How to Pick Which Blogs to Sponsor?

#1 What kind of sponsorship program are you looking for? What’s included?

This is the first question that you should ask yourself. Understanding what you are needing when sponsoring other blogs is crucial in getting the outcome that you want. There are three main kinds of blog sponsorship programs that I have found through blogging. Also notice what is included. Some bloggers specify things that come with sponsorship levels. Some may intrigue you more than others. 

The first program being a sponsorship that provides you with only the option to buy in to giveaways. For those that are looking for promotions this is not going to really satisfy you. I know that in the beginning I found blogs that would not promote me at all, but that I gained tons of followers from giveaways. So if you are looking for numbers alone this may be a great fit for you. 

The last two are closely related, the main difference being if they charge you an entry fee to enter giveaways. Now I am not talking about blogs that charge you money to put into a “pot” to purchase gift cards, rather I am talking about when a blogger actually charges you a fee on top of the fee you pay for the ad space. Finally the last program is where your ad space gets you free entry into the giveaway, you just pay or giveaway away something in addition to promotions. 

#2 Does the Blog fit with you?

This is super important! When considering a blog to sponsor you need to look at the bigger picture and realize that you need to find a blog to sponsor to draw in readers that will actually read your blog. For instance if you are wanting to write about the single life and the shenanigans that you can get into, then you probably will not want to sponsor someone that blogs about mommy stuff. I am in no way saying don’t sponsor these ladies, I am just say that their readers may not have as much in common with what you like to write about on your blog. 

#3 Does size really matter? 

Well in this case I truly believe it does. I hate to say it but through my experience as a blogger I have found sponsoring larger blogs to be more beneficial to me due to their ability to reach a higher number of readers and page views. Again this is just based on my personal experience.  

#4 Are the high priced sponsorship programs the best?

No. I firmly believe that sometimes bloggers overprice their ads. If you disagree that is okay, but I have learned through my experience that some of the blog I have sponsored that had the highest prices gave me nothing in return. Whereas some blogs that had moderately priced ads I found actually were more beneficial to sponsor. I do recommend asking around on blogs that you are debating on sponsoring, especially when they are on the higher-end, because if you spend all that money for what you feel is not worth it, then you will not be happy. 

#5 Is it important that they have a few sponsors? 

I find that it is important to look at is their sidebar. If the placement of ads is high and they have a pretty good amount of sponsors then I am more likely to sponsor them. I personally feel that if they have sponsors then people are most likely happy with their sponsorship. I will say I do pay attention to social media accounts of some bloggers I am thinking of sponsoring to see if they promote all their sponsors. 

#6 Last One I promise! Do they post often?

Let’s face it. If they do not post regularly then chances are people are not going to stick around their blog, thus decreasing the chance that you will obtain more readers. I mean that is the goal..right? Too I look at this as perhaps they don’t have time, and I tend be deterred if they do not blog more than 3 times per week. 

I truly hope that this helps all of you! I know that sponsoring blogs can be scary and hit and miss. I know that I have sponsored a ton of blogs since I started this blog and each have had their ups and downs. I decided to write this based on the shear volume of bloggers that ask me this question. I am not going to bash any blogger in this post nor will I openly share who you should sponsor. Those are your choices. I am happy to tell you someone of the ones that I recommend via email. I feel that you should really use the guide above to think it out for yourself. It is your investment and you should look at this as a business decision.