Blogging Networks 101 | Are They Worth Your Time?

Happy Tuesday babes! I’m here with another blogging tips post, and this one has been highly requested from you guys! If you’re new around here – every Tuesday’s post is about blogging. I love these posts, and you guys seem to find them really helpful too! If you’re a blogger I recommend subscribing so you never miss these posts, or bookmark my blog to refer back every Tuesday! It’s been quite awhile since I’ve done one of these, so I apologize for that! These posts take me the longest to create, and I always want to make sure they’re jammed pack with helpful information! So, this can make the process a little long!

In 9/10 of my blogging consultations my clients always have questions about blogging networks (learn more about my consulting services) Usually they’re asking whether or not they’re worth it, and my opinion on which ones are worth the time!

Today I’m going to spill all my thoughts on blogging networks, so get cozy and be prepared for lots of info!

In the beginning of blogging, I joined every network I stumbled upon. Not even kidding… I would hear about a network from a friend, or blog post and automatically apply. I thought that was really the only way you could make money from blogging, and didn’t have a clue about pitching to an actual contact. I received my first unpaid opportunity from Brand Backer in July 2016, then went on to get 2 other paid sponsorships from the same network. It was a pretty easy process, and I still check into the network for opportunities every month.

Fast forward a year a later, and things are way different! Honestly, I never use any of the networks I’m signed up for. I really prefer pitching directly to a brand contact, and have seen better results! But, I do check Brand Backer every so often!

If you’re unfamiliar with what a network is let me break it down for you. Blogging networks are basically a middle man between you and the brand. All networks have different systems of organizing campaigns. For the most part, you are assigned a rep that you will do all of your pitching and contact through, and who is going to guide you through the campaign. Sometimes there isn’t a brand rep, and you end up submitting your initial pitch and either get accepted or denied and end up never actually having any contact.

Brand Backer is set up like this. You apply for the campaign, hear back about your approval status, then have a place to submit your draft, and final link. It’s an easy process, but can be a little weird to work with. I never had any issues, but if I did I don’t know how easy it would be to contact someone with a question. I do recommend applying for their campaigns though! They offer a ton of beauty and skincare partnerships.

My piece of advice?
Apply for each campaign like you are pitching to a brand contact directly. Don’t slack on your application, or leave it blank like a newbie blogger (guilty) yikes…

Every campaign application has a spot for you to really pitch your brand. Sell yourself! Act as if you were reaching out cold turkey to this brand. Tell them why the heck they’d want to work with you, and what your brand has to offer! This is the part that will really set you apart from the other applicants and will be the deciding factor if you land the partnership. Make it count!

The Good + Bad of Blogging Networks…

The Good.

Quick campaign // Campaigns happen pretty fast with networks. Depending on when you apply typically post drafts are due shortly after. This could be bad, but for the most part it’s nice to know exaclty when the draft is due, when the product will arrive by, and of course when you will be getting paid.

No guessing // Before applying to a certain campaign there will be requirements that outline payment details, draft due dates, and what is expected of the overall campaign (social shares, word count, etc.) Before applying you will know exactly what you’re going to be doing, as opposed to when you pitch to a brand contact. You have all of the requirements in front of you, so you’re able to decide whether or not the campaign is a good fit for your brand.

Bigger opportunities // Working with blogging networks also gives you a chance to work on a campaign you might have not got the opportunity to on your own. In my experience, I’ve done a few skincare campaigns through networks that rejected other bigger bloggers when pitching directly. I don’t know the reasoning behind this, but it has worked out in my favor a few times! It’s great to have those brands to add to your media kit, and is if anything a confidence boost!

Related: Getting Paid As A Small Blogger

The Bad.

Less than normal rates // On the otherhand since networks are a middle man, that means you most likely will not be receiving the same payment amount as those who work directly with the brand. Brands pay networks, the same way companies pay recruiters to find new employees. So let’s say a campaign is going to pay $150 for a full blog post. The brand is paying a certain sum that will be split between the network and the influencer. Hence, if you decide to pitch directly to a brand you are going to receive a better payment option. Now, not to say it’s all about the money when it comes to blogging but you are guaranteed to have a better payout not using networks!

No negotiating // The majority of blogging networks have a set payment for each campaign, and there’s no way to contact someone to negotiate. If the asking rate is lower than you’re willing to work for, you’re going to have to pass on the campaign. I have noticed a few campaigns on Activate by BlogLovin have a place to submit a payment quote.

Lack of relationship building // I cannot tell you the number of times I have gone on to do another sponsored post for a brand because they loved my initial work. Whether they saw a great click-through rate, or gained Instagram followers if brands are doing their job they’ll take notice when an influencer delivers. It’s pretty normal for a brand to consistently work with a blogger, if they are seeing the results. Pitching directly to a brand contact creates the opportunity for a long-term relationship! You now have a direct point of contact, along with a name – something you don’t have access to with paid blogging networks!

So to wrap things up, there are pros and cons to blogging networks! Everyone has a different experience with them, so apply for a few and see where they take you. I have a ton of blogging friends who make a great amount of their blogging income from Social Fabric, or Activate – so there is hope!

Kelsey from Blonde and Bagels created a super great, and informative post on her success with SoFab. Check out her post, if you’re looking to learn a few things about that platform!

What’s your favorite blogging network, or do you tend to pitch directly?

And lastly, I am still in search for a name for this series! I am thinking about pushing them to every Wednesday and titling them Wednesday Wisdom. What do you guys think?

P.S. Catch the previous posts from this series!

Promoting your Blog Posts // 5 Mistakes to Avoid as a New Blogger