Icing & Glitter
A Toronto-based fashion and lifestyle blog
Fashion

Transparency

Transparency

Jumpsuit: Club Monaco; Top: Topshop; Shoes: Gucci; Heartbeat Bracelet & Rings: Cyntia Miglio

I’ve been in fashion for years now, so a lot of the times, I’m surprised when someone asks me a question that in my head seems so obvious. It’s not until I remove myself from the situation that I realize how far from obvious it is. When you’re constantly surrounded by people who do the same thing, you start to assume that everything is transparent, but to outsiders, it’s not. For example, I’ve had to explain to my friends how I make money. As you all know, I’m an open book. So for transparency’s sake, I want to dedicate today’s post to everything you need to know about sponsored posts.

1. What is a sponsored post?
A sponsored post is when a brand pays an influencer or celebrity to post about their products. This can be for a campaign, or for a more longterm arrangement. It’s the same concept as advertising in a magazine.

2. How do you decide how much to charge for a sponsored post?
To be completely honest, I had no idea that I could even make money off of my blog until I signed with my agency. They set a rate for me that they felt was suitable, which has since increased based on following and interaction. In general, you set a rate based on what others are charging, I find this is a good resource.

3. Are all your posts sponsored?
Not at all. My work is a mix of about 40% sponsored, and 60% not-sponsored.

4. Doesn’t it take away from authenticity?
It can, depending on how you’re going about doing things. I’m sure you’ve all seen those hair pill/waist trainer selfies, or better yet this gem from Kylie Jenner. I’m not saying that these products don’t work, I’m saying that it’s obvious that these brands have paid influencers money to take that picture. What makes my blood boil is when an influencer creates content without putting any thought into it, just for the money.

But, if you’re working with a brand that you genuinely love, and creating content that you’re passionate about, I don’t think it takes away from authenticity at all. For example, this year, I’m working with YSL beauty, a brand that I’m crazy about. As a longterm business strategy, it’s unwise to take on work that you’re not passionate about, even if it’s for a pile of money. Your audience will stop trusting you, which will, inevitably, lead to a loss of trust and authenticity.

PS- for those of you who love the heartbeat jewelry I’m wearing, Cyntia Miglio is offering 15% off with the code ‘MYBEATS.

    

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50 Comments

  1. Yuliya Oleynykova
    March 8, 2017 / 3:49 pm

    You look so sophisticated in black, I love it. Great that you are openly talking about sponsored work. I feel like as bloggers we need to talk more about it, so our readers know we stay genuine.
    https://yukovablog.co.uk/

  2. The Fashion Folks
    March 8, 2017 / 4:33 pm

    As a blogger myself (lol, obviously), I’m familiar with all these things, but I still appreciate the transparency. I’ve studied law of information, and it’s problematic how many bloggers that are not aware of what they’re doing is illegal when dealing wrongly with sponsored posts. Anyways, happy you’re bringing it up, more people need to be transparent for sure! Xx

    http://www.thefashionfolks.com

    • Kathryn
      March 10, 2017 / 6:59 pm

      What do you see bloggers doing wrong most in terms of dealing with sponsored posts? Just curious as to what some of the common pitfalls are (especially as someone who hasn’t studied law of information, LOL).

      Kathryn • simplykk.com

  5. Saida - She talks Glam
    March 8, 2017 / 11:02 pm

    Absolutely love your jumpsuit and the black top with geometrical cut outs, so fancy!

    Thank you so much for sharing your view on sponsored posts. As you say, it may seem obvious for insiders, but not so much for the rest 😛

    Happy International Women’s Day, Siffat!

    ♡
    Saida | She talks Glam

  6. TOUCHOFGS
    March 9, 2017 / 12:30 am

    Siffat, I LOVEEEE this look! You look so elegant and glam in that outfit! I also loved reading about your thoughts on sponsored posts x

    TOUCHOFGS // BLOGLOVIN 

  8. Kasie Chelanne
    March 9, 2017 / 4:49 am

    This is such an informative post, Siffat! I always greatly appreciate when bloggers are transparent both about their sponsorships and about the business side of things.

  9. emily
    March 9, 2017 / 5:26 am

    Firstly, you are looking so chic in this all black look! Secondly, I love how open and honest you are.. as a blogger yes, we do get paid to promote products but I totally agree that creating content that you love is the most important thing in gaining trust and staying true to yourself and your followers!
    x Emily
    http://shedoes.com.au

  10. Britta
    March 9, 2017 / 10:57 am

    I adore you and your style! Thank you for always sharing everything you know!

  13. Len Parent
    March 9, 2017 / 4:30 pm

    Absolutely amazing look, Darling! I love this cute jumpsuit! Perfect styling!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Much love, Len
    http://www.lenparent.com

  15. Andrea Handojo
    March 9, 2017 / 4:54 pm

    I love the all black and those loafers are too cute! Thank you for being honest about sponsored posts! I know not everyone is willing to share their blogging secrets!

    http://www.thebeautydojo.com

  17. Amy Arnold
    March 9, 2017 / 5:42 pm

    Thanks for sharing babe! Cool that you work with an agency. I definitely think it’s up to bloggers to only agree to collaborations that fit their style to keep things authentic. I personally don’t ever feel like I end up selling myself short nor do I feel like that about the majority of my blogger friends. Loving this look!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  19. Edye
    March 9, 2017 / 8:08 pm

    I love how honest and open you are in this post, Siffat! Sponsored posts are something I only do if I’m genuinely passionate about the brand. Have a great weekend <3

    Blessings,
    Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.com

  20. Violette
    March 9, 2017 / 8:24 pm

    Great post! I love how honest you are! I’m looking for an agency but in Paris and I haven’t found anything unfortunately! Loved the look!

    http://violettedaily.com

  21. Biki
    March 9, 2017 / 8:50 pm

    When it comes to sponsored posts, this post was super helpful, especially that link to SMT. You are lucky you have an agency to handle the financial side of things, it takes the stress away and you can just focus on the creative. Loving the all black outfit, have a great weekend hon. x

  22. Izabela
    March 9, 2017 / 11:02 pm

    I love how honest you are about your blogging. Many bloggers can easily fall into the trap of losing transparency.

    http://www.mydailywear.co.uk

  26. miri
    March 10, 2017 / 7:44 am

    Hi Siffat,
    I must say that this is one of my favorite looks of yours so far. You look trés chic, elegant and stylish. And I like that you are sharing your honest tips. I think that it also depends on where you live. For example in Switzerland, as it is a small country, brands are not used to pay- they give your gifts, etc. but they are not so keen on paying you for your work. On the other hand, it is easier to work with big brands because the market is small. So there are always some pros and cons.
    X
    Miri

    http://currentlywearing.com

  27. Tatjana
    March 10, 2017 / 10:05 am

    Wonderful look Siffat! The jewelry is just as beautiful.
    Thank you so much for the informative post. I don’t mind sponsored posts and not because I am a blogger myself. What I mind is badly done sponsored posts. I find that very unprofessional.

    Love from https://tbymallano.com/

  30. Yasmin
    March 10, 2017 / 2:06 pm

    Thanks for your insights, as a new blogger, I am always interested in the behind the scenes look at people who have been blogging for a while and the regulations in the industry. Have a productive Friday!

    xo,
    I AM YASMIN

  31. Yasmin
    March 10, 2017 / 2:06 pm

    Thanks for your insights, as a new blogger, I am always interested in the behind the scenes look at people who have been blogging for a while and the regulations in the industry. Have a productive Friday!

    xo,
    I AM YASMIN

  32. Iva
    March 10, 2017 / 3:19 pm

    You look amazing!
    NEW BLOG ! please follow me : YOUNG BLOG

  33. Jalisa
    March 10, 2017 / 4:17 pm

    I really appreciate and admire you for being so open about the behind the scenes of blogging. With so many products appearing in the hands of so many influencers, followers are bound to question all the things you’ve addressed so perfectly here. As for your outfit, I adore the all black and I love you jewelry pieces! Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have a great weekend!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

  36. Jenn
    March 10, 2017 / 5:57 pm

    I’m always a fan of all-black outfits. Looks super chic and effortless.

  37. Kathryn
    March 10, 2017 / 7:00 pm

    Thank you for sharing this! I think it’s so important that you mentioned authenticity, because you’re definitely right. People will generally get a feel for when you’re not 100% behind a product or service you’re posting about, and you totally lose trust. I had a good laugh at the Kylie Jenner post.

    Kathryn • simplykk.com

  38. Andreea Birsan
    March 10, 2017 / 8:42 pm

    Transparency is the key! Love how you put everything together, and I am often put in the situation of explaining how I make a living out of blogging, and oh boy, it gets tiring to keep explaining the same thing over and over lol. Also congrats on getting to work with YSL beauty! Have a lovely weekend! x

    Andreea,
    http://couturezilla.com/

  40. Didier
    March 11, 2017 / 4:03 am

    Thank you for answering all those questions! Totally know that you only accept contracts that you are passionate about and thats just one extra reason why I love you! Also I still love that we are shoe twins!

    -Didier

  41. Amy
    March 11, 2017 / 4:29 am

    Great roundup babe! Congrats on signing with your agency – can’t wait to see what’s in store for you and your blog!

    xx, Amy
    http://www.theluxilook.com

  44. Marta Carvalho
    March 11, 2017 / 12:11 pm

    Posts like this one are so important! Not only to educate people about what you do, but also for the ones who want to have a similar career 🙂
    LA VEINE

  45. Serene Summerfield
    March 13, 2017 / 2:26 pm

    I love this elegant look with the details on the top! And thanks for the transparency about your sponsored posts.
    Xoxo,
    Serene

  47. Harija Ravi
    March 14, 2017 / 3:49 am

    Amazing blog post and great photos.
    I am glad you enjoyed reading my recent post and thank you for the comments!!
    MyLyfeMyStory

  48. Harija Ravi
    March 14, 2017 / 3:50 am

    I am glad you enjoyed reading my recent post and thank you for the comments!!
    MyLyfeMyStory

  49. Jecky
    March 15, 2017 / 9:47 pm

    I love it when Bloggers open up! We should share more with each other and help each other in this young, sometimes confusing industry :*

    XX from Germany
    Jecky
    Want Get Repeat

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