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Last Updated on August 3, 2021
As a dedicated blogger, we’re sure that your goal is to get as much attention to your blog as possible. There are various ways that you can promote your blog online to gain credibility and build your reputation.
Some people run Facebook Ad campaigns, some use guest posting, and others use SEO strategies like PPC.
Another popular strategy for boosting your blog reputation is working with an authority brand in your niche. For instance, if you’re a blogger and the theme of your work focuses on running, then linking with a top brand like Nike is a good idea.
Affiliating yourself with top brands gives consumers and your audience the impression that what you’re talking about in your blogs is legit and has substance.
The Issues with Working with Brands
Working with a brand sounds like a great idea. You get to benefit from the clout they have in the market, using it to build your reputation and attract more visitors to your blog.
However, the reality is that working with a big brand can be incredibly frustrating for bloggers (myself included). Big brands, such as Nike, have plenty going on in promotional awareness campaigns. If you were to land a deal producing content for them, you are probably one of many bloggers or creators.
Freebies
Some larger brands don’t put effort into nurturing relationships with bloggers. Even though these brands have colossal marketing budgets for hiring writers and bloggers, they tend to hold back on offering compensation.
You might find it surprising how many big brands will ask you to develop content for free. It’s as if they think that associating with their brand is enough of a financial reward, and you should be grateful for the privilege.
As a blogger, you value your work and your time, and if others fail to see the value in your work, then they can look for a writer elsewhere. Never agree to do free work (trust me you won’t be able to pay your bills with free stuff), as you can be sure that the brand will continue to push you for more content and walk all over you.
Poor Instructions
Writers need clear instructions when creating content. Some brands seem to think that you know what’s going on in their internal meetings, and they expect you to have a full understanding of what they want.
Unfortunately, some brands expect you to do this telepathically because they fail to provide adequate instructions with project requests. When the blogger turns in the work, and it’s not what the brand management was expecting, suddenly, it’s the blogger’s fault.
Payments
Big brands are large companies with huge payrolls. The chances are that you’re going to experience a delay in your payment, you can almost guarantee it. Before you engage with a brand, make your terms clear, and get the management to agree to late payment penalties.
Should You Go to the Hassle of Working with Brands?
Blogging networks are a great way to get plenty of experience in working with small and big brands from all over the globe. I’ve worked with many and they handle payment, communication and more. Brands can provide rewarding opportunities. However, you need to ensure that you are clear with your terms before you engage with them on any projects.
