I’d like to talk to you about the monetization of blogs, and specifically of my blog, Making it Lovely. I announced a new sponsored project earlier this week and the responses were mixed. I feel that it’s important to address the negative sentiments that were expressed.
I am approached daily with offers of items for reviews and giveaways, free trips, sponsorships, and various advertising opportunities (such as text links). I politely decline nearly all of them. To imply that I am thoughtlessly and greedily accepting every freebie that comes my way is hurtful and insulting. I have always taken great care to be ethical, honest, true to myself, and true to my readers. I don’t publish anything that I’m not proud of, and I hold myself to a high degree of integrity and accountability. This blog would be very different if I were only in this to make money. I have always been very selective, choosing only to work with companies that I have used or would use personally regardless of compensation. And now that I’m able to work with a sponsor to share a new project with you that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise? I think that’s wonderful.
Many have lamented the fact that so many blogs are being monetized, and they would prefer to see them remain free of advertising. I respect those individuals that blog without any form of payment, but I also have respect for those that have been able to be fairly compensated for the lovely sites that they have created. It takes a considerable amount of time, effort, and money to keep a blog like Making it Lovely going. I pay for childcare so that I have time to write and edit original photos for the blog. I have upgraded my web hosting to ensure that the site loads quickly and without problems for every visitor. I am always taking time to file away ideas, thinking of new ways to share inspiration with you, and documenting projects for the blog. I’m honored and amazed everyday that Making it Lovely has taken off the way it has, but you must know that there is a lot of work involved.
I am lucky to be able to earn an income via my blog. I have been working toward it for years, and I’m proud of all that I have accomplished. I will continue to accept advertising and explore new sponsorship opportunities in a mindful and responsible way, and I thank you for your support.
Marci
May 8, 2010 at 7:55 pmYou are doing a lovely job and I enjoy it. seriously if those kind of people have a problem with it then why the heck are they even on here reading?!?! leave already! they’re are plenty of us here to fill the space and time who truly appreciate something as great as your Making it Lovely blog.
nick klaus
May 8, 2010 at 9:46 pmThere are millions and millions of blogs out there. Most of them never get enough readership to make sense to monetize them. The best ones require the author to put in hours of time. To me, that’s worth dealing with any kind of advertising.
Bile
May 8, 2010 at 10:04 pmWell said! And yes, congratulations for being able to make a profit from all your hard work and the beautiful things you share with us.
jbhat
May 8, 2010 at 11:55 pmWell said indeed! I am happy for you and love to visit your blog. Thank you for doing what you do…the way you do it, however it evolves.
jbhat
Maryam in Marrakech
May 9, 2010 at 1:56 amI read the original comments to see what was going on and I, too, found them to be really sweet for the most part with just a couple of comments that voiced a concern. I think it is great that your readers feel close enough to you that they feel they can do that. I don’t think that they were implying that you were greedy, etc.
oniont
May 9, 2010 at 4:28 pmI agree. This is blown way out of proportion and the use of the word “hater” is a bit redundant. Just concerns is all I saw and I saw nothing spiteful.
Denise
May 10, 2010 at 10:09 amScroll down a little and you will see the 5 or 6 (out of 247 and counting!!) who respectfully disagree called “selfish and ignorant”. This is seriously out of hand, and I am very disappointed. I was hoping, as I stated above, that the “Ugly” comments were deleted, but a supposed personal friend of Nicole’s says she doesn’t delete them.
Nicole, you started this by responding to only a few respectful comments on the original post by saying: “To imply that I am thoughtlessly and greedily accepting every freebie that comes my way is hurtful and insulting.” In my opinion, you should have made a statement in the comments section. Your quote implies you are not willing to hear any critism or comments that are anything less than fawning. No one is “hurting or insulting” you. You were politely questioned.
So– did you delete the ugly comments or not?
Angelina
May 9, 2010 at 8:04 amSounds good to me! You’ve earned every penny.
NANCY
May 9, 2010 at 8:44 amYour blog is amazing and I can’t believe people are judging you this way. It is obvious that you spend a lot of time and money managing your blog please keep doing exactly what you are doing. I truly do believe that you would never push a product you don’t like or believe in. Good for you and thank you I looks forward to reading all about this project!
Peg
May 9, 2010 at 10:15 amIt’s your blog and you can do whatever you want with it. And I love the ads. I have found some of the neatest and unique things from blog ads. You go girl.
mandi
May 9, 2010 at 12:00 pmThere’s a very simple response to this problem: haters to the left!
It’s like the internet comes with a free entitlement plug-in these days. Stoked to see your bedroom re-do! Congrats on the free cash to make it happen!
Color Collective
May 9, 2010 at 12:01 pmAmen! To maintain a beautiful blog where you can post almost daily and really put your heart into it is a full-time job and you should be compensated for it. Your readers appreciate all the thought that goes into your posts, and should support you 100%!
elise
May 9, 2010 at 12:51 pmOn a slightly different topic….Happy Mothers Day!
You make a tough job look easy and fun,
which is why I keep coming back.
alison (semi-fab lane)
May 9, 2010 at 1:17 pmto anyone who has a negative comment about sponsership-shame on you. that’s like telling anyone who has a job and puts many hours into it-might i add- that they shouldn’t take their paycheck at the end of the week. it’s none of your business and it’s not even your place to comment on something like that. it’s sad you had to address this and waste your time writing about nonsense. i love your blog by the way–if you can’t tell! happy mother’s day!
dinah
May 9, 2010 at 3:02 pmWELL SAID! I didn’t realize there were such haters! That’s pretty selfish and ignorant of them!
Your blog and you are amazing! Keep up the good work and happy mother’s day!!
Debbie
May 9, 2010 at 3:46 pmThere is a wonderful thing on a computer- it’s called the “delete” key, and anyone who doesn’t like your blog can just not follow it, right? Didn’t blogs start out kinda like online diaries? You can write and do what you want honey! I for one am glad you have advertising, because we are trying to revamp our website and do a little blog advertising ourselves. We will be contacting you for rates- love your blog. (you can check it out now if you want- http://www.vintagescout.com)
Goody
May 9, 2010 at 4:04 pmGood for you!
blogging is definitely a LOT of work and I applaud anyone who is able to reap some of the benefits of all that work.
i think its really sad that people think its their place to tell others how to conduct their business and blogging no matter how personal the content is in fact a business.
women should be applauding and appreciating because great opps like yours only opens the doors for others..
pam
May 9, 2010 at 5:22 pmcongrats on building up a strong enough brand that you are attracting sponsors!
maybe one way to ensure these are called out would be to put them in a box with a different color behind them. i’ve seen these done on another big blog, and it seems to work really well — it is crystal clear to readers that it is a sponsored post.
as a blogger, i’ve thought about this whole topic a lot a lot. unless readers are willing to pay a subscription cost (like a magazine) bloggers are going to need to take ads and the like. costs are indeed high for servers, tech support and the biggest cost of all: our time.
good luck, nicole. you go, girl!
Anne
May 9, 2010 at 6:46 pmkeep doing what you’re doing, negative nancys get no where in life!! I’ve used links and sponsors on many blogs including yours to find great products. I feel that I can trust them more because of what you say.
your blog, your time, and I thank you for that! :)
Kristín
May 9, 2010 at 7:27 pmyou go Nicole! Love your blog – often brightens up my day :)
I’m excited to see the outcome of the sponsored project!
Alicia (Atypical Type A)
May 9, 2010 at 8:23 pmNicole, your blog is wonderful and please don’t doubt your decision to accept sponsorship.
It is obvious that you put a considerable amount of work into Making it Lovely and I say good on you for being able to receive some compensation from a company you would already recommend regardless. You did the right thing in fully disclosing it as a sponsored post. I have no doubt your professionalism and integrity will ensure that the monetisation (if you will excuse my Australian spelling) of your blog will be kept to a reasonable and non-intrusive level.
Congratulations for having built up such a strong readership. I will still be keenly visiting here every day.
jill
May 9, 2010 at 8:32 pmfor every negative comment you receive, you have dozens of silent readers ( maybe more!) that are just fine with your decisions. I applaud you for putting yourself ‘out there’. Negative commenters are generally people LOOKING for things to comment negatively on. Your fine……. keep working.
Alaina
May 9, 2010 at 8:50 pmGo Nicole! I am a mostly silent reader and I can’t wait to see your project.
Kimba
May 9, 2010 at 10:18 pmI am constantly amazed by how angry some people are! I don’t understand why anyone cares that you and anyone else is making money from blogging. The world is a constantly changing place, and lots of people make money with internet businesses, and I don’t see blogging as any different! Keep it up, I absolutely love your site, and I for one don’t mind at all if you make a gazillion dollars blogging. :)
oniont
May 10, 2010 at 10:32 amwho was angry? there as a concern no one attacked anyone, unless comments were deleted while moderating.
Fiona Richards
May 9, 2010 at 10:41 pmYou’re so cool Nicole!
Do as you do – cos you do it so well!
Impeccable taste and judgement.
Fiona
Cora
May 9, 2010 at 11:45 pmI for one wish for you to be paid more so that you would do more posts since I really really enjoy your site! You go girl and you do what you have to do to keep being stylish and raising that beautiful little doll!
Emily
May 9, 2010 at 11:46 pmHi Nicole,
just putting my 2c in. I didn’t read the comments on your ‘sponsored’ blog entry so can’t comment on them, but admit to thinking something like “isn’t it great to get rewarded for your efforts”.
Keep doing what you’re doing. It doesn’t cost me anything to read your work and I’d like it to stay that way! I think its great that one can earn money (whether it is one’s sole income or additonal pocket money) from one’s talents (eye for design, writing skills etc).
So keep up the good work!
Sarah
May 10, 2010 at 12:25 amI think this is a wonderful and very smart decision on Nicole’s part. As many people have stated, blogs are free for us to read. All of the fantastic tips, advice and imagery Nicole has provided for us over the years are free!! Sponsored posts will allow her to keep rockin’ on and providing us with the content we love. Just because a sponsored post mentions a particular product, you do not need to purchase it. But you probably will because you know Nicole picks out the most fantastic things for your home!! And that is why are here, to be inspired! Love Making it Lovely, Nicole and cannot wait to see the new project.
meta
May 10, 2010 at 2:25 amI’ve admired you since the first time I stumbled upon your blog. And now I admire you even more! Go girl, I know how much money, time, and energy it takes to keep a blog running. You’re a truly inspiration for us mom bloggers!
daiseeboo
May 10, 2010 at 3:10 amDon’t let begrudgers get to you. Once you choose advertising and sponsorship that you believe in and that is true to your blog you have nothing to answer for. It takes a huge time investment to produce such a fantastic and popular blog and you should be rewarded for that in some form. Keep doing what you are doing and ignore petty people.
Mama Nailah
May 10, 2010 at 6:55 amThanks, for sharing this :-) but honestly as a huge fan of you blog. I don’t even believe you owe me an explanation. I enjoy what I read on your blog. I keep coming back because your post is interesting, I can relate but mainly because I can sense the authenticity of your posts. If you are able to make some income from your posts that’s great! If anyone has a problem with that then they shouldn’t visit your blog, it’s as simple as that!
Again, thanks for sharing this but I have come to learn in life that if you try to justify your actions to others, they seem to develop this convoluted notion that they now have a right to tell you how to act or need justification for your actions and they don’t!!! The only people you are accountable to is family and ultimately God!
Clair
May 10, 2010 at 8:33 amSustaining yourself and your family while doing something you love is a dream for most people. Not only does your blog make me happy but the fact that you are able to do it is inspirational!
grace
May 10, 2010 at 8:49 amNicole,
I was one of the people who left a comment expressing concern in the original post. My comments (hopefully) expressed first and foremost respect and admiration for what I called your ‘lovely’ and excellent blog. And it is! It simply put is one of the best out there in my opinion. My original comment was that I like hearing your voice and the tone of that Amex post seemed to not be your voice. I read your blog to hear what you have to say and I could not agree more that it is evident in your writing and posting that you seem to hold yourself to the highest of standards. Your blog is a wonderful, well-thought out and just plain beautiful place to visit. All of that said, I hope that it is okay to express opinions that may or may not differ from both you and your other readers. On the rare time that I do so, it would only be done with respect and only because I care. Yours (as I said in the last post) is a place of beauty and thought, and I do wish you the best. I have carefully re-read the original comments on the post and it does seem that those who had concerns were trying to post them in a respectful and thoughtful way. Thanks for the additional clarification in this post – as I also noted in my first comment, of course this is your blog and your business, but your transparency is admirable in this clarifying post.
Very best,
vangurl
May 10, 2010 at 3:28 pmI agree with this comment. Anyone that supposedly question the tone in the original ‘sponsored’ post was not doing so in a hateful and hurtful way.
a lot of folks that have commented here need to put down the pitchforks and torches and relax.
Carrie
May 10, 2010 at 9:28 amYour blog is amazing. To be paid for your creativity, spunk and lovely inspiration, is very well deserved. The best to you always!
Mary
May 10, 2010 at 9:40 amNicole, I think you totally rock and I will continue to read your wonderful blog regardless of advertisements or sponsored posts. You are an amazing person, and have clearly put your heart and soul into this blog, so why shouldn’t that be rewarded? People are paid for the work they do in many forms, and why would that change how much I love reading this awesome blog. You are one amazing blogger, and I feel honored to get to read along with your adventures. And I just love your sweet baby–she is the cutest! Best wishes to you always. Keep rocking!
Penny Cook
May 10, 2010 at 10:22 amI just wanted to throw my support out here too. I think the choices you’ve made are really smart. I love your blog, and will keep reading! Go Nicole!
Best,
Penny
(mom of 3 boys: 8,5 & 1)
Julie M.
May 10, 2010 at 10:54 amI’m sorry you felt you even needed to write this post. You are a success and should be proud of it. The fact that you are contacted at all is a testament to that. And thank you for being selective and only sharing with us, those products that do meet your standards. Wishing you much more success!
Jenna
May 10, 2010 at 1:02 pmI am so glad that I get to enjoy your blog for FREE! There is obviously an enormous amount of work that goes into a blog of this quality, and I am happy for you (and for me) that there is a way for you to be supported so I can keep reading.
rachel
May 10, 2010 at 1:10 pmI can’t catch up on all the comments here, but by golly! you deserve to make money. Anyone who thinks otherwise obviously isn’t thinking. You do a fabulous job and I have been reading since the very beginning. Keep up the lovely work! :)
Patti
May 10, 2010 at 5:22 pmLong time reader who has no issue whatsoever with monetizing blogs.
An enormous amount of time, effort and expense go into the best of them – like yours……
Keep doing what you’re doing – you should be compensated for your work.
ECCO
May 10, 2010 at 6:56 pmI agree with everyone else, you just keep doing what you’re doing Nicole. I love your blog, and I am not afraid to admit that I have clicked on more than one of your sponsors links because they seemed like products I would use and appreciate. Don’t let the haters get you down!
EvY
May 10, 2010 at 7:11 pmThey’re just haters. Your site is awesome. You SHOULD get compensated for all the work you put into it.
Charlotte
May 10, 2010 at 8:10 pmWhere are all these haters everyone is referring to? Did I miss something?
Valerie
May 10, 2010 at 8:12 pmMaking it Lovely is one of my favorite blogs. I’m only disappointed when there is not a daily post! I have become so enamored with Eleanor … she is such a cutie and I have enjoyed watching her grow! If people don’t like your blog, Nicole, they have a choice not to read it. It’s as simple as that. Thank you for all the inspiration you share with your fans!
Kimberly
May 10, 2010 at 11:41 pmSince everyone is telling you how wonderful your blog is (and I agree) I feel the need to add my two cents and let you know how much I appreciate your proper grammar! It’s so refreshing to read a blog that doesn’t confuse a possessive with a plural and knows the difference between “your” and “you’re”….it’s great. Bad grammar is so distracting. I can tell you thoughtfully edit your posts.
marybeth @ www.babygoodbuys.com
May 11, 2010 at 8:36 amI wish you wouldn’t even feel a need to explain yourself or apologize. I think as long as you write quality content and provide material that prompts readers to return, you can choose to monetize or not monetize your website in any way you choose!
Thank you for all the amazing information and inspiration you provide! You very much deserve to be compensated for all your hard work.
JuliaL
May 11, 2010 at 8:44 am:-) I wonder if all the complainers would be willing to pay for a subscription to your blog? I mean, a girl’s got to eat and decorate!
Kris
May 11, 2010 at 10:17 amWell said! Keep up the good work, and don’t let the haters keep you down. You’re putting positive things into the world, and they are not.
Alana
May 11, 2010 at 10:39 amI work for a large ad agency in Chicago. Our PR team does product placements all the time. They just did one for a garage door opener manufacturer at Jay Leno’s house for the show Garage Mahal. At no point did Jay Leno turn to the camera and deliver a disclaimer that he received it as a gift and is therefore giving publicity to the product by using it in his home. They never do.
Product placements, endorsements, product reviews…they’re everywhere.
Ev. Ry. Where.
At least the author of this blog is forthcoming about what’s a paid endorsement and what isn’t.
beth
May 11, 2010 at 11:48 amI find it inspiring that you can get paid for doing what you love.
Julie
May 11, 2010 at 3:20 pmJust wanted to add another supportive comment to the long list. You’re a beautiful, conscientous writer who never fails to brighten my day with your amazing sense of style. I’m happy to know that the posts I enjoy for free are supporting your family, your business, and your continued success in whatever you choose to do. I love your blog and want it to continue to be a source of happiness for you!
Renee
May 11, 2010 at 7:21 pmWhen I began my blog six months ago I had no idea how time consuming it would be to create a posts that appeal to people in both content and artistically as well. When the time is right I hope to monetize my blog as well. In addition, I don’t think people realize how great it is for small businesses to have a reasonably priced place to advertise as well.
As a business woman and mother you need to create a life that works for you and your family and you should not have to explain or defend your choices. You have an interesting and beautiful blog and I support you 100%
jessica
May 12, 2010 at 12:00 amAaaand, this is why I don’t have comments. Bookmarking just in case I ever need a reminder for why I have them turned off. Lovely comments, polite questioning comments, out and out angry comments – all of ’em stress me out. :)
dai
May 12, 2010 at 11:29 amNicole, I love you blog, and thank you for all your efforts! I believe that yuo’ll make the sponsored project very YOU that we all feel comfortable.:)
Lynne
May 12, 2010 at 11:04 pmSorry, I hit reply to someone and it posted here instead of as a reply (and I can’t even find their post now) so my comment is completely out of context. As I said earlier though, you have become successfull, and unfortunately you are experiencing Tall Poppy Syndrome. Ignore the negativity and carry on doing your thing because most of us do not have a problem with the way you run YOUR blog.
Link Love: 5.13.10 | Nubbytwiglet.com
May 13, 2010 at 1:38 pm[…] Nicole Balch brings up some really great points in Sponsorship and Advertising. In part, she says, “Many have lamented the fact that so many blogs are being monetized, and […]
Making it Lovely | Transforming the so-so. » Blog Archive » Honor Roll
May 14, 2010 at 10:59 am[…] Let’s talk money and blogs. And then let’s think a bit more about the subject. (Clearly this has been on my mind lately.) […]
Abby
May 15, 2010 at 10:16 pmYou handled this very well, Nicole. I think you should be able to take your blog in whatever direction you see fit. Congratulations on your new sponsership, it is well deserved recognition of your hard work! Your blog is gorgeous and inspirational, and so are you :)
kim
May 17, 2010 at 12:01 pmWell said! Researching and creating original content is very time-consuming. Readers need to remember that similar professional bloggers are making $50+/hr. With that in mind, you also deserve to be compensated for your expertise in driving eyeballs, clicks and sales to everyone you write about and advertise.
Ez
May 17, 2010 at 1:12 pmWell said Nicole! I couldn’t agree with you more. I think that it’s important for us all (blog writers and blog readers) to keep in mind the massive quantity of time and thought that goes into creating such a lovely blog as yours. Those who have been featured on your pages have surely benefited from all your hard work, and you absolutely deserve compensation…just as any business woman does in her chosen field. Blog on sister…blog on. : ) xo Ez
gia
May 18, 2010 at 9:34 amLove your blog! Keep up the good work.
Shannon
May 22, 2010 at 10:49 amJust catching up to this post; I am perplexed as to why anyone would gripe. Making it Lovely and Pink Loves Brown are your work, your business, your brand. End of story.
nina {nina renee designs}
May 22, 2010 at 8:52 pmYou absolutely deserve to be compensated for your TALENTS… not everyone can do what you do {the way you do it}! How much time do you dedicate to your blog/business??? 1000 hrs a day? Yes, get paid.
:-)
The Design Boards
June 2, 2010 at 3:34 pmI’m so sorry that you have received negative comments and feedback about your new sponsorship. I am always so happy for other bloggers when I hear about the opportunities that have come out of blogging. Blogging is a lot of hard work and you do a great job at it. You deserve to be compensated for what you do!
7 Links Challenge « eye see pretty
July 17, 2010 at 8:16 pm[…] posts that I remember most clearly was written by Nicole Balch of Making It Lovely entitled ‘Blog Sponsorship and Advertising‘. She had taken on a project sponsored by American Express and received many negative […]
Shelter Media Watch: This Bedroom Brought to You by American Express :: The Studioist
July 22, 2010 at 1:06 pm[…] caused some reader outcry and accusations that there has been a shift in tone on the blog. Nicole defended the collaboration and many supporters have argued that it is a triple-win: Amex receives exposure; Nicole is […]
Rebecca
September 29, 2010 at 7:12 pmA little late,
but I love your blog,
your ideas,
your style…
And I *love* the fact that you’re able to make a living from it. You are not a sell-out.
Keep on keepin’ on, Nicole.
2010 Recap: The Blog | Making it Lovely
January 6, 2011 at 8:53 am[…] I discussed my thoughts on blog sponsorship and advertising. […]
Robin
January 6, 2011 at 9:27 amI think you do a fabulous job! Keep up the good work!
Alisa (mrsbcs)
January 6, 2011 at 10:25 amThank you, Nicole, for what you give to us daily. You are an inspiration to me and I appreciate what you do.
Alisa
May 9, 2011 at 3:21 pmIt’s a shame that anyone would try to make you feel badly about sponsorships you choose to accept. Clearly you put so much of yourself into your blog. No one should reasonably expect you to cover all the expense that goes into the maintenance and creation of such great material out of your own pocket. That’s ludicrous!
The Evolving Blog
July 13, 2011 at 11:50 amThis was a great post, glad we ran in to it this morning! We love honest + true blogs :)
Dave
August 6, 2011 at 5:38 pmYa know?… I started blogging again not only to get my message out but to make new friends AND see if I could make some money on it. I’ve got a job after being laid off in construction as this recession set in, didn’t apply for extended unemployment benefits, couldn’t get a job until after I had to move out from my wife of 24 years (with our youngest daughter who knew she needed to be with me, finances the major breaking point)at minimum wage until I secured the job I have now. And I am thankful. But I ain’t satisfied! I’m not making nearly what I’m worth. I’ve been looking for over a year almost on a daily basis. I’ve sent out and followed up as best I could over 100 resumes with one response. As soon as I could afford a laptop and ISP I started blogging again with the intent on getting my message out and see if I could be compensated for it. Although… making friends is a great side benefit the way I approach it! I don’t believe my sites as lovely as yours (!) but I like it and think you handled this issue well. It does take a lot of effort. If there’s a demand for something that’s worth monetary compensation in an honest business arrangement what’s wrong with that? There will be bloggers that are sponsor free, but as their talent and audience develops why can’t they get paid for being good at entertaining, informing or serving their audience? My site launched 9 weeks ago and its gotten 1,500 hits as well as international readers. It takes effort to get results. I’m all self taught at this puterin’… writing, marketing, seo, site design, images, layout, html… Honestly, i’d be dream come true for me! Makin’ a living doin’ what I love? Making friends, sharing laughs, learning together! Is America great or what?!
Dave
August 6, 2011 at 5:50 pmMy site… btw is http://www.TheHolleringStump.com I didn’t add it to the above in case this seemed somewhat distasteful to you Nicole. You could delete this if you don’t like it or don’t like my message. Either or both won’t change my mind about what I said but this way you can just delete this! Some other web sites were showing on some posts. I thought they were automatically added.
What’s Next for Us | Making it Lovely
February 27, 2012 at 2:11 am[…] some new ideas with my team at FM.Sponsorships are a tricky subject for some, I know. It’s something that I’ve written about before, and I’ve done a lot of sponsored content since then. There was one campaign in particular […]
How My Blog Went From a Hobby to a Job | Making it Lovely
January 16, 2013 at 8:03 pm[…] have written about this before, back in 2010. Since then, I have continued to explore new ways to work with sponsors, while still maintaining my […]