Why am I not getting sponsored posts? – This is one question that I get asked a lot. While sometimes it seems to be just luck, there are definitely several things you can do to increase your chances of getting selected for an opportunity from a company like business2blogger, Izea , linqia, sverve or others. (Some of these are referral links)
- Post Frequently – If you are not posting at least every week, you will have a hard time finding sponsors who want to pay you to post. They want to see that you are constantly creating great content and your readers know to expect posts from you consistently, not once a month or every other week.
- Too much sponsored content – If you already have a lot of sponsored content on your blog, you probably will not be selected for many posts. You have to watch your sponsored to non-sponsored post ratio. While bloggers who post daily or multiple times a day could get away with a sponsored post or two each week, those that only post twice a week could not do as many. I’ve heard many different opinions about the ideal sponsored to non-sponsored balance, so while there are multiple opinions on it, you definitely want to be aware. For example, 5 non-sponsored posts for every sponsored seems like a healthy balance to me. If you are getting too many sponsored post opportunities, just raise your prices!
- Engaging Content – Sponsors want to see that you are active with your readers. Be it on social media or in the comments on your blog, they want to see you making connections because they want to know that your readers will trust your opinion on things. Make sure you are writing some content that invites a conversation on your blog (or via social media)!
- Not Applying – You need to apply a lot, if you want to make a steady income with sponsored posts. I do not get anywhere close to all the sponsored posts that I apply to. A few times each week I will go through and apply to a bunch that fit nicely with my niche and price-range. If you end up getting accepted to too many posts, you can always decline, but that rarely happens.
- Applying for the wrong thing – If you have never written about the topic on your blog, don’t apply! Sponsored posts should flow smoothly with the feel and topic of your site. Don’t bring in something random just because it pays. Although it may be tempting at times, make sure you are applying within your niche and getting creative to make things work for you blog. Sponsors are looking for creativity and for writers who know what their readers enjoying hearing!
What is your best tip for finding sponsored post opportunities?
A great list Paula! I just got my first sponsored post. I couldn’t believe it when it finally happened. I thought I had read the email wrong! 🙂 It was great getting to meet you in person at BE!
Congrats! that is so exciting! Great meeting you too!!!
Superb, what a webpage it is! This website provides helpful facts to us, keep it up.
I am wondering how much of it has to do with how many page views you have. I have a newer blog and my page views are still pretty low. Do you suggest getting your page views up to a certain number before concentrating on sponsored posts?