As I've mentioned previously, I'm no Fleur De Force, but I do have a fair bit of experience in working with brands. As a small blogger myself, I feel that navigating the world of sponsored posts is harder for us than for the big successful influencers. Blogging full time is out of the question for most of us. We haven't got the weight of huge followings, a network or agent behind us, we can't afford/justify a professional photographer, etc. That's why I've specifically tailored my advice to smaller bloggers, and I really hope you find it useful.
In today's instalment, I'm going to be focussing on the initial stage of the process. I'm talking about the moment you receive email correspondence from a brand, telling you that they love the content you create and would like to offer you paid work. This can be very exciting, especially for us smaller bloggers who perhaps don't get to experience it as often as we would like, and it can be so tempting to fire off an immediate response, agreeing to everything before they change their mind. Don't! Before you even think about saying yes, you need to be absolutely sure that you and the brand are on the same page, and that means understanding exactly what is being asked of you.
In my experience, the correspondence from PRs when discussing sponsored posts can often be vague and confusing, so it's really important that you ask the right questions. Through trial and error, I have learned that it's essential to be clear on the following six points before agreeing to start work on a sponsored post. Some of them are questions for the brand, while others are things you need to ask yourself. One thing is for sure, though - taking the time to consider them at the outset could save you a whole host of problems further down the line.
In my experience, the correspondence from PRs when discussing sponsored posts can often be vague and confusing, so it's really important that you ask the right questions. Through trial and error, I have learned that it's essential to be clear on the following six points before agreeing to start work on a sponsored post. Some of them are questions for the brand, while others are things you need to ask yourself. One thing is for sure, though - taking the time to consider them at the outset could save you a whole host of problems further down the line.
6 Questions To Ask Before Accepting A Sponsored Post
1. Is the brand and product a good fit for my blog?
Our blogs are built on our audiences, who come to us because they enjoy the type of content we create. That doesn't mean we shouldn't embrace a little variety every now and then, but if I were to write a post about light bulbs, for instance, I don't think it would be very exciting for my fashion and beauty loving readers! The post wouldn't do well, the brand wouldn't be happy, and more importantly, I would risk alienating my audience for the longer term. The product you're being asked to write about doesn't have to be your favourite in the whole wide world, but you do need to be interested in it. If you're not, chances are it's not a natural fit for your blog and probably not the right collaboration for you.
2. What is the nature of the campaign, and can I deliver the content required?
In some cases, sponsored posts can be very straightforward. You might be sent products to try out or asked to select clothing from the brand website, after which you will be free to take photos and create a blog post around the items as you normally would. Sometimes, though, there are more specific requirements to take into account. For example, when I worked with No7, I had to set up a giveaway using Rafflecopter. It wasn't something I was familiar with, so it took a little more preparation than usual. A House Of Fraser campaign I worked on earlier this year was fairly simple, but there was a requirement to focus the content on styling an outfit for a wedding, so I had to take that into account.
When I worked on this campaign with TK Maxx, the requirements were a lot more complex. First I had to go into store with my photographer (read: husband), to meet the PR and put together a clothing rail of my favourite items. That took a good few hours, at the end of which I was gifted an outfit to style. I then had to set up a second photoshoot wearing that outfit (again, with my husband) all before actually writing the post. I don't have full time hours to devote to my blog, and Mike definitely doesn't, so it took some careful thinking and planning before I was in a position to agree.
On yet another occasion, part of the campaign involved making a short teaser video for the brand's social media pages. This was before I had started my YouTube channel, so it wasn't an easy task for me, although I eventually found a way to do it.
What I'm trying to say here is that you need to be sure from the outset exactly what you are being asked to do. Can you find the time and do you have the necessary skills and equipment? If not, you run the risk of it all ending in tears later on.
I've probably covered this in point 2, but it's vitally important to know how much time you have to play with. Chances are, as a small blogger you will be working around your day job, so you need to sit down with your diary (and possibly, as in my TK Maxx example, your husband's diary!) and work out exactly when you can fit in the tasks required.
Sometimes a brand will have a fixed budget available, which you can either accept or not, but more often with this type of sponsored post, you will be asked to provide your rate. It can be difficult to know what to charge, but there are some examples online that suggest how to calculate a reasonable fee, and I think the table given in this article is very handy to use as a guide.
I have worked on paid campaigns both with and without contracts. Usually, it is in the interests of both parties to have one as it offers mutual security. Make sure you read every word, though, because sometimes brands put requirements in there that they may not have discussed with you previously. For example, they might ask you not to work with any rival brands during the campaign and for a certain period of time after the post goes live. If there is anything you are not sure about, ask before you sign.
If there isn't a contract, I will email them something like, "Could you please confirm that I will be doing X, X and X and that you will pay me £X?" and wait for their positive response before starting any work. That way, I have written evidence of what has been agreed on in case of any problems later.
In my experience, being clear in your mind on these six important questions can help to make working on a sponsored post a much more pleasant and worry free experience. After all, getting paid work through your blog is a fantastic achievement and definitely one you should be able to enjoy!
What I'm trying to say here is that you need to be sure from the outset exactly what you are being asked to do. Can you find the time and do you have the necessary skills and equipment? If not, you run the risk of it all ending in tears later on.
3. What is the deadline?
I've probably covered this in point 2, but it's vitally important to know how much time you have to play with. Chances are, as a small blogger you will be working around your day job, so you need to sit down with your diary (and possibly, as in my TK Maxx example, your husband's diary!) and work out exactly when you can fit in the tasks required.
4. What am I going to charge?
Sometimes a brand will have a fixed budget available, which you can either accept or not, but more often with this type of sponsored post, you will be asked to provide your rate. It can be difficult to know what to charge, but there are some examples online that suggest how to calculate a reasonable fee, and I think the table given in this article is very handy to use as a guide.
Essentially, you need to take into account the time it will take you to do the work required, as well as your blog stats and engagement. In my case, although my monthly views are not currently where I would want them to be, I get good engagement on my posts and have a decent DA (Domain Authority - find yours here!) so I take all this into account when calculating my rate. While I think it's important to be honest and realistic, and won't be charging anything like the rates the big influencers charge, I also know that my blog has value, as does my time, and I don't see the point in committing myself to work without fair remuneration. In the case of the TK Maxx project, for example, the fee was higher than I usually charge, because there was so much more involved than simply styling up an outfit and writing a post.
The brand may accept your proposed fee, or they may come back with a counter offer. In this case, you need to weigh up whether or not the project is still worth your time, depending on what that counter offer is.
One final point on payment - make sure you clarify whether you will be paid via bank transfer or through PayPal. Some brands seem to like using PayPal, which is OK, but if this is the case I always ask them politely if they will cover PayPal's fees. If you've agreed on a figure then it's only fair that you receive all of it!
5. Will the brand agree to proper disclosure and no-follow links?
I have occasionally had to turn down paid work because the brand either don't want me to disclose that they've paid me to collaborate with them, or because they want me to include follow links to their site. It's maddening, but you could get into trouble and have your blog penalised for these practises, so they simply aren't worth the risk. That said, most reputable companies play by the rules, so it's not a scenario you should find yourself in too often when working on this type of sponsored post.
6. Will there be a contract to sign?
I have worked on paid campaigns both with and without contracts. Usually, it is in the interests of both parties to have one as it offers mutual security. Make sure you read every word, though, because sometimes brands put requirements in there that they may not have discussed with you previously. For example, they might ask you not to work with any rival brands during the campaign and for a certain period of time after the post goes live. If there is anything you are not sure about, ask before you sign.
If there isn't a contract, I will email them something like, "Could you please confirm that I will be doing X, X and X and that you will pay me £X?" and wait for their positive response before starting any work. That way, I have written evidence of what has been agreed on in case of any problems later.
Shop The Look
In my experience, being clear in your mind on these six important questions can help to make working on a sponsored post a much more pleasant and worry free experience. After all, getting paid work through your blog is a fantastic achievement and definitely one you should be able to enjoy!
I'll be following up with my guide to the next steps in the process soon. In the meantime, I hope you found this of use! Have you worked on any sponsored posts, and do you have any tips for being prepared?
Kate x
Some links may be affiliate links. This poses no extra cost to you, the customer. All opinions, as always, are my own.
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Autumn/Winter fashion is so much fun - the soft knits, the layers, the richness of colour and texture... but it's also expensive. Thick coats, heavy boots and sturdy fabrics definitely eat into the bank balance in a way that delicate summer pieces don't, and when you throw Christmas into the mix in the middle of it all, it can be all too easy to overspend.
My husband will tell you that I live in a perpetual state of "nothing to wear", but a lot of that is fuelled by a combination of not being as organised as I should be, and liking shiny new things a little bit too much. So, a couple of weeks back, I had a big wardrobe clearout, ready for the Autumn/Winter season. And much to my surprise, I found quite a few old pieces that are more than acceptable for the coming months. This should be helpful not only for my financial situation but my sanity as well, as it's helped me to focus on things that I really need, as opposed to just whatever looks pretty in the shops. Around the same time, this documentary on fast fashion and the impact it has on the planet popped up on my radar, which is probably more important than the state of my bank balance, now I come to think about it!
As a result, I decided to make a video to share the gems I've found at the back of my wardrobe, as well as a few ideas on how I might style them up to form the building blocks of my new season wardrobe. I hope it inspires a stash-shopping session of your own! As always, you can watch it on YouTube or right here. Enjoy!
Do you rewear many of your clothes season after season? What are your thoughts on fast fashion?
Kate x
In these past few weeks, dressing has been something of a delicate balance. The weather has been turning cooler, the evenings drawing in, and with the heating not yet in full winter mode, at times it has felt pretty chilly. On the other hand, the autumn season still feels quite new. The sun has still been gracing us with its presence most days, and while I have packed away my floral maxi dresses, it just doesn't feel right to be bundled up in loads of layers either.
One item I have found myself reaching for time and again during this tricky transitional period is this soft, chunky knit grey cardigan from River Island. I've found it so useful to throw on over jeans and a t-shirt whenever I've started to feel a chill in the air, whether I'm at my desk working or out and about. For some reason I seem not to have had many cardigans in my wardrobe for the past few seasons and I have no idea how I managed without them! As this grey one is working overtime, I definitely want to look for a couple more to see me through the autumn and winter months. They're perfect for adding a cosy layer of warmth over t-shirts, blouses and dresses, and when it gets really cold, I fully intend to add them over polo neck jumpers as well!
As you know, I do like to spend a fair portion of my spare time browsing clothes online, so I've put my scrolling to good use and selected a few of my favourite high street cardigans to share with you here. Let me know which is your favourite below.
Are you a cardigan wearer?
Kate x
Some links may be affiliate links. This poses no extra cost to you, the customer. All opinions, as always, are my own.
Midi skirts have been huge over the past couple of seasons, and there have been a lot of different styles I've been loving, especially through the summer months. Just before I went to Mallorca, I picked up a couple of new things to wear for going out in the evenings, one of which was this scarf print wraparound midi skirt. I don't usually go for bold prints, but something about this skirt just appealed to me, and it ended up being one of my favourite night out pieces and a staple in my holiday wardrobe.
While I really do love the striking print, it wasn't the main reason why I found myself reaching for this skirt so often.
First of all, there's the length. Midi skirts are so easy to wear and so elegant too - add even the smallest heel and you'll instantly look feminine and graceful. While maxi skirts can sometimes be tricky to style and mini skirts can be a little too... well, mini, there's something about midi skirts that always feels effortless.
Secondly, there's the shape. Now we all know I love to twirl around in something floaty, but the sleeker lines of this skirt are just that little bit sexier, and sometimes that's what you want for a night out.
At the same time, the wraparound element adds a touch of fun and just lifts the piece out of corporate pencil skirt territory, in my opinion. I really love the tie detail of this River Island number as it allows you to adjust the fit perfectly to skim your hips. And just for reassurance, it actually fastens with a zip at the back, so there's no danger of any mishaps!
Below, I've put together a selection of some of my favourite wraparound midi skirts on the high street right now. I think any of them would be simple to style up for an evening out. Just add a sleek black or white top, a pair of heels and maybe a slick of red lipstick. Voila!
At the same time, the wraparound element adds a touch of fun and just lifts the piece out of corporate pencil skirt territory, in my opinion. I really love the tie detail of this River Island number as it allows you to adjust the fit perfectly to skim your hips. And just for reassurance, it actually fastens with a zip at the back, so there's no danger of any mishaps!
Below, I've put together a selection of some of my favourite wraparound midi skirts on the high street right now. I think any of them would be simple to style up for an evening out. Just add a sleek black or white top, a pair of heels and maybe a slick of red lipstick. Voila!
Kate x
Some links may be affiliate links. This poses no extra cost to you, the customer. All opinions, as always, are my own.
If you aren't too fed up with all my Mallorca spam over on Instagram, you may be interested in seeing the vlog from my trip! We had a few days of bad weather while we were there, which to be honest probably made the vlog more interesting as we were forced to get out and about and explore. If we'd had wall to wall sunshine we might never have moved from the beach!
I've gone for a voiceover in this video, not just because I was attempting to emulate the style of what Anne did so beautifully here, but also because it seemed like the best way of making a vlog without feeling like I had to work at it too much. Talking to camera requires a certain amount of preparation and brain power for me, while simply filming what looks pretty is a lot easier! This was meant to be a complete break from work for Mike and myself, so I just filmed, and added in the words when I got home.
Surprisingly, some of the clothes I wore in the video are still available to buy, and some of them are heavily discounted too. If you like anything I'm wearing and have a holiday coming up to somewhere warm, it's worth checking out the description box on YouTube where I've put some links.
Hope you enjoy the video!
Kate x
If you saw my What's In My Travel Makeup Bag post the other week, you'll know that I travel (reasonably) light when it comes to the makeup I take away with me on holiday. Well, the same is true for skincare. While I like to make sure I have everything I need to keep my skin cleansed, moisturised and protected from the sun while I'm away, I tend not to bother with masks, serums, exfoliators or any of the "extras" that form part of my weekly routine when I'm at home. As a result, while I don't return from my holidays with terrible skin, I definitely feel as though it's in need of a bit of a pamper when I do get home.
My recent travels were no exception. With my skin feeling a little congested, dull and dry from my two weeks in the sunshine, I was excited to get back to my stash and give myself a mini facial. I loved the way my skin looked and felt afterwards, so I thought I would share what I used. So here it is - my post holiday skincare routine.
Step 1: Garnier Micellar Water
What did we do before Micellar Water was a thing? Seriously, how did we ever manage to get our skin clean enough?! Whether I'm at home or away, I'm never without this product, and it's always the first step of my evening routine to make sure I've swept away every last trace of makeup before moving on to actually cleansing my face. My favourite Micellar Water is the original Garnier one. I find it so effective at removing makeup, even waterproof mascara, but it doesn't dry out or irritate my skin in the slightest. I like to soak a large cotton pad or two in the product and gently wipe them over my face until it's completely makeup free.
I have a couple of cleansers on the go at the moment. The one I took with me on holiday was the Jurlique Radiant Skin Foaming Cleanser, so purely in the interests of giving my skin a break, I decided to switch back to the Image Skincare one for my post holiday skincare routine. I wrote in more detail about this product a while back, but essentially it is a gentle yet effective product, leaving my face feeling thoroughly cleansed, yet still soft. Exactly what I wanted for my slightly stressed, post holiday skin!
With my skin thoroughly cleansed, it was time to start giving it that little bit of TLC it had been missing during my holiday. Just before I went away, I was sent the Manuka Doctor 24k Gold & Manuka Honey facial peel to try, and now seemed like the perfect time. Housed in a very pretty white and gold tube, there is an addictive smell to this product that I can't quite put my finger on - sweet yet fresh. It's also lots of fun to use, applying as a pure golden mask that's perfect for face mask selfies, if those are your thing!
The product contains Kaolin Clay to draw impurities out of the skin, Hyaluronic Acid to moisturise, Vitamin E for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Manuka Honey to boost moisturisation and elastin, and Purified Bee Venom to nurture natural collagen formation and increase skin's elasticity. As per the instructions, I applied a thin layer of the mask and allowed it to dry, and I found that this took a little less time than the 20 minutes indicated.
When I peeled the mask away - again, fun to do! - I was impressed with how much brighter my skin looked, and by how smooth it felt. Having neglected exfoliation during my holiday, it had been a little dull and somewhat rough in texture, and this sorted it out straight away. I love this product and will definitely be incorporating it into my regular routine as a one or twice weekly treat.
Another product I had recently been sent was this luxurious looking face oil from Antipodes. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it feels incredibly nourishing on the skin yet still absorbs quickly without leaving any stickiness behind. The Organic Avocado Oil in this can apparently boost collagen production by up to 51%, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines, age spots and scars and nurturing the skin with essential fatty acids and key vitamins. In addition to this, the Rosehip Oil adds moisture and helps to repair parched and damaged skin - definitely what I needed post holiday!
Having only used this product a handful of times so far, I can't say anything about its long term benefits, but it feels wonderful to use - so much so that I find myself looking forward to getting ready for bed at night just so that I can put this on! My face is lapping this stuff up, and because it's suitable for all complexions, it's not upsetting the balance of my combination skin. Again, a product I've fallen in love with at first use and one which will be incorporated into my routine for the foreseeable future - nightly, in this case.
No night time routine is complete without eye cream! The No 7 Protect & Perfect eye cream is one I always go back to - in fact, you could say the same for the whole range. Eye creams can be tricky as it is the one area where fine lines tend to show the most for a lot of people, and it can be difficult to find an eye cream that really makes a huge difference. This one is no miracle worker, but it does a decent job at keeping my under eye area hydrated and fine lines softened. I don't suffer from puffiness or bad dark circles, but it's designed to target those as well, with its combination of peptides, antioxidants and pro-retinol Retinyl Palmitate.
The final step in my post holiday skincare routine was to apply a moisturiser before snuggling up in bed, and I chose an old favourite. I reviewed this Vitamin E mask almost a year ago when I first tried it, and I still love it now. Containing a blend of ingredients designed to both brighten and hydrate, including Vitamin E, Niacinamide and Adenosine, this product always seems to make me look fresh and awake in the morning after applying it the night before. The perfect finishing touch!
Do you keep up your full skincare routine on holiday, or do you opt for a good old pamper session once you get back? Or both?!
Kate x
Step 2: Image Skincare Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser*
I have a couple of cleansers on the go at the moment. The one I took with me on holiday was the Jurlique Radiant Skin Foaming Cleanser, so purely in the interests of giving my skin a break, I decided to switch back to the Image Skincare one for my post holiday skincare routine. I wrote in more detail about this product a while back, but essentially it is a gentle yet effective product, leaving my face feeling thoroughly cleansed, yet still soft. Exactly what I wanted for my slightly stressed, post holiday skin!
Step 3: Manuka Doctor 24k Gold & Manuka Honey Facial Peel*
With my skin thoroughly cleansed, it was time to start giving it that little bit of TLC it had been missing during my holiday. Just before I went away, I was sent the Manuka Doctor 24k Gold & Manuka Honey facial peel to try, and now seemed like the perfect time. Housed in a very pretty white and gold tube, there is an addictive smell to this product that I can't quite put my finger on - sweet yet fresh. It's also lots of fun to use, applying as a pure golden mask that's perfect for face mask selfies, if those are your thing!
The product contains Kaolin Clay to draw impurities out of the skin, Hyaluronic Acid to moisturise, Vitamin E for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Manuka Honey to boost moisturisation and elastin, and Purified Bee Venom to nurture natural collagen formation and increase skin's elasticity. As per the instructions, I applied a thin layer of the mask and allowed it to dry, and I found that this took a little less time than the 20 minutes indicated.
When I peeled the mask away - again, fun to do! - I was impressed with how much brighter my skin looked, and by how smooth it felt. Having neglected exfoliation during my holiday, it had been a little dull and somewhat rough in texture, and this sorted it out straight away. I love this product and will definitely be incorporating it into my regular routine as a one or twice weekly treat.
Step 4: Antipodes Divine Avocado And Rosehip Face Oil*
Another product I had recently been sent was this luxurious looking face oil from Antipodes. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it feels incredibly nourishing on the skin yet still absorbs quickly without leaving any stickiness behind. The Organic Avocado Oil in this can apparently boost collagen production by up to 51%, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines, age spots and scars and nurturing the skin with essential fatty acids and key vitamins. In addition to this, the Rosehip Oil adds moisture and helps to repair parched and damaged skin - definitely what I needed post holiday!
Step 5: No 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Eye Cream
No night time routine is complete without eye cream! The No 7 Protect & Perfect eye cream is one I always go back to - in fact, you could say the same for the whole range. Eye creams can be tricky as it is the one area where fine lines tend to show the most for a lot of people, and it can be difficult to find an eye cream that really makes a huge difference. This one is no miracle worker, but it does a decent job at keeping my under eye area hydrated and fine lines softened. I don't suffer from puffiness or bad dark circles, but it's designed to target those as well, with its combination of peptides, antioxidants and pro-retinol Retinyl Palmitate.
Step 6: Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask
The final step in my post holiday skincare routine was to apply a moisturiser before snuggling up in bed, and I chose an old favourite. I reviewed this Vitamin E mask almost a year ago when I first tried it, and I still love it now. Containing a blend of ingredients designed to both brighten and hydrate, including Vitamin E, Niacinamide and Adenosine, this product always seems to make me look fresh and awake in the morning after applying it the night before. The perfect finishing touch!
Do you keep up your full skincare routine on holiday, or do you opt for a good old pamper session once you get back? Or both?!
Kate x
*Gifted product. Some links may be affiliate links. This poses no extra cost to you, the customer. All opinions, as always, are my own.
Here I am again with another post entirely dedicated to my love of a Zara dress. What can I say? They do them so well! Just like the white button down dress I was raving about earlier in the summer, this beautiful new season emerald green number is priced at an incredibly reasonable £29.99, and so wearable that you are sure to get your money's worth out of it in no time at all. If you're anything like me, that alone is reason enough to add to basket, but this dress has so much more going for it than that. So, just in case you are in the mood to be enabled, here are 5 more reasons to buy this gorgeous Zara halter neck dress.
1. It's An "All Year Rounder"
2. It Looks (And Feels) More Expensive Than It Is
At the risk of sounding like an old person, haven't man made fabrics come a long way?! This dress is 100% polyester, which doubtless accounts for its affordability, yet it really does look and feel as though it's been made from silk. Add to that the chic, effortless cut and flattering tie waist and side splits and you have a dress that totally belies its under £30 price tag.
3. It Can Be Worn In A Multitude Of Ways
In addition to working equally well as a summer or autumn piece, this has so much versatility when it comes to styling, too. I find it suits me best with the neck worn open, but you could also button it all the way to the top and wear your hair up for a completely different look. A sleek pair of heels would definitely add some glam, and you could swap the tie belt for something that makes more of a statement. To take it down another route entirely, if you are cool enough (I'm not!), you could add a slouchy sweater over the top and team with trainers, or wear it unbuttoned over jeans.
4. It Has Pockets
I don't know what it is about pockets, but I know I'm not the only one who feels like the cat that got the cream when I discover them on a dress or pair of trousers I love. Pockets are like the icing on the cake! I've omitted to demonstrate them here, but rest assured this dress comes with pockets so that you can
5. There's A Version For Everyone
I fell in love with the emerald green dress, but if it's not your thing, it's also available in two lovely animal prints. The printed versions are a little more expensive but still a very reasonable £39.99. I am sure that they will both prove to be very popular, given the current demand for all things animal print!
Have you been buying anything for the new season yet?
Kate x
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