I get sent quite a few requests each week to write sponsored posts and publish them here on my little site. 9 times out of ten I say no, because the fit is not quite right. I love money as much as the next person, but I like storytelling better!
I was recently sent a request from a giant supermarket to write about an incentive they were running. The PR company involved were terrific, organised and were very, very good to deal with. Could not fault them one bit. But it appears as up the chain my copy went, the more changes were required.
Until it started to look like nothing I would ever, ever write.
I listened to my gut instinct and pulled the pin on the whole deal.
This company does not understand bloggers and social media communities and that is OK. No one does. Good on them for having a crack though. We are relatively new when it comes to media exposure and are fairly untested I suspect, in terms of results.I have worked with many MANY companies before who have actually requested my to write in my WOOGY way and we have all been happy with the results.
I am a risk taker with my writing. I am authentic with my words. And I will not change that. I love writing sponsored posts. I see them as a challenge and I enjoy spreading messages in my own way.
My voice.
MY BRAND.
So you might wonder why I am publishing this sponsored post anyway. Because I wanted to share with my fellow bloggers, PR professionals and Brands How Not To Write a Sponsored Post. And this, my friends, just cost me $500.