Lately I seem to have an increasing number of requests to 'endorse' products. I am assuming this is because of the success of the Greenfingers Guides books. It also doesn't seem to hurt I have a minor celebrity.
Yes I can see that getting individuals like myself writing ( via blogs, magazines, books etc.) about a company's products is a useful marketing tool for them. But I ain't exactly Meryl Streep! So far I have refused to do so, mainly because am trying to figure out how I feel about this issue. Yes, it's great to be offered money to talk something up, but then that does that leave me obligated to promote things when they are a bit sub-standard or something I don't really believe in?
A friend of mine said to me " Bloody hell, Lucy go for it. What a great position to be in...
It does seem silly in a recession to refuse good money, but for the life of me, I just couldn't recommend anything that isn't something I believe is a good or useful product. It can't be all about the money, although I'm sure everybody out there will tell me it is.
I already suggest services, products etc that I have used in our landscaping capacity for free and am happy to recommend good services or suppliers.
So the dilemma is should I accept payment for some of of these?
On balance I think I will continue to promote those companies, products or services I have personal experience of for nothing. Why not? Made round to go round I say. But I guess one has to be pragmatic and if I can road-test or experience a new product for other companies I have no personal knowledge of, then I would happily recommend them if the product/service proved to be a good one.
Comments
Why not go half way and get on to an affiliate programme with those companies that you would endorse anyway. - I totally agree tho' about being asked to endorse products that you havn't yet used, - I don't and wouldn't, but if I already have used them and have had great service as an anonymus customer, then very happy to recommend