I have been a blogger for almost 6 years now. I don’t count myself in the top realm of bloggers that pull in thousands of dollars per post on their sites and social media, but I do make quite a bit off of my brand. A brand that encompasses both social media and this blog. I have made a ton of cringe worthy mistakes along the way, because it’s not like there is a rule book for bloggers and since blogging is a pretty personal thing I am not sure any one set of rules really would work.
I work hard as a blogger and just like any one who takes their job seriously, I take blogging seriously. So much so that I am very exacting in what I will and won’t do as a blogger. This is important since it is my name and no one elses’s on the line. One bad tweet and I could become persona non grata for all of my clients. Crappy blog posts that are just sales pieces, will lose my audience in a minute. So as a blogger, every day I walk a fine line. It’s kind of an interesting world to be in.
Anyways, here are 8 things I will not do as a blogger. If you are a blogger maybe my list matches your own. If you are a reader over here, thank you, and know that I am genuinely legit in everything I try to do as a blogger.
I Don’t Work Just For Free Product
Ugh, I get about a million emails per week that sound like this, “Hello JENerally Informed. We love your blog! We want to see if you would be willing to try our world renowned anti- diarrhea medicine? All we ask is that you post about it on your blog, share across social media …. blah- blah- blah….”
I actually haven’t ever been approached about blogging for anti- diarrhea medicine, but almost. Anyways, no matter how great you think your product is, this girl does not work for free. And asking me basically to do that is insulting.
If I Don’t Like It, I Don’t Blog About It
I research every request for a sponsored post very thoroughly. If a company contacts me to do one, I first look at their site and product. If I think it’s crap, I pass. End of story.
Guest Posts, meh…
I get tons of requests to guest post here on JENerally Informed and not that I don’t like guest posts, but if I have no idea who you are, there is no way I am letting you guest post on my blog. The hopeful author usually includes the promise in their email pitch that they will write an “engaging post that is of interest to my readers.” I’m always like, hmm, what do you think I try to do as a blogger? Write posts that bore my audience to death?
So, nope unless I know and like you or if you pay me, I am not letting you guest post over here.
Pose Naked
Um, this isn’t a problem right? Because, it will never, ever happen. The world wouldn’t recover…..
Steal Another Blogger’s Stuff
This makes me so mad. Every recipe, blog post and whatever that is created here and then shared on social media has been concocted in my head. I take great pains to try and add original touches into my recipes, and to see them ripped off by other bloggers and turned into their own is horrible. Mark my words there is a special place in plagiarism hell for people like that.
Fake It
I am not good at lying. I get all twitchy and so the thought of attempting to write a 1,000+ word post about something I just don’t believe in is not something I can do. Other bloggers might be able to, but I can’t.
I Don’t Underestimate My Value
I have worked hard over the past 5 years to get to this point. There have been tears, long nights spent on the computer trying to understand new blogging apps, finish updates and so much more. So if a company contacts me and wants me to be overjoyed to have the privilege to work for them for peanuts, I am like NO. My time and my blog is worth a heck of lot more than that. This recently happened. The almost client wouldn’t budge on their price and I walked. And actually it was all good, because 3 more jobs came in one after the other and if I had been working on that really poor paying job, I would have been totally stressed. Ah, sweet karma. It can be a beautiful thing when it works your way.
I Will Never Bad Mouth Another Blogger
Nobody likes to be the lackey for a jerk and I know that my blog would suffer if I did this over here. So I don’t. Plus life is short and hard, I prefer to celebrate the good whenever possible.
So don’t go there. Don’t do it. If you don’t like what a blogger is saying, just step away from the computer and like the technology savvy adult that you are, unfollow them on social media. See all better.
Love,
Jen
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Comments
I am so with you on all of the above, especially not working for free. Not going to lie, I do run sponsored content and also run guest posts, but all must compensate me, as well, because my blog is my livelihood and refuse to work for free with it. Hugs and thanks for sharing with us here, Jen :)
Janine Huldie recently posted…Getting Your Child’s Ears Pierced for the First Time
I know sister, you are my blogging guru and have been a great teacher through your example. I am sure I am not the only one to feel this way. So thanks for rocking it for all of us :)
Jen recently posted…Eight Things I Won’t Do As A Blogger
Haha! I have worked for just product, but I do it A LOT less often in more recent days. I have to actually want the product, like REALLY want the product and I it has to be of a considerable value to me. If those to things pan out, I’ll think about it.
Love this list. Now I kind of wish I thought to write a post like this . But don’t worry, I won’t! Tee hehe he!
Beth recently posted…2016 Fall Bucket List: Update #2
I agree, there are some products in the past where I felt it was worth it just receive and blog about, but there are so many apps and such I just can’t imagine making my time worth the effort!
Ha-ha go for it girl, I bet your list might have some new creations of your own!
Jen recently posted…Eight Things I Won’t Do As A Blogger
Thank you for this post. I’m pretty new to blogging and I’ve been pondering whether I should do guest posts and do product reviews after being approached a few times. I appreciate hearing the viewpoint of a seasoned veteran blogger.
Oh I am so glad you found this helpful! I guess I do have the wounds and stamps of a seasoned blogger, so if it helps someone I just hope it helps them avoid those same missteps I made!
Jen recently posted…Eight Things I Won’t Do As A Blogger
I like the last one the very best. I know a blogger that nailed me to the wall because I wouldn’t do something she wanted me to do. She was the expert you know. She was a bully. I dumped her like a bad habit. She’s still out there and I’m guessing she’s just as miserable.
Have a fabulous day my friend. I think your blog rocks. ☺
Comedy Plus recently posted…Wordless Wednesday
Oh yuck, yes move on from people like that. You are definitely all the better for that!
Thank you! Back at ya :)
Jen recently posted…Eight Things I Won’t Do As A Blogger
As a blogger that is trying to expand my network and monetize my blog after five years, I really enjoyed this post. I’ve been researching, reading and trying to get everything just right, so I can reach out to sponsors, expand my brand, and create the blog I’ve always desired. I’m taking all of your “don’t” into consideration along this journey. Thanks for sharing.
Mary, that is so exciting! Congratulations! I am glad you found this helpful and wish you the best. Let me know if you get stuck and need any advice, I just might have it :) Hugs!
Jen recently posted…Eight Things I Won’t Do As A Blogger
YES! You tell ’em, Jen! Recently a company that I turned down b/c they couldn’t pay my price actually emailed me that they get a new budget in January and will work with me then for my actual asking price. Sweet. I love your blog rules. I have learned so much from you. I was kind of panicking on the the people asking to guest post thing, and when I asked your advice and you told me your policy, I decided that was my policy too. Tell me, do you just ignore half of these emails b/c I do, and then I have guilt, but not really because there is only so much time.
April recently posted…The Weight of the Choices that We Make
Good for you! I am so excited to watch your blog changes going on right now. If I can feel them and I am excited for you, so I can’t imagine how exciting this time is for you! Hugs and good luck my friend !
Yes, I ignore them for just that same reason and do it guilt free :)
Jen recently posted…Eight Things I Won’t Do As A Blogger
Yes to all of this!
I have a rule: if it wouldn’t fly in “real life,” don’t do it on a blog.
Don’t work for free, don’t lie, don’t steal…
Your honesty and frankness is a welcomed read, Jen. Thanks
Sarah recently posted…How to Research Keywords for Blogs Posts the Easy Way
That is a good rule. I tell my kids the same thing about social media. I hope they listen! They better :)
Thanks Sarah, you really are fantastic and I am so happy we met in this crazy blogging world. You are the real deal.
Jen recently posted…Eight Things I Won’t Do As A Blogger
This is a great list! I get so many emails in my inbox, too, from companies who just want free promotion. I don’t do many sponsored posts, but payment is a must!
As for posing nude…yup, agree with you there, too!
Ginny Marie recently posted…Retreat
Could you imagine trying to do them all? Burnout central! Glad you are anti nude posting as well. We gotta stick together :)
Jen recently posted…Eight Things I Won’t Do As A Blogger
It makes me so sad when I’ve been following a blog that suddenly switches to sponsored sponsored sponsored. A few are fine, but all the time makes me look elsewhere for interesting things to read. Thanks for not selling out that way ;)
Courtney recently posted…2016 Election Disappointment? This Helps.
It’s interesting how there are some big blogs out there that that is all they do and it really isn’t interesting. Yawn worthy really. Yet they keep getting more sponsorships? I do know that the money I receive blogging has helped me up my blogging game and make my blog better, so it really is a fine line.
Jen recently posted…Eight Things I Won’t Do As A Blogger
Great post! I think it’s important to stay as positive as you can when blogging, and by that, I mean not putting down other bloggers. I try and focus on what I believe in – it might not always be happy/happy but I’m being honest. At the same time, I’m always trying to make sure that I’m posting what I want but what is also of interest to readers!
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Can I Sit On Your Lap While You’re Pooping? by Matthew Carroll and his daughter Morgan
And that is exactly why you have longevity as a blogger. You have been around the block and know what’s up. I am happy to have met you!
Jen recently posted…Eight Things I Won’t Do As A Blogger
I totally agree about not stealing from or bad mouthing another blogger!
Akaleistar recently posted…5 Ways to Do Good This Holiday Season
It just isn’t worth it. Kindness is really the best policy or sometimes, avoidance when you just can’t find anything nice to say :)
Jen recently posted…Eight Things I Won’t Do As A Blogger
Yes. Yes. Amen. Cheers! The only one I’m bad at is this:
I Don’t Underestimate My Value
I think I do. I’m trying not to. As for not being able to fake it, I think it’s hopefully evident because my posts always take WAY longer than I expect, because they have to be a certain way.
Tamara recently posted…The Day I Chased a “Bad Guy”
Haha, nope you are definitely not a faker. That’s good, because fakers are no fun and your blog is a lot of fun! If it were up to me, all of my talented blogging buddies would get insane contracts that would keep us funded and rolling forever :)
Jen recently posted…Eight Things I Won’t Do As A Blogger
I so agree with all of this! I get tons of those emails too. When I reply back with my fee, I’m usually ignored or told I’m being silly. Um?
I don’t have guest posters on my blog either. It’s just not my thing. I could never steal stuff either. That’s just all sorts of wrong.
Amber recently posted…Our Veterans, Our Heroes
Thank you! Do they tell you that you are silly? No way! Watch me walk away would be my response. You go girl, you have got a great blog and so you are totally doing it right!
Jen recently posted…Eight Things I Won’t Do As A Blogger
I have only been blogging for a few months and I am starting to adopt some of these same principals. I stopped working for product and only take reviews that I can work into my blog seamlessly and actually use. For instance I am doing a review on a food scale soon- cause I have no freaking stop button when I eat and my ass is out of control!
#happynow
kristin mccarthy recently posted…Donald Trump’s Win Made Me A Better Mother
Haha, now that is a review I could stand behind.. Um, wait that sounded really bad.
Seriously though, looking forward to the review!
Jen recently posted…Kidfresh Meal Ideas
This is helpful for the upcoming bloggers. Frankly, as a washed-up nobody blogger, I’ve got different rules. I might work for free product if it’s something I’m interested in. No one is banging down my door offering sponsored posts so I’m not terribly offended by doing a review in exchange for a product.
But those terrible robo-emails about guest posting are just that — terrible. Especially the ones that don’t know my name or don’t see my clear “No guest posting” policy on one of my pages, LOL.
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted…Ode to the Mom Who Didn’t RSVP
I even wonder how many people respond to those robo emails? I just hit delete. Oh, and you are way not a washed up, nobody blogger. You are freaking awesome, so go for the products you want!
Jen recently posted…Kidfresh Meal Ideas
I think you do a fabulous job staying true and honest in this online space, Jen. Isn’t it amazing the people who email with some request who obviously have never read your blog? I get those too. It’s so frustrating, especially when they say “I think this would be a great fit for your readers.” Insulting my intelligence is the worst way to get me to work with you :). I agree with all of your points here and you continue to nail it as a blogger, my friend!
Candace Playforth recently posted…Gift Guide for Body, Mind, and Soul
Amen! I got one yesterday for an app that I wasn’t even interested in and I was like how would my audience like this? Thank you and back at you. You are one awesome blogger!
Jen recently posted…Kidfresh Meal Ideas
This is a great post, thank you so much for sharing your blogging wisdom! I have been linking up with you for a bit over a month and I really appreciate everything you do a write! #happynowlinkup
Thank you Brandi. That is so sweet. Hearing that my work helps a fellow blogger out makes me so happy!
Jen recently posted…Kidfresh Meal Ideas
So authentic and real, Jen. I love it! This is really good advice for newer bloggers like me. Thanks for sharing these tips from your hard-fought wealth of experience.
Marva | SunSparkleShine recently posted…10 Practical Ways to Spark Gratitude in Your Home
Thank you :) Hard fought, full on palm to the forehead moments for sure. If I can spare you and others those same moments, then it is a win for sure!
Jen recently posted…Kidfresh Meal Ideas
Thank you for the great tips! I took a break for a couple of years and back now and it’s almost overwhelming sometimes how it’s changed even just in a couple of years.
I have this one lady who continuously emails me to guest post on my blog and I’m like…I don’t know you? I love helping others, but generally because we know each other. Weird.
I’ve found the blogging community to be so supportive of each others writings, that it does always jar me a bit when I remember there are some that are not. Unfollowing (shutting that up) them is the best advice. =) #happynowlinkup
The Rambler recently posted…My Unexpected Friend
It feels like it changes overnight and then the fads that you have to decide whether they are fads or not or if you should get on board. Overwhelming sometimes!
You are doing a great job, good luck my friend and please reach out to me if you need anything. Even just to commiserate with someone when it all goes crazy :)
Jen recently posted…Kidfresh Meal Ideas
I think you have a couple of very good points here! I think in the uk, it’s very different regarding working for free. Generally, you are not paid for reviews but you keep the products. I always try to hold a giveaway so that at least my readers get something out of it . so good to be back on #happynowlinkup this week x
Glad you could join us this week! Across countries, things probably do vary greatly. I just know that I have zero time already and it takes a few hours of time I don’t have to write a post and do it well. So unless I am getting paid, it’s not worth the time to me.
Jen recently posted…Kidfresh Meal Ideas
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us Jen. As a new blogger it’s really appreciated. I particularly like the last piece of advice, not just for blogging, but for life generally #happynowbloglinkup x
Lisa recently posted…One of Those Days?
Thank you Lisa! I think you are right, it is better just to move on and avoid the drah-mah :)
Jen recently posted…Kidfresh Meal Ideas
I’m on the beginning of my blogging journey so I posts like yours are very important for me because I can learn a lot:) to be honest I don’t know any blogger who is talking bad about another blogger
Oh it happens, and there are some bloggers who are bossy and mean. I avoid them and make my blogging world a very lovely place indeed :) Glad you liked this post!
Jen recently posted…10 Simply Brilliant Mom Hacks and Avoiding The Hangry
I appreciate your shedding light on your blogging don’ts. I’ve been at this for a few months and, while I now feel very comfortable with my content, I must admit to being overwhelmed with cultivating business.
I refuse to pimp myself out. My thought is to begin by approaching businesses myself – ones that have products I already use and like. But I don’t want my “baby” to become a platform for commercials, nor do I want to insult my readers by “sneaking in” an ad.
So my questions are these:
1. At what point should I begin approaching companies? How many views/subscribers/followers should I have before my site would be deemed attractive?
2. If (no, WHEN) I begin doing business with a brand, how should I incorporate it in to my blog to remain a non-whore?
Please do not feel obligated at all to stop everything you are doing to respond to my queries! I just felt it would be a bad idea not to seize the opportunity to ask. :-)
Thanks as always for the useful information, Jen. It is much appreciated!
#happynowlinkup
It took me over a year to make money. This was after I had established my brand, my voice and my blog in general. At that point I joined several blogging groups and started applying for jobs; SITS girls, Social Fabric, Mom It Forward and Linquia. All of which helped me launch my first sponsored posts. Now I also directly solicit brands I want to work with and sometimes they contact me. That is fun!
As far as pages views, that isn’t the all important factor. Your social media reach tends to be more looked at as well as your results. I know some bigger blogs that just don’t show results and brands don’t like that.
I never feel ashamed of doing sponsored posts or putting ads on my blog. My readers know if they want me to stick around they had better go ahead and deal, because without that my blog would sink. Thus why it is important to me to only accept products and companies I can get on board with! Don’t forget that sponsored posts, can be a lot about you and also be interesting and not just a sales piece. I try to also fill the time in between sponsored posts with interesting material that I know my readers will like.
So now that my thesis is done here, hopefully some of this helped :)
Jen recently posted…10 Simply Brilliant Mom Hacks and Avoiding The Hangry
And this is why you are so great! I have learned my lesson on writing an unsponsored post. I was fooled twice but never again. I felt so honored to be contacted the first time and was so excited about writing the post it didn’t dawn on me. Then, I did it again and realized after I committed that I was being taken advantage of. I have since turned down other offers. The last one just last week. i responded to them with a statement that I couldn’t tell from their email if this was a sponsored post and asked what complimentary items were being offered. They sent me to a page that anyone could go to with a percentage off code…NOT! I politely declined.
Lowanda J recently posted…How Cyber Smart Are You?
Aw thank you. Good for you! Absolutely we have to protect our time and our investment of time with our blogs. If brands and product reps try to treat us that way it is best to walk away.
Jen recently posted…10 Simply Brilliant Mom Hacks and Avoiding The Hangry
I’m yet to make any real money, but the longer more I blog, the more I find myself making these rules of what I won’t do. The I wonder how I ever *will* make any money. Bottom line, maybe I won’t, but more importantly. But some things aren’t worth the money, are they?
Wendy | The Art of “Why Not?” recently posted…Twins Polish Pottery – Two Sisters and a Dream
Absolutely some things definitely aren’t worth the money. I know your blog has a powerful message that reaches many, so perhaps that is wherein the real treasure of your blog exists :)
Jen recently posted…10 Simply Brilliant Mom Hacks and Avoiding The Hangry
I love this! It’s great that you know your worth and success and I really hope I may be as great at this whole blogging thing as you haha :) #HappyNow
Amie recently posted…Books vs. Films
That is so sweet! Thank you! Good luck my friend on this blogging journey :)
Jen recently posted…10 Simply Brilliant Mom Hacks and Avoiding The Hangry
Hi Jen, an excellent list to stand by and the reason you are such a good blogger. I have recently been approached by people wanting to publish posts on my blog for their own benefit, it made me think long and hard about what I want as a blogger. One of the main things is that my blog only reflects my opinions and that I am honest about what I write. Part of being a blogger is standing by what we believe in, not losing our voice and not allowing ‘brands’ to take the mic.
xx
Debbie recently posted…The Supermoon As Seen From Zakynthos – Through My Lens
I agree! This week I was approached by an online casino to put an ad/post on my site. They were going to pay a significant fee, but I was like Nah, that is so not who I am.
Hugs my friend and keep up the good work!
Jen recently posted…10 Simply Brilliant Mom Hacks and Avoiding The Hangry
I love the emails you get that have bad grammar and promise to have some product “that would be a great fit for your blog.” I swear, if the email contains those exact words, I can practically guarantee you that it’s not!
Jenny @ Unremarkable Files recently posted…7 Quick Takes about Breakfast Pie, Not Taking Pictures of Your Swordfish, and Good Names for Internet Villians
Aren’t those terrible. I kind of enjoy reading those ones for pleasure :)
Jen recently posted…Virtual Cookie and Holiday Treat Exchange
Jen, I am with you!
Sticking to the “topic I love” then “topics people love”; I write on “topic I love” to write about and write more and more.
Once was the time I kept writing on the topics that people would love to hear about .. With that, I was not satisfied.
Now been a while I am sticking to my loved topic, not only I am able to write more but also I am getting noticed.
So, this is what I do.
And I agree with the guest posting thing but I am not doing so for my own. I hardly turn down the offers (but only accept from the known people.)
And wow for the free promotion; I am a victim too and thank GOD I did not do anything for them which they asked.
Too good to read this post! Happy to land here from Klout! :)
~ Adeel
Adeel Sami recently posted…Blog Memes to Seize Your Smile
Hey thanks for visiting!
It really is best to stick to a topic you love or blogging is just a bummer. Glad you enjoyed this post and that you have fund your niche in blogging!
Jen recently posted…Virtual Cookie and Holiday Treat Exchange