30 May 2012

The Power of Giving Away and How to Take Part

Have you noticed how the notion of time changes its meaning online. One year in virtual space is way more than 1 year of knowledge in real life.

Why am I talking about time? Because I realized how many posts on creating a successful blog I have published in the past year and have always deliberately omitted one topic - Giveaways. I've spent massive amounts of time researching online giveaways and have organized more than 30 very successful ones for less than a year. That makes one giveaway almost every week for a year. 

Giveaways are a great way to show you support the handmade movement. 
While they are not exactly traffic boosters, you can nurture a faithful giveaway-loving readership that can help you in spreading the word and increasing your blog's popularity. 

A great percent of bloggers abuse the giveaways they organize (and their sponsors) with entries that have mostly to do with the blogger's benefit and that is what makes the topic of giveaways a controversial one. 

But just like in life, there are two types of bloggers - the sensitive and insensitive ones. With time the sensitive ones tend to float to the surface and become really successful.  

Why haven't I posted a single advice about organizing giveaways so far? 
The reasons are many but most of them a result of my need to re-think the traditional approach to a giveaway not only from the point of view of the organizer but also from the point of view of the sponsor. 

So, I started writing about the power of giving away because I concentrate best while writing. Somewhere along the lines, I realized that this is going to be way too much for blog posting. And then, the idea came - I should write a book about giveaways! In this way both bloggers and sponsors who are interested will be able to have a guide close by when they need it. 

In other words, prepare for The Power of Giving Away, the ebook that will help not only the newbie but also the experienced online business owner and blogger. There will not only be advices and clever ways around common problems but also an extensive list of sites to submit your giveaways to gain even more exposure.

Now I need your help. You know how much I value your opinion as readers of this blog and supporters of the handmade idea. In the comments below ask me any question that you would like to see discussed in the book, so we can make it even more valuable together! You will be properly quoted and linked to on the pages of The Power of Giving Away, but more importantly, you will have participated in the shared cloud of peer information and self-education. Let's do this together!





13 comments:

  1. It's not really a question to much as a topic: the importance of genuine cross-promotion. It really irritates me when I see a bunch of giveaways on the same blog that are blatantly used for getting more followers, and not for promoting the people who are doing the giving. They'll have 7 ways to enter the contest that involve following their blog or social media pages, and then one tiny thing at the bottom like, "Oh yeah, you can follow the artist on Etsy, too."

    I think a big section on this kind of etiquette would be a big help to blog land in general. :-)

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    1. Yes, you are right, I share your point of view completely and I will definitely work in that direction! Thank you Paige!

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    2. some bloggers don't even share etsy or any other link! I'm amazed that anyone is willing to sponsor such a giveaway. there aren't many chances that anyone is going to look them up on google.

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  2. What another fantastic and generous idea Sonya! You know you inspire me!

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  3. I always wonder what the value of the giveaway item should be. I've never held a giveaway myself, but I send my product all over the US for giveaways and reviews. Sometimes, I feel like if the blogger has 5000+ followers, I should be giving away something with a higher value than what I give away on a blog with 500 followers.

    Also, what is your opinion on sending product to new bloggers? Do I step up and get them started, or do I pass and wait for them to have more followers?

    Lastly, I always feel conflicted sending product to bloggers who have strictly giveaway blogs, no other content aside from giveaways. On one hand, I feel like I am getting my name out there. On the other, I feel like every person who enters is only looking for a chance for something free, not someone who is genuinely interested in what I have. I am too lazy to enter giveaways of things I do not want/need, but I have seen such titles as "professional giveaway entrant" on Twitter, Facebook, and the like.

    This is such an awesome idea! I can't wait to read what you come up with!!!

    Steph
    http://superskivvies.biz

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  4. I guess there are blogs that are created with that in mind: being portals —or hosts— for giveaways.
    Then there is the case of perfectly intimate blogs turning into one of those "portals"... Their readership becomes enslaved, and the content suffers.

    It would be valid to differentiate between these cases.

    What a great idea, to explore this at length in an ebook!

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  5. What a fantastic idea for an ebook! I have only done a couple of giveaways with OK results. I would love to know how to bring in the traffic.
    Thanks Sonya, I am looking forward to your ebook.
    Valerie
    Everyday Inspired

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  6. I agree giveaways are very important. I post giveaway about twice a year, always giving away my handmade items and I'm loving it. As a result I get a few new folowers :)

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  7. I'm also looking forward to reading your e-book. I highly support giveaways, especially for handmade business. but sometimes I have a feeling that some readers are put off by giveaways.

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    1. You are right but then... it is hard to make everyone happy! There should be a little something for everybody and as long as we are not too pushing I think it is fine. :)

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