Sponsor-Worth: Are you Golden, Girl?

I’m here to share a bit about what I think makes a good sponsor.  I’m so grateful Jelli has asked me to share on this particular topic because it is something that I am passionate about.

First, let me just preface my post by stating that this is my opinion, and it is based on my experiences in sponsoring others as well as being sponsored myself.  Also, this is not an article about working with companies and brands – its an article specifically addressing blog-on-blog sponsorship.

So what makes a person sponsor-worthy?   What is the best indicator that you will get your money’s worth from sponsoring someone’s blog?  Is it their high number of followers?  Their stats?

Reciprocity >> This is the starting point for me.  It really comes down to the Golden Rule.  I believe sincerely in the power of treating others the way I want to be treated.  I know how I want to be treated when I pay someone to advertise my blog on their blog.  I want to be treated as a customer and I want good customer service.  So when someone purchases an ad on my site, I want them to know they are valued and important to me – and that I am grateful.

Practically speaking, I do this by communicating with them in several ways:

I have a welcome email that I send out to every ad space holder – at the beginning of their month of sponsorship.  This email is gold – it is filled with what I will be doing to promote their blog (based on their level of purchase), how I will do it, and what they can expect from their partnership.  It also gives them a calendar of events and important dates for events that will be on my blog (ways for them to grow – connect – and be featured.)

I follow them on everything.  The next step for me is to follow/subscribe to their blog and/or shop, and all social media that I can find them on.  I do this because I want them to know they are on my radar.  I’m going to be looking for ways that I can promote them and will need to know where they are active online.

I visit and browse a bit.  I do a little blog-stalking to see what kinds of things the sponsor has going on, and to learn about them – you know their name, kids and hubbies names, what general area they live in -etc.  I also note their size, niche if they have one and general posting rate.  Basically I try to get to know a little about them.  Plus, I need to make sure they are not a crazy phishing site or adult site or some other nonsense.

Relationship >> This is the heart of it all.  To me sponsorship is more accurately termed partnership.  In a sponsorship I am seeking funds to help me reach my goals.  In a partnership I am seeking funds to help us meet our goals.  Feel the difference?  When it comes down to it, the more I get involved in blogging the less time I have to read a ton of other blogs- so when someone sponsors my blog – they are going to be one of my regular reads.

It makes sense that I would build a relationship with that person – as I am often connecting with them over the length of their ad.  I’m not expecting to become BFF’s with everyone who buys ad space but I do think that a big part of my reason for blogging is the community aspect.  So, to conclude this point – building relationships through sponsorship/partnership, being friendly essentially, is a key component to being sponsor-worthy.

Reputation >>  This is a big deal too!  Just like in your real life, your reputation matters.  It is especially true in blogging where a negative encounter can leave heavy repercussions.  Read: Treat your (sponsors) customers like the gold they are! They are precious and their positive or negative testimony of sponsoring you can spread easily through their dm’s and private emails!  I know this firsthand because I’ve had others share with me frustrations with blogs they’ve sponsored.

A good idea is to under promise and over deliver!  Anytime I have gotten more than what I paid for, I’ve been a happy customer.  Well, I can think of exceptions to that but they have nothing to do with blogging.  Definitely offer something beyond just ad space – and then follow through always – go above and beyond often!

I believe if you keep these three R’s in mind you will have the foundation set for being sponsor-worthy!

Stay tuned for more practical tips on sponsorship!  Have a specific question you want answered?  I’m collecting a bunch for an upcoming vlog, send me an email and I’ll make sure I answer yours!

Thanks so much Courtney!  I can’t wait to see how sponsorship relationships will improve as we implement your helpful tips this month!

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