I like running the advertising for more than 50 sites...at least I know when an advertiser complains that my prices are higher than others, I can respond that I know more than 50 other sites with prices on the similar level, hahaha.  Plus, based on what I am told by blogging buddies, there aren't that many of us underselling our sites.

Wow - you are up 10 from the last time I saw you reporting on the number of sites you run ads for!

I like running the advertising for more than 50 sites...at least I know when an advertiser complains that my prices are higher than others, I can respond that I know more than 50 other sites with prices on the similar level, hahaha.  Plus, based on what I am told by blogging buddies, there aren't that many of us underselling our sites.

Wow - you are up 10 from the last time I saw you reporting on the number of sites you run ads for!

Crystal reps my site. One of the reasons I had her rep my site is that I did not know how to "price" my site. I did not want it to undercut anyone else nor have it so high that I was losing opportunities.

I think each blogger needs to determine what they're willing to let pass.  6-12 months ago I was accepting some paid posts here and there for $50 a pop.  Now, I'm willing to let those pass on those.  I know my blog is worth more and if the advertiser is not willing to accept that, then I'm fine with that. 

I wouldn't worry too much about seeing the posts appear on other blogs too much.  One of the things I've learned quickly is that I can't be part of every opportunity.  Some will pass you by and some you will pass by.  As long as you're happy with the ones that fall in between those two realms, you'll be fine.

Although I don't have nearly the time these days to spend writing and networking as I'd like, just writing 2-3 articles a week (most weeks) and my earnings, pageviews, SE traffic, and other metrics keep increasing slowly. 

This is good, because although my blog is nowhere near where I'd like to take it or wish it could be, I keep seeing some progress little by little. I guess my point is that although there might not be money rolling in right now, the long term mindset and continued work seems to be what will increase long term earnings. 

Just remember, 9 times out of 10 it is not the popularity of a blog that matters. It is the link juice--MOZ rank, PR, etc.

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Kidgas said:

I have yet to be offered any sponsored post deals but thanks to some information that I read from Crystal, I at least have a  rough idea of what the market might be.  I, of course, would charge less than she since my blog is not near as popular.  I do appreciate the discussion, however.

I have set minimums that are on the high end for my clients, but my actual rates for my own sites vary based on how much I feel like I "need" that money in a particular month.  I also have the no-no minimums (email me if you'd like them), so I lose out on some deals too.

Same with us, but then Crystal helped mentor me when I started out dealing with advertising so I adopted a lot of her best practices.

I've lost a number of opportunities b/c I won't drop below specific floor pricing.  I personally don't sweat it as the lower end opportunities just make me feel like i'm diluting our sites quality.

But I am getting better! Ofcourse I also have a minimum that I do not give in below.