Let’s Start By Clarifying: Blogging IS Hard Work
A lot more goes into creating a blog post than you may think. From styling your outfit, to taking your photos, picking the best & editing some of them. To writing your content, creating new ideas, searching for products online for links and making sure that your posts are SEO friendly. Before even scheduling them, sharing on social media and promoting your work. Then going back to respond to comments, replying to emails and planning months in advance.
AND BREATHE: That was a mouth full wasn’t it.
It isn’t all free clothes for no work as some would believe. A lot of blood sweat and tears goes into the content that I create, which I over scrutinise. As that is just my nature. Although I am mainly paid for my services when contacted to collaborate with a brand; if you were a free lance writer or creative, a photographer or a full time working model, you would get paid for these services too.
But, that doesn’t mean that I don’t take on unpaid opportunities. In fact, I give them as much consideration as I do to paid collaborations. As, I don’t blog just for money. If a brand that does not fit my style or aesthetic contacted me, I wouldn’t promote their product just for some cash. It simply doesn’t work that way for me.
Nothing is just handed to you. You have to work for it.
Paid Vs Unpaid Blogging Opportunities
I give all opportunities and emails that come my way equal thought, whether there is paid compensation or not. If a brand I love reaches out via gifting and I love their items, I will definitely work with them. Equally so, with small brands that don’t have the budget for sponsored features, but their product is amazing and if I can help them out, I’d love to. Although this is mainly under no obligation. So they are not expecting a full dedicated blog post from me with T&Cs of what to post. But, if I love the products enough, of course they will make it from my Instagram, to my YouTube and my Blog. Take today’s outfit for instance. All kindly gifted items that I love and have been wearing on repeat lately.
Now, I am not saying lets all work for free. But the next time you get a gifting opportunity without any marketing budget for promotion. If you love the items, it may be worth saying yes to. You never know, it may build future relationships with PRs and Brands. That when they do have budget for collaborations, or perhaps even national advertising opportunities, you will be on the top of their contact list. It could also be an item that you will wear forever in your wardrobe. Or, it could be a hit with your audience that affiliate sales compensate for lack of brand budget for your promotion. Which is win, win for you and the brand.
OUTFIT DETAILS
I didn’t want to rant on in this post. But. It seems that I have. Whoops. So now lets talk about my outfit: Firstly, these boots. Do I need to say anything more? They are from Vince Camuto at Shoeaholics, which means they have a mean discount on them. They look great with jeans (as I am wearing here) and equally as good styled with skirts and dresses.
To beat the bad weather we have been experiencing – and by that I mean the damn cold – I have been layering as many elements as possible. My favourites being layering a hoody under your favourite outerwear. Which, in today’s post is a beautiful feather jacket from Miss Pap, whose clothing I am loving at the moment for being on trend, affordable and for looking more expensive than the items actually are; I am sure you all know what boots I am referring to here!
Lastly, how could I not include my new bag. The Givenchy Antigona small in black leather (I’ve linked a more affordable option for you here). An early birthday treat to myself in the midst of turning thirty. Just look at her…
Some very good points made here! And I looove this look, that fur jacket is gorg!xx
Lucy x | lucy-cole.co.uk
Author
Thanks lovely 🙂 xxx
I totally agree, I do the same too.
Petite Side of Style
Author
😀 xxx
i’m a small blogger and do earn any money from my blog and thats fine. i work with brands when i like them and i don’t really care about the payment.
❥
http://www.elenaisabelle.com
Author
Thanks Elena, I tend to find that my unpaid products tend to be the most popular with affiliate sales! xx
Love this post Charlotte! I have the exact same mindset! Xxx
Author
Thanks Hol 🙂 xx
Couldn’t agree more lovely – it’s all about building relationships – they may LOVE what you create and want to work with you more and more. There’s definitely some people out there who take the mick a little bit but it’s all about weighing up whats right for you 🙂 x
http://www.stylepetal.co.uk
Author
Exactly! If a company approaches you and doesn’t expect you to do x.y,z for them but instead wants you to try their product it is a whole other story 🙂 Thanks for the comment love xxx
It is hard, so true…
And everybody just laughs it off.
http://www.blogellive.com
Author
Don’t they just. I swear people think you just get free things for not doing anything….but would like to see them try to do it with a full time job at the same time too! xx
I love working with small brands and usually place their products in a round-up article at no cost. It’s so hard to know when to charge and when not to charge, but I’m the same as you. I consider all offers equally.
Great article!
XoXo – Cristen
The Naptime Reviewer – Family, Travel, Life and Style Blog
Author
Thanks lovely 🙂 xx
Absolutely love the coat, it’s a stunning colour, and I completely agree with what you’ve said! People get so caught up on the ‘I want money’ train that they miss out on working with brands that they love when they don’t have a budget or work with ones that don’t fit they’re blog. It’s worth looking at every opportunity as it comes in your inbox for sure!
Juanita x http://www.juanitashikira.com
Author
<3 xxx
Couldn’t agree with you more dear, create relationships with PRs and brands whilst staying true to your personal brand. Great outfit, loving the boots!
Tajinder | http://www.musicgeekonline.co.uk
Author
Thanks lovely 🙂 I agree completely! xx
Great post! I’ve worked for free with a brand, then built a connection with them. It’s all basically down to what you think your worth it.