This is a guest post from Molly Forbes who blogs at Mother's Always Right. Molly fancied a bit of navel gazing and this is a subject that is constantly discussed among bloggers. I was happy to publish her post so this subject can be dissected.
How Do You Decide What Your Blog Is Worth?
First thing’s first: this isn't a post debating the ethics of accepting commercial content on your blog. This isn't about publishing sponsored posts, or follow links, or adverts, or reviews. There have been enough of those posts written before. No, what this post is about is something a bit less black and white. It’s that messy issue of money – and deciding how much you’re worth.
Lots of bloggers (myself included) have made the decision to
publish sponsored posts, reviews and adverts. While the reasons behind
accepting a review post seem pretty clear – either you like the item or you
think your readers will – the same can’t be said of other types of commercial
content. Especially when the cash isn't all that.
I replied to the email asking for verification over the type
of links they wanted in the post and then I sent off my media pack with my
rates. The next email I had from this agency made me laugh. In return for my time writing the post, publishing a follow
link, risking my Google Page Rank, promoting the post across all my social
media platforms, they were willing to pay me… wait for it… £17.
That’s right. £17.
When replying to my email explaining the reasons why I wouldn't be going ahead with the post, the SEO agency told me my site wasn't (and I
quote) “strong enough for good rates”. That’s the bit that made me laugh. But actually, it’s not really very funny. In fact, it’s a
little bit sad because I expect there were other bloggers targeted by this SEO agency representative who accepted his price. And while I’m in no way judging them for taking on a
sponsored post that paid less than a quarter of what many charge, I do think
it’s a shame.
It’s a shame, because I think it’s indicative of a more
widespread issue. I think people are under-valuing their blogs and time. Or
perhaps they just haven’t stopped to think about it yet.
- Your blog shouldn't be seen as a cheap form of advertising for a company not willing to pay the going rates.
- Your time shouldn't be seen as unworthy of decent payment.
When you take on a sponsored post, the chances are you’ll be the
one writing it. Also you are publishing it on your site and sharing it with
your readers. It’s the equivalent of making a poster for a company and then
putting it up in your living room window. You’re selling your time AND your space. You’re selling the
dedicated group of readers who engage with you every day. If you’re accepting follow
links, you’re selling a commodity many people are no longer offering. So your prices should reflect that, surely?
Obviously there’ll be variations. Blogs with higher Page
Ranks and stats will be worth more to many brands but the variations should
still reflect the product because, let’s be clear, your blog IS a product when
talked about in this way.
I also know that blogging is often an intensely personal
thing. Some families may need the money more than others. And what some may
view as a decent sum, others will think is rubbish.
If you've taken the time to think about all those points
above and you’re still willing to accept a rate of £17… well, then that’s your
choice. It’s an informed choice and you’re the only one who can make it. Just as long as you ARE making a choice, rather than going
along with the flow, thinking you've bagged some easy cash for not doing much.
Image Credit: TECHANKIT (via Google Images)
If you have a non-commercial post that you'd like to publish on this blog please get in touch .