For bloggers and other content creators and producers, writing is labor done out of love and passion. However, earning from that labor is a bonus. After all, writing is only one aspect of website creation and management. The other — and arguably more important — task is keeping your site funded, which usually means finding sponsored content.

What is a Sponsored Post?

A sponsored post is similar to native ads, except that it contains editorial content instead of an advertisement. The editorial content is written by you and the advertiser does not pay for the publisher. Unlike native ads, sponsored posts are created in a way that they look like the platform they’re posted on.

For example, if a sponsored post is published in a magazine, it will look just like any other article in the magazine. This makes it more fun to read than a traditional advertisement because viewers can get engaged without knowing it’s an ad. They won’t get to read terms that are often used in ads, such as “sale,” “discount,” and “free shipping.”

The goal of a sponsored post is to create a natural discussion between the publisher and the reader. When done correctly, the reader will feel like they’re getting valuable information from a friend, rather than an advertisement.

Benefits of Having a Sponsored Content

Having sponsored content on your website poses helpful advantages, including:

  • More exposure to your website: When you have a paid advertisement or sponsored content on your website, many more people will see it than if it was just on your homepage.
  • Increased credibility: Paid advertisements or sponsored content can give your website an increased level of credibility as it shows that you are not just another small website, but that you are endorsed by a larger, more reputable company.
  • Improved website traffic: One of the primary goals of having a paid advertisement or sponsored content on your website is to increase traffic to your website. When done correctly, this can be a very successful strategy.
  • Added revenue: Paid advertisements and sponsored content can also lead to an increase in revenue for your website. This is especially true if you can get high-quality sponsors.

Platforms You Can Use for Finding Sponsored Content

Monetizing a blog or website through sponsorship is one way to do this. For those just starting, it can be difficult to identify and land sponsorships. Here are eleven platforms to get you started.

1. BlogHer

BlogHer is an excellent choice, especially if you’re a female blogger looking for a way to monetize your blog. The site connects brands with bloggers, and there’s a wide range of opportunities for both sponsored posts and brand collaborations.

2. She Media

Formerly known as She Knows Media, She Media is another community to look out for. Particularly targeted towards the female community, it is a great resource for finding high-quality, sponsored content. She Media also has a variety of content verticals, such as parenting, beauty, food, and lifestyle.

3. YouTube Brand Connect

YouTube Brand Connect is what FameBit used to be. It’s a self-service sponsorship platform for YouTubers where brands post opportunities and YouTubers can apply to them. It’s free to join and there are no application fees.

4. IZEA

Izea is another place for marketing sponsorship. Its website and app offer a variety of ways for brands to connect with creators. You can search for specific types of content or creators, or browse by category. Izea also offers a tool for quickly creating a proposal.

5. Linqia

Linqia is a platform brimming with tons of sponsorships and content marketing opportunities. They have a vast and ever-growing pool of brands looking for quality content creators to partner with. The great thing about Linqia is that it’s not just for bloggers. You can find opportunities for podcasters, YouTubers, and other social media creators as well.

6. TapInfluence

From their slogan, “The content that inspires,” TapInfluence is one of the leading platforms for finding sponsored content for your website. They boast a network of over 125,000 influencers and have served over 1,000 brands.

7. Outbrain

Outbrain is a content discovery platform. They have a range of sponsorship opportunities, from banner ads to sponsored content. One of the major advantages of Outbrain is that they have a large reach — their network covers over 650,000 websites.

8. Taboola

Taboola is another content discovery platform. They offer a similar range of sponsorship opportunities to Outbrain and also have a large reach. Taboola is used by over 1 billion people each month. Another tip with Taboola is that they offer a variety of content formats, such as articles, videos, and slideshows.

9. Google Adsense

Google Adsense is a way for website publishers to make money by displaying targeted Google ads on their websites. To be accepted into the Adsense program, websites must be approved by Google and must also comply with Google’s Adsense policies. This includes not displaying offensive or misleading ads, not placing ads on pages with excessive advertising, and not displaying ads on pages that violate copyright laws.

10. Amazon Associates

Another popular platform for sponsored content is the Amazon Associates program. If you have an audience that shops on Amazon, you can earn a commission by promoting products through your website. The Amazon Associates program is also free to join, and you can choose from a wide selection of products to promote. Plus, Amazon provides tools and resources to help you get started.

11. AspireIQ

If you’re looking for an intuitive and easy-to-use platform for finding sponsored content opportunities, AspireIQ is a great option. The AspireIQ team hand-curates all opportunities and only works with reputable brands, so you can be sure that the content you get is high quality.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, creating sponsored content for your website not only promotes your business but also provides you with an opportunity to increase your income. There are many platforms that you can use to find sponsors, and by taking the time to research the best options for your business, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of this marketing strategy.