Sponsored Content - It Sounds Nice But When to Say No
When it comes to sponsored content, they can certainly sound like a great way to generate some passive income for your blog. However, that doesn’t mean that all content sponsorships are necessarily worth your while.
Sometimes, it can actually be beneficial to turn down a content sponsorship offer — even if it means less money in your pocket.
So, how do you know when it’s worth saying no to a content sponsorship? Here are a few things to consider:
The Quality of the Sponsored Content
If the content you’re being asked to produce is of subpar quality, it’s not worth your time or reputation to put your name on it. Remember, your readers will be able to tell if the content isn’t up to your usual standards.
Yes, many times content sponsorships will come into your inbox and as you read through them you think you can make a few edits.
However, there are some that no edits in the world will fix the post to your liking or your brand’s image.
It may not be worth your time to rewrite the content. Remember, Time=money.
The Pay for Content Sponsorships
Sometimes, content sponsorships simply don’t offer enough money to make them worth your while. You gave them your price but they talked you down and now they sent you not-so-good content.
That means you have to spend more time to make it good for your readers and your blog.
If you feel like the compensation isn’t commensurate with the work required, it’s probably best to walk away.
However, you must include the time you take to format the blog post, find quality relevant images and edit some of it into your own words and liking. Furthermore, you want to be sure to have some internal links as well.
These things all take time away from other parts of your income streams.
How Long To Receive Payment for The Sponsored Content?
Some companies may pay you right away and others you may have to chase. If you have to spend time chasing them for the money, add that to your rate for the sponsorship.
If they pay on time then you may want to take a 2nd look at the content. But, if it still is not great content, you should still say no to the sponsorship.
It’s not risking your other revenue streams for one blog post that can sink your blog ranking and audience’s interest.
The Content Strategy of Your Blog
Does this paid post fit into your content strategy? Your blog should have a strategy. A content strategy will attract your target audience at every stage of the sales funnel and keep them engaged even after a purchase.
- Post silo’s
- SEO in each post
- Similar topics
- Internal links
- Reviews
- Videos
Is the content you are able to be paid for fit into the above strategy? if not, it’s time to say no thank you to the sponsored content.
The Brand Fit
Not all brands are a good fit for your blog or website. If you’re being asked to promote a product or service that doesn’t mesh well with your brand, it’s probably not worth doing.
The sponsored content must be relevant to your blog’s audience.
Is it something they can benefit from after reading it? Is it linkable to other content on your blog?
If you can answer yes to those 2 questions, it’s time to just say NO.
In Conclusion — Accepting Sponsored Content
After all, you don’t want to risk alienating your readers by promoting something they’re not interested in.
Sometimes, it’s best to say no and find something else worthwhile producing for your audience.
For example, an informational video, another blog post, or a quality infographic may be better suited for your blog.
Oftentimes, the company with the sponsorship will understand if you reply with your reasons and send you more in the future as they respect you for saying no. It could even help build your relationship with them or find another better client.
Have you turned down sponsorships from clients for your blog?I’d love to hear about in the comments below.
*Some links above may contain an affiliate where I make a small commission.
