How to get blog sponsors

Sponsors are such a fun part of blogging and are becoming more common
But I've been asked a few times on how you go about getting them in the first place
So I hope anyone who has ever had that question on their mind will find this useful!
The answer is simple; ask!
It might be out of your comfort zone to do this and sure, it can seem rude
But if you don't ask, you will never know
Some people are lucky to be contacted by the companies themselves
But others might need a little nudge

So simply find a sponsor site, look first for any specific sponsor links
In which you can simply apply through, or just send a polite e-mail
Mention your blog and how youd like to test drive products to show your readers



As for particular companies themselves, let's have a look...

MukuCHU is easily a popular sponsor for circle lenses
So much so they have changed their policies for application
To apply for a sponsorship see this page
You must have a frequently updated blog with at least 260+ followers for consideration
Don't have the right amount? Don't worry, if you have between 100 ~ 260 followers
Then in return for placing their banner on your blog, you can get discounts!
I've bought from MukuCHU with discount before and they were VERY generous
This can easily work in your favour too, buy the lenses at a discount rate
and review them as you would if you were a sponsor
Show them your reviews and that you're capable of doing what they recquire
It could easily bump you to the top of the list when you qualify for sponsorship!



The other most popular sponsor for lenses is Pinky Paradise
However, they have such a large amount of applications it's not easy to get on board
Their requirements are 500 followers for a sponsorship
Until then they can offer you a unique code, mine is "samispoon"
This allows users of the code to get a free lense case and mystery gift per lense order
What you may not know is a personal benefit to this code
If your code is used 5 times then you will be able to claim a free pair of lenses!
So it's worth asking for a code if you don't have the followers
If enough people use your code then you can get lenses this way
and as I said before, review them like your would for a sponsor!


Born Pretty Store is one very generous sponsor
They often give away items for free through their Facebook
When I contacted them I was offered a $10 coupon to use on products
which I would then be sent in exchange for a review
Since then, I've also put the reviews on the products page
This earns you points which you can spend on the website itself!
and they e-mailed me with compliments to my eyes and offered further sponsorship
They are just way too kind hehe ♥
Im not sure of their requirements but they are lovely people
Im sure you could come up with some kind of deal with them for sure
and if not, their products themselves are cheap, you can buy them
Review them on the site and earn money back! So nothing to lose out on there


A tougher but common website blogs affiliate with is Eyeko
Affiliation is different as you are not given products to review
Your goal is to instead try make sales and earn commission
If people use your code and spend £15 they will receive a free gift
The best way to make the most of this is to buy products yourself
and then review them on your blog as a means of trying to convince people to buy them
But obviously, this depends on how worthwhile you consider the process
Signing up is super simple though!

To have a quick cap, some do's and don'ts...

DO
Be confident and polite whilst emailing
Keep track of who is sending you what
Make sure you have the ability to take good quality pictures
Make sure your review is complimentary but truthful
Ask for other offers if you dont qualify
Occasionaly buy from the companies if they have items you like
Make sure you are comfortable with lenses
Make sure you understand how to care for your lenses
Link your reviews on their Facebook page
Write your review on their website too if possible
Mention all possible deals and offers in your posts
Be a postitive embassador


DONT
Sound desperate or as though you want free stuff
Pick a super popular design, they might have enough reviews!
Be rude if you are turned down
Constantly email the same place, they will ignore you
Steal from the company (ie/ not review and sell on lenses)
Be cheeky and get more than offered or haggle for more
Take low quality pictures that don't show the lenses well
Go out of your depth and ask major/high street stores
Take too long to review products!


So there you have it, all the tips and info I have to offer
Please feel free to ask me questions or add to the do/don't list
Just make sure you don't all rush to these sites to apply once you see this
They could become overwhelmed with applications and it would be more of a hinderance
It may also affect sponsorships in the future

For a list of my Sponsors and Affiliates see my page
and for a list of sites that offer sponsorship see Emmie's amazing list here
(Not all of them sponsor but its a great resource list on a wonderful site!)