In the ever-evolving world of mom blogging, a significant conversation is emerging about whether bloggers should be compensated for their work. Recently, Sofia from The Mom Nest sparked this dialogue with her compelling piece titled, “Nothing in Life is Free, Except, It Seems, a Mom Blogger.” She encouraged her audience to recognize their value, suggesting that even those just starting out, with only a handful of readers (perhaps even just their toddler twins), should appreciate the worth of their time, effort, and endorsements.
I wholeheartedly support this notion. Your blog is your unique corner of the internet—a place where you control every aspect. Personally, I ignore nearly all of the unsolicited pitches that land in my inbox. It’s disheartening to be addressed as Ms. and even more so to think someone believes I would expend my energy for a subpar product in exchange for a blog post. No thanks, I’m worth more than that, and so are you.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that every journey begins somewhere. It’s somewhat naive to assume that the broader mom blogging community offers many options, particularly when you’re just getting started with, say, 10 readers, two of whom are your kids. The landscape has significantly changed over the past five years, saturated with blogs vying for the same advertising spaces and opportunities. Building a reputable platform takes time, and before you can demand fair compensation for your contributions, you need to gather some experience. Unfortunately, that experience often doesn’t pay much.
I’ve had the privilege of being well-compensated for my blogging services, as well as accepting products in lieu of payment. Surprisingly, I’ve found that the joy of receiving a box full of craft supplies or a high-end kitchen gadget often outweighs the financial compensation that barely covers gas or groceries. Don’t get me wrong—money is essential, and I could certainly use more of it. However, I believe there’s no harm in supplementing your income with a product or two. After all, who doesn’t enjoy receiving free stuff? Plus, sharing it with my readers adds to the fun.
So, yes, acknowledge your worth and choose opportunities wisely. But don’t feel guilty if you decide to host a giveaway without demanding much in return. As long as you are comfortable with your choices, that’s what truly matters.
For more insights on this topic, check out this post on our blog about navigating the blogging world. And if you’re looking into home insemination options, consider visiting Make a Mom for reputable at-home insemination kits or Hopkins Medicine for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
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