Can you trust bloggers? Can you trust me?
A few days ago, I had a very candid and eye opening conversation with some really close friends of mine. These are friends who trust me with their secrets, with their children, husbands, homes, personal property….you get the point. But they were very honest and transparent in asking me this one question.
“How can I trust the products and reviews you write about on your blog, since you are paid to write about them.”
They shared the fact that they see so many bloggers who “never say anything negative.” They remarked, “They can’t love everything! How can we trust those recommendations?”
It was a valid question. I took no offense at all. It brought me to my big aha moment, however. If my actual friends who trust me in every other facet of our real lives are wondering about this, what must my readers who have never even met me in real life thinking?
So…let’s address this, shall we?
My real life vs online life.
A few months ago, I let you guys in on some of my “online secrets” in the post “My Real Life vs my Online Life.” Among other things, I shared the fact that I purposely rearrange my messy house to take a pretty Instagram pic and the fact that I omit posts about my husband when we’re not getting along. My intention behind those are not deceive, but rather to find a healthy balance between running my business successfully and respecting some privacy in my home. Fair enough right?
Next, let’s talk about these sponsored posts and reviews.
Years ago, even before I started making any real money blogging, I enjoyed doing product reviews. On my first blog, Saver in the City, I would do what I called “Real Deal Product Reviews” and brought that same format to this blog. Through these, I’d list what I call “the ideal,” or the best things about the product, “the ordeal,” which are those things that are not so great in my opinion, and “the real deal,” where I’d give my final judgment on the product, who it’s recommended for, etc. . Sometimes it’s a product that may be just fine, but did not work well for my family. It may be the issue that it’s not ideal for young kids, or just a a few particulars you should keep in mind before buying. Sure, these are rarely just so terrible for me to exclaim,”Do not buy this product!!!” But that’s also by design…see my next point.
I write about what I want to write about.
The best part of running my own blog is that I write about what I want to write about!
I keep an open mind about most things, but there are some foods I simply do not eat and products that the “Chiro-wife” in me absolutely cannot endorse with a clear conscience. Are they the worst things in the world? No. They’re just not things I would personally recommend to anyone – both online and offline. Since I don’t want to spend my time writing negative or brand-bashing posts (unless truly warranted), these are the reviews and sponsored articles I simply decline. Because it’s my blog and I can do that!
The truth is, most of the sponsored or affiliate posts I do are for brands I’ve personally sought. This means I might have an interest in a brand and ask them to allow me to review. Likewise, brands have found me based on their knowledge that I am already a supporter. For example, if they’ve seen a post on social media where I’ve shared my interaction with the brand, they may approach me for a blog post and I’ll gladly work with them.
If it’s a brand or product that’s totally new to me, I try it out and if I like it, it gets a real deal review. If I don’t like it, chances are it gets thrown in a pile of other samples that have been sent to me until I figure out a way to re-purpose it. Either way, I am always genuinely excited and interested in the brands I write about.
With that said,
Here are a few ways you guys can be honest or “keep it real” with me too:
1. If you’ve had a less than ideal experience with a brand I’ve raved about, leave a comment sharing your story!!!
I can’t stress this enough. As a blogger, I tend to get the royal treatment sometimes and, as much as I love it, I know I’m doing a disservice to my readers if I’m endorsing a brand that doesn’t value them as consumers as well.
True story: A few years ago, I wrote about a brand that I personally had a great experience with and later learned that there were many others who had horror – I mean horror -stories instead. Not only did I remove that post, but I gave the owners a piece of my mind in the hopes that they would improve their practices. They did not and are out of business now. Oh well…
2. Contact me for my “offline” review. I have readers write me quite often asking me for more info and details than what I’ve included on my post and I am happy to tell all! I like to think that I tell all on my blog, but I admit that I’m not necessarily TMI unless requested. Always contact me if you ever have a question or need a true insider opinion on a product I discuss on my blog.
3. Understand that we can agree to disagree sometimes. Again, the products I write about are those that I love and/or my family loves, but everything’s not for everybody and I get that. Please Do Not Insult Me, call me names, shoot off expletives or bash me on social media just because we disagree on a review. That’s when keeping it real goes wrong!
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There you have it. A little insight into my life as a blogger – a paid blogger – who takes a lot of pride in what is placed on this blog. People who know me offline (and hopefully online too) should know that next to my actual babies, this is my baby. The content, and its integrity, are very important to me and I share a piece of myself with every blog post. I’m not saying that each and every blogger follows these personal rules, as I can only speak for myself, but I ‘d like to believe that most quality bloggers feel the same and at the very least, are open to your honest and “real deal” feedback as well.
I hope this sheds some light on your questions about bloggers and honesty. Can you trust me? Can you trust bloggers? Just give us a chance!
I always strive for honesty in my reviews, but I like to do it with class. I think there is a lot of talk about in the blogosphere and YouTube world about people being to quick to like everything and not really investigate where products come from or who is making them. I think being informed is also important.
Bloggers normally decline a product review when they think that the product is not good enough for them, especially if it’s something that you’re not comfy writing about so that’s why the bloggers sound like they like everything because they do, they only write about what they like and decline those that they don’t. I love the ideas that you have here, bloggers should also consider writing in that manner if they encounter a product that they thought they would love but don’t.
I think these are some really good ideas. It’s always a good idea to cross-reference reviews if you’re not sure about a product someone endorses.
I can totally relate. Blogging has become famous and infamous, nowadays. Though, I always make it a point to write honestly about a product I’m reviewing whether I’m paid to do it or not.
I always make sure to be honest especially with product reviews. If I don’t want the product, I will just decline the offer.
I believe that bloggers are honest. If you are a blogger and you are not, maybe it is time for you to be one. I like making reviews as long as I believed in the product.
This is such a great post. If I don’t like something I’m going to flat out say it. I write honest reviews and in some of mine you’ll still find things I dislike about them. You have to be honest with everything!
I have had people ask me the same thing and I have been lucky to like all of the products I have tested/reviewed. I have seen other bloggers do a pro/con kind of post and you can really tell that they weren’t in love with the product but did find some positive things to write about.
This great info! There is so much stuff I turn down that I just can’t stand behind. I like to share the things that work for me and my family.
Thank you for this really down to earth answer to a question I have been asked before, In fact someone wrote a similar comment on a post I did some time back.
I always say its best to seek the facts and share whats good about stuff. If you must Bash, leave that to those highly paid paid Product testers ad shareholders…I dont accept product reviews on my blog unless i have used the product and really loved it…In that case why say negative stuff I havent experienced?
I like your honest take on blogging and how it effects your life. It can be tricky to with reviews but readers really want to hear honest opinions.
Bloggers can give a unique and honest perspective. As consumers bloggers are also able to look at those things that matter and aren’t mainly featured in commercials.
Great Insights! Like you, I choose to write about things I love instead of baching those which I do not like.
This was soooo well written. I’ve had friends ask me the same question. I rarely do product reviews anymore but when I do, it’s usually something that I’ve sought out because I LOVE the company!
As a blogger, I answer the question about how I can love everything I review very simply. I don’t take anything for review if it isn’t something I already know I’ll enjoy and be able to use. Frankly. I don’t want to write a negative review, and the company doesn’t want it. So I just review things that I want/need and have already researched.
Before I buy anything, I seek out product review of several people. Not because I don’t believe one, but because each person has a different opinion and it’s the combined opinion of several that leads to the sale. I believe that most review bloggers are 100% honest. I do reviews and I also leave off products that don’t fit the bill so to speak.
I could have written this post!!! I say NO a million times a day to pitches or products that aren’t good for my or my audience. It keeps me honest.
Truly an interesting and important read for every blogger out there! So many people seem not to trust bloggers simply because we get paid for our words, and while that seems to be the case for some people out there, it doesn’t apply to everyone. I really appreciate you for this piece!
This is so true! I enjoyed so much reading this post.
I would like to think that my honesty has put some bad companies out of business. Of course, I can’t swear to it that I have, but there have been a few that had what I thought were questionable motives and I either turned them down flatly or gave them bad reviews. Now they are out of business.
Before I became a blogger, I spent a couple of years as a reader, and have certainly seen my fair share of skeptical reviews. I personally make it a point to always be honest yet tactful.
I only write about things my family does use. Sure, I’d love to make high dollars on some of those soda or fast food posts, but I strive for healthy in my family and want that to reflect on my blog. It wouldn’t be right to endorse something just for the dollars, though I do know that some bloggers would. I also try to list cons with the pros in my post if there are any so readers can get the full picture and not just hear about how great xxx product is.
You have great points there! This is a great read for bloggers and readers alike. I always receive questions like this but I always tell them that I am getting paid for my time but not for my honest opinion.
Oh, great points! There’s a thin line that separates honesty and work. It is really hard to work as a blogger.
This is really great. I know for me, if I don’t like a product or it doesn’t work for my family I let the company or brand know and then we figure out if I should post or not. I will not lie, or post false information and although I’d like to think most bloggers would be the same I know some are not!
I totally agree. I have had several products that just weren’t that great. I always approach the company and tell them so. Then I either return the product, or keep it and just don’t post the review. Companies want a positive review, but it is tough to give one when there is nothing positive about their product. But, some bloggers will do it anyway!
I consider myself a writer. I love to write, whether it be about my family, life or sponsored posts. I put everything I have into my work.
I have been a blogger for almost a decade now and loving every minute I spend writing about food, crafts, reviews and life in general. I am very picky about the products I review and will not endorse anything I don’t believe in or can’t stand behind.
I always keep it honest. Many times I’ve written both pros and cons to products including things to improve upon.
I have always noticed which blogs were full of it and which ones weren’t. Thanks for being honest!
Whether you’re paid or not to write a review, it’s always best to keep it honest. If there is a product that I’ve tried and I do not like it and don’t recommend it to other’s I try to let the brand know that it may not work. It’s always best to keep an authentic voice with your audience, esp when doing sponsored work.
I always post my honest reviews on my blog. It is hard to be honest but it is part of blogging.
I like to write the truth. Pros and cons!
I think you need to follow a blogger for a bit to get whether they are open and honest. Guess what? I rearrange at least for that camera angle. LOL
You know, this is a really great point and I’m glad your friends brought it up, too. Yes, as bloggers we are paid to review and promote a product or service and I can understand how some people see that as being biased. I’ve never come across something that I haven’t liked so much that I just can’t review it because there’s nothing good to say nor would I ever accept a paid opp that promotes something I’m not a fan of, don’t believe in, or wouldn’t personally use. Thank you for writing about this!
I do believe that we all have our preferences. Bloggers are here to share experiences. Every time I blog, I share my experiences with my reviews.
I’ve sent two products back because I did not like them, so could not in good faith write about them. I never heard back from either sponsor, but that’s okay.
I think it’s safe to say that not all bloggers agree to advertise or promote a product that they’re not using or a brand that they don’t trust. At least most bloggers do that.
You can tell the bloggers who aren’t honest. They’re very easy to see. Great post!
All my reviews are honest reviews. If I don’t like the product they are offering me, I will automatically decline. At least I am not required to do a mandatory good review.
Such a great post. This idea has been brought to light more recently in mainstream media leaving a number of readers wondering how honest the bloggers that they follow really are. I think you point out some great things, some food for thought, and the importance to always keep it professional and real.
I believe most bloggers are honest when they do a review. Pretty much most of us seek out products that we like so naturally the reviews are going to be positive.
I trust many bloggers, but not all. We all have our choices to make so choose the better one.
After all the trust is that the reviews from bloggers are going to be honest enough to go ahead with the product. But, it is always good to go for a cross reference to make sure they are right. You can always skip it when you know it is not worthy!
I always leave my honest opinion when I review a product. A lot of people seek reviews to decide whether or not they should purchase.
As a fellow review blogger, I can completely appreciate; your honesty! I have run into several other bloggers who have a tendency to feel influenced by receiving “free” (so not free) products. I always find something positive to say about the brand, company, or product, however I am honest about my opinion and I’m not afraid to point out any issues either.