It’s day 2 of Sassy Post Week and today, I’m sharing what I really think about sponsored posts on social media. My opinion may actually surprise you! I also know there are a lot of ladies out there who would be interested in learning more about how to set up sponsored posts for themselves, what the earning potential could actually be, etc., so I will talk about that too!
WHAT EXACTLY IS A SPONSORED POST: THE PLAYERS INVOLVED
It’s pretty basic but a sponsored post is a post made to either a blog or social media channel on a product/brand/event that is paid aka sponsored.
There are typical 2 sometimes 3 entities involved in a sponsored post:
1. You (the “influencer”/ Instagram-er/blogger)
2. Brand (the person or company paying you to post about their brand, product, event, etc.)
3. PR company (some sponsored posts are set up by an in house PR team but I would say many brands use third party PR companies to connect well known brands to influencers. The influencer will correspond with an individual from the PR company as opposed to working directly with the brand. This is more common with bigger brands while I find that smaller companies and/or start ups reach out directly.
MY SURPRISING OPINION ON SPONSORED POSTS
I’m going to assume most of you would guess that I was going to say “I”m not a huge fan on sponsored posts.” Eh, that’s half true.
Here’s what I’m not a fan of:
- Sponsored posts about dumb shit (ex: tea detoxes, magic diet pills, etc.)
- Sponsored posts as the only posts you’re making (I’ve followed a few people that literally don’t post anything other than a sponsored upload)
- Sponsored posts over a product or brand you know the person isn’t truly using (this product may be great but the person and product don’t mix. First thing that comes to mind is Tiger Woods and Buik haha. Like no I’m sorry… I never believed that a 30 something worth hundreds of millinos of dollars was driving a Buike on the daily. Is it a great car? Absolutely! But the product and person don’t fit. You know what I mean??
So, basically all of that just makes the sponsored post feel inauthentic and THAT is what I don’t like about sponsored posts. Like you can just feel when a sponsored posts is fake and I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.
BUT, that’s not all sponsored posts….
- Sponsored posts made about stuff the readers really like (I follow bloggers and accounts just for the products they share and I buy many of the recommendations)
- Sponsored posts made by women who are trying to hustle (let’s be real, if you can find a way to use your following to make money in an authentic way… you go, girl! Why the hell would I not support that?!)
^here’s some sass… if you unfollow people just because you see #sponsored I think you should read this post and reevaluate. Again, if it’s not inauthentic or pushy or annoying, maybe let the jelly in your belly settle and see that they’re doing something cool.
Bottom line… I don’t mind authentic, fitting sponsored posts. It only because I know what it’s like to be on the other side.
Before I had sponsored post offers, I will admit I used to think: “ugh, another sponsored post. They post and get paid. Some life. How easy.” Really what I meant was “that’s actually really cool they’re working with Nike, Lululemon, etc. . I’m a little jealous that I can’t do that too.”
Now I’ve been through it all and I want to share the “behind the scenes.” Read on!
1. YOU TURN AWAY A LOT OF THEM!
Here’s the biggest thing I want to communicate. At some point, a blogger knows the sponsorship has to fit her brand and feel genuine otherwise the reader knows and will check out. When that realization hits, bloggers turn down a lot of offers.
I turn down between 2-5 sponsored offers per day! Every day of the week! It’s not just stupid shit either. These are legit brands who are willing to pay thousands of dollars.
Here is 1 example… last week I was offered to post about a fat loss product for ~$2000. Tempting? Abso-fucking-loutely. BUT, you know that’s not me. I know that’s not me. I pass on that stuff. Not because $2000 isn’t a lot of money to me (it certainly is!) but because I’m true to what I believe and money doesn’t change that for me.
Basically just know this… if you follow someone who has integrity or who has a sizable following, know she likely receives a lot of offers. Therefore, she CAN be choosy. She can pick and choose who she would like to work with. If she’s posting about a brand, it’s because she probably really likes it!
2. IT’S YOUR THOUGHTS, WORDS, CREATIVITY, ETC.
All opinions, all words, everything are your own. A brand has NEVER told me to say something. They may share guidelines like “we would like you to describe what you think about the performance of the pant not just what you thought about the appearance.” But, the creative control is almost entirely yours. =authentic
3. THERE ARE REAL DEAL CONTRACTS & PAPERWORK INVOLVED
Here’s something that I was surprised by when I started working with brands… contracts. Legit ones. The ones like when you buy a home, you can’t even understand. Like you can read the words but you say 1 sentence out loud and don’t understand it haha. Yeah, that’s what it’s like.
There are a lot of terms in these contracts and some are negotiable. For example, some brands will say, if you work with us, you must agree that you won’t work with X, Y and Z brands (typically close competitors) for 1 month or something like that. For some, that works. For those who do collaborative posts every day of the week, that could be a big issue. That stuff is what you can fight for yourself on. But, if you’re new to this stuff (like I once was), it can be a intimidating.
BUT LG, YOU BARELY DO ANY SPONSORED POSTS. WHY??
I know a lot about this. I have an opinion on the topic. Yet, you don’t see me do many sponsored or collaborative posts. Why not? Quite honestly, I enjoy working with brands. It’s a really cool process and as someone who loves products and sharing products with you all, I personally enjoy it!
My biggest hang up is that I don’t think the mass public likes it. I think people see #ad or #sponsored (legal requirements!) and think “it’s a bullshit post” or “she doesn’t mean what she says here.” Maybe someday in the future I will do a bit more with brands, but as of right now, I pass up on the vast majority.
SPONSORED POSTS/YOUR ACCOUNT/MAKING MONEY ONLINE?!
Okay, this I really wanted to share with you because you (YES, YOU!) could be doing sponsored posts! There’s a wave of what is known as a “micro-influencers” and it’s all about smaller accounts getting paid for sponsored posts. Micro-influencers are those with slightly smaller followings but brands know that these individuals are well-received by their peers.
This is not something that will interest all of you but I’m sure there are a few of you who are thinking “I love uploading and sharing my opinion about products” and/or “I would like to make money on the side or as a student/stay at home mom.” Just know the potential is there!
Whether it’s your review in exchange for a free product or you negotiating a small fee for an Instagram post, go for it, girl BUT be damn sure it’s authentic! You never know where it could take you!
I feel like I have to wrap up this post because I’m getting a little wordy but if you’d like more of a post on how to make money online, please comment below and let me know a bit more about what you’re interested in!
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