Fashion Blogger Perspective: My Thoughts on Sponsored Content

Coat//J.Crew (currently sold out as same coat Meghan Markle wore)  Sweater//Frame (similar here)

Jeans//Mother  Handbag//Gucci via The Real Real

Boots//Aquatalia (also loving this pair)

I generally reserve my blog for fashion related content because it’s where my passion lies. However, sometimes I love to discuss behind the scenes aspects of the blogging world as I’ve realized this industry is still misunderstood. I want to highlight a topic that is close to my heart and I have seen several of my peers discussing recently  – sponsored content. 

Blogging is more than taking photos of yourself and writing about how you can wear a metallic skirt this season. That is the easy part. People wouldn’t want to follow along if you heard us complaining about the long hours, the stress of never fully checking out, and all of the boring technical aspects of running your own business.

Because that is what a blog is….a BUSINESS. 

Bloggers have found a way to create an engaged audience that trusts our recommendations because we are real people just like you, which is highly lucrative advertising for other brands. Now that the industry is becoming oversaturated, #ad and sponsored content are becoming the norm.

Ads and sponsored content seem to leave a dirty taste in people’s mouth, which I understand and at the same time, I don’t understand. 

No one wants to follow someone who only posts sponsored content because it feels inauthentic and like you are always being sold to. Not fun. There are definitely people in this industry (just like any other) who are in it for the money. It may work for a while, but I believe that your audience can feel this inauthenticity.

But, there are also a lot of bloggers who truly love what they do and sharing their passions. 

As long as there is a balance between sponsored and organic posts, and an influencer works with companies that represent their brand well I don’t see the harm. Blogging is an expensive business. We need to make money to keep providing our audience with fresh content. 

When you see sponsored content or #ad on Instagram you probably don’t realize the hard work that went behind that post. Everything from reaching out to brands, contract negotiations, planning the content, shooting, editing, copywriting, getting brand approval, and once posting interacting with your audience that supports you.

Nobody deserves to work for free so why should bloggers?

The FTC (Federal Trade Commissions) who ensures that influencers disclose sponsored content and relationships with brands includes gifted items as sponsored. So why you may see #ad or #sponsored that doesn’t always mean there was a monetary exchange for that post.

Money is not the main driving force between brand partnerships for bloggers. I know anytime a brand decides to work with me, whether I have reached out to them or they have noticed my content, I am always so honored. I love creating content for you all, and it feels great when a brand believes in you, especially when you have been loving that brand for years.

I know this was definitely a bit of a long post and I thank you for sticking with me until the end. Truly! I hope this helps shed a little bit more light on this “mysterious” blogging world and makes you think twice when you see a beautiful photo on Instagram that is labeled #ad or #sponsored. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Photos by Megan Weaver