So, you want to attract high-paying sponsors, do you? You think it’s as easy as throwing together a blog, adding a few posts, and then, boom—companies will be lining up to throw money at you? Well, let me burst that bubble right now. According to Lindsay Ostrom, the genius behind Pinch of Yum, it takes a lot more than just a pretty website to get those high-paying sponsors on board.
Ready to dive into the “fun” world of sponsorships? Buckle up.
Step 1: Build Your Audience First—Because Sponsors Aren’t Magically Appearing
Oh, you thought sponsors would come knocking as soon as you hit “publish” on your first blog post? Adorable. Lindsay will be the first to tell you that before you can even dream of sponsorships, you need an audience. And not just any audience—an engaged, loyal one. So, if you’re sitting there with your 50 followers and wondering why Pepsi hasn’t called yet, it’s time to get real. Start focusing on creating content that actually matters to people, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll catch a sponsor’s eye.
Step 2: Perfect Your Pitch—Because Begging Isn’t Professional
Now, let’s talk about pitching to sponsors. Spoiler alert: A poorly written email begging for free stuff isn’t going to cut it. Lindsay mastered the art of the pitch by presenting her value clearly—she knows what her audience wants, and more importantly, what the sponsors want. You’ve got to show potential sponsors what’s in it for them. If you’re still thinking that a simple “Hey, want to sponsor me?” will work, it’s time to reconsider your strategy.
Step 3: Consistency is Key—Because One Viral Post Won’t Pay the Bills
Oh, you had one viral post and now you think you’ve made it? That’s cute. Lindsay knows better. One hit wonder? That’s not going to secure those long-term sponsorships. You need to consistently produce quality content that resonates with your audience. This isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Keep showing up, keep delivering, and maybe one day, you’ll get that elusive “yes” from a sponsor. Until then, better keep working on your consistency.
Step 4: Know Your Worth—But Don’t Get Cocky
Sure, you’ve got an audience, a perfect pitch, and consistency down, but here’s where many people trip up: pricing. Lindsay will tell you, knowing your worth is crucial, but don’t get ahead of yourself. You’re not Nike’s next big brand ambassador—yet. Be realistic with your sponsorship rates, especially when you’re just starting out. Overpricing yourself will just send those sponsors running in the opposite direction.
Step 5: Follow Up—Because Sponsors Have Better Things to Do
Finally, the follow-up. Lindsay is a master of this step, and guess what? If you think sponsors are going to drop everything to get back to you immediately, you’re living in a dream world. Sponsors are busy people, and your email isn’t the center of their universe. You’ll need to follow up, sometimes multiple times, to keep your proposal on their radar. But hey, don’t go overboard—you want to be persistent, not a pest.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. If you really think you’re ready to dive into the world of sponsorships, take a page from Lindsay Ostrom’s book. It’s not glamorous, it’s not easy, and it definitely won’t happen overnight. But if you’re willing to put in the work, you might just find yourself landing those high-paying sponsors after all. Just don’t forget to thank Lindsay when you do!