The absolute best thing about blogging is the sense of community. I started blogging to have a creative outlet and a place to share thoughts and recipes, but I found that blogs often have their own welcoming sense of place. You read about someone’s life, or their kitchen, or the way they like to dress, and feel connected.
In the best of circumstances, that turns into a real friendship: lengthy emails, cheering + picking each other up, texts about book recommendations and plates of phenomenal sushi…which somehow lead to this:
So I’m thrilled today to introduce Julie, writer and lawyer and baby-foot-tickler, who writes Bound, a lifestyle blog that celebrates travel, deep friendships and sushi. Julie is a fellow book-lover (the book we were texting about was Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Braid, by Donald Hofstadter, which BTW I’ve been too intimidated to crack) which means she is obviously a great person to know.
When I read Julie’s writing, whether it’s an essay or a weekend trip recap, I’m struck by her combination of curiosity and thoughtfulness. She writes about navigating adulthood with a compassionate yet critical eye, and you can feel the care she puts into each word.
This woman is an explorer, a go-and-do-it-er. She’s also about to move to New York, so if you’re over that way, know that within a month she will have a list of whiskey bars and sushi restaurants the length of your arm–so go be friends!
The issue that’s been weighing heavily on my mind lately is this: we’re being told (through popular culture and even the dialogue we have with each other) that staying healthy isn’t that hard. That if you just chug along, putting in some nominal effort on the elliptical, that you can have that cupcake afterward. Girl, you deserve that cupcake! we tell each other, when really that’s A. Not the point, and B. Not the truth.
When I told my mom I was considering offering sponsorship (can we call it advertising with heart?) on Jaybird, she told me she was not interested. “I wouldn’t read that!”
But when I think about what sponsorship might look like on Jaybird–featuring other bloggers and small businesses that I love–I think about building a sense of community and connection. Some of my favorite blogs (and blogging friends!) are those I found because they sponsored a blog I like. When I find a thoughtful article online, or a beautifully wrought piece of handmade jewelry, or a useful guide, I want to share it!
I currently share some of my favorite weekly reads every Saturday, but offering the occasional sponsor spotlight would allow me to feature and really support individuals who are creating and writing exciting things. I want to make sure it feels as interesting and valuable as possible for anyone reading, and that it’s something that I have time to commit to doing well. It would also be a wonderful way to cover hosting costs for this site or even have a little extra taco money.
* An occasional post with original content + stories, sponsored by an individual or small business featuring their shop or product (example: Mi Goals giveaway but with more of a story), featuring a giveaway if possible–a big one is coming on Monday!
Something I really want to do this year is help others succeed–whether that means sharing their message through a spotlight on Jaybird, working with small businesses on their social media presence or helping a family friend understand LinkedIn. I would love it if you’d help by sharing your thoughts.
Why This Matters to Me Now
I've been thinking a lot about the ways blogs can support one another beyond just leaving comments or sharing posts. When I first started Jaybird, I didn't have a clear vision for how it might grow, but over time I've realized that the relationships I've built through this space are the most rewarding part. Sponsorship, in the way I imagine it, is an extension of that: a way to actively promote the people and projects that inspire me, while also helping to sustain the blog itself. I've seen other bloggers approach sponsorship in ways that feel natural and beneficial to their readers, and I want to learn from those examples. This isn't about turning Jaybird into a billboard; it's about creating a curated space where the products and voices I already love get a proper introduction.
How Sponsorship Could Work (In Theory)
Since this is still in the idea phase, I want to be transparent about what I'm considering. There are a few models that appeal to me:
- Occasional Spotlight Posts: A dedicated post that tells a story related to the sponsor's product or service, rather than a simple "check this out" blurb. Think of it as a feature story with a sponsor attached.
- Giveaways and Collaborations: Partnering with a small business to offer something valuable to readers, like a product giveaway or a special discount code. It's a win-win: readers get something nice, and the business gets exposure.
- Sidebar or Footer Features: A small, tasteful badge or link that rotates among sponsors for a set period. This is less intrusive and could be a good fit for ongoing support.
I'm leaning toward the first two, because they feel more integrated with the content and allow for genuine storytelling. The key is that any sponsor I feature will be someone or something I'd happily recommend even without being paid. That's the standard I want to hold myself to.
Keeping Jaybird True to Itself
I know some readers might be wary when a blog introduces sponsorship, and I don't blame them. There's a fine line between sharing something you love and shilling for a quick buck. That's why I'm being deliberate about this process and asking for your input before making any decisions. If I do move forward, I'll be clear about what is sponsored and what isn't, and I'll only work with brands that align with the values of this blog: thoughtfulness, quality, and a sense of community. I've read some great posts about this that have helped me think through the ethics of blog sponsorship, and I'm committed to doing it in a way that feels respectful to you, the reader.
Your Turn: Questions for You
Now I'd love to hear from you. Since you're the ones reading, your perspective matters most. Here are a few specific things I'm curious about:
- Would you be open to seeing sponsored content on Jaybird, if it's clearly labeled and fits the blog's style?
- What types of sponsors would you be most interested in? (e.g., book-related, food, lifestyle products, services for bloggers?)
- How often would be too often for sponsored posts? Once a month? Once a week?
- Do you have any examples of blogs that handle sponsorship well? I'd love to check them out.
Please feel free to leave a comment below or send me an email. I read every single one and take your thoughts to heart. This is a community, after all, and I want to make decisions that feel right for all of us.
Community, Julie, and the Big Picture
Finally, I want to circle back to Julie and the idea of community that started this post. Just as I found Julie through the blogging world and now count her as a friend, I believe sponsorship can be another thread in that web of connection. By featuring small businesses and fellow creators, I hope to introduce you to people and products that might bring a little more joy or usefulness into your life. And if that helps keep Jaybird running and provides a little extra taco money, well, that's a nice bonus. Thank you for being part of this journey with me—I'm excited to see where it leads.