I’ve been blogging for a while, and in the last few months, I’ve noticed a few trends.  First of all, it appears that an increasing number of paid opportunities have emerged for mom bloggers, which is wonderful.  It’s actually possible to make a living doing this work – something that was extremely difficult just a year or two ago.

But also, and more importantly, I’m noticing a trend of referrals.  I’m constantly asked for blogger referrals by networks and companies, and when I think of who to recommend, I’m careful.  I look to bloggers who are in the appropriate niche, of course, but I also look for people who will do a good job.  Any of my referrals directly reflect on me, so it’s important that they’ll be wonderful.

Karma is key here.  I like working with people who are nice, and positive.  You don’t have to sugar coat everything, but a positive attitude is essential.  I’ve also been lucky enough to have been referred to opportunities, and for that I’m eternally grateful.

Are you noticing this trend too?

Why Karma and Professionalism are More Important Than Ever in Blogging is a post from: Multitasking Mommy

Those are two of the words that most small business owners fear.  I work incredibly hard at building my brand, and I never want to be forced to change anything.

So when I saw the email with that subject line, my heart skipped a beat and my stomach dropped.

Then, I took a breathe, and clicked open.

It was from JC Penney.  The email stated:

momsfavoritestuff.com

Your domain above has been identified as having links to jcpenney.com/products without J.C. Penney Corporation, Inc.’s authorization.  These links must be taken down immediately.

Hmmm….  I don’t really shop at JC Penney, and haven’t really worked with them, so I had to search my own site.  Turns out, back in 2009, we wrote a review about Converse sneakers.  These sneakers were exclusively available at JC Penney, so we linked to where they had been purchased.

This is neither illegal, nor against JC Penney’s terms of service.

But I removed the link.  And I won’t be thinking very favorably about them in the near future.

Cease and Desist is a post from: Multitasking Mommy

So you are a blogger, trying to improve your online presence, make some money, and do the right thing.   You read in Susan Getgood’s Professional Blogging for Dummies that most bloggers responding to her survey reported that advertising was their number one revenue stream.  Then you read this article from Jennifer James that states “most of you won’t make a sizable amount of money from your blog” (something I agree with).

You read “Why PR People Get Paid and You Don’t” and then you read “On Paying Bloggers – It’s Not Black and White, It’s Green“.

Huh??

We all obviously have our opinions and experiences, and things seem to change in the mom blogosphere very fast.  I make money from advertising – it’s a nice stream of money that helps cover my expenses.  But the real money is from the consulting, sponsored projects, and ambassadorships.  And I think that is a trend that is going to continue.  But bloggers sometimes do need to be upfront about requesting compensation.

Do I think bloggers should get paid for reviews?  For the most part – no.  If it’s editorial, it’s editorial.  That means my content, my terms, my timeline, etc.

Here’s an example.  Last week, a PR person I really like, representing a company I’ve worked with in the past, sent me a personalized email asking me if I could post about a promotion they were doing.  I did it – a few sentences in my own words, in my own time frame.  No money was exchanged.  I liked the promotion, like the company, and wanted to promote it.

But on the other hand, there are lots of times (and I’m sure many of you are nodding in agreement) when I get emailed by someone I don’t know asking me to post about something.  It usually is addressed to “Ms.”.  There are “demands” of posting a widget (with their code, by the way), specific words and links to use, requests to promote on Facebook and Twitter (with the supplied hashtag, natch).   This is what gets bloggers frustrated and irritated.  This is why they say things like “You expect to be paid, why shouldn’t I?”.

I had another company who asked for my media kit, purchased two ads, and got their message across quickly and easily on my site.  It didn’t cost a fortune, and we both had a great experience.

In the past six months, I’ve seen more paid opportunities for bloggers than I have in the past.  I think the bloggers who will get them will be those who conduct themselves with grace, who treat their blog like a business, and who have something to offer the companies.

What do you think?  Are you seeing a change in the mom blogosphere?

Clearing Through the Mom Blogger Money Confusion is a post from: Multitasking Mommy

I post a lot about kid-friendly Boston attractions on my Family-Friendly Boston blog, and I know that these attractions can be expensive, especially for a family of four.

I’ve been working as a City Advisor for the Savvy Scholarships and Savings program, so I know that there are some great deals on the horizon for Boston.  Sign up for the weekly newsletter to find out about the deals, and if you are a blogger who wants to offer these deals on your blog, sign up here.

Affiliate Link

The Savvy Savings and Scholarships Program is a post from: Multitasking Mommy

If you know me personally, you know that much of my time over the last few weeks has been dedicated to planning the Boston Parent Bloggers launch party.  With the exception of my wedding, this was the largest event I’ve ever planned, and Christy (our co-host, co-planner, co-founder) and I are really pleased with how it worked out!

This event had taken on several iterations in my mind, but the ultimate venue, The Barefoot Book Store in Concord, MA ended up being the perfect place for our party.  It’s colorful and friendly, and was the absolute right size.  Peapod provided all of the food, and Christy and I may have over-ordered a bit, as many of the guests actually got to take stuff home with them.  Thanks to our gold and silver sponsors, Stonyfield Farms and Isis Parenting, we were able to hire servers, a front-door person, and a bartender (from Party Servers) and purchase delicious wine (at an amazing discount from Sakonnet Vineyards located in my hometown in Rhode Island).

The party couldn’t have worked out any better.  Our Boston Parent Bloggers are an amazing group who truly wanted to network and chat – no cliques in our group!  Bloggers talked to bloggers, bloggers talked to sponsors, sponsors talked to other sponsors, and EVERYONE seemed to have a great time!

When guests left, they were able to take TWO gift bags (provided by CoupMom & Lands End) home with amazing products from Staples, Mabel’s Labels, XtraXtra, Boston Market, Stretch Island Fruit, Unwind Beverages, Dancing Deer, PopChips, Tide/Downy, vineyard vines, 7-11, Barefoot Books, Bubble Chocolates, and more.  Some lucky winners received prizes from Britax, Tiny Prints, Aura Restaurant (at the Seaport Hotel), and more.

I can’t wait for our next get together (at The Melting Pot in Bedford)!

The Boston Parent Bloggers Launch Party is a post from: Multitasking Mommy