So you’ve been blogging a bit, maybe made a few dollars with Amazon or AdSense, and now you’re hearing people talk about sponsored posts and brand partnerships. Sound fancy?
Let me break it down: it’s not just for influencers with 100k followers. You can absolutely do this.
Sponsored Post 101
A brand pays you to write or post about them. It could be a blog post, an Instagram reel, or a TikTok, whatever fits. Sometimes they give you specific points to hit. Other times, they just want your genuine take.
Example: I follow a lot of people in the van life space, and it’s super common to hear them say, “This video is sponsored by Squarespace,” or BetterHelp, or AG1. These are paid sponsorships where a brand is supporting their content in exchange for a mention or spotlight.” That’s a classic sponsored deal.
Brand Partnerships
Think of this like going steady. It’s an ongoing relationship with a brand you genuinely like. You might collaborate on multiple campaigns, get early product releases, or even create content together.
Example: A travel blogger who consistently works with REI to feature new outdoor gear each season, that’s a partnership. They’re not just doing a one-off post, they’ve got a long-term deal.
Why It’s Worth Exploring
- You’re getting paid to talk about things you already use.
- It boosts your credibility and visibility.
- It’s usually better pay than standard ad clicks.
What Brands Want to See
- A clear, consistent niche (they want to know who they’re talking to).
- Quality visuals (they don’t have to be pro-level, just thoughtful).
- Honest engagement – comments, shares, DMs all count.
- A media kit or at least a basic page that shows who you are and what you offer.
Do You Have to Be Famous? Nope.
Here’s what helps:
- Showing up consistently (blog, socials, whatever your thing is).
- Engaging your audience – respond to comments, ask questions, be present.
- Knowing your people – brands love a blogger who knows their audience.
Where to Find Sponsored Work
- Brands might email you out of the blue (yep, it happens!).
- Or you can check out influencer platforms like:
Want to be bold? Reach out directly to a brand you love. A short email that says who you are, what you do, and how your audience aligns can go a long way.
Final Tip: Sponsored posts aren’t just for the Instagram famous. But just like any other form of monetization, they don’t equal instant income. Most bloggers build up to these opportunities over time after showing up, building trust, and creating content people care about. If you’re helpful, relatable, and show up consistently, brands will notice.
No need to wait. Just start where you are.
