Making Sense of Sponsored Posts

Learn how we made our first blogging income, and how we're now making $10,000-$20,000 a month with sponsored partnerships!

  Enroll in Course

Are you a blogger but unsure of how to make money online? Or, maybe you've been blogging for awhile but haven't had much luck with sponsored partnerships.

For some reason, sponsored partnerships seem to scare the average blogger, whether they are brand new or have been blogging for years.

What do I charge for an advertisement? How do I find companies who will want to work with me? What are the rules?

There are SO MANY QUESTIONS when it comes to sponsored posts.

It makes sense - sponsored partnerships are something that probably 99.9% of bloggers want to pursue, but the problem is that they have no idea where to start.

Making Sense of Sponsored Posts is a step-by-step guide to creating and making money from your own successful sponsored partnership strategy. This course explains all the ins and outs of sponsored posts and working with brands.

This course makes sponsored partnerships profitable. You can see your blogging income grow from the beginning, and the information in this course will help you well into the future.

In case you're wondering, sponsored posts are paid promotional articles, pictures, videos, etc. on a blog or website. These posts are paid for by companies and the goal of sponsored posts is to bring new customers to them. Think of it like an advertisement. You are publishing an advertisement for a company.

If you're not earning money through sponsored partnerships, then you are leaving money on the table.

Bloggers and online influencers can all successfully promote products to their audience and earn an income from sponsored partnerships, while being genuine and trustworthy.

I started Making Sense of Cents in August of 2011, at the age of 22, without any hopes of ever earning an income from it. It started as a hobby - just a way to journal my life and talk about my personal finance situation.

Then, around six months after I started my blog, a blogger friend of mine connected me with an advertiser and I earned $100 from that advertisement.

It wasn't a lot of money, especially considering the amount of time and work I had already put towards my blog. However, it was very motivating to see that something I absolutely loved to do could actually make money. I honestly had no idea that blogs could even make money when I started mine!

After that first $100, my blogging income quickly grew.

I now charge, on average, around $5,000 per sponsored post.

I am now earning around $10,000 to $20,000 a month from sponsored partnerships alone.

And, they don’t take me a ton of time to write, publish, promote, and maintain. In fact, I spend 10 hours or less a month on my sponsored partnerships.

I've worked with tons of high-quality brands that I love, have received all-inclusive vacations for free, and have brands lined up out the door wanting to work with me.

Whether you are a brand new blogger or if you've been blogging for years, this course will help you with your sponsored partnership strategy.

I’ve talked to many bloggers about sponsored posts and the majority said they earn little to nothing from sponsored posts. I have also found that many bloggers were earning way too little for the value they provide to brands.

Throughout the modules in this course, we will go through everything you need to know about sponsored posts, from developing relationships with brands, legalities of sponsored posts, different strategies, and more. This is a course that will teach you anything and everything there is to know about sponsored posts.


The step-by-step sponsored partnership strategy that shows you how to increase your sponsored partnership income and make more money blogging.

What are the positives of sponsored posts?

Sponsored partnerships are one of my favorite ways to make money blogging. They weren’t just the first way I earned blogging income (which is why they have been so important to my blogging journey), but they have continued to be a valuable and profitable aspect of my blogging strategy.

If it weren’t for sponsored partnerships, I’m not sure I ever would have become a full-time blogger. Sponsored partnerships helped me earn an income from nearly the very beginning, and they are what has helped me earn a full-time blogging income.


You can get paid for promoting companies.

I have to list this one first - because making money blogging is an amazing thing!

I'm sure there are many products that you love. So, why not get paid for telling other people about them?

Plus, if you truly enjoy a product, it will be easy to promote.

When you promote products that you love, you'll have the knowledge and enthusiasm it takes to tell your audience about them in a genuine way. If the product has helped you, it will probably help others as well, and people will appreciate your honest opinion.

Sponsored partnerships are an amazing way to make money blogging. Sponsored partnerships are how I first earned money blogging, and they consistently make up a significant portion of my monthly income.

Due to sponsored partnerships:

  • I am my own boss.
  • I get to create my own schedule.
  • I can travel full-time.
  • I have created a business that I love.


You can work from anywhere.

One of the biggest benefits of sponsored posts is that you can do it anywhere. As long as you have a loyal following, a laptop, and an internet connection, you can grow your following, therefore growing your brand partnerships into the future.

Due to my blog and sponsored posts, I was able to quit my job to blog and travel full-time. The value of sponsored posts has been huge for me, and they can help you pursue the life you want as well!


Marketing with influencers is growing.

Many brands are moving toward working with bloggers and social media influencers due to the kind of traffic and customers a sponsored post can bring to a brand. Brands can reach their desired audience with sponsored posts, then gaining authentic customers.

This is why we are seeing ads and sponsorships moving toward bloggers and online influencers.

Brands are only recently understanding the power of influencer marketing (such as with your blog!), and the results have been great. Before working with bloggers and online influencers, brands would often rely on celebrities to promote their products. But in today’s world, people are more likely to be influenced by a blog, Facebook, Youtube, or Instagram account run by their favorite online influencers. This is because online influencers have been able to build a loyal following using an authentic and unique voice.

There is a ton of room for new bloggers to break into the sponsored post market, with plenty of growth well into the future. The fact that companies and advertisers are only starting to realize the value in online influencers, such as bloggers, means that the blogging world will keep expanding and offer more opportunities for sponsored partnerships.

And, the data supporting the continued success and growth of influencer marketing is out there. According to a study published on Social Media Today:

  • 94% of marketers using influencer marketing found it to be effective.
  • 48% of companies in the U.S. plan on increasing their online influencer campaign budgets in the future.
  • 71% of marketers think that ongoing ambassadorships (such as with sponsored partnerships!) are the most effective form of influencer marketing.

This just proves that sponsored partnerships are here to stay, and they will definitely continue to grow well into the future.

As the online world continues to grow, so will the opportunities to make money blogging. There are many different types of bloggers out there, and we all earn money in a slightly different way. With a variety of stories and niches, the sponsored partnership opportunities are endless!

Who are the instructors of this course?

In Making Sense of Sponsored Posts, there are two writers, sisters Michelle Schroeder-Gardner and Alexis Schroeder. We have both had great success with sponsored partnerships and they have helped us successfully monetize our blog, while still helping our readers to the fullest.

My name is Michelle Schroeder-Gardner and I run the award-winning personal finance blog, Making Sense of Cents. I started blogging entirely as a hobby, and I am now currently earning over $100,000 a month blogging, around $10,000-$20,000 of that comes from sponsored posts.

My writing and advice has been featured on sites such as CNBC, Forbes, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Zillow, US News, Nasdaq, MSN, and more.

When I'm not blogging, you'll find me exploring via sailboat with my husband and our two dogs. We sold our house in 2015 and began RVing full-time, and we now live on a sailboat! Learning to make money blogging is what has allowed us to travel full-time and pursue our passions and dreams

Here are some of the major websites I've been featured on:


My name is Alexis Schroeder and I run FITnancials, a fitness and finance blog that helps thousands of readers along their journey to better health and wealth. My blog started out as a hobby, and I am currently earning over $15,000 a month blogging, with around 50% of that coming from sponsored posts.

When I'm not blogging, you'll find me in Western Colorado with my significant other and our two dogs. We enjoy hitting the trails on our mountain bikes in Fruita, road cycling through Aspen, and drinking too much coffee.

This course will show you how to build a successful money-making blog, without millions of visitors or selling your soul.

This course has five modules, over 20 lessons, bonuses, an extremely helpful and exclusive Facebook group, media kits you can use, email templates, and more. We will go through everything that you need to know about sponsored partnerships, such as:

  • How exactly sponsored posts work.
  • Why sponsored partnerships can completely change your blog.
  • How to find sponsored partnerships.
  • How to pitch and contact companies the right way, including template emails that you can use!
  • How much you should be charging.
  • How to build trust and not lose followers.
  • Required disclosures that you need to know about.

And much, much more!

This course is anything and everything about sponsored partnerships.

Making Sense of Sponsored Posts is worth much more than its price, and this is the lowest price you'll ever see it listed for. Join now and learn how to master sponsored partnerships.

The course also comes with LIFETIME updates and lifetime access.

We have seen too many bloggers make BIG mistakes when it comes to sponsored posts. By taking this course you will know exactly what to do, and what NOT to do!

Now, blogging and sponsored partnerships are still work. This is not a get rich quick scheme, but it can be a great way to earn a living while pursuing your passions.

Do you want a better work-life balance? What about FREEDOM?


Course Curriculum


  Module 1: What Are Sponsored Posts?
Available in days
days after you enroll

Bonus #1: The Private Facebook Mastermind Group ($200+ value!)

By purchasing this course, you will receive access to the Making Sense of Sponsored Posts Facebook Mastermind group. This exclusive group will help you connect with others who have taken the course so that you can get feedback, ask questions, learn from others in your community, and offer help of your own.

Bonus #2: How To Increase Your Page Views

You do not need millions of page views per month to make money blogging, but it is something you will want to increase if you hope to improve your income. Once you understand what your readers want, understand how to effectively reach out to companies for partnerships, and know how to charge the correct rate, you can make a good income online, regardless of the number of page views you receive. Increasing your pages view is necessary to make money blogging, but there are many different ways to grow that number.

Bonus #3: Editing and Writing Strategies That Will Change Your Life

Ariel is the editor for Making Sense of Cents and is a recent graduate with a degree in English Literature from Washington University. I asked her to share her best editing tips as a professional editor because the way you write your content can have a huge impact in if a business wants to work with you. The strategies she has shared in this bonus will help take your content to the next level, get more business opportunities, which will help increase your blogging income.

Bonus #4: How To Grow Your Traffic With Google SEO

Mike Pearson blogs over at Stupid Simple SEO, where he helps other bloggers rank higher in Google with SEO and get more organic traffic. He was able to grow his website to $100,000 in revenue, and just by using Google SEO. In this bonus, he shares his tips on how to grow your traffic with Google SEO.

Bonus #5: Instagram Unlocked: How to Gain Followers and Engagement

Instagram Unlocked: How to Gain Followers and Engagement That Lasts by Helene Sula is a 91 page ebook and full of valuable information on how to grow your Instagram account. Helene in a travel and lifestyle blogger with a knack for social media and marketing. She's helped 5,000+ people grow their Instagram accounts with her streamlined and targeted practices to help grow your Instagram engagement and following. She's grown her Instagram account to over 140,000 dedicated followers that not only participate on Instagram but read her blog and listen to her recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund. But, you must show me that you went through the course and took action, because none of the tips and methods I share will work without you taking the time to implement them.
What if I'm a brand new blogger?
Making Sense of Sponsored Posts is a great learning tool, even if you are a brand new blogger. By taking this course, you will start off blogging the correct way. You can learn from my sponsored posts mistakes and learn the best ways to start making an income through sponsored partnerships. Through taking this course you are sure to grow a profitable blog quicker than the average blogger, as you'll learn exactly what you need to know about sponsored partnerships. So, even if you only have one blog post, you are ready to get started with this course!
What if I've been blogging for years?
Sponsored partnerships is an area that even the most seasoned bloggers can improve upon. Plus, most bloggers aren't making anywhere near the amount of sponsored partnership income that they should be and are leaving money on the table. If you want to grow your blogging income, there are numerous tips and strategies that I share in Making Sense of Sponsored Posts.
How is the course content delivered?
Making Sense of Sponsored Posts is a text-based online course. When you register you will receive an enrollment email with your unique login information.
What niche is this course good for?
The lessons in this course can be applied to any blogging niche. Whether you write about lifestyle, travel, finance, family, fashion, DIY, food, business, or anything else, you are able to apply everything to your sponsored partnership strategy.
Does this course work for those outside of the United States?
This course is applicable to anyone in any country. You can use the strategies and tips in this course and apply it to your blog. I've helped numerous people from all over the world with blogging, including Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and more.
What platform should I be on?
Sponsored partnerships can be applied on any platform, so you can be on WordPress, Blogger/Blogspot, Squarespace, Weebly, and more.
My question is not listed.
If you don't see your question here, please send me an email at [email protected], and I will send you the information you need!

Not sure if this course is for you?

Making Sense of Sponsored Posts: A course for bloggers and online influencers is perfect for you if:

  • You want to have a profitable blog or social media presence.
  • You want to grow your online income even more.
  • You have tried sponsored posts without any luck.
  • You love blogging and want to grow your blog, build trust with your audience, and help more people!
  • You have questions about sponsored posts, such as how to pitch brands and disclose your partnerships.

"I’m not going to lie - for the first few years of running my blog, I had no idea what I was doing with sponsored posts.

I would get lucky and make a few hundred dollars here, and a few hundred dollars there. But…I never had a strategy, so it was hard to get real traction. I even considered moving away from sponsored posts altogether at one point because it was so difficult.

Then Michelle created her course, and I figured I’d give it one more shot. And…I’m glad I did. In the first month after taking her course, I landed a $5,000 sponsorship with a bank. And then I landed ANOTHER one.

Within two months, I made more money in sponsorships than I had in two years. This course is legit, easy to implement, and will help you make more money with your blog."

- Bobby Hoyt, Millennial Money Man

I earn over $10,000 a month through sponsored partnerships and share my best tips and strategies in this online course. Don't wait, JOIN NOW!

Get started now!