“How do bloggers make money” is one of the most frequently searched questions on Google, and yet no one reeeeeeeeeally talks about it. What does it mean for content when you know a blogger is getting paid? I get asked the same questions over and over, so I figured I’d bite the bullet and address these topics (that are often discussed behind closed doors) head on. Got questions about full-time blogging? I’ve got some answers for you. And real ones too.
Do you get paid for posts, and/or featuring things on your blog?
The answer is sometimes. Ultimately I do need to be able to buy myself lunch and pay my light bill every now and then. What we do as bloggers, content curators, digital influences takes time, and although we make it look effortless (which is kinda the point) in order to bring you great content we do have to charge for our services the same way a photographer or a newspaper would.
How is blogging a job?
Blogging is a job because as a society we love to be entertained (and always have) whether that’s through stories, videos, jokes, experiences, or beautiful imagery. We are curious and have always craved entertainment and people have always been paid to provide it. Blogging really isn’t any different. It’s recent, but it’s not different.
What you don’t see on the blog is the tremendous amount of work that goes into the negotiations of blogging, or curating content, not to mention the amount of rejection we experience. And then there’s the business side of things that includes invoices, tracking down of invoices, keeping track of when to post what and how and with what hashtags etc.
It’s so much more than pretty pictures, and on that note, pretty pictures don’t create themselves. You can have all the camera gear in the world and still take terrible uninspiring photos. There’s really something to be said about having an eye for it, and also for being creative with what you feature.
What are your hours?
This is a great question. Because we love what we do, and there’s no open and close sign for blogging. Bottom line we kind of never stop working. Like I mean NEVER. Even on vacation, we want you to come along and experience it with us, and sometimes that means spending a solid hour trying to capture that perfect hotel flat lay or even just answering questions about products we are using or information about the places we are going and experiencing.
There’s a funny meme that circulates “I don’t have a 9-5 it’s more like when I open my eyes and when I shut my eyes” and I would argue it goes even beyond that because I have dreams about my Instagram content, and often get inspired by them. I’m not even kidding.
Bloggers and creatives in general, are always pushing themselves to get better, and do better, and that takes ultimate passion and commitment. Blogging is not for the faint of heart, and it’s certainly not all about getting free stuff because let’s face it: nothing is free.
How do I know you’re getting paid for a post and when you’re not?
I will tell you. Any items gifted to me are marked with “c/o”, and any time a post is sponsored by a company I will mention it in the blog post with full disclosure. It’s actually highly illegal to do otherwise (read more here → CanadianBusiness.com).
How can I trust your advice if I know you’re getting paid?
I work very hard to make sure that the partnerships I choose reflect me, and the type of person I am, and the types of things I would be interested in, in hopes that you will feel the same. I never agree to post a positive review I simply agree to give my opinion. I also would never promote a product I’ve never used or clothing I’ve never worn. I want to be able to give you feedback, and I can’t do that if I’ve never held the product in my hand, worn it, or tried it for myself.
I’ve even gone so far as to void contracts, return items because they were not the right fit. As a courtesy to you and the companies I work with, this is all dealt with behind the scenes, as to protect your precious time and their growth as a business. I give my feedback, and they can do with it what they wish.
How much do you make?
While I realize blogging is unconventional (for now), and the details around it as a career are thought provoking. This question actually makes me feel extremely uncomfortable, and I really think people need to learn to bite their tongues on this one. Honestly, it’s kind of rude, and I don’t think anyone is asking accountants out at dinner what they bring home in a year, and I should know I live with one. All bloggers make different amounts, and determine their success differently, so asking this question can make them feel bad or feel like they aren’t good enough or trying hard enough.
Basically what you need to know is that we make enough to survive or we wouldn’t be doing it. Bloggers are smart, and they aren’t going to knowingly run themselves into the ground to be internet famous.
Why is all your content positive?
Short of the fact that this is how I try to live my life I also try very hard to appropriately curate the things I post about on this site. I have an education degree, and as a result, I take your time and mine very seriously. I don’t want to waste it complaining about a product, and how horrible it is. I also don’t think that’s fair to the company.
These conversations are the ones I choose to have behind closed doors privately with the brand or PR firm. I consider this a courtesy to the company and brand as they can choose to take my advice or feedback to make changes (or not). A lot of times it’s a learning experience for them too, and I would hate for something negative I posted on my blog a year or two ago resurface and ultimately affect their brand in the present when they’ve made changes and grown a long time ago.
This still doesn’t sit well with me I’m just not sure how I feel about this.
I 100% welcome your feedback should you disagree with something or the way something is being done on the blog I absolutely want to hear from you. In all honesty, this is your blog as much as it is mine, and I want to make sure you’re happy. Please please please keep the lines of communication open, so we can talk this out, and I’m happy to explain my involvement in any of my campaigns. Please feel free to email me directly at Info@shortpresents.com or reach out on social media @shortpresents
Always happy to hear from you.
xx
Kayla
5 Comments
Great post – I love how open and honest you were!
Thanks so much for reading! :):) You know me I’m an open book ! xx
Usually I do not read article on blogs, but I wish to say that this wr-utiep very forced me to take a look at and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, quite nice article.
I think it’s really great that you’ve taken the time to answer these questions. As a novice blogger myself, I was so confused about a lot of the things you mentioned above because no one was talking about it. It’s been really great to see some of my favourite bloggers break that barrier down to help us out!
Xo, Rowan | rowanmorrissy.com
so glad you found it helpful and informative. I wrote it a while back, but just got up the nerve to post it finally.