The world of mommy blogging has recently sparked discussions about the importance of recognizing one’s value. It all began with a thought-provoking post by Sarah from MomCraft, titled “Nothing in Life is Free—Except, it Seems, a Mommy Blogger.” She encouraged fellow bloggers to take control and decline offers of products or giveaways in exchange for blog space, asserting that “Whether you’re just starting out or have a handful of readers—even if two of them are your toddler twins—your time and effort deserve recognition.”
I completely resonate with this sentiment. Your blog serves as your unique corner of the internet, a platform where every choice is yours alone. Personally, I often disregard the majority of unsolicited pitches that land in my inbox. It’s disheartening to be addressed in a generic manner and even more so to think that someone expects me to invest my time and energy into promoting subpar products. No, thank you—my worth is far greater than that, and so is yours.
Starting Out in the Blogging World
However, let’s be realistic; everyone has to start somewhere. It’s somewhat naive to assume that the entire mommy blogging community has abundant opportunities, especially when you’re just beginning and have a modest following of “10 readers, two of whom are your toddler twins.” The landscape has changed significantly over the past five years. Numerous blogs are vying for the same advertising space and opportunities. Building a reputation that allows you to command fair payment for your efforts takes time and experience. Unfortunately, that initial experience often comes with minimal compensation.
I have had the privilege of being compensated well for my blogging efforts, but I’ve also worked in exchange for products. Interestingly, I found that the box of delightful baking supplies that could last me for years or the quality vacuum cleaner brought me more joy than the money I earned that barely covered my gas and groceries. Yes, cash is essential—believe me, I could use more of it at this moment. Still, there’s nothing inherently wrong with supplementing income with the occasional product. After all, who doesn’t enjoy some free goodies to share with readers?
Finding Balance in Collaborations
So, yes, understand your value and choose wisely what collaborations to pursue. However, don’t feel guilty if you decide to host a giveaway without substantial compensation. At least, I don’t feel that way. In the end, what matters most is that you stand behind your decisions and feel good about them.
For further insights, check out this post on advertiser disclosure. And for those navigating their fertility journey, Make a Mom offers valuable resources. Additionally, if you’re looking for more information about pregnancy, WebMD is an excellent resource to explore.
Conclusion
In summary, mommy bloggers should certainly recognize their worth, but it’s also important to embrace where you are in your journey. It’s okay to accept products in exchange for your efforts, as long as you believe in what you’re sharing.