Ads in Disguise! Native Advertising Online
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about native advertising. It’s way number thirteen on Lynnaider’s list!
Some ads LOOK like ads. Others look like articles! Native advertising means paying an online magazine to write about your business in its normal style. But it’s always labeled as sponsored, so nobody’s tricked.
Way 13: native ads (paid)
You pay an online magazine to put a sponsored article about your business right in between its normal articles. It looks and reads like the magazine’s own writing, because the magazine’s team usually writes it! And it gets a “Sponsored” or “Partner Content” label, because it’s based on your ideas.
What you’re buying: the magazine’s good name next to yours! And unlike a banner ad, it doesn’t interrupt reading. Quality really matters: a truly useful article gets read and remembered!
What content you need
A brief, or a draft article for the magazine to work from. It should sound like the magazine, and really help its readers.
How to ask a magazine
Don’t be shy! Pitch article ideas, and ask about their prices for sponsored articles. Usually you want someone in advertising, partnerships or sales. Their contact info is often on the magazine’s website.
Magazines need ad money, so paid teamwork is totally normal for them. But don’t feel sad if they say no! Putting a brand in their magazine is a big decision for their good name.
Your first message:
- a short hello about your business
- one or two article ideas their readers would really like
- a question about their sponsored article options and prices
- links to your website, and any press mentions you already have
What it costs
Probably more than you’d think! You pay for the space in the magazine. And often also for editing, writing, and sometimes a few rounds of changes. Once you’re already talking, it’s usually okay to kindly ask for a better price.
Beginner’s tip
Start with smaller magazines in your niche, not big famous ones. They cost less, their readers fit you better, and their teams are often happier to work with you directly!
An example
A small brand sells eco-friendly baby products. It writes to a parenting blog with loyal readers, and suggests a sponsored article: “Five ways to use less plastic in your baby’s first year.” The blog’s team writes it, mentions the brand’s products where they fit, and labels it as partner content.
The article is truly useful, so readers share it! The brand gets visitors for weeks, and the article stays online as a trusted reference.
When to start
Native ads are one of the more expensive ways, so most beginners wait. Free ways come first! When you have an offer that sells and some budget, a small niche magazine is a good first test. And you can set it up yourself, no agency needed.
It fits lots of the ten ways to earn, especially online shops, digital products and services with a nice story.
And a sponsored article shows your brand and products, not your face!
What’s next?
The next article is about the newest way on the list, number fourteen: ads in AI helpers! The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help you pitch? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
What is native advertising?
Paying an online magazine for a sponsored article about you, in its own style.
Who writes it?
You write a draft they polish, or their team writes it from your brief.
Why is it valuable?
You borrow the magazine’s trust, without interrupting readers.
Does it need a label?
Yes! Like “Sponsored” or “Partner Content.”
Will there be step-by-step lessons for each of the ten ways?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
How do I contact a magazine?
Find someone in advertising, partnerships or sales on their website.
Which magazines should beginners start with?
Small ones in your niche!
Is there a cheap way to start?
Yes! Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
