expect a trade exchange that makes the time it takes to create that content worthwhile. Not squabble around in the equivalent of a Red Hanger sale-style malee in the hopes of winning something.
Bloggers, have you been approached via this method? Please share your thoughts in the comments section as I’d love to hear them.
Love, love
Leigh
P.S. For the record, I’ve now started charging for things I consider ‘advertorial’. Still, the majority of my blog revolves around beauty reviews and I’d never accept payment for that. In my book, that’s just weird and wrong and I like being ‘free’ to revert to the brand and let them know if I didn’t like their product.
Lipgloss is my Life 
I TOTALLY AGREE!
Thank you. I feel like it’s such a long walk, here in SA, to get PR peeps and potential advertisers to see blog space as valuable space and things like this detract from that in a major way.
I read reviews to get honest opinions of products. I do really appreciate honest reviews and if it is an advertisement that the person/blogger would at least say this product is sponsored. I have stopped reading certain blogs as result of products being given to the blogger to “review” and obviously they write a great review – clearly free advertising. In the world of beauty I am really getting tired of false advertising. Thanks for being honest!
Pleasure. I would never accept cash for a review as it’s important to me that this is unbiased. I like the freedom of being able to go back to the PR and say ‘this product was kak and I don’t want to promote it on my blog. However, when it comes to brands getting in touch to ask me to tell people about their new ad campaign and who shot it and why it’s so freakin’ awesome etc etc then I consider that an advertorial.
I love this. Completely agree with everything!
Totally agree. As a new kid on the bloggersphere, PR’s seem to think we’re the resident doormat! It should be trade exchange or pay fees. End of story.
Urgh it’s my worst! I often see design competitions like this, where you win ‘R1000 and exposure’. Erm thanks but no thanks.
Oooh the ‘exposure’ thing. Often get asked by larger platforms to be a regular contributor for them in exchange for that but that’s not going to pay my bills and eats into the time I use to freelance write for people who DO pay me. I mean for heaven’s sake, that’s my job. I’m a bloody freelance writer. I do that for money, not fun and games.
It’s the same thing as when someone comes and asks you to write an editorial for free in their publication for ‘exposure’ or when someone asks you to do a whole website for free because ‘it’ll look good on your portfolio.’
Unfortunately, many times the nature of PR is to find ways to get marketing done at a low cost. Sometimes this is valid, other times it’s just taking advantage of people. I love the confused looks I’ve been given in my career when someone comes with a deal like that and I say no and they’re like, “But… but… it’s exposure!” Experience has taught me that it ain’t and it ain’t worth it. Totally agree.
I completely agree with you Leigh. I personally feel that competitions are supposed to be firstly voluntary and secondly, more beneficial for the competing party. Those brands are being absolutely cheap because they’re benefitting from all the publicity and advertising but not wanting to pay for it.
Love your post Leigh! I totally agree with you on this. Some PR peeps need to respectfully acknowledge the time that goes into creating valuable content for readers to enjoy.
Personally I’m not sure that I can even call myself a blogger these days… or maybe I am by default :-), with two very demanding jobs and working 15 hour days, I sometimes can go through lengthy periods without updating. So I really have lots of respect for bloggers who do, especially those that go the extra mile with original photos etc. Wow!!
That needs to be acknowledged and not just with a freebie.
Gladly I have not been offered any of these Win Campaigns recently. I have a small network of brands that I work closely with, mostly those who understand my hectic schedules and my ‘blogging’ policy. I also prefer to keep the 70% purchased and 30% reviewed (free) ratio on my blog. That is just a personal choice and it works for me.
We have such amazing bloggers in SA, creating remarkable, profound content and visuals and it is time they are recognized for this.
Thanks skat, I appreciate your comment x
I think you have every right to charge for competitions and campaigns that require specific things from you upfront. I haven’t been approached by these so much, but I have some beef when I agree to attend an event/accept a sample for consideration and the next moment there are all kinds of ‘extra’ expectations added on. Like: Here’s a video cam in your face, say something nice (on more than one occasion). Or now that you have that ‘gift’ we sent you together with the product sample, surely you’ll play ball and do these million other things even though we have no prior arrangement.
I’m also going to start accepting money for sponsored campaigns, but I see no other way except clearly letting the readers know it’s been paid for. Blogging happens in my free time in addition to my full time job, and if I’m going to be doing advertorial content (i.e WORK); I’m going to ask for payment.
C xx
PS – When I read a post marked as ‘sponsored/paid for’ on another blog I don’t value the opinions in there any less; I just view it as a post that got priority because the author received payment for it. I just don’t like eyeing posts and having to guess whether the blogger got paid for it or not.
I’m with you! Although, being an attention-seeking slet I don’t mind cameras in my face too much. But ja, everything else you said, I’m like ‘co-sign!’
True, you are a total attention seeking slet. But sometimes you rock up in a T shirt and a ponytail and then it’s not cool… And where I said ‘accepting money’ above, I meant asking for payment, of course.
My best is when the actual PR arrives at my door when I’m in a gown and zero make-up or awash with gym sweat and wants to snap a pic of me opening up what ever I’ve been given. Oh the horror ;-P
Tell them to go Suck It. I know I know childish thing to say but if you say it the way Adam Sandler does,it dont.
I’ve just received one where I have to come up with a unique recipe for a dish that’ll serve four and can be paired with this specific brand of wine… The winning blogger can win a 2 night stay.
I’m sorry, but that’s a lot of work for free exposure for their brand with a slim chance of actually getting anything in return.
No thanks!
I am not a blogger but read a few favourites. They are my faves because they are honest and have a definite “voice” and personality. When they become a glorified advertising site I just never go back. So that’s just a reader’s opinion. I definitely value your reviews as honest, but if you started doing some posts inbetween that you get paid for and make that clear to your readers and at the same time don’t harm the integrity of your brand, I don’t see a problem. Blogging takes up a lot of time and I think one of the biggest challenges is to make it worthwhile for the blogger. I say keep your content and add paid posts so we don’t lose your voice cause you just can’t afford to write for free. Don’t get bullied by people who don’t value what you do, it is a new world out there and marketing people will have to adapt and overcome, but don’t let them do it at your expense. They need you more than you need them, don’t forget! It is not you who needs the exposure, it is them.