Things Bloggers Are Sick of Hearing

As bloggers, we tend to get called over sharers. And I guess to some extent we are but I see my little ole blog as much more than a place to just 'overshare'. It's a place for me, a place where I feel I can express myself without judgement and a place where I feel most comfortable. However, I don't just write for me. I can never be thankful enough for all the opportunities that have come my way in the few years that I have hit the bloggersphere. I know that I am far from being a famous blogger like so many that I aspire to be but I take pride in knowing that my blog maybe helping someone somewhere, which it makes me feel amazing. And so as a blogger, a lot of friends, family and readers ask questions and say things that are sometimes a little annoying and tiresome. So today I thought I would tell you about some of the things that I am sick of hearing as a blogger. 


It's not really a job though is it?

There are a LOT of misconceptions out there about how much money bloggers make, some are more successful than others of course, like all employment sectors. Most people just see most are taking photos, writing about them and making a few quid here or there. But listen up folks there is an opportunity to actually a decent wage with blogging, even if many don't consider it as 'a real job', IT IS. Blogging and social media influencing is definitely a job. Now it's certainly not easy to make money from blogging. I would probably say that most of us who do have blogs don't make a huge amount of money, or even consistent money. But with a lot of hard work, a lot of time and dedication this has become my job. Blogger, writer, influencer, whatever you want to call it. It's a money maker for lots of people. I have to say that I don't have the biggest following in this bloggersphere, but there are lots of people who follow me, take the time read my posts, send me emails to talk about my content on my blog and there are brands that want to collaborate. So YES it is a real job.

Bloggers will do anything for a freebie!!!

Now, I'm not going to sit here and write that I don't like a freebie. It's definitely one of the perks of blogging especially if it is something that I love or need. The idea that a blogger will do almost anything for a freebie to create a post really is annoying, because I don't know any blogger that will accept anything just because it's free. I remember the first time I started to receive freebies in the post, it was super exciting. But the thing is, soon enough I realised that these 'freebies' are not actually FREE. There's a lot of work that goes into creating content for a brand. Each and every brand that I have worked with has been completely different, their needs are different and so I have to cater to each and every one of them. It is by far from 'an easy gig', or 'takes a couple of photos and you're done'! I still accept some gifted items, but nowadays I am picky about accepting them than use to be. Does all the time, patience and effort for a post worth something that costs £2 worth it. Probably not.
You spend too much time on your phone. 

Yes, I know I do. But don't we all spend quite a bit of time of our phones. Meanwhile you're probably scrolling through Facebook or giggling at a silly twitter spat (I am guilty of this too), I am busy on my phone trying to secure collaborations, answering emails, writing ideas down or just connecting with my readers, my fav part of being a blogger. My best ideas for blog posts normally enter my head at the most inconvenient times and so seeing as my phone is never too far from me, I like to make notes when I can. I really find it hard to switch off. There are days when the notifications on my phone are crazy and I find it absolute bliss when I turn them off. But there is always something that I could be doing creating content, photos to edit or comments to catch up on. 

If I want free stuff, shall I start a blog too?

Uh, no. It takes hard work, a lot of time, dedication and a hell of a lot of promotion to even begin working with PRs and brands. Anyone can be a blogger but being an influencer means you have a platform, you create content, you get people to listen and they take action because of it.

Oh we love your blog, can you write a detailed blog post, provide imagery and we will post it on our social media for exposure?

This is probably the most insulting thing a brand can say to a blogger. When I get pitches like this, I don’t even respond. But let's think about this one for a minute. You found me on the internet, you're interested in working with me, you took the time to email me even started an email with my actual name (big brownie points). But instead of compensating me for my hard work, time, and influence you think offering the “chance” to be posted on your social media is going to secure a collaboration. Sorry, but no! 

Your photography is great, can we share your photo on our social media and use on our website?

Everyone loves a compliment, I do especially if it has anything to do with my photography. But something that does annoy me is people using my content and images without asking. In cases working with brands where we have agreed that they have the rights to use my images for their promotional purposes then that's completely fine. However, if we didn't, then please ask. No one else has the right to use my images, royalty free. All content that I have created is mine. It is my licensed content and no one should be able to use them without permission and definitely not without giving me credit. I hate those requests in comments asking if we can regram or repost knowing it's probably from a Bot or dodge account. Now I totally understand that pretty pictures are basically what Instagram is all about and that it helps with likes, comments and engagement but always ask permission before using. 

It must be so easy to work from home?

I have to say that working from home is one of the most challenging ways to work. When you think of home, you think of relaxing and fun. Home is where you family and friends are and thinking of home as a workplace changes things. Not forgetting that I also have a little threenager to keep me on my toes which is incredibly distracting. People are always quick to assume that working from home means a day in your pajamas, lazing on the sofa, drinking lots of tea and typing a couple of posts. Yes sure, there are some day when my little lady isn't at school and I will take full advantage of a pajama day, but it's not a good way for me to be productive and to stay focused though. I will wake up early, get fully ready for the day, and sit in my blogging space. My days also consist of errands, nursery drop offs and pickups, laundry and chores and anything else the day throws at me. So yes, it's pretty easy working from home!


Being a blogger has become my job and it's a money maker for lots of people. I have to say that I don't have the biggest following in this bloggersphere, but there are lots of people who follow me, take the time read my posts, send me emails to talk about my content on my blog. But I am certainly not doing this for the freebies, or because I can just be lazy and sit on the sofa all day. Believe it or not, my schedule is pretty demanding as a blogger. But nothing makes me smile more than receiving lovely comments on my blog, positive messages, or someone sharing my posts. I guess I could go on and on but I am going to stop there and hand it over to you guys - As bloggers, what are some of the things you are sick of hearing all the time???


57 comments

  1. This is such a good post! I mostly get but it's not a real job and why are you doing things for free. It makes me so annoyed when someone doesn't understand that I enjoy what I do and it's giving me a hobby where I sometimes get paid/sent items for review xx

    Yasmina | The July Journal

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  2. So true. I have to explain the whole it's not free thing at least once a day and this week seems to be topping the charts for insulting emails! Still love blogging though #Bloggersbest

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  3. Such a true post. I didn't really see my blog as work until over the last 6 months or so when I started to actually monetise. There is so much work that goes into it!! Thanks for sharing with #bloggersbest x

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  4. Great post! I've been blogging for years, but it's far from being a lucrative job, but the time and effort I put into it, IS like a job. You really have to love what you're doing or you're going to burn out. It's not just lying around talking to yourself - there is more to being a blogger than just writing a blog post after all. #bloggersbest

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  5. These are all so relate-able for me! Blogging is hard work and I DO love it, but it's DAMN hard!

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  6. What I love about blogging is that it can be whatever you want it to be. I'm happy to be a hobby blogger so the endless comments about going pro and being the next whatever get so annoying.

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  7. Ahhh I hate hate hate all of these. I literally get one of these comments on the daily! I’m so over it

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  8. A great post and yes to all these ....us bloggers do get a lot of stick ....and it's so annoying xx Thank you for sharing

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  9. I've just gone full time as a blogger and it most definitely isn't easy. I take my hat off to people who've been doing it for years!

    Gemma Louise

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  10. YES! I can relate to all of these! Non bloggers really don’t get it do they! X

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  11. Bloody hate the photo stealing from brands. Happens to me all the time I can't stand it, I always go check brands accounts (even if they haven't sent me a product etc I just happen to use it in a photo) after I've posted a post or Instagram with it.
    Brands think they have the right to use your images just because it contains their product, no f***** chance mate.

    Plus, I get the "you only do it for free stuff, must be easy" stuff all the time - idiots.
    Much love, Caitylis x x

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  12. Great post and all so true! I'm aiming to make the move from hobby to job - so I'll guess that's when the questions will start...! x

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  13. This is so true! The thing that annoys me the post is the using of images!

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  14. Love this post! SO true, especially the bit about us always being on our phone! x

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  15. Yaaaaas to all of these. I work from home and I find it really hard at times. When the children have school holidays I still have to work and meet my deadlines or I would get replaced with another freelancer! I also have a habit of working into the night when I should really stop. When it comes to blogging there are no freebies. People don't realise the work that goes into writing and running a blog

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  16. Blogging as a business is so hard, I've had to back off massively from it. So I can understand why bloggers get annoyed by comments like those you listed. But at the end of the day you do it beause you choose to, doesn't matter what anyone else thinks/says. Go You!!

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  17. Your absolutely spot on. I've only been blogging for 6 weeks but I've come across almost all of these already. #KCACOLS

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  18. The bloggers don't get so much backlash here at the moment but the 'Influencers' do. I find it funny when people sneer at influencers (tho I still laugh when people refer to themselves as influencers, so I'm part of the problem). I just think the old wave gets threatened by the new wave and lashes out...#KCACOLS

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  19. I recognise some of these points! I blog in a niche that isn't very common, I'm an in-car safety blogger and advisor, so my job is largly also related to my blogging. My blogging has given me many oppertuneties and opened up a lot of doors.

    However, I also do get som backlash as you describe in the post. :g

    #KCACOLS

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  20. This post is so spot-on. I've been blogging for 10 years, but it's far from being a lucrative job though I've invested a lot of time and effort in my blog. I am just happy to blog for fun

    #KCACOLS

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  21. This post made me smile! I also hate the phishing emails that all have the same....we’d love to work with you and we’ll pay you nothing...’ I made the mistake of replying once to one of these emails and I then couldn’t get rid of them! Basically they wanted me to add a follow link in a post about something stupid for no money and just wouldn’t let it go!
    Good luck. You have such a lovely blog btw.
    #KCACOLS

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  22. This is so so true. I am so sick of being told to get off my laptop as if I am just sitting with it open for the fun of it! It's also annoying when I get told "oh you can get xxxx from school/nursery it's not like you're doing anything else" from family without asking. they presume because I am at home I am not doing anything even though they know what I do! #kcacols

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  23. My phone is full of notes for future blog posts. It is a full time effort to make a blog even a small success. I don't get as much time as I would like to spend on it, but thankfully my family are supportive. #kcacols

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  24. I think part of the problem is that blogging is still a relatively new thing, so people still don't know what to make of it. It's just frustrating that they make assumptions rather than take the time to find out what it's really all about and how much work goes into it! x #KCACOLS

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  25. I loved reading this. I've been blogging for three years this month but it's not anywhere near being my job. It would be lovely if I could make some money from it but what I find people don't understand, is that to get to that point it takes a lot of effort and hard work. I've made it my mission to make my blog more consistent this year and track my followers/readers/likes to see how they are improving but to get people interacting, it does mean being on my phone a lot but I know irritates others. I love my little blog and everything that comes with it so I keep blowing away in hope of it going somewhere. #KCACOLS

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  26. I completely agree with you on these things haha Xx

    http://get-ready-with-laura.blogspot.de

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  27. The more you blog the more annoying it gets! Some very good points here. Although blogging isn't my full-time job, I totally appreciate the extra work and effort you must put into blogging if it is. Respect is due! #KCACOLS

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  28. I think you've hit the nail on the head there! I'm still a part time blogger as I have a full time job, but hope to get better! #KCACOLS

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  29. I haven't been blogging regularly for long enough to get these comments, yet, but I do sense that some people are thinking those very things. I try to ignore negativity, about this as well as about other things in life x #KCACOLS

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  30. I've been blogging as a hobby on and off for a few years but I would like to turn it into my 'job' one day and dread the annoying comments you've listed as so much effort goes into it. #KCACOLS

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  31. Ah yes, I absolutely agree with you. "We'd love you to review our product so we can publicise it. We will promote your review on all of our social media channels." Um, did you think I was born yesterday? Pen x #KCACOLS

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  32. My blog is mainly about a campaign which is really important to me. I don't review anything for money or freebies but I will gladly share what works for us. It is hard enough as a campaign blogger, I certainly wouldn't want to have to put in the hours required to make this a job! #KCACOLS

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  33. I am just starting out and it is hard! Need to put in a lot of leg work and time to get the blog out there. I am already hearing some of these things too. #kcacols

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  34. such a great post, I dont mind brands asking to use but if they steal one without asking then thats not on

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  35. True - although I really do spend too much time on my phone :-/ #kcacols

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  36. yep get a lot of this all the time. i guess not everyone gets it or understands. #KCACOLS

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  37. Pretty much everything you mention to be honest! When I tell people I earn from my blog, their eye open wide, you can see the £'s in their eyes like a cartoon character and they think it's a quick-fix. If only! Thanks for hosting #kcacols

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  38. Yes to all of these! It also annoys me that people think writing a blog post is a really quick thing to get done! #KCACOLS

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  39. the one that always gets me is - oh, my kids are so funny too, maybe I should start blogging, how hard can it be. #KCACOLS

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  40. I love all of these. I especially hate the word FREE when used in conjunction with a blog. Non bloggers don't realize how many hours, photos and then social media promotion and sharing goes into a post. So yeah, I got some "free" tickets to go to the zoo... and then spent 4 hours of my precious free time writing about it! I worked pretty hard in exchange for those! #KCACOLS

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  41. Yes so true, people underestimate the amount of time and effort it takes #KCACOLS

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  42. Yes to all of these - although I would say don't cut off your nose despite your face on the review for sharing on social media one. If the brand has an engaged audience sometimes the benefits of clicks & new followers is worth the review - for me anyway! #bloggersbest

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  43. I hate when companies nick your photos. It's beyond annoying. #kcacols

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  44. Love this post - whilst blogging is not my job, I often get asked what freebie I get sent, they have no idea! #kcacols

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  45. Ooh we've written quite similar posts this time!! #kcacols

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  46. It is not easy at all to work from home! LOL. How many times I have so much to do and I get frustrated because I can't simply do it...
    Oh and don't get me started on the idea that we just want free stuff! It drives me mad...#kcacols

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  47. Blogging is very much misunderstood by non-bloggers, although sometimes we don't help ourselves with our self-image. It's totally something that can be a full or part-time job but the misconception that everything is somehow 'easy' is annoying. If it was that easy, we would all be making six-figure salaries from it ... #KCACOLS

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  48. Well done! You nailed it, and I don't even do this full time (although I would love too!). Thank you! #kcacols xox

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  49. This is brilliant and totally SPOT ON! I can relate to every single one of what you listed. I'm a full-time blogger (well, I try to be!) and the amount of times I've been asked to help someone start a blog to receive free things is unbelievable! And I find it very insulting too! #KCACOLS

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  50. I don't get a lot of things sent to me, I am still building my little blog, but when I do I put a lot of work into the post I produce. It annoys me too when people just think I get sent stuff for doing basically nothing.
    #KCACOLS

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  51. It is a seriously underestimated occupation. I can only do it part time and still haven't got to the stage of making money or even receiving freebies - if only it was as easy as some people seem to think, but it is really hard and extremely time-consuming. I get criticised sometimes for being on my phone too much (and I'm not really!), and my husband has asked me if I'm ever going to make money from my blog! I hope so, one day! #KCACOLS

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  52. Brilliant post! I have spent a couple of years now working on my blog and I’ve had a handful of review opportunities and I’m nowhere near well known or even known at all. It is definitely not an easy ride and staying focused with a 1 year old and almost 3 year old! #KCACOLS

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  53. I'm more of a hobby blogger, but I still get annoyed when people grill me about my blog and what I'm doing with it. Each to their own I say! #KCACOLS

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  54. These are so true, I love my blog, it is mainly my hobby next to my "real" job but if I can make just that little bit of extra money it definitely helps pay the bills #KCACOLS

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  55. YES!! I am sick of people thinking that this stuff is free! They don't see what goes into it behind the scenes! #KCACOLS

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  56. Back again from #KCACOLS - still agree with everything! #KCACOLS

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  57. Totally agree on so many points in this post. There are SO many small jobs and tasks involved with being a blogger it is neverending! There is always something to do behind the scenes! #KCACOLS

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