In the past week, I’ve been approached by a large supermarket chain (one that is based on my own community) and national magazine publication to blog about their newest marketing initiatives.
Neither offered any form of compensation.
I struggle with working for companies without compensation. What do you have to do to prove that you’re worthy of compensation? How much should you do just because you’re a brand enthusiast? Are you blacklisting yourself when you say ‘no thank you’ to these ‘opportunities?’
In the end, I think it comes down to companies valuing me as much as I value them.
And a surprising number of them don’t even come close.
They want our readers. Our platform. Our social media presence. But they don’t value us enough to offer compensation for any of it.
And lets be clear – I’m not asking for unjustified compensation. I’m asking for the fair market value of my work from companies that approach me asking for my time and resources. In some cases, I’m even willing to forgo monetary compensation for other intrinsic benefits.
If you’re a nonprofit, I’m more than happy to offer a blog post to help your cause. If you’re a small business, I’m more than willing to offer reduce rates.
If you’re a large conglomerate, please know that you’re undervaluing and underestimating our work when you send us an ‘opportunity’ that only benefits your company. It’s insulting and it’s frustrating.
I’m not threatening to ‘out’ any of these companies. I’m not boycotting their stores or products. But I will decline to work with them when asked and tell them exactly why.
Companies pay for television and newspaper ads. They pay to send junk mail and fliers. Why is it acceptable to pay for those forms of advertising, but not to pay someone in their own community for quality work?
A payment that may very well be used to make a purchase at their store or to buy their magazine.
You are 100% exactly right Corrin! Well said. It is the big brands that are often the hardest to work with because they don’t understand that bloggers deserve to be valued, probably more than many of their other marketing efforts.
.-= Cindy Schultz´s last blog ..It’s 21 Just Pass =-.
Right on Corrin.
I love writing posts about companies that are supporting local causes, or helping with community fundraising, and I will gladly give them a link and a couple hundred words, without even thinking of asking for payment. But, for them to expect you to promote their products with nothing in return is ridiculous.
Stick to your guns – don’t give away your valuable opinion or time – the world of blogging is changing and the advertisers seem to be gradually catching on
.-= Heather in BC´s last blog ..Business 2 Blogger =-.