The first time that I applied to Blogher Ads I was pretty new to blogging and using WordPress.com. Since WordPress.com does not allow the blog author to have ads on their blog Blogher politely said, “Come back later.”
After I switched to self-hosted WordPress I contacted them again and was accepted. A year and a half later I removed their advertising from my sidebar. Would I do it again? Yes. Am I glad I left? Yes. No matter if I use their ads or not I can still be a part of the Blogher community.
Let me start with the cons of the ad network so I can finish on a positive note.
- Blogher Ads does not allow you to post reviews about products worth more than $40 and recently forbid giveaways of products worth more than $40. This does make sense because both turn into advertising for the product, and Blogher wants their ads to be the main attraction. When I first started blogging this was no big deal because I didn’t have a network in place that would offer products worth more than $40, but things have changed for me.
- There were more ads that I had to go and opt out of because I did not want certain products advertised on my site.
- I was told that their ads made my page load very slow.
- Due to Blogher Ads having to keep more of a percentage of the profits my income was very small.
- They had started spotlighting some posts and blogs on topics that I do not want to be associated with.
As you can see, half the reasons are my personal preferences. Here are some pros of the Blogher Ads network.
- Blogher Ads accepted me when I had a very small readership [unlike some ad companies].
- They were easy to use and made instructions very clear. The questions I sent were promptly answered by a real live person.
- They do encourage bloggers to have a separate page or blog for reviews that does not show their ads and just link to it from the page with ads.
- My blog posts were featured on other blogs across their network and helped me gain readers.
- I still remember the joy of that first check for the fun of blogging.
The decision really is yours. I have met bloggers that have been using Blogher Ads for years and have no plans to stop. I also met bloggers that downright hated Blogher Ads. My feelings are somewhere in the middle of those two viewpoints. How do you feel about Blogher Ads? Have you ever used their ads?
13 Responses to “Blogher Ad Network and Me”
Jamie
1 year ago
Okay I have been wondering about dropping them for exactly these reasons. I have been using them for a while, and still haven’t seen a paycheck… and they actually have a survey that slides across my screen…. I think I will pull myself from their network today.
They do make my page load slower… I believe it’s due to loading multiple off site java script things, but I was sad about parting ways with them. I am just going to take the plunge, though.
Jamie´s last blog post..Ten Reasons I shouldn’t play World of Warcraft
Pam
1 year ago
I haven’t heard enough positive things to try Blogher ads.
Pam´s last blog post..Spa Giveaway!
Erin Hill
1 year ago
Thanks for letting me know. I was going to try since I’m so new with no traffic, but maybe I’ll look into it a bit more.
Angela Green
1 year ago
I wasn’t even familiar with Blogher, so I’m glad I learned something new!!
Angela Green´s last blog post..I am an intern!
Heather @ Girly Blog Designz
1 year ago
I think if you definitely aren’t making money from having the ads, or if you would make more money doing the product reviews they forbid then it’s probably a good idea to get rid of the ads.
I have never used Blogher ads. I used Google Ads in the past – just recently added them back – but will probably take them back down soon, lol! I make more money selling ads on my websites.
Courtney
1 year ago
I’ve never even considered BlogHer because I just never heard a lot of positive things about the ad network. Glad to hear your thoughts on it.
Debbie
1 year ago
This is a great review! Why have ads on your personal blog that you don’t care to have? Not every networking site is for every blogger! Good for you – stick to your guns and do what is best for YOU and what you want to present to the world. In the end, it will pay off for you!
Danielle
1 year ago
I have not considered an ad network. I am glad to here the pros and cons about blogher.
Tiffany
1 year ago
Great timing, I am currently considering whether or not to join. Appreciate knowing the “fine print”!
Tiffany´s last blog post..Re: Hair Products
Gina
1 year ago
I’ve been with them for over a year and actually make a good amount of money monthly. I also believe that they’ve brought me a lot of traffic, and I’m definitely in support of their policies to support women bloggers and businesses. However, I’m currently considering dropping them because the new guidelines have impacted the way I blog and they are not enforcing the new policy fairly, and that has been frustrating. If I wasn’t making so much money, or I thought I could replace that income with other ads, I would just do it. I’ve been waffling for a couple of weeks now…
Gina´s last blog post..Safeway this week 5/13
BeautifulCalling
9 months ago
Hi there. I came across this post while trying to decide whether or not to go with them. My application was just accepted but I'll have to make some changes to my blog in regards to my current reviews. I'm wondering if it is worth it. I can't find anything that tells how the income from BlogHer Ads works. Is it based on clicks? If you wouldn't mind, I'd love to know what your first check was and how long it took you to earn it. I'm a pretty small blog too and would love some direction!
Jenn
beautifulcalling@ gmail.com
BeautifulCalling
9 months ago
Hi there. I came across this post while trying to decide whether or not to go with them. My application was just accepted but I'll have to make some changes to my blog in regards to my current reviews. I'm wondering if it is worth it. I can't find anything that tells how the income from BlogHer Ads works. Is it based on clicks? If you wouldn't mind, I'd love to know what your first check was and how long it took you to earn it. I'm a pretty small blog too and would love some direction!
Jenn
beautifulcalling@ gmail.com
craftyvivi
4 months ago
Helpful review. I was turned down because I'm not on their waiting list. I didn't know that had one. So, perfect timing that I found your review. Thanks