I have been blogging for less than a year, and advertising/sponsoring on other blogs is even newer to me. So I am seeking the advise of all you pros.
I bought my first 3 month advertising spot on a blog at the beginning of January. It is a well-known blog with 1000+ followers, and she was offering a discount, so I thought it might be a fun way to reach new people. I have never planned on having ad space on my own blog so I opt not to spend much on advertising, instead favoring link-ups, etc. For me, right now, it's about connecting with other bloggers. Needless to say, purchasing long-term advertising was a first for me and an attempt to 'put myself out there.' I briefly dabbled in buying ad space last fall, but gave it up until this month.
Well, we're on day 21 and the person I'm sponsoring has kinda stopped blogging. Only twice this year so far, and one was a feature post so it didn't contain any new content written by the blog owner.
What is a girl to do? Is there an etiquette to this? An unspoken rule? There are certainly no hard feelings, but I could have spent that money sponsoring three other blogs for a month each.
I can be rather timid when it comes to these things, often avoiding confrontation at all cost, so I bow down to your wisdom. Let it go? Ask for a refund? Boxers or briefs? TP over or under?
Yikes, what a letdown! I've just started blogging, but I'd think you are well within your "rights" to ask for a refund, or at the very least an extension to your three months. Hope you work it out!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bethany! It's one of those things...and I'm not quite sure what (experienced) bloggers do when situations like this come up. Oh, well.
DeleteThat's tough. On my last blog I did a little bit of advertising. Really I think you are at a loss on this one. But maybe next time get a guarantee of how often they will update their blog. And if they don't keep up to that rate that you guys have set then there is no awkward confrontation, it's just a flat out violation and you need your money back. I would not use that blog again though. And next time research how often they already post beforehand. But this post has reminded me to get back into that with my newest blog! Something I have ventured into with this particular one yet! Thanks for the reminder! :) Cool blog btw! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://collectivelycaitlin.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Caitlin! I've been following her for some time, and she usually posts several times a week, so I didn't see this coming. Her advertising page also promises 1000+ pageviews per day (which I'm guessing isn't happening without new posts) and regular link-ups (none of those, either). I will likely let it go. Bummer.
DeleteI think you can absolutely ask for a refund.
ReplyDeleteKindly, sweetly, gently write the blog owner to say that you were under the impression that for your payment, far more traffic would be driven to her blog than you've seen, thereby more exposure would be given yours. I think if you're respectful, you have nothing to lose by asking. Could be that life has simply gotten away from her and she hasn't been able to provide what she typically would.
This is absolutely not normal. I'm sorry! I found you on the blog hop and am your newest follower. I was hopin' that you'd pop on by my blog, stay a while, and follow back if you like what ya see!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day,
Sarah
www.enjoyingtheepiphany.com
I don't advertise because I worry about stuff like that happening.
ReplyDeleteThat is awkward. It could be the blogger in question has got a problem, something big enough to stop her posting at present. You might hear from her with an explanation perhaps, and an offer to extend your advertising spot.
ReplyDeleteDo hope it works out okay for you - when it's a big leap and out of the ordinary, it's even worse when it goes wrong!
Michele
I'm always sensitive to life's unexpected events, so I would never want to make anyone feel bad. It's a bummer that this is my first long-term advertising experience! Thanks for your advice, Michele!
DeleteThat stinks! I haven't tried advertising so I'm new to this too. But If you feel bad asking for a refund I would ask her to extend your spot. I think you definitely have a right to do that!
ReplyDelete~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
That's tough, I've had that happen to me on several occasions. One, was someone I had previously sponsored with and had a great response, but on the second time, I got nothing! No hello, no contact, no social media mentions. I was very disappointed, but never did anything about it. I shrugged it off and moved on. On other occasions though I've sponsored bigger bloggers and got great traffic from them even though they did nothing and only had a few posts....it really just depends. What I usually look for is what they do aside from displaying me ad. Social media mentions usually make me want to spend my money with them. I could ramble on forever about this...but unfortunately in the long run, I probably wouldn't say anything. But I'm a chicken sometimes...lol...
ReplyDeleteI've never advertised, so I have no personal advice to offer. But my dad passed away a month ago and I just couldn't focus on blogging for awhile. Perhaps if you sent her an email along the lines of "I've missed seeing your posts, I hope everything is okay in your world" it would force her to either fess up about her absence...or she might give you a legit reason and a solution can be worked out. I would do it via email tho, in private. Good luck!
ReplyDelete