Blog sponsorship, where a company or shop compensates a blogger for promoting them, is an idea that I’ve been wrestling with for a while. For some reason, the thought of seeking sponsorship for my blog initially dredged up uncertainty. My number one goal with this blog is to share excitement, inspiration, and project ideas, as well as to create community among us like-minded quilters. I value the relationships and conversations that happen here greatly, and do not want to compromise that in any way. There are a lot of great reasons why quilty bloggers choose not to accept sponsors or participate in affiliate marketing, but after reading them and reflecting on myself as a quilty blogger, I’ve decided that seeking sponsorship was the way I want to go. Who wouldn’t want to get paid for doing what they love to do? Here’s a great reflection on why one crafter chose not to do affiliate marketing and her reflections on choosing not to accept sponsorship, and here’s a post on why affiliate marketing is not as scary as some people think.
I am confident that as I partner with new sponsors, I will NOT lose my authenticity. In fact, having sponsorship will help me devote more time toward participating in the quilting community. I’m not a salesperson. I’m an excited and eager quilter who loves to share helpful tips, ideas, and reactions to new tools, products, and fabrics that I find exceptional. I will not compromise my dedication to being true to myself and honest with you. If I love a product or shop, I want to share that with you. And if that product or shop wants to compensate me in some small way for doing so, then that’s okay with me.
Personally, when I’m trying to decide what brand or style of product to buy, I ask my friends and family for recommendations, especially those who I know have used the product or who have similar taste. One thing I can promise to you, as I head into this next phase of my quilting and blogging, is that when I say a product or fabric is awesome, I mean it’s AWESOME. I will have put the product or service to the test, and decided that it is good enough to recommend to my readers & friends. My opinions and ideas are my own, and they cannot be bought. At the same time, if I can help pay for groceries by sharing my honest opinions with you, I’m there.
What kinds of products and services do you want to hear about? Do you enjoy reading product reviews on the tools I find key to my quilting? Giveaways from awesome fabric shops and companies? Coupon codes?
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If you are interested in being a sponsor of Night Quilter, contact me at thenightquilter(at)gmail(dot)com for rates and more information. Selection is made with great consideration to this site’s content and focus in mind.
Sounds like you’ve given a lot of thought to this exciting new step… definitely the best way to proceed. As long as you’re authentic and your readers don’t feel like they’re being sold to at every turn, sponsorship can be great (not that I’ve ever been sponsored… but it sounds good to me! ☺) Best of luck!
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This is a topic that has been on my mind lately as well! I’d love to hear a follow up post at some point with your thoughts after you’ve gained a few advertisers. I really hope it works out for you!!
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Good luck with sponsors! I too am anxious to see how it goes for you. I am a true fabric hoarder so if you find any fabrics you think are a must have I would love to see them and see what you make with them!
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