This post is similar to a recent blog post I wrote on five reasons it’s important to have a freelance contract in place, but today I want to chat specifically to bloggers about the importance of a blogger contract.

A question I receive frequently from bloggers is, when do I need a contract?  The short answer: anytime something of value is being exchanged.  You don’t necessarily need a contract in place when a PR company reaches out and offers to send you a pack of granola bars to try out in exchange for a chance that you might share the product on your Instagram Stories.  However, if a brand is paying you any monetary amount, you need a contract.  I’d also advise having a contract in place when you’re engaging in any type of travel related collaborations and when you’re working with a brand that is providing you with a luxury item in exchange for your coverage (on your blog and/or social media channels).

Now that we briefly touched on when you need a contract, let’s jump into the reasons you NEED to invest in a blogger contract.

3 Reasons You Need to Invest in a Blogger Contract

Get Paid (On Time!)

It’s worth the initial investment in a blogger contract because, then, you have a contract of your own, on hand.  When a brand reaches out about collaborating and doesn’t have a contract of their own, you’re prepared.  You’re not scrambling.  You get to dictate the terms.  One of those terms is how and when you get paid.

Without a contract, there’s no way to ensure that everyone is on the same page about how much the brand is paying you and what they’re paying you to do.  It’s important to have a contract in place that outlines exactly what the brand is paying you and when payment is due.  These terms should be very specific.  It’s also worth including a late fee for any delinquent payments.  This will ensure that the brand is aware of the amount owed and when it is owed.

Protect Your Business

You never want to get caught in a he said/she said game where your business (or assets, such as income) are at risk.  It’s important to always know what your responsibilities are in the blogger/brand relationship.  And above all else, it’s important to make sure you protect yourself and your business.  You spend so much time building and promoting your business, you need to ensure you’re taking the necessary steps to protect it. Having a contract in place facilitates a smooth transaction of business between you and brands.

Legitimize Your Business

Having a blogger contract is a sign to brands that you take your own business seriously.  If you’re getting paid to work with brands (no matter how little or big that amount might be), your blog is a business and having a contract on hand to provide to brands that you’re working with only further legitimizes your business.  It’s one of those steps like registering your business as a LLC and setting up a separate business bank account that really takes your blog from side hobby to legitimate business.

If you’re in need of a blogger contract, you’re in luck!  I have a standard blogger/brand contract template available for immediate, digital download!  Check it out here! You’ll be able to tailor the contract to each collaboration and use it with most any brand that you’re working with through your blog.

And if you’re a little hesitant about downloading a document from the internet, I get it.  Check out what my past clients have said (scroll down a bit) and always feel free to email me with any questions!  I’m also more than happy to work with you to create a custom contract template!  email: [email protected] 

ALL OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.