I wonder if new (newer than me) blogger have any idea how hard it is to get your blog read, or your “voice” heard. I was thinking one day, that there must be a ton of newbies that sign up just for free stuff. They heard that some blog is getting free stuff and “all they have to do” is put up a post about it. I was already blogging way before I did reviews but I too thought it was a cool idea! Then reality set in and just because its free doesn’t mean its all that great. I think newbies sorely underestimate the time it takes to do reviews and giveaways. And if you are like me and have 3 kids then you know time is short. Add to that I am a student, and you get the picture. When I am not doing college or blog I am constantly scouring the web for articles or blog posts about the blogosphere or PR to learn all I can. I wonder if its an obsession I am in denial about. I have spent an insane amount of hours working on my blog. Seriously its nuts.
Anyway the point of my post is, please if you are reading this and think that the free stuff is just awesome and you should open a blog, please consider how many people will actually read your blogs. And not just the people entering the contests, I mean real readers that stick around and post on your other entries. is it REALLY worth your time to spend a week on something that is worth maybe $5? I have some very wonderful loyal readers that I need to email personally to thank them and I will. I swear! but in the meantime I just wanted to share my thoughts with the readers. I think everyone should have a voice. Its just hard to get it heard online when its hidden behind a bunch of giveaways. I will still have giveaways but this bash has taught me an important lesson that followers like to read good content more than they like entering contests. Food for thought…
AMEN……it is so difficult to have the “real” readers and followers, I too have gone through the review and giveaway circuit, and I have several stacked on my desk and witten right now. It doesn’t bring in followers….it brings in hit and run traffic. Content is key. Great post Candy!
I agree wholeheartedly! I’ve got too many freaking giveaways lined up right now but after that, they are going to be few and far between. I’m ready for REAL readers, not just sweepers!
So very true! A few very loyal readers is so much more important than a few dollars worth of free stuff. It’s nice to know people are listening.
So very true! It does take a lot of time, and doing reviews and giveaways are not for everyone. One you start, it can be addicting! When you spend all the time on some posts, the products often don’t really equal free. Every good review blog knows that. And, once you get started in writing reviews, it’s easy to see that! Great post!
Kim I think you are definitely right. I think i could do reviews all the time but the giveaways in addition are harder!
I so totally get you….you said it sooo well too….I’m just starting to do a few giveaways here and there…but I realize the ones who comment on my regular posts…never enter my giveaways…and those who enter the giveaways…never stick around…..
My blog is fairly new. It started out as a recipe blog and then the offers started. I enjoy doing reviews but it is a lot of time and energy. Not just the reviews, but getting your blog recognized is hard work as well (which is something I have been trying to do). I LOVE blogging! It is one of my new favorite things.
Me too Randa, I love blogging. And yes getting your blog recognized is hard work too!
I totally agree with you. I love reading blogs more for the content than giveaways and reviews. Also there is the fact that most of the blogs I read are written by Americans and I live in Australia so I couldn’t enter the giveaways anyway. Good content = loyal readers.