Unpaid Blogging Opportunities
Let’s Start By Clarifying: Blogging IS Hard Work
A lot more goes into creating a blog post than you may think. From styling your outfit, to taking your photos, picking the best & editing some of them. To writing your content, creating new ideas, searching for products online for links and making sure that your posts are SEO friendly. Before even scheduling them, sharing on social media and promoting your work. Then going back to respond to comments, replying to emails and planning months in advance.
AND BREATHE: That was a mouth full wasn’t it.
It isn’t all free clothes for no work as some would believe. A lot of blood sweat and tears goes into the content that I create, which I over scrutinise. As that is just my nature. Although I am mainly paid for my services when contacted to collaborate with a brand; if you were a free lance writer or creative, a photographer or a full time working model, you would get paid for these services too.
But, that doesn’t mean that I don’t take on unpaid opportunities. In fact, I give them as much consideration as I do to paid collaborations. As, I don’t blog just for money. If a brand that does not fit my style or aesthetic contacted me, I wouldn’t promote their product just for some cash. It simply doesn’t work that way for me.
Nothing is just handed to you. You have to work for it.
Paid Vs Unpaid Blogging Opportunities
I give all opportunities and emails that come my way equal thought, whether there is paid compensation or not. If a brand I love reaches out via gifting and I love their items, I will definitely work with them. Equally so, with small brands that don’t have the budget for sponsored features, but their product is amazing and if I can help them out, I’d love to. Although this is mainly under no obligation. So they are not expecting a full dedicated blog post from me with T&Cs of what to post. But, if I love the products enough, of course they will make it from my Instagram, to my YouTube and my Blog. Take today’s outfit for instance. All kindly gifted items that I love and have been wearing on repeat lately.
Now, I am not saying lets all work for free. But the next time you get a gifting opportunity without any marketing budget for promotion. If you love the items, it may be worth saying yes to. You never know, it may build future relationships with PRs and Brands. That when they do have budget for collaborations, or perhaps even national advertising opportunities, you will be on the top of their contact list. It could also be an item that you will wear forever in your wardrobe. Or, it could be a hit with your audience that affiliate sales compensate for lack of brand budget for your promotion. Which is win, win for you and the brand.
OUTFIT DETAILS
I didn’t want to rant on in this post. But. It seems that I have. Whoops. So now lets talk about my outfit: Firstly, these boots. Do I need to say anything more? They are from Vince Camuto at Shoeaholics, which means they have a mean discount on them. They look great with jeans (as I am wearing here) and equally as good styled with skirts and dresses.
To beat the bad weather we have been experiencing – and by that I mean the damn cold – I have been layering as many elements as possible. My favourites being layering a hoody under your favourite outerwear. Which, in today’s post is a beautiful feather jacket from Miss Pap, whose clothing I am loving at the moment for being on trend, affordable and for looking more expensive than the items actually are; I am sure you all know what boots I am referring to here!
Lastly, how could I not include my new bag. The Givenchy Antigona small in black leather (I’ve linked a more affordable option for you here). An early birthday treat to myself in the midst of turning thirty. Just look at her…
