Confessions of a Mommy Blogger

     I have had a few weeks to reflect on my blog. I know it's only been live a few months, but I've gotten pretty caught up in the mommy blogosphere. I figured that if I wanted more people to read my posts, I should give something away as an incentive. Then I realized that not many companies want to give you free stuff if it's only going to promote their product to 10 people. It's a cycle. You host giveaways to prove to sponsors that you have a broad audience. You convince the audience to stay by offering more free stuff. And you get free stuff, too! People have received some pretty sweet promos. How awesome would it be to get a $400 stroller to review? Pretty awesome, right? But...

   That is NOT why I started writing, and that is certainly not what inspired me to begin writing Minimally Mama. I don't want to hustle my blog to potential sponsors JUST to get free stuff. I learned a lot from this past giveaway. It was pretty damn hard to get sponsored for two reasons:
1. I ONLY contacted companies and individuals whose product and ethos I would be excited to promote.
2. Most potential sponsors won't give you the time of day if you don't have impressive numbers to share with them.

     I was very fortunate to have a really cool eco-conscious company and a super sweet and talented WAHM give me an opportunity. That's really the way I see it. I LOVE reviewing products for you guys! I love SHARING. (Some people have even accused me of oversharing.) THAT is why I started this! So here is what I am going to do...

I am going to continue to write Minimally Mama.
I am going to write whenever I feel I have something of value to contribute--not however many times a week will make me attractive to sponsors.
I am going to review products that I use and companies that I believe in--not whoever approaches me, and not whoever I beg for free stuff.
I am going to host giveaways if any of the aforementioned companies are gracious enough to sponsor me, or if I have it in my budget to sponsor it myself. For this reason, my giveaways probably won't be very often or offering really high-dollar items.
I am going to be honest with my writing (as I have been) and not try to lure readers with promotions, and if that means I am writing to an audience of 2 and not 2000, so be it.
I hope you find value in what I share and continue to read. I've always been a better journalist than a salesman and this past month or so has validated that for me.

Thank you for reading! Please stick around. I have a lot more to say. ;)