Yes, yes I can make money doing this! And you know what… I should make money doing this!
I’ve quickly come to learn all about the power and reach of the modern mom blogger. One of the first mom bloggers I met in person posted recently about how and why mom bloggers are not sell-outs.
It’s real
It’s honest
It’s transparent
What I write, and the experiences that I’ve gained in the process of writing them mean the world to me, and I would never jeopardize that in the name of making a buck. That’s why when a post on my blog is sponsored I’ll tell you! Miss604 talks about disclosure and transparency on her blog, and you can find my disclosure policy clearly posted here, and I will always indicate at the bottom of a sponsored post if I was remunerated, but most importantly, I will always be honest, transparent, and true to you. True to myself. If I get a product that I don’t like, I’m not going to lie to you and tell you it’s awesome, and if I get paid to eat yogurt, I’ll tell you that too! (because I know you’re dying to know!) But really, I have yet to do a paid review as I feel it’s not ethically responsible to have the burden of financial gain potentially influencing my account of a product.
So in short, I am not, and will not sell you out!
Now tell me, does knowing that a blogger was compensated for a review, influence your opinion on the product or leave you questioning whether or not the review is honest?
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Randa Derkson says
A lot of people think that it’s so easy and we “just post thoughts on free products”.
Those products are not free. Each review takes me anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours to write (that doesn’t include the photos, watermarking, editing, etc). It’s work, and it’s how I can stay at home with my son.
That’s not even getting in the behind the scenes work! I spend HOURS a day through email and just tweaking my blog.
Dani @ lifeovereasy says
I may be biased her because I am also a blogger, but I don’t see any issues with compensation. I think it’s easy enough to be honest, even with sponsored reviews. I don’t like to be negative, so I only take sponsored posts if I use the product or believe in it. I’ve always been honest, like many bloggers, and I think readers know that.
elizabeth_bradt says
I do tend to read, and place more credibly, on unsponsored posts. But with that said, if I read a review and am interested in the product, I am thankful for that blogger’s post introducing me to something new. I think it’s a fabulous way for women to afford to stay home with their kids and I also think it’s a new way of advertising that is here to stay. I’m happy for you that your hobby turned into a business! Congrats!
Kelly @ City Mom says
I agree that in order for a blogger to hold value, our word needs to be true, and our ‘stamp of approval’ should only be given out when truly warranted, not just to make a buck. Not everyone is going to like everything we post, but so long as we’re up front and honest, then we can sleep at night! Great post!
The Modern Mom says
Love it!!!! Very nicely said 🙂 I too started not all that long ago and quickly realized that there are bloggers that are not honest. I want my blog to be a place parents can come to find honest answers. If it’s not something I wouldn’t try to sell my own family on, then I don’t want it on my site 🙂 Thank you!
Little Miss Kate says
Personally, I like it when bloggers disclose on every post. For me it just helps give the “whole picture”. I hate realizing after I read a post, that oh it must have been paid. Yes it is still real, and honest, but I think some miss the transparency.
And blogging takes a LOT of time, and yes you SHOULD be paid for the service you provide.
Stephanie @ From the Burbs to the Boonies says
I have been introduced to products I wouldn’t have known about otherwise, really cool stuff. I think as long as a blogger discloses at the TOP of a post that they received the product, I will assume their review is honest. If they are thorough, I like that as well.
Brandy says
Well said! I disclose at the bottom of my posts if I received product in compensation for the review. And I only do reviews on products that I like and truly believe are useful for myself and my family.
Love your blog by the way!