I get a lot of questions about the business of blogging. I’ve posted about my thoughts on growing blog traffic here, but I thought it might be a good idea to talk about advertising. It seems like it’s the elephant in the room with the blogging community lately and I always feel better when I am open and honest. So bear with me here.
In this post on Cup of Jo, I mentioned that a year or two ago my blog transitioned from a hobby into a paying job. I think at the time I had about 250,000 monthly page views (just in case you’re a fellow blogger and wanting a reference point). I noticed about then that I was spending 20-40 hours a week working on my blog. Every day I would get 100-200 emails. I get more now. Some are press releases or ridiculous, basically spam emails. But many require responses. The time to read and respond to even a quick email really adds up.
Then there’s the actual posting. As you fellow bloggers know, even the simplest posts take about an hour to put together — Editing and uploading the photos takes the most time. Linking takes a while. And then writing the copy can be really time consuming. The longer posts require 3-6 hours of work just to put together – not counting the time to actually do the project or photograph the room, etc. Crazy, right?
I hope to not come across as defensive or like I’m complaining. I’m just trying to keep it real. Seriously, I really, really love my job. I’m so grateful to you readers and the support you guys give me and my family. Every now and then I get a nasty commenter, but for the most part, you guys are only ridiculously sweet and supportive. Virtual hearts!
All this to say that there is usually sort of a turning point when a blogger can start to feel like what they have is more like a business and less like a hobby. For some, this is when the sparkle of blogging starts to fade because it is easy to get caught in the weeds of the business/administrative side of things. I don’t think this is a job a person can do unless they are passionate about the subject matter. That said, it can get hard to dedicate the time necessary to maintain something that’s just a hobby. Eventually it needs to make financial sense too.
A couple years ago, I started using Google Adsense as a way to offset the cost of blogging – both in terms of time and the expense of the projects I was posting about. Adsense is a free service that is open to any blogger. Though I think they suggest waiting to add the program to your site until you’re getting about 10,000 page views a month (I suggest using Google Analytics for traffic tracking). Adsense pays based on traffic and ad clicks. I did Adsense for a couple years and I also accepted (still accept!!) private sponsors, who advertise with the banners in the column to the right.
Earlier this year I was signed by Federated Media, which I was thrilled about. FM is an amazing ad network run by creative, thoughtful people. It had been a dream of mine to work with FM and I’m giddy that I can call myself one of their authors.
FM now manages the ads that you see on my site (excluding the private, small business ads previously mentioned). Also, I recently decided that I am going to try out hosting sponsored posts on LGN. I like to think of a sponsored post as a lot like a commercial. Some of them will be posts that I write, others might be something written by the sponsor.
This has been a tough choice. I am not making a fortune off of my site. I’m sure I’d make a better living if I spent all my time decorating. I keep blogging though because I think it will continue to provide me with good opportunities in the future, but most of all because I love blogging and I love my readers.
Have you been sensing how fast and furious the blog industry is growing? It’s really fascinating to me. I’ve been watching, like you have too, I’m sure, as bloggers have begun to really capitalize on the success of their blogs. I think that some bloggers are handling it *just right*. Sometimes I feel like others might be acting a little sneaky with how they’re monetizing their blogs. I worry those few bloggers in the minority are giving the rest a bad rap and making some readers annoyed whenever they see an ad. Me, personally, as a reader, I get it. We all need to make a living and I don’t hold that against anyone else. But, me as a blog author, I never, ever, ever want money-making opportunities to overshadow the genuine, hard work I put into this site.
I know not everyone will love seeing these occasional “commercials” but here’s what I can promise:
1) I will do my best to keep sponsored posts to a minimum. I’m anticipating only one or two a month.
2) On the very few days that a sponsored post goes up where the content is not mine, I will also be posting a regular content post and I’ll try to make it extra good!
3) The words “SPONSORED POST” will be at the top of each of these posts, making it easy to skip past if you’re not interested.
4) I am hand-selecting each of my sponsors. I promise to continue to work only with companies that I like and want to support. Not all of them will be design-related companies, but most will. They really will look and feel like commercials.
So there it is. It’s not an easy subject to discuss – money and advertising. But after some consideration, I decided it was worth sharing with you lovely, thoughtful readers. Tomorrow my first sponsored post will go live. Thank you in advance for your support with this. I promise to give you lots of the good stuff in return.
xoxox
Jenny
PS Also tomorrow, look forward to a post on making too-small art fit beautifully in large frames!
PPS There has been some further clarification in the comments section, so feel free to read my answers there and ask more questions if you have them. Thanks!
Such a thoughtful post, I really appreciate your transparency here. My view on the matter is that adverts can be very interesting and inspirational, however good balance is essential. too much/too forced adverts can put off many readers and do more harm than good to the blogger her/himself. Your blog has been a huge inspiration to me and I'm looking forward to the sponsored posts.
best wishes,
Maggie (Edinburgh, UK)
I don't really mind the ads on blogs unless I feel I am being manipulated (i.e. a sponsored review of a product). I am just so glad we have blogs, and that I get tons of inspiration for free.
I view blogs much like I view reality television…it is nice to see normal people get to realize their dream instead of some elite few. Oh yeah, and again, it is free for me. How can I complain?
I also think it gives readers some power, it is no coincidence that DIY blogs are the most popular.
Everyone wins on this, and if it takes a few ads for us all to get there…ad away.
I think this post is super cool Jenny. Good for you! And congrats on being a part of the FM team! Woot!
This is great to know! I've got adsense on my blog and have on average 100 visitors a day. I made $9.41 sense last week–not a lot but better than nothing! I'm also an Amazon associate and have made about $20 through that. Thanks for sharing!
As a blogger I completel understand how time consuming the process of writing can be and have no issue with bloggers being compensated for their efforts if they are upfront about it.
I think those that have a problem with monetizing blogs seem to forget that ads are everywhere from the magazines we read, TV shows we watch ( hello product placement) and on SM sites like Facebook. We too should be appropriately compensated for our efforts. I spend about 20 hours a week on my site ( on top of a full time job) and would love to make it pay but in a way that's right for me and my readers. I think your approach is bang on!
Amy
You really are a great business woman, Jenny.. I look up to you! xxx
I am a rare commenter but that's deeply unfair as your blog is the one I hit first in my Google Reader each morning. You are my favorite design blogger (and I follow ALOT!). Just wanted to voice my support of you and the choices you make to protect your time to provide this terrific content.
Addressed with such tact and grace … as always! I'm not a blogger, just a blog reader. What I love about blogs is that I choose what to read. Therefore I don't understand nasty comments. If I don't like a blog or what a blogger says, I don't read it. Simple! As with anything in life, most people aren't able to put in countless hours for free. I for one am so glad you can turn it into a business vs. quitting the blog and pouring all your time into client work. Thank you for all you do. You teach. You inspire. You motivate. — Allison
Thank you for your honesty. I love love love LGN and my girlfriends and I always use "Jenny would do that" as a reference point when shopping and thrifting in our city. I do not mind ads at all, I have always loved your blog and I will continue to be a big fan. Thanks for working so hard and for quality posts 100% of the time.
Thank you for writing about this. As a new blogger, I wonder about how much time and energy it takes to maintain a blog like yours (I know it takes me quite some time to get a post ready to publish). As a twenty-something trying to figure out what I want to "be," I'm really interested in career development and learning more about what other people do, how they feel about their careers, etc and this gave me a glimpse into career blogging. Thank you!
Well said. Your honesty is appreciated. This is exactly why your blog is so successful!
Oh Jenny, I can't thank you enough for doing this post! I'm right at that place you found yourself a few years ago where I need to make a decision, either grow this thing & start thinking of it as 'going to back to work' or leave it as a hobby on the side.
A few opportunities have come up for me to freelance my posts so I'm going for it! It's scary to take such a risk (hellooo, childcare costs!) but I'm taking this post as a sign that I made the right decision. (:
Thank you so so much for your honesty, there aren't a lot of places for us bloggers to get some honest advice…mind if I deem you my blogging mentor??
Natasha
(little pink monster- formerly samster mommy)
So well put! I've been reading (LOVING) your blog for over a year now, but haven't commented much. But I wanted to thank you for your candor and grace around an awkward topic. I have little doubt that I'll find your sponsored posts useful, too – I do on some other blogs when they're carefully selected and reasonable in number. I've found some great companies/products that way! So thanks again – looking forward to seeing how LGN grows and evolves for the betterment of you and your fortunate readers!
P.S. I loooooooved the upholstery tutorial. It demystified what I thought of as a really intimidating project!!
I think we all appreciate how much work you do for us- I know I do! You give us all of your thoughts and inspiration for free, and I totally understand that you need to make it worth the 20-40 hours a week that you put into it! Also- I am looking forward to your sponsored posts b/c I know that you will only write about things you actually like- and if you like- i bet we all will!
Eileen
http://www.eileenscreativeday.blogspot.com/
I love this post. I don't read many design blogs, but when my SIL, Caitlin (of CWD) told me about your blog a year ago, I got hooked. Your writing is so genuine and your content seems to appeal to everyone from design insiders to those of us who just like to dabble. I've always been bothered by people who take issue with ads on blogs. I'm glad that you are able to be compensated for your time–where else in life would a reader expect to get such great content for free? This is a fabulous post.
For all the free entertainment you give me, I am more than happy that you can benefit from it too!!
I thought that was a great post. I love reading your blog and will read your sponsored posts as well. Good luck!
You are a beautiful designer and blogger, and I look forward to reading your sponsored posts– I really respect your choices here. Keep up the fantastic work; we all want you to continue loving what you do. You deserve much success.
Jenny –
I rarely post on blogs but was inpsired to post something on your blog today. First, I love your blog! I own two retail stores and some days I'm bone tired and haven't had a chance to eat and I still check your blog because I enjoy it so much!! I'm always amazed at people who comment "I'm going to start a blog" like it takes 5 minutes to write something and post it. I've never attempted a blog but know that to be a good consistent blogger (which you are!), it takes time and discipline. How you do it with your business and kids, I'll never know!! I love your writing, your ideas, your posts, everything!! Not only do I think it's fair that you're compensated for such wonderful content, I think you more than earn it!! And I agree with other readers that there are times that I find great new companies from blog sponsers. Thanks for all of your hard work to entertain the many nameless faceless people out there. You do a fabulous job!
I am thrilled that you're finding ways to benefit financially from the time and work you put into this amazing blog. Great bloggers deserve compensation for the work that they do. I've said it before and I'll say it again – there needs to be a Little Green Notebook book on design and DIY decorating; I would totally buy it!!! Congrats on the new sponsored posts.
Well said, Jenny! Thanks for sharing; I've been curious about how all of this works.
I just wanted to tell you how much I love to read your blog and that I'm behind you 100%. Keep up the good work. Yours is one of the good ones! :)
Robin
you expressed everything perfectly. I'm no where near the size of yours, but I feel my blog turning and since I'm not a designer, I'm not really sure how to handle it. My blog isn't meant to promote anything, just serve as a creative outlet. But your advice on staying true to my passion and keeping the sponsors to thoughtful ones is spot-on. Thanks Jenny!!!
And my gosh, I'm honored you respond to my occasional email, considering the amount you get!!!
LOVE when you visit your mom and do makeovers, her kitchen looks amazing!
Jenny, Your blog is the one that got me hooked on design, because you keep it real and show actual homes with real projects. I purposefully haven't added you to my reader, because I like making a "personal" stop by your blog, silly, huh? Thanks so much for writing, you're an inspiration and I love your style!
Thank you for this post! Trying to figure out this world of blogging is not easy and having a seasoned (and successful) blogger like yourself touch upon something that is so sensitive is really insightful. I think you are a great designer/blogger and your integrity (and creativity) are something that your readers really appreciate. Thanks for keeping it real!
Thanks for the info on advertising. I am so glad to hear how long it takes you to create a post…I thought I was the only one :)
You are totally right in saying that at some point (when your blog is 20-40hrs a week of work), you need some financial benefit…plus keeping your readers happy with creative posts and tutorials isn't free…cost of materials for projects whether they are a success or failure can add up.
Thank for the post I really enjoyed reading it!
Jenny,
Very informative! As you can tell, all of us love your blog and won't be bothered in the least by a sponsored post. Keep doing what you're doing! I echo the sentiment of other comments that your blog is my favorite among the many I read.
You're one classy lady.
Best wishes for further success!
Readers need to understand marketing,
my issue is that most blogs are just huge marketing ploys that make readers dissatisfied with what they have just so they can get something new and the author gets a cut.
I am a blogger myself and I know of how time consuming it is to keep things together, but I believe that at some point a blog author becomes strictly motivated by the opportunities a blog provides.
Blogging is becoming exceedingly popular as they are taking the place of paper publications such as magazines. Blogs are the new magazines and vlogs will soon be the new blogs. Either way I've always been a bit annoyed with anything that sells a particular lifestyle to it's supporters as most media does.
I think what really irritates me is when a bunch a bloggers get invited to an event and they are all blogging about that exact same even together and how much they "love" the products. Are you kidding me?
Anyway, I see more and more that it's time for me to put the blogs down, they are distracting and consumption driven. Informational blogs that actually assist and mostly inform the people are a totally different thing. One or two ads about a sale are one thing because they help the readers but an entire posts about "Things you NEED to look and feel great this summer" is another.
Keeping in mind that most bloggers get this crap for free.
I'm not proofreading this.
I concur with many of your readers; I have always loved your blog, and it too is the first "design" blog I read everyday. As a designer myself, I appreciate the time and effort you put into each post and often use it as inspiration. I welcome your use of ads in your blog because everyone deserves to be compensated for their hard work. I would even be interested in doing a sponsored post or ad…if you accept other designers ;)
Well said! I always laugh when women comment about bloggers having such an easy job. Not in my opinion! It takes so much time and effort to create something worthwhile. Bravo to you for making it all happen while raising kids and decorating at the same time (not to mention juggling all your other commitments too!).
Never apologize, or let yourself feel awkward, for getting compensated for your labor. Very few people are in a position to work for free. Thank you for making your work and ideas so accessible and free to us, and congratulations on finding a way to get yourself compensated for your time and ideas.
i love your blog. just sayin'. :)
love the transparency! 20-40 hours a week … PHEW. girl you definitely need to be compensated!
I actually enjoy seeing well selected products and services advertised in a tasteful way. Some of my favorite purchases for my home and family have come from ads on blogs that I love. Keep up the good work!
As a blogger I apprecite you demystifying the whole process and even throwing out some numbers. That's helpeful. As a reader I LOVE your site. One of the few design blogs I absolutely adore because 1) I don't feel like you're showing off/bragging–you are down to earth and genuine 2) your work is amazing and DOABLE 3) you break it down and make design–especially interior design–more accessible. Not that you were asking for it, but you have my support 1000% percent.
i HATE sponsored posts. it's enough to make me stop reading a blog. maybe you can make a version that allows users to view without seeing these posts. they just feel scummy- like those fake magazine ads that try to pass themselves off as being real magazine content (and those also have an advertisement statement at the top). i completely understand adn respect that blogging takes a long time. i think banners and ads on the side/top are fine, because they don't interfere with readers viewing the content. and if it's taking up too much time, blog less. quality>>quantity.
You guys, I am blown away by your support. Thank you! I was expecting to get lots of the nasty anon commenters here this morning. What a lovely surprise!
I do want to clarify though – many of the sponsored posts were/will be arranged by Federated Media, so the companies will be bigger and not all design related, though many are. The first sponsored post (going up tomorrow) was written by a writer at HP about their new laptop. Again, please consider these commercials on my site.
Thanks again for all your support!
xoxo
Jenny, I love your blog and I'd read 50 ads to find one of your DIY posts! So far, I have a tufted ottoman, a ralph lauren "galvenized" painted television stand, and silver leafed night stands in my guest room!
Hi Kate,
Thanks for your comment and for sharing your concerns. I agree that sponsored posts can feel scummy. I am trying to take a different approach here altogether in being very, very open about what is advertising content and what is Jenny content. When you see the HP post go live tomorrow you will see what I mean about how the post will look and feel like a commercial. It's not in my voice at all (which was intended).
I think the line between genuine and incentivized blogging has been getting increasingly blurry. I thought it was worth trying out these "very clearly an advertisement" posts. It helps me pay the bills and hopefully maintains the trust in the relationship with my readers.
xoxo
Thank you for paying it forward to future business bloggers. I started blogging as a fun outlet for my projects, and you are right, it does take at least an hour for the most pared down post.
Jenny, thank you so much for taking the time to be open and honest with us. I'm a long-time lurker, and I honestly don't comment much on any of the blogs that I read, but I really wanted to come out and say thank you. Sometimes it feels weird when there's sponsored posts or what seems like product placement in blogs, and sometimes I feel weird about seeing it – especially when other blogs seem to publicize the fact that they are "not taking any free things from companies" or not having any sponsored posts — I feel like that whole mindset creates a strange, unfriendly energy towards it.
All that to say – I know you work so hard on this blog (and I LOVED your guest post on Cup of Jo!) and I WANT you to make money for it/from it! I want you to be compensated for your time, effort, and the brilliant ideas that you share with us. This post and the whole way you handled this makes me feel so positive about reading your future sponsored posts, and actually makes me want to read them and think about supporting the sponsors of the post, because technically they help you.
So, thank you. Your candor is refreshing and just another reminder of why I love this blog so much! :)
I support you! Go get em'. xo Do what you feel is right, and in the end it is your blog. We're not paying to read the content, so figure out a way to make some money!
this whole advertising animal was such a mystery to me when i started blogging. i admit that at times, i have felt that some of my favorite bloggers have "sold out", and it seems that their sites are nothing more than flashy ads and guest posts form sponsors. i have never felt this way about your blog, but i agree that it is a fine line between making money, keeping content fresh and inspiring, and "selling out". thanks for doing it well and being such an inspiration.
Rock on girl! I adore your blog! When I began my blog about Children's books, I found out after the first couple of days how MUCH WORK it is to do this, especially if you post every day. This topic just came up over at Sweet Fine Day, which I guess has been 100% ad free up until now. By and large, everyone wrote to Jenna and said, if it's a choice between ads or NO BLOG, well then that choice is clear isn't it? You provide something lovely for your readers and I'll be happy to see most anything on your site, if it means we also get to see your amazing design aesthetic and beautiful projects! You create something wonderful almost every day, THANK YOU! xo, Melissa
I'm just so amazed that you are such a prolific and successful designer and blogger AND have three kiddos! I always give myself slack when I see other very successful bloggers because many, many times they do not have children, and let's face it, that changes a person's time dynamics drastically.
I'd love to hear how to juggle all the great blog and designer work and not somehow sacrifice time with your girls. You're supermom as far as I can see!
Well put Jenny! I think if you are honest with your readers, making money on a blog does not have to have a bad rap.
Jenny, I'm thrilled for your blogging success and have been reading far longer than you've had advertising. I really don't understand why people resent bloggers carrying ads or sponsorships … I just skip over or skim anything I'm not interested in. (I don't have ads on my blog, but if I ever get to that point I hope that my readers will bear with me.)
Keep up the great work!
I don't mind a sponsored post AT ALL. Especially if it means we get to keep on reading your blog! Thanks!
I'm usually not compelled to comment … especially since my blog is about dogs and totally unrelated to yours. BUT, WOOT WOOT to you for putting out there the behind the scenes reality of blogging. May I one day have enough traffic to be able to even consider sponsored posts. You're a great role model for all of us :)