Hello folks. I just wanted to introduce you to my very first sponsor, Smallable.
Deciding whether to remain an ad-free blog has been quite a tough decision to make (as I’m sure fellow bloggers would agree).
I hope that by accepting sponsors I’ll be able to cover my material costs and pay for web hosting so I do hope you understand!
It would be really interesting to hear from other bloggers about how they made the decision to move from being ‘ad-free’ to ‘sponsored’.
Anyway do check out Smallable…they do have a seriously cool selection of products and a great blog so I’m chuffed to bits to be associated with them!
You know what? I’ve actually found that the blogs I follow that have sponsors, have been a great resource should I happen to be in the market for certain items. I mean, if I love the blog, chances are the sponsors will be of interest too. I have found great things through this route that I would otherwise never have been exposed to.
Now, off to investigate your first sponsor!
I’d never ever leave you for taking on a sponsor (or three), it means that you are able to produce without going to the poorhouse. Sort of.
I usually loose interest when someone writes posts that are obvious plugs regularly. It’s like reading a local magazine that only writes about the companies that advertise in the copy without rounding out the story. As a former (print) magazine copy editor because it shows a lack of creativity. It really really bugs me.
However, I totally can’t imagine a lack of creativity here, so bring it on!!! =)
Thanks W-S and Karen for your lovely replies!
Yep, I agree WS….most of the blogs I visit have sponsors and I often visit the sponsors pages.
Thanks Karen for promising not to leave me!! Nice to meet your blog btw! Yep…I plan to keep the posts and ads completely separate. I love my blog a bit too much to ‘sell-it-out’ IYKWIM!!
As a stay at home mum I’ve been supported by my hubby for the last four years which is very cool and he’s kind of been mini-eco’s secret sponsor. Now I have some work it feels really good to be financially contributing again and it will be great if the ads cover the cost of web hosting and a few materials.
Thanks once again for your thoughts x
More power to you. Sponsors may even help you flourish even more.
Yay! I’m glad you chose to be sponsored. I’d much rather have a blog with ads than a blogger without money!
I think done ethically sponsorship is a really positive thing and I love that your passion can support you. We’re going through lean times and selling ad space on my blog makes a big difference! Kat x
As a reader sponsorship doesn’t bother me, its better that you can keep your site going rather than giving up on it because your not getting anything out of it.
Hey congrats on your sponsorship Kate, it’s a really great achievement to have awesome sponsors banging at your door. Marketing is all about targeted and relevant connections and I’m happy to see these kinds of leads on blogs I love. Nice one. (If it was about body-building supplements and hair-removal I wouldn’t be so sure 😉 Lisa x