I’m ALL about being transparent on my blog. One of the most controversial topics in the blogging world is brand partnerships/sponsored posts. So today, I wanted to talk more about them + how I come up with creative content for said brand partnerships.
SHOP THE LOOK
I remember my very first brand partnership. It was with a small jewelry company, and I was paid $50 to post on my blog and Instagram. I remember being so excited, and feeling so cool that a company wanted to work with ME. Sure, I had received a lot of free product, but no one had ever offered to PAY ME.
Crazy. It’s always a “pinch me” moment, and I could probably write about brand partnerships in a million different ways.
Since then, this blog has become a great little side hustle. I’ve been honored to work with many brands I admire on my blog and on social media. There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to bloggers and sponsored work, but I can say that some of my favorite work has come out of brand partnerships and sponsored opportunities. It allows me to think outside of the box and push my creative limits.
Brand partnerships: Think about what I’d want to see
You ever look at a blogger’s post or Instagram image and think, “Wow. This is perfect.”? Like it just stops you dead in your scrolling tracks. Or it’s so good, you just bookmark the post. Whether it’s a sponsored post or not, that’s what I strive to do when coming up with any content. Obviously sponsored content is much different, and I want to make sure I’m really putting the product/brand I’m working with in the best light possible. So, as a (very avid) consumer, I’m always looking through blogs and Instagram posts to inspire the way I consume.
Brand partnerships: Look for inspo
Inspiration is what makes this blog, well, a blog. Sometimes it’s really difficult to keep yourself inspired, and that can be an issue when you’re trying to create content for sponsored campaigns. Pinterest is obviously just such a great source of inspiration. And fellow content creators. Duh. But recently, I’ve been trying to do a deep dive into other forms: Books, movies, trends…and strangers on the streets of New York City. It’s nice to switch up where the inspiration is coming from!
Brand partnerships: Keep the key messaging in mind
When working with brands, there are typically campaign guidelines. These guidelines usually have content direction, what types of photos NOT to post, and specific messaging that I need to write about. Messaging is extremely important. I need to make sure I not only write about the messaging in my captions or in a blog post, but also make sure the messaging comes across in the photos!
In addition to the key messaging, it’s also very important to keep the brand’s aesthetic in mind. While it might not always match my aesthetic to a T, I love keeping this in mind when I’m working on a campaign. I want my readers to know I understand the brand, and also make sure I put my content in a position to be shared by the brand!
Brand partnerships: Make sure each platform gives a different point of view
Photos can make or break sponsored content. Each photo taken for a sponsored post has to match the platform I’m posting to. Instagram is 100% more of a visual platform (DUH), so writing a super long caption doesn’t always make sense. I want to make sure the image thoroughly captures the key message for Instagram. When I’m writing a sponsored post for the blog, I really rely on my words to get the key messaging across. I love writing about my experience with a certain product, information about the campaign, and how it all relates back to my every day life.
When it comes down to it, sponsored content and brand partnerships are what keeps this blog going. It’s ALWAYS an honor to work with brands, and I absolutely love being part of really cool campaigns. Sponsored content forces me to stay creative, and keeps me on my toes. I’m always working on ways to step up my sponsored content game.
SHOP THE POST
I love how you talk about campaigns across each channel so it’s more tailored! A lot of people, when they have SP stuff, push out the same message and as a reader, it’s exhausting so I tune out. With your content, it’s always fresh!
The Adored Life
Ah I SO appreciate this! I try to make it as organic as possible and really keep it tailored to the platform! xx
Great post and insight Dana! You always do such a wonderful job with sponsored content. I look forward to seeing what you have planned this season!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
I appreciate this so much, my friend! xx
You do such a great job with sponsored content Dana and I love the point on making sure the content fits the platform! The balance of finding the right photos & words to organically speak to a product (yet still doing what you were paid to do) is SO hard to do!
xx Caroline
http://www.whenwear.com
Thank you so much, lady! I really take this to heart and I always strive to keep things organically as possible. It’s hard, but I’m lucky enough to be able to turn down collabs that just don’t seem like a good fit for me. xx
Thank you for providing so many tips and behind the scene glimpses of blogging. I find them incredibly interesting and useful. For instance, keeping the brands aesthetic in mind is so smart! xAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com
Oh I’m so happy you found this post helpful, Allie! xx Let me know if you have any questions!
Very elegant and chic outfit! I love your coat! 🙂
https://lartoffashion.com
Thank you, Natali! xx
Sponsored content is what keeps a blogging business afloat like you said and I wish it wasn’t so “taboo” to share sponsored content. You always have such creative ideas for yours and definitely an inspiration to me!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Right? Like let’s just talk about it! It’s our businesses and how they work, so why talk about how much goes into these kinds of posts. I love pushing my creative limits for sponsored posts, and it typically flows into my non-sponsored content too! xx
You have that effortless-chic look down pat – such an inspiration, Dana! Personally, I love reading a blogger/content creator’s sponsored content. It’s always so interesting to see how creative they can get with promoting the brand, while keeping it authentic with their own brand. I really enjoy your content and how you tie it back to everyday life – great job!
Lisa
http://www.theeverydayelevated.com
You were the inspiration for this post, Lisa! It was a great suggestion.
I love that you love reading sponsored content, and as a blogger, I try to keep it as organic as possible! xx
I totally agree that sponsored content keeps me thinking creatively and challenges me to do more! Great post as always, friend! xo Bryn http://www.waketonroad.com
Right?! I put SO much effort into sponsored content that the creativity tends to flow through my non-sponsored posts too! xx
Very insightful, as always! Thanks for sharing your insight on such an important, but often overwhelming topic. Also, love that outfit! You are totally rocking the beret!
xx
Sam
Thanks for your sweet words, Sam! It’s SUCH an overwhelming topic, but I love opening up the conversation…and I think more bloggers should do it!
Also, thanks! I’m very into berets lately! xx