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Why Bloggers Should Stop Working For Free

September 24, 2015

What I’m about to tell you is taboo among bloggers. The biggest kept secret about working with brands that no one ever talks about. It’s time we talk about this very important topic because you’re doing it all wrong. Why Bloggers Should Stop Working For Free. 

On any given day I open my email and there are at least 10 pitch emails staring me in the face from brands asking me to promote their product or service. What’s the big problem with these emails? They always tell me what they want, what I should write, how I should promote what they’re offering, but guess what? They never mention anything about me, about my blog, why they want to work with me and why it would benefit me to write for them promoting them for FREE. I dread opening these emails and even put it off as long as possible because I hate asking for what I really want even though I know I am worth more than they’re offering.

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[Tweet “Stop #blogging for free now! #bloggingtips #FitFluential”]

The Pitch

Recently, I had someone contact me asking if I would write a post about XYZ then link back to their site and talk about how it would benefit my readers. The person sent me links to other bloggers who had written for them as examples. When I clicked the links, I saw gorgeous photography with exquisitely written posts. It infuriated me that not a single one of those bloggers were sponsored for their work. They did all that work for FREE.

Now don’t get me wrong. I do not expect a paycheck or freebie every time I write something. What I do expect, is a small return for the amount of time I put into the project and quality of work I do. Incentives like a social media shout out, adding my recipe to their website to encourage traffic back to my site or a cross promotion are all acceptable. Instead pitch emails offer none of these things.

Ask for what you want

devil-wears-prada

Brands want as much free work as they can get. This is due, in part, to blogging still being this mythical hobby much less a real, respective job with an income. How many times has someone said to you “you have a blog? oh that’s cute!” Then you feel frustrated because they don’t realize how much work blogging is and how you’re pouring your heart, sweat and tears into it. That comment shows how undervalued influencers are and it’s not just your friends, its brands too. The difference is brands are businesses. They’re on a mission to make as much money as possible which means rewarding bloggers as little as possible so they can make more profit.

[Tweet “#Blogging is more than cute, it’s a job! #bloggingtips #FitFluential”]

But here’s the kink. Social media is on steroids these days. Brands need influencers to sell. Without them, they are just another fish in the sea. They need influencers to market their product or service to set themselves apart from the other fish. 

What does that mean for you?

Don’t be scared to ask for what you deserve and you shouldn’t undervalue yourself. I know it’s hard not to feel a twinge of excitement when you receive an email or call about a project. You immediately want to jump at the chance to work with anyone and everyone who wants to work with you.

devil-wears-prada-img1

When you start blogging, I recommend you do free work because frankly, your work will be rough. Doing it for free, gives you the opportunity to improve your work and have examples of it for future projects. As you grow and become more amazing (which you will), you need to shift your focus to viewing pitched work as a collaboration. That doesn’t have to mean a paycheck, but there should be a win in it somewhere for you. Never assume a brand will not compensate you. You will be surprised who is willing to play in the sandbox with you.

Why I no longer do product reviews

Product reviews are boring, time consuming to research and none of my readers want to hear about a product unless it’s authentically weaved into my life. No one wants to pay for them either because every blogger is doing them for free. If someone wants to send me something, I tell them upfront it doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll write about it. Nine times out of ten, they still send me the product.

How to gracefully decline a project

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Anytime I have responded to a brand this way, I’ve always received a cordial “I understand” response back. 

 

How to tactfully ask for what you want

 

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When I respond to brands this way, it opens up the gate to begin discussing compensation or other ways they can promote you in return for the work they’re proposing. Remember everything is negotiable. 

Would I work at Target for free?

My friend Gigi made a bold statement at Fit Bloggin’ “none of you will ever work for free again.” The look on the blogger faces in the room was priceless. But Gigi is right. The more bloggers continue to undervalue themselves, the harder it becomes for any blogger to have their work valued as more than “cute.”

Every healthy living blogger promotes self-worth so why I ask, are you lowering your standards and undervaluing your monetary worth when it comes to your work? Stop underestimating yourself and the work you do. The next time you consider doing a project for free ask yourself this “would I work at Target for free?” 

[Tweet “Would you work at Target for free? Stop #blogging for free! #bloggingtips #FitFluential”]

Are you undervaluing yourself? Why?

Lots of Health, Food & Love,

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About Megan

Megan is a certified nutrition practitioner, author, freelance food photographer and fitness instructor living in Phoenix, Arizona. On her blog, Skinny Fitalicious she shares EASY, gluten free recipes for weight loss. Follow Megan on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for the latest updates.

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  1. Michele @ Paleo Running Momma says

    September 24, 2015 at 2:21 am

    You know I absolutely love this! Preach on. But seriously, the practical advice for how to communicate with companies is extremely helpful to many of us!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:45 pm

      I’m glad you think so. I know that is something I’ve always felt other posts lacked & wondered how to do until I figured it out for myself.

      Reply
  2. Rachel @ athleticavocado says

    September 24, 2015 at 4:30 am

    i completely agree with this post! i no longer do free product reviews!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:46 pm

      Good for you Rachel! Bloggers united!

      Reply
  3. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    September 24, 2015 at 4:37 am

    I find a balance between free and paid work. For me, there has to be an ROI that is consistent with the work that I am putting in–I will guest post for free if I think that the opportunity for new readers is worth it, or I might do a review for free if I want to create a relationship with a company. But I am becoming increasingly more choosy with how I go about it, and if I dedicate an entire post to something, it is because I really am interested whatever it is.

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:46 pm

      This is exactly how I am. In fact, I’ve landed many opportunities via fostering a relationship then moving into the business side of it.

      Reply
  4. Julie @ Running in a Skirt says

    September 24, 2015 at 5:12 am

    This is exactly how I feel. I am so annoyed when people expect me to work for hours for nothing. Everyone is entitled to do what they want, but it’s not for me. I’m ok with a fair trade of product (something good) if it’s something I really want/need, but even that should really involve compensation for my time. My suggestion is create a media kit and stick to it.

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:47 pm

      That’s a good point. I’ve responded with my media kit as well. I only wish brands would realize that they’re approach is all wrong.

      Reply
  5. Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says

    September 24, 2015 at 5:18 am

    Great post Megan! I really like the template emails too. I am really bad at wording things so it was great to see someone else do it. Cuts the stress.

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:51 pm

      Feel free to steal them proudly!

      Reply
  6. Jamie says

    September 24, 2015 at 6:23 am

    Great post – I’m still a newbie blogger so I do some free reviews, but I totally understand where you’re coming from !

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:51 pm

      I think it’s totally justifiable when you’re new & getting your feet wet.

      Reply
  7. Erin@BeetsPerMinute says

    September 24, 2015 at 6:30 am

    I have bookmarked this, Megan. I don’t get tons of requests from brands, but when I do now I run into the problem that I’m not in the US anymore and their service isn’t available in Europe. I always have to laugh that they still want me to review their site or service and write about it to my American readers knowing it’s of no benefit to me. Blogging is really hard work and we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for what we’re worth. Great tips and advice. I am really tired of that, “oh your blog is so cute” sentiment. It’s sweet, but I’m not 11. Haha!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      I get a lot of requests for things that have nothing to do with my blog and people still want me to promote them. It’s frustrating. I honestly think a lot of companies lack employees who understand the world of blogging and can negotiate from that angle.

      Reply
  8. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

    September 24, 2015 at 8:04 am

    Very well said, lady. I think it’s important to do some work for free when you’re first building up your blog and portfolio, but you reach a point where you have enough influence and followers that you deserve to get paid for the time and effort you put in. It drives me crazy to see so many brands that try to guilt a blogger into doing work for free or just working for product. Like I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve declined a review and the brand has shot back with something like “we’re just a small start up company and don’t have the budget for it.” Okay, you’re a small company, what do you think I am?!

    Reply
    • lindsay says

      September 24, 2015 at 4:52 pm

      this is true. I’ve been on both sides, being a social media manager before. It can be tricky. But it’s all about VALUING each other. Well said megan.

      Reply
      • Megan says

        September 24, 2015 at 6:01 pm

        It certainly a balancing act. I think more companies need to hire bloggers to handle their social media so they could maneuver this area better and be more successful.

        Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:55 pm

      Oh yes, the old I’m a small company line. I get a lot of those. They really irk me too! If it’s a product I absolutely love, then I will consider helping them out, but in general I just pass. It’s too much work and if they don’t respect that then we shouldn’t be working together. Like you said, we’re small businesses too. Why should we be treated different? I think too many brands still perceive blogs as a hobby not as a business.

      Reply
  9. Debbie says

    September 24, 2015 at 8:24 am

    Yes! One of the problems is that, when you’re a new blogger, and suddenly people want to send you free stuff it’s so exciting that you rarely say no. There comes a point though when it finally hits you how much work you’ve been doing virtually for free. This post is very helpful for bloggers who are ready to start being fairly compensated for their time and hard work.

    That being said, I still have a few brands that I work with in exchange for project, but only ones that I love and that I feel the value of the product (usually shoes or fitness wear 🙂 ) is fair compensation.

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:57 pm

      I’m the same Debbie. It really depends on the project & who they are. I do believe the more bloggers begin to expect compensation of some form in return for their work that the standard will change. Blogging isn’t a cute hobby, it’s work.

      Reply
  10. Heather says

    September 24, 2015 at 10:23 am

    Thanks!!! I am very new to blogging and this advice is very helpful. I am pretty neutral right now with my thoughts, but I am sure it will coming. Have a great day
    bakingrunner.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:58 pm

      You will form an opinion quickly!

      Reply
  11. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    September 24, 2015 at 11:33 am

    Preach, girl! Love love love this so so much!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:58 pm

      Yeah!!! Glad you loved it lady. xoxo

      Reply
  12. Anita @ Simplyfitspired says

    September 24, 2015 at 12:05 pm

    I love your blogging-related posts! I learn so much from you. This post was particularly interesting to me because I have always wondered how this works.

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:59 pm

      I’m so glad it’s helpful to you Anita! I’m never sure if what I’m saying makes sense to anyone other than me. Hehe!

      Reply
  13. Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can says

    September 24, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    great post! those sample emails are great and very helpful. thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:59 pm

      Of course Rachel!

      Reply
  14. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says

    September 24, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    Hi Megan! Amen! I love this! You are so right — that as bloggers, we have to value ourselves to get brands to pay for our services. They need us! Great topic! 🙂

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 5:59 pm

      Thanks friend! I know you of all people are on board with this.

      Reply
  15. Pragati // Simple Medicine says

    September 24, 2015 at 1:02 pm

    I appreciate this post. I feel the same way about product reviews. After doing about five of them, I’m so over it. I would rather just write about the stuff I love to write about vs the free stuff I got in the mail. Thank you for writing this!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 6:00 pm

      I’m the same way. I completely dread product reviews. I’d rather apply it to my lifestyle somehow. That feels more natural to me.

      Reply
  16. Kristie Hill says

    September 24, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    I love this post. A lot. Also love that you’ve included examples on how to respond to pitch emails. You ROCK.

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 6:01 pm

      Thanks Kristie! That means a lot coming from the blogging expert herself!

      Reply
  17. Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut says

    September 24, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    Love times a thousand!! Props to you for responding to those e-mails because I just delete em now. A mass-generated e-mail (addressed to “semi” or “Semi-Healthy Blog” or “Sir or madam”) isn’t worth my time.

    Now the bigger brands (or ones I’ve heard of) are ones that I do respond to and I’m always surprised when I find out they don’t have a budget! Just like you said, too many bloggers undervalue their work! If it’s a product I really want, I will tell them I will post to social media in return (if I like it) and that seems to go over pretty well. 5 minutes to post to Instagram vs a 3-4 hour blog post makes a huge difference in my decision to accept only product as a payment!

    Great post, friend!! <3

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 24, 2015 at 6:04 pm

      Some I delete but for the most part, I respond because I want the brand to know how they can improve their approach to us. We need to educate them! And I agree on the Instagram post vs blog post. I have offered to do a social media shoutout as opposed to a post. Hope you’re doing well! I was just thinking of emailing you a question the other day which your comment reminded me of.

      Reply
  18. Chris says

    September 24, 2015 at 7:46 pm

    Great post Megan! And so true too. Our blogs are so much more than hobbies and we should be compensated the quality work we put in.

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 25, 2015 at 12:39 pm

      Thanks, Chris! I think we need to value ourselves more and the work we do.

      Reply
  19. Sam @ PancakeWarriors says

    September 25, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    Girl I can’t applaud you more for this! Having a blog is HARD work and working for free just isn’t worth the product most of the time. Now there are certain products that I would use anyway, so I’m ok to try to form a relationship with those brands by doing free reviews. Dave actually filters out these emails so I don’t have to get overwhelmed, I’m pretty sure I would have to come up with a similar email that you have. I am sending this to him for a template 🙂 xo way to rock chick!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 25, 2015 at 3:55 pm

      That’s nice you have Dave to help with the email filtering. I think I need a Dave!

      Reply
  20. meredith @ Cookie ChRUNicles says

    September 27, 2015 at 8:53 am

    Totally agree! I politely decline these emails, or, I usually respond nicely asking for more information if I am interested ALONG WITH THE ASSOCIATED COMPENSATION. Most of them are not looking to pay but I have received compensation once I asked for it. We must value our work or no one will!

    Reply
  21. She Rocks Fitness says

    September 27, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    Great post and I 100% agree with you!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 27, 2015 at 3:39 pm

      So glad you and everyone else does too!

      Reply
  22. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says

    September 28, 2015 at 8:53 am

    I definitely agree and in fact was planning on writing a similar post! It was actually my husband who pointed out that the number of bloggers who agree to write for free is actually harming other bloggers since there is little incentive to pay for reviews or posts when so many are willing to do it for free. Thanks for writing this!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 28, 2015 at 9:08 am

      Happy to hear you agree with my perspective. Like your husband, I absolutely believe it is harming others. Newer bloggers need to understand how they are hurting themselves as well as other bloggers and stop doing it. Thanks for helping me spread the message Erin!

      Reply
  23. Athena @ Fitness & Feta says

    October 6, 2015 at 7:05 am

    Thank you so much for this post. Everything you said really resonated with me, and I really appreciate the sample responses you share as well. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      October 6, 2015 at 2:43 pm

      I’m glad you found it helpful Athena!

      Reply
  24. Mitch Mitchell says

    October 9, 2015 at 9:17 am

    Great post, and I absolutely agree. For years I took guest posts and wrote product reviews, almost all for free. Then it became too much, and I realized I wasn’t enjoying myself anymore because I wasn’t making anything from it, even if all those things led to the site being ranked very highly. Now I write for myself and if someone wants something from the blog… money baby! 🙂

    Reply
    • Megan says

      October 9, 2015 at 3:10 pm

      Hi Mitch, thanks for your comment and I’m glad you liked the post! I just hope I convinced enough bloggers to stop doing it.

      Reply
  25. nitalanaf says

    September 25, 2016 at 8:09 am

    I really agree. If brands come to me, they gotta pay. Free just for things I love to write.

    Reply
    • Megan says

      September 25, 2016 at 9:17 am

      Glad you agree!

      Reply
  26. Melissa says

    January 11, 2017 at 9:10 pm

    This is an excellent article! My pet peeve is when they address me as “hey”. My name can be found on all my social media and website. Why is it so hard to research my name and address me in a professional way?

    I no longer work for free and since I’ve started doing that I’m getting legit jobs!! Know your worth and present that in a graceful way 🙂

    Reply
    • Megan says

      January 12, 2017 at 5:07 pm

      I’m glad you liked it! Ugh…I can’t tell you how many PR people contact me like that. It shows me that they’re not a brand I want to work with when they haven’t taken the time to get to know me. I don’t reach out to random brands and say “hey you, I don’t know anything about your products but I’d love to work with you.” This is actually why I’ve gotten away from working with brands.

      Reply
  27. Magnolia says

    August 22, 2017 at 4:59 pm

    I get them constantly too. I ignore some and others, I keep it quick and simple by telling them I am sending over a link to my advertising page which outlines the advertising options. I also have a page front and center which explicitly states I don’t do free product or service reviews which directs them to my advertising page. If they can’t see that, I usually don’t bother answering. And I agree that bloggers should stop working for free. I’ve been blogging for close to 10 years. I just refuse to give away my time, access to my readership, my email list, and social media followers for free. I’ve worked hard to build up my blog, my brand, and my readership. They can pay for access to that.

    Reply
  28. Victoria | Lylia Rose says

    October 12, 2017 at 5:01 am

    I stopped doing free product reviews this year. Sometimes they take the majority of my time! I now charge for anything blog related with brands. I have accepted some products in exchange for Instagram photos if it’s something I genuinely like/want, as I’m still growing a presence there, but I won’t work for free on my blog at all unless it’s the one charity I support. It’s crazy that big brands expect a couple of hours (or more) of our time and access to our followers for nothing. It’s actually quite cheeky.

    Reply

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