Getting Sponsors

[John McLaughlin]

Hello, We have completed an extensive refit and will be doing "shake down" crusing this spring off the coast of NJ with our already proven Allied 39 sloop (see it at www.allied39.blogspot.com) my question is how do we go about getting a few "sponsors" that would like to advertise on our blog or boat? Like clothing, sails with their name on it, nav equipment, or just about anything. We're not looking for any handouts and really don't need any sponsors to complete what we started, just thought it would be a "win-win" situation for some company, we have hundreds of viewers a month on our blog and we're well exposed at the marina and "Yacht Club", etc. and we'll be traveling the globe soon... I haven't tried to get anyone except mention it on the blog, is there any other way to get someone/some company interested in our sailing project? Thanks
John
Southerly

[Mimsy]

Unfortunately, it will be a tough sell to get paid advertisers for a blog with 100s of readers. You would need to have a readership in the thousands to get interest and even then its hard. There are just too many blogs out there with people doing essentially the same thing. Unless there is something that really sets you apart from other sailors- such as being very, very young or traveling with a crew of bikini models.

You might try using Google Ads on your blog. Anyone can sign up and you get paid for click throughs. Its pennies a click but if you get a big enough readership it could add up. I will tell you I have an acquaintance who has a very popular blog who netted a whopping $18 from Google ads.

Amazon also has a similar program for advertising and you might look into that.
Good luck.

[atoll]

send $50 to my paypal a/c and i will tell you how......

[pillum]

Originally Posted by John McLaughlin

We're not looking for any handouts and really don't need any sponsors to complete what we started. Thanks
John
Southerly

But if you don't need the handouts why are you asking for advice on getting them John? Just asking.

[John McLaughlin]

Good question, I really never thought of it like that, I have a lot of years into this boat and sailing boats, now just about complete with this one and will be sailing off soon, I guess I thought it would just be kinda "cool" to be involved with "the sailing industry" so to speak. We really don't need any help with anything, products, etc. You have me thinking maybe I'll take the "sponsor" tab off the blog! Who needs them anyway!!!!
John
Allied 39
www.allied39.blogspot.com

[Bash]

You can always look into being a product tester. I was a "Beta Tester" for a major manufacturer of marine refrigeration systems for many years. Every six months or so a technician would come to my boat and rip out the reefer, and install some new state-of-the-art design that was supposed to be better than the last one.

We always thought it was cool that we never had to defrost our systems because they'd never last long enough to build up significant ice.

[Target9000]

Dani and I have had some extensive discussions on seeing donate links or sponsor links. Sometimes we see posts in blogs about products, or begs for help winning something or the other.

You know, that is all fine with us for other folks, but we'd never do it personally because we don't need to. Sure some money might be nice, but really....

We are pondering putting a button on the side that says "Donate" and if you click it, it directs you to put a dollar in your own piggy bank to save for your own adventure.

[David M]

I think you first need to do something which will attract a sizable repeat audience. Then the advertising will follow.

It's not enough to ask people for money so you can go have fun, no offense intended. Many people will see it this way unless you are doing something truly different which is entertaining to a large audience. And then they might contribute because they are being entertained or believe in your cause.

[rgscpat]

I'm guessing your best bet would be something local with which you have a relationship -- maybe a seafood restaurant would pay part of the cost of your next spinnaker or mainsail if you put their name and logo on the sail.

Or, there are many charity events (Leukemia Cup, etc.) in which you could raise money for some established charity; that's the sort of thing that local businesses and professionals are more likely to ante up something. Or you could get on the sponsorship committee for a regional regatta and muscle local waterfront businesses into donating door prizes to your event -- and then you might get lucky and win one of the door prizes you collected, grin!

[VirtualVagabond]

Originally Posted by Target9000

Dani and I have had some extensive discussions on seeing donate links or sponsor links. Sometimes we see posts in blogs about products, or begs for help winning something or the other.

You know, that is all fine with us for other folks, but we'd never do it personally because we don't need to. Sure some money might be nice, but really....

We are pondering putting a button on the side that says "Donate" and if you click it, it directs you to put a dollar in your own piggy bank to save for your own adventure.

Do it... it's a great idea.
I might 'borrow' it when I get to sailing and blogging, but I'm an IT disaster zone so I might need you to 'donate' some expertise

[John McLaughlin]

Originally Posted by Target9000

Dani and I have had some extensive discussions on seeing donate links or sponsor links. Sometimes we see posts in blogs about products, or begs for help winning something or the other.

You know, that is all fine with us for other folks, but we'd never do it personally because we don't need to. Sure some money might be nice, but really....

We are pondering putting a button on the side that says "Donate" and if you click it, it directs you to put a dollar in your own piggy bank to save for your own adventure.

Your right as I said in my reply earlier, I will now remove that "sponsor" page from my blog! I like your attitude! As I said I Don't need any sponsors we're on our way..
Thanks for the advice
John
Southerly

[John McLaughlin]

Well you have inspired me. check it at www.allied39.blogspot.com I have removed the "sponsor" page and titled a blog--"Your own adventure" You couldn't be more right..---Thanks
John
Southerly