Why I'm ending my sponsorships
In 2013, I decided to start offering sponsorships. Back then it was kind of the done thing and I suppose I was emulating all these other bloggers I admired. But over time, things have changed and I've decided to stop offering sidebar advertising.
There are a few reasons why. For one thing, Passionfruit are a complete pain. Their customer service was fantastic at first but it's dwindled into nothing. It's frustrating having other bloggers contact me with issues and me being completely unable to fix it. More than that though, I've started to become uncomfortable with the whole idea of sponsorships, of taking money from other bloggers, especially those who are just starting out. I want to support fellow bloggers, not take cash away from them.
Instead, I'm trying something new. Each month, rather than my usual Sponsor Shoutout, I will choose a blogger I love and write a post to share the love. Like a Blogger of the Month kind of arrangement. There's no particular criteria for the blogs I'll be choosing, although I'll favour smaller ones.
If you've already booked an ad spot, don't panic! I'll still be including your ad in my sidebar and writing my sponsor posts as usual. I just won't be taking in any new orders.
I'm super excited about this. It feels like a much fairer way to give support to the many wonderful bloggers out there... and it also means I get to discover a whole load more! Please send me the links of any and all blogs I should be reading!
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My two favourite blogs ever are www.hollylovesthesimplethings.co.uk and www.phasesofrobyn.com so I definitely think you should give theirs a read 😊
ReplyDeleteIt would also be amazing if you had a look at my blog x
Kelly // velvetandvibranium.com
Love this! I dabbled in paying for sponsorship but felt that it didn't do much. I definitely like the sound of the way you're going to be replacing it! I look forward to reading your posts :)
ReplyDeleteI thought about doing this but knew I couldn't cope with the technical size! I really admire you for stopping and love the idea of blogging about someone you admire once a month.
ReplyDeleteEmma Xx
www.emmaslookingglass.com
This was a great post to read. I thought about maybe going into self-hosting recently but decided against it. I'm just happy plodding along!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great idea. It's a little like my shine the spotlight series.
ReplyDeleteI love reading posts where people share the love! So nice to recognise and be recognised, so many great blogs out there! x
ReplyDeletewww.shayholly.co.uk
This is such a sweet idea, I have considered the idea of a blogger of the month type of thing - but there are just so many to choose from! X
ReplyDeleteI really love this idea! I think authentic spotlighting is much better!
ReplyDeletehttp://smalltownsandcitylights.com
It's funny how the world of blogging has changed over the past couple of years! I remember when (oh god I sound like one of those old women....) but I do remember when sidebar advertising was all the rage!
ReplyDeleteBethan | Ethical Entrepreneurship
I totally understand that :) I really love your new concept idea! It's so cool to see bloggers helping each other! xx
ReplyDeleteWRECKLESS
http://wearewreckless.blogspot.ca
I completely agree with what you've said here - I think bloggers should support each other, and swapping blog ads seems like a much better way to go about it :)
ReplyDeletewww.lolaandbehold.com
I've stopped advertising on my blog as well lately! Not only does it take up a ton of time that I don't have but I don't ever really feel like I'm actually offering people anything :S
ReplyDeletehellomissjordan.com xx
I'm looking forward to your posts about smaller bloggers! I love discovering new blogs to read.
ReplyDelete- Emily from http://www.emilyunderworld.co.uk ♡
Understand where you are coming from and sounds like what you have planned out for your next move will benefit you and the blogger you chose more. x
ReplyDeletehttp://www.northernmagpie.com/
What a lovely idea!! Xx
ReplyDeleteWww.colourmekaty.com
Such a lovely idea. I've thought about paying for advertising space but then decided against it. Looking forward to seeing your future posts so I can discover more awesome bloggers :D xo
ReplyDeleteDefinitely understand your feelings, and I really respect the fact that you acknowledged a facet of your blog that you feel uncomfortable with and are doing something to change that rather than carrying on because it's the norm <3
ReplyDeleteThe blogger of the month idea sounds amazing and really sweet, I'm sure whoever earns the spot will feel honoured to be featured :)
xx
http://www.cosybean.co.uk
You are so lovely.
ReplyDeleteYou are like the most truthful, kindest, most helpful blogger out there.
Congrats to you for being awesome. :)
xx
whimsicalmumblings.blogspot.co.uk
What a nice idea! I have to admit, I rarely click on sponsorship sidebars but I always check out blogs recommended to me by bloggers I love.
ReplyDeletethedevilwearstartan.com
This is a great idea!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.herquarters.com
I used to do a blogger of the month too. I think I might restart it as it always brings a smile to someone's face :)
ReplyDelete