Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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How Blogs Get Sponsors

We’ve once again solicited questions from you guys on Facebook for our blogiversary extravaganza (of the personal, not decorating, variety). And just like we did in 2009 and 2010, we had fun answering a bunch of ’em. We crammed as many responses as we could into 20 minutes, so unfortunately not every one of the 80+ questions got answered, but we figured 20 minutes was already pushing the bounds of an acceptable YouTube video length. Haha. Here are a few things that we cover:

  • Our favorite and least favorite qualities in each other
  • What our neighbors think about the blog
  • If the former owners of our house read the blog
  • Our weirdest fan interaction
  • Who Clara looks more like
  • How we deal with negative criticism
  • What we wanted to be when we grew up
  • What will happen to our blog name when we’re not young anymore
  • If we ever fight or spend time apart
  • And most importantly: John’s thoughts on the new Twilight movie

And of course there are a bunch of other questions, a Burger cameo, and John cycles through soda shirts just to keep things spicy. Oh but if you’re at work you can still watch it on mute and try to guess what I’m gesturing wildly about (or wait until tonight and watch it with some popcorn and take a swig of soda every time John changes shirts). Our only video-recording rule is that we’re not allowed to re-answer anything so it’s completely unscripted and sort of an all-one-take kind of thing (that we later edit down just to shorten things/take out the “ummmms” so we can squeeze more answers in). We don’t even read the questions until we’re rolling, so we don’t overthink or overplan – but sometimes we over-share. Haha. Who’s surprised.

And just because we’re chatterboxes, this year we tossed in three bonus business-related answers:

Q: How did you get sponsors? Do you solicit advertising? What’s the secret? First we wrote about 200 posts and had been blogging for a while without even thinking about sponsors, just because it was something we loved to do. We actually had no idea there were even people or companies who sponsored blogs, we just thought of it as a fun creative outlet/diary. Then it slowly dawned on us that because we were gaining more traffic and posting every day, maybe some local folks or small online businesses would like to get a button on our sidebar in exchange for a tiny fee. So we tossed up a “wanna advertise with us?” button just to see what would happen. We thought it would be awesome to make a few extra dollars to put towards projects, but definitely didn’t have high hopes. Much to our surprise and amazement, a few small companies and Etsy vendors emailed us to say that they were happy to give it a try. So we just shared our stats and offered people a flat fee for the month and a slightly discounted fee for the quarter.

To this day we actually still use the same system. There are definitely more intricate ways of charging sponsors (like per click, per view, etc) and even more complex ways of calculating rates. But we decided to keep it simple and start with a flat rate that we felt was fair (based on what we saw other sites charging with comparable traffic) and just let the sponsors tell us if it was too high (and if they did, we’d adjust). If it was too low, well, we love a deal – so we figured why not offer one ourselves (after all, we were satisfied with that rate since we were the ones who came up with it). That system seems to be working for everyone, so much so that we haven’t raised our rates in almost two years (despite a great increase in traffic since then).

When it comes to managing sponsorships, we use Google Ad Manager to organize everything. It not only serves the ads to our site, but also helps us keep track of expirations so John can send renewal emails / invoices. So it’s a bit of paperwork on our end, but completely worth the effort since our sponsors are a big part of what makes this blog possible. There’s definitely not a get rich quick aspect to blogging (at least not in our experience), but we’ve seen that by focusing on content first and readers second, the sponsors will gradually fall into place.

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Q: Do you have to post a certain amount of times each month for sponsors? Nope, as we mentioned above, they pay a flat fee per month so no traffic or amount of posts are expected or promised. We’ve just posted 1-2 times a day about the same range of stuff for the past few years, so it’s a pace that works for us. Some juicy stuff + some light stuff + some personal stuff = a comfortable mix. Posting in some sort of regular rhythm provides structure and helps keep our creative juices flowing. If we stopped blogging every time we were in a rut or ran into a snafu we worry we might never start again. Gotta keep that momentum up! <– picture me in a bodysuit and legwarmers saying this in a sing-song-y voice a la workout videos from the eighties

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Q: Aren’t you scared to have so little job security when your whole family’s income relies on this blog? We’re not gonna lie, it can freak us out if we think about it too much. But we’ve squirreled away the recommended amount of “safety net savings” to fall back on if this ol’ blog suddenly grinds to a halt (which we built up before John came on full time as some sort of “insurance” to quell the nerves). We also have side gigs (like our column for BabyCenter and Do It Yourself magazine along with the book that we’re writing), so that helps us feel semi-diversified.

We also both left advertising on very good terms with former employers/clients, so that’s another road we could explore if we ever needed to (and John still takes on the occasional advertising consulting job on the side, just to keep his toe in the water). In the end I always say that five years ago we had no idea we’d be here doing this, so trying to figure out what we’ll be doing in five more years is probably an exercise in futility. We just do our best to keep chugging along and try not to let the neurotic thoughts creep in!

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So there it is, twenty minutes of video evidence confirming that we’re dorks and three bonus bidness questions. What surprised you guys most? Was it the fact that I make up sayings that aren’t really sayings and then collapse into a ball of giggles? Or that John is so into Twilight movies? Will anyone else help me make “I took that baby to the market and carried it home” a real saying? Come on, it’s kind of catchy…

Update – Some of the most frequent requests that we get are for info about professionally blogging (how we made our site, how we grew our following, how we make money, etc) so we shared all of the details about how we started a blog, grew our traffic, and turned it into a full time job. 

Comments

  2. Lesley says

    Ha! So fun to hear you guys talk. I feel like we’ve heard Sherry talk more than John, though, (?) so I have a confession: sometimes, I guess maybe because of the tone, I read John’s posts in the voice of Kenneth from ’30 Rock’. He’s so positive and excited!
    That is a compliment, I promise!

    Happy four years!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That’s too funny because John sort of knew him back when he was in improv comedy (and even sort of performed with him at one point). He was just as hilarious back then. We love Kenneth!

      xo,
      s

  3. Jessica says

    That was really fun! Thanks for taking the time to put that together. Fun fact: some studies have shown that babies tend to look like their fathers in their infancy so there can be no denying the relation!

    Reply

  4. Jackie says

    I’m busy baking and decorating cakes. Needed a break. What do I do? Go to YHL of course! And what a treat! I got to watch your vid and enjoyed every second of it! I laughed so many times. You guys are such a great team and I love how open and honest you are at answering some of the questions thrown your way. Keep up the amazing blog and DIY projects. You guys are truly inspirational! And btw, no need to change Young House Love when you guys hit thirty – that young spark you both have I’m sure won’t change xo

    Reply

  5. Roberta says

    Loved the video…so great to put your personalities with your words, etc. My hubby and I are also together everyday and we just love it. We also get asked if we get on each other’s nerves and my usual response is…yeah about once a month and you know what that means…PMS ;} For no apparent reason (sure ;) when I’m PMSing I have a much shorter fuse and the little things that usually don’t bother me…get right under my skin. We live in 687sq.ft. and during this time of the month when hubby asks me where things are…I flip real fast…lol So usually when I first “bite his head off” during this delicate week (sometimes longer ;) hubby stays in his corner…or as far away as he can get…lmao Ain’t love grand…that’s why we call this the Love Shack! Enjoyed this so much!

    Reply

  7. Holly H says

    My hubby is totally the same with the throwing and impatience when something doesn’t go his way. I hate having to remind him that it’s time to change our water filter because for some reason it never goes as smooth as it should!!
    haha and whats wrong with Hanson???

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, John just loves to make things up. Like if there’s a lull while I’m trying to think about the name of a show I like he’ll throw out Toddlers In Tiaras or something. Just to be weird. Haha. Gets me every time.

      xo,
      s

  9. Skooks says

    Hands down best part of this video is Sherry admitting that she chased down some fans in the parking lot. AWESOME. Really makes me wish I lived in/near Richmond because that kind of thing would make my day. Totally random in the best possible way.

    Reply

  11. fd says

    a lovely dose of cheer today! thanks for allowing us readers to be really nosy. I know you say you’re happy behind the computer screen but you guys are great on camera, really funny and watchable and engaging. Loved the babycenter post too.

    Reply

  12. Pip says

    That was So Much Fun!!!! Really enjoy your video posts – i laughed out loud. That must have taken ages to record & edit. You guys are so personable and down to earth – thankyou for sharing so much :) another budding marine biologist here (dang missed that boat). Here’s to at least another 4 years of blogging fun!

    Reply

  14. erika m says

    I laughed through the whole video..so cute! Surprises were that you were Christians-no offense you just don’t mention it much and John doesn’t drink alcohol…personally Im on the Sherry side…occasional. Oh and I love black too Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  16. Valerie says

    You guys are amazing! … and I think that it is TOTALLY true that everyone wishes they were your BFF (myself included)! I think that is the charm of your whole blog – you make us all feel like we are getting to know you as we share in your adventures!

    Also – I LOVE the YHL logo thingy at the end! So good!

    Reply

  18. Bee says

    You mentioned that you guys don’t even read the questions until you’re rolling, but didn’t you just say in your Day in the Life post that you print them out beforehand and decide on which ones to answer? Not trying to find any kind of video conspiracy (lol), just wondering if you guys are surprised by the questions or have an idea of what you’re going to say beforehand.

    Also, this has been my favorite Blogiversary video so far! Totally worth the danger of watching at work, haha.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That was probably a bad description (saying we figured out which ones we want to answer) because it was just John eliminating duplicates. Haha. It should have said something like: “quickly culled down 80 to 60 in a word doc so we don’t have 20 dupes among the mix.” Then we just sat there with the camera rolling and read them off as we went. So they were all new to me and John had skimmed them to get rid of the repeats, but we didn’t plan our answers or discuss stuff first or anything.

      xo,
      s

  19. Sabrina says

    So cute! I am thinking about making a blog soon for the family. Totally paranoid about crazy people though lol I live in secret paranoia! You guys so remind me of my husband and I, except less dirty lol
    I totally don’t get the Twilight craze. I tried to join the club on that but failed.

    Reply

  21. Alexis says

    Loved the video so, so much.

    But I do have to say that you guys are wrong about one thing. I think people really do want to be your BFF’s. I know I kinda (ok totally) do, you seem like amazing people to be friends with. I can not be the only one who thinks so.

    Reply

  23. Dana says

    You guys are too funny and adorable. I caught myself smiling the entire time I was watching the video.

    I found your blog back in 2008 and have been reading ever since and telling all of my friends who are into home decor/DIY/design to check it out. One of my friends at work recently became a loyal reader. She now runs into my office on a regular basis to tell me things like “OMG! Did you see John and Sherry’s new dining room curtains?! LOVE!”

    Congrats on your 4th blogiversary! Thank you for sharing all of your creative (and money-saving!) ideas and for making me smile every day. You both deserve all of the success in the world.

    Reply

  26. Erin says

    Its so wonderful to see two people who seem so in sync with one another. Kudos to you both on this wonderful blog, your beautiful Clara, and many more plentiful years filled with blogging glory!

    Reply

  27. {love+cupcakes} says

    Wow! I cannot believe I just sat through your entire 20 minute vid. Thought I’d catch maybe the first 60 seconds but wham…. 20 minutes later, I was still entertained! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  29. Cortney says

    I feel like Pam from the office… Virtual fist bump yeah same religion! HAHA and my hubby and I are also non- drinkers cause we grew up that way… People always say oh you guys are just so sweet and innocent based on that haha. Loved the video.
    Oh and I just want to say thank you for reading all the comments and actually responding to what people ask. That is the number 1 thing that stands out from many other blogs to me, although I understand its a ton of work. It is so appreciated though I almost look forward to the comment interaction more than the posts, but I do love those too!

    Reply

  30. Bridgette says

    hahahahahaha!! Thank you for once again sharing more of yourselves with us. I laughed at a lot and thought…awww that is just like me or my husband.Example : I make up expressions and sayings too. My husband corrects me…due to me mixing up words and making up own sayings. =) My husband is always DD too…wait does that make me seem like a drunk? lol. Anyways…great video!

    Reply

  33. Danielle says

    You two are lovely. I’m really enjoying following your reflections and updates about what it means to blog, and how you two put it all together. Thanks for being so open!

    Reply

  34. WendyMI says

    LOL…. I’d totally be checking out your cart if I caught you coming out of a craft store. :)

    And love the rotating tshirts… fun for many giggles, too.

    I’d love to see another Pinterest linky party. What’s the next thing that you’re dying to recreate from there?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Katie and I are planning another one this fall! We’re trying to do one every season. As for what I’m dying to create, pretty much all 300+ things I’ve pinned! Haha. So it might be a tough decision…

      xo,
      s

    • Ruth says

      Yes I need another pinterest challenge! I couldn’t participate last time because it was just a few weeks before my wedding but I loved seeing all of the projects.

      Also I want to be $herdog’s BFF. And to lead a reader revolution to rename John as “Thor”. Perhaps “The Mighty Thor”.

      Also #2 I have dreams with YHL in them that are way too crazy. Like I unexpectedly have a baby and stay at your house and you are showing me how to take care of her. THAT level of craziness.

  35. Kim says

    Am I the only one that finished watching and then went to YouTube to try and find the songs Clara likes? Clara the tastemaker :)

    Reply

  38. Kristina A says

    Loved your video. I’ve been following your blog for less than a year (wish I would’ve found out about it earlier) and love it.

    Reply

  42. Elizabeth says

    Two things: First, you have to do a post on your favorite kid music for Clara. We have an iPod nano that has all our little guys’ music on it and we would love to add some new stuff. Second, the part about where’s Clara (I always notice that you have to tell where Clara is during your projects because I think people figure you just forget about here-hah!) had me thinking about when our friends saw a couple with multiple kids and one yelled back to the other, “Don’t forget the G– D— baby!” Not that funny to type, but we think it’s hysterical to joke about. Not in front of our older son, but to ourselves.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We get all of Clara’s music from a music class that she’s in once a week (called Musik Garten). It’s a cute little local thing and they give you a CD each “semester” that Clara is amazingly obsessed with!

      xo,
      s

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yeah- Clara loves tapping those sticks. Haha. And we don’t get iPhone service in the building, so it forces us to unplug for 30 minutes – which is actually really nice.

      xo,
      s

  43. Caitlyn says

    Hey guys, love the video, but a quick suggestion next time for those who are just listening at work (and not able to watch the video!) – could you actually say the question before you answer it? Some of the answers are confusing if you don’t know what the question is!

    Love the blog and video – happy blogiversary!

    Reply

  48. Katherine Fitz says

    I’ve been reading for about a year now and I’ve never watched one of these! I really enjoyed it! It was wonderful to hear/see you candidly interacting with each other. I know you hear it all the time, but your down-to-earthiness is really endearing and in a hey-they’re-just-regular-people-like-us kind of way, inspiring.
    We’re remodeling our bathroom right now and my husband has developed a faux-hatred for John bc I’m always saying things like, “when John did that he used a wet saw.” So at Home Depot he’ll ask, “I don’t know, what do you think John would do?” but he secretly loves the blog too and really did benefit from your detailed posts about your own bathroom reno.
    Anyway, I know you hear this all the time, too, but it’s easy to read your blog every day and compare ourselves to you, assuming you’re super-human, super-parents and super-spouses (even though you include details about mistakes and are honest about your process – I think it’s just part of the human condition to assume others don’t struggle as much as you do) so seeing you unscripted was really comforting and reassuring (i.e. John throws things and Sherry’s “intense” – that sounds just like us!). So, thanks for sharing these videos and for generally exposing yourselves for public consumption. ;) Keep up the good work.

    Reply

  50. Nicki Rochead says

    After months of reading it was great to “see” you guys in “person”. Fantastic natural video of you both. What you are doing is incredible, both from the point of view of the work you are doing on your home and from the point of view of running a business. Keep up the inspiring work x

    Reply

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