I am so incredibly grateful for the retailers, communities, video sites and other advertisers who have decided to purchase text or banner links on my website. It really helps pay the bills and lets me have a few extra dollars of expendable cash. However, sometimes the process of working with an advertiser can be pretty frustrating and awkwardly drawn out. I know that my fellow bloggers feel the same, and sometimes this is only because advertisers may not be familiar with working with individual bloggers like myself. Sometimes your offer is just not worth my time and effort for the money, and I think that says a lot. While I am grateful for your money, my time is valuable to me, too.
If you’re thinking about buying advertising for me, it’ll go a lot more smoothly if you keep these things in mind.
Price
When it comes to price, we expect a little bit of negotiating, but don’t be rude. Our space and time are important, and you shouldn’t pit us against other bloggers. It’s, quite simply, disgusting.
Furthermore, you should know how much you want to spend before you contact us. If we absolutely can’t agree on a price, stop wasting our time and let us know (see above).
Communication
If you want us to trust you, use an actual company email address. Better yet, we should be able to verify you work for a brand or its marketing agency on the brand website.
Be courteous in your messages and reply on time. We know things come up, but everyone should act professionally. If we have to send multiple emails, we will be annoyed. You would be, too.
Do not tell us you’ll get back to us “within a day” and not come through with it. You look like someone who can’t do his job properly.
Don’t give us the runaround about how you have to contact so-and-so. Just do it and then get back to us with the pertinent information.
Content and Anchor Text
When it comes to reading, take the time to read our blogs. Sure, I’ve listed a few anchors that aren’t exactly sex toys, but there are some topics that just don’t make sense for me to be writing about or linking to on Of Sex and Love.
Consider something other than “sex toys” as the anchor text. I understand the SEO value, but now more than ever, you want relevant links like your store or website name.
Payment
Pay promptly, whether it’s a one-time payment or a recurring plan. We shouldn’t have to nag you like a child.
Bloggers don’t typically fill out W9s, especially for payments less than $600.
Don’t send payment for renewed advertising if we haven’t agreed on it.
Miscellaneous
Even if your “sex toys” link makes perfect sense on my blog, you might not get links or sales. This isn’t my fault. You’re not paying for guaranteed clicks, just a link.
On that note, just because a blogger offers a sidebar link, doesn’t mean she will do sponsored posts. I do, but I may be the exception and not the rule.
As a blogger, we’re happy to talk about advertising. If you’re a sex toy shop, you might wonder if we also want to review. Please ask us before sending us toys. We may not want to review for you. Advertising and reviewing are two separate business interactions.
I may not own The New York Times, but I obviously have something to offer, if you’re interested in advertising. Be kind, be polite, and consider how you’d feel if you were in my shoes. A little courtesy always goes a long way.
This is an excellent post! Not only do I agree but it’s a super lesson for advertisers and other bloggers alike. Nicely done 🙂
Thanks!
I’d like to add that with the haggling process don’t OVER haggle and tell us that the offer is MORE than generous due to page rank or site views when it is not.
As a blogger, KNOW YOUR WORTH. You are worth more than $8.00 for a link.