When writing a sponsored post, you want to do a good job for the company who paid you or provided you with product, but you also want to write a post that your readers will enjoy, as well. In order to keep that balance, there are four elements you should include in a good sponsored post.
Your Voice
Whether you are doing a review or talking about an event or whatever you are writing, you should always keep it in your voice. Your readers should be able to read any of your posts and say “Oh yes, that’s her.” This goes for your sponsored content as well. Even though some brands will provide you with key points they’d like you to include, you can find a way to say them in your own voice. Plus, if a brand just wanted you to post their press release, that’s what they’d ask of you: but they want your voice as well. A sponsored post should not sound like a commercial- it should sound like you, but with a topic decided by the terms of the sponsored post.
Your Opinion
To avoid sounding like a commercial, make sure you aren’t just rewording the brand’s message. Include your honest opinion! If you really do love something, tell your readers why: tell them how it relates to you, how it relates to them. Don’t be afraid to mention the negatives as well. For example, I recently reviewed a car and while it was really fun to drive and had great gas mileage, I had to let my readers know that it wasn’t the car for my family of five because we need more room. While you want to keep it honest, do be careful about slamming a brand as it can make other brands hesitant to work with you.
Your Photos
When you can, use a personal photo that relates to your sponsored content. If it’s a review, show a photo of you (or your kids, if that applies) trying out the product, rather than using a stock image. If it’s not a product review, still use a personal image if you can: find something that relates to the topic of the post. Though if a brand asks you to include a certain image, do be sure to include that as well.
A Disclosure
If you’ve been paid or sent product in exchange for your post, you are required to disclose this in your post. A standard disclosure would read “I was sent product X for review in exchange for my honest review.” or “This post was written as part of a sponsored campaign for brand x. All opinions are my own.”
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Great advice, Shell. Especially like the one about keeping your voice.
Alison recently posted..Intrinsic Goodness
Twitter: TheWineyMom
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great advice !!
Ann Domeck (The Winey Mom) recently posted..Winey Fun: Thoughts from 2012 Island Wine Fest, Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Twitter: thefurmom
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I’ve found that posts that have my voice are most popular so when I have to share tips on dog care, I write it up with the tips then go back and add my own voice/experience to personalize it.
Kimberly Gauthier, The Fur Mom recently posted..Kidz Entertainment | Pet Related Gifts That Kids Will Love #Giveaway
This is some great advice!
Barbara recently posted..Welcome to France – Les Greves
Twitter: twitter.com/EmbraceEnchantD
says:
This is great information. Thank you for sharing. I jotted down the last tip so I don’t forget! Thanks!
http://embraceenchanted.blogspot.com/
Angela recently posted..PopSugar! My 5 Must Haves
Twitter: NaturalFreeBlog
says:
Fantastic advice! I’ve read some reviews that just sounded like the company wrote them instead of the blogger, and you feel like “Ok…so does she really like the product or was she told to say she liked it?” That’s not the best impression, I’d say. I’d much rather hear the actual pros and cons. Much more helpful.
Thanks again for posting this.
Julie Moore recently posted..I’m Now The Mother Of A 10 Year Old!
Twitter: mrscrazykneese
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These are great tips, thanks!
Stephanie recently posted..Wearing a Mask
Twitter: saarrraaaaivy
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Great Advice
Sara Ivy recently posted..Wednesday Want List: Pumpkin
great timing considering I just got hired for a blog post through Clever girls collective for a product recipe review. Thanks SITS girls!
Good advice. Simple enough!
Robin | Farewell, Stranger recently posted..It Matters
Twitter: simplystavish
says:
Great tips. I find the sponsored posts that offer a personal point of view with a story and pictures grab my attention so much more. Video is an added bonus!
Mindi recently posted..What’s For Dinner Wednesday: Tilapia with Thai Pineapple Lemongrass Sauce
Twitter: TheLadiezLounge
says:
Great information! I am new when it comes to sponsored posts so this was very helpful! Thank you.
Wonderful tips for those of us who are just dipping our toes into the realm of sponsored posts. Thank you.
Elizabeth recently posted..Ruby’s Howl-O-Ween collar
Twitter: ziggy1962
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Great tips!
Laura recently posted..LET’S TALK…
Twitter: thedosetweets
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Could not agree more about using your own voice. I feel like that is key for all of my reviews, and the feedback has always been good from both my readers and the brand.
Great post!
thedoseofreality recently posted..Disney Is Magical…Even On a School Night
Twitter: hookdandhappy
says:
Excellent advice! I totally agree with using your own voice and images showing you used the product.
Carolyn recently posted..DIY Fairy Crown
Twitter: wirequeen
says:
Thanks. I’m just getting into reviewing and sponsored posts, so this info is timely.
Michelle S. Hawkins recently posted..Shopinterest.co Is Now LIVE
Twitter: raisinghumans
says:
Great advice, thanks so much for sharing! I struggle writing sponsored things in my own voice – it can be tricky but I’m getting there!
Tricia recently posted..Growing Together: Growth from Hands Free Mama
Twitter: fromtracie
says:
These are really great tips. Especially the one about writing in your voice. I have gotten more than one opportunity from a company where they specifically told me they were contacting me because they liked my previous work, and how the writing flowed. Be yourself!
Tracie recently posted..The Time I Was Jealous Of My Kid
Twitter: MyPixieBlog
says:
Great advice, Shell! Thanks for this
Charlotte recently posted..Five things to avoid on your dating profile
Twitter: JenAnnHall
says:
All good points. But I have one question….isn’t any disclosure somewhere on your blog (general disclosure statement) enough? Do you really have to say it in every post? I’ve actually been asked NOT to IN the post.
just JENNIFER recently posted..A Latte Bloggy Love
Twitter: hinessightblog
says:
Great advice, Shell.
Leigh Powell Hines @Hinessightblog recently posted..Don’t Upset Your Stuffed Animals, Kids – Make Your Beds!
Twitter: CarloAtYourServ
says:
Good to know, Shell. Especially since I just added that I’m willing to accept sponsored posts on my blog. Thanks for the “heads up”!
Carlo/Carlo At Your Service Productions recently posted..Spread Your Message… On Cater-Hater
Twitter: myicing
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Good tips! It’s always important to be yourself!
Mimi recently posted..My Response to Jennifer Livingston and Bullies Everywhere
Twitter: myinvisiblecrwn
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Great post. I haven’t had the chance to work with any brands yet. I attended BBC Vegas this weekend. I’m actually on the plane going home right this minute but I learned a ton about brands and I am working on my top 10 Brand Wish List. I will keep these 4 points in mind when I DO get my first sponsored post request! Can’t wait!!
Christy @ My Invisible Crown recently posted..Creepy Eyeball Coffee, Onion Butter and Other Tips
Twitter: themommymess
says:
Love #1! Great Advice, Shell!
adrienne recently posted..Top 5 Homeschool Survival Tips
Twitter: TheLadyTrainer
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I like the fact that you mention bloggers must include their own opinions in sponsored posts. Often bloggers hesitate to do this and their posts end up sounding a lot like written commercials which can instantly turn-off readers.
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