Have you ever read any blog on social media, or seen any video or image? We are sure that your answer will be yes because this is a digital world, and everyone has access to it. But the main thing is the competition between the posts on different social media platforms.
You can easily observe that some posts are written by a writer genuinely, while others are influenced by brands, and you can only come to know this if you are a regular blog reader. This is where the debate between sponsored posts and non-sponsored posts started. Both types of posts have crucial value on social media platforms, but the cause of each type is different.
Therefore, it is very important to come to know the difference between sponsor posts and non-sponsor posts, whether you are a reader, creator, or business owner.
Non-Sponsored Post:
Non-sponsored post is a post that is unpaid and uninfluenced content. It is basically a genuine content and personal opinion, creativity, and knowledge of the writer.
For example, if a writer has purchased a whitening cream with his/her own money and used it for weeks, and posted a review on a social media platform. It is called a non-sponsored post. It is an authentic personal experience with a genuine story; therefore, it gives a sense of originality and trust to the readers.
Sponsored Post:
Unlike non-sponsored posts, sponsored content is content that a brand or business pays to writer, publisher, or influencer to write or create. The main reason for such content creation is the promotion of a product, idea, or service in a way that it looks authentic and natural to the viewers and readers.
For instance, a beauty blogger may write a whitening review about a face wash and make it clear that it collaborates with the beauty brand. In this way, sponsored posts can easily blend with regular social media content with a marketing note in the back.
Importance of Sponsored and Non-Sponsored Content:
Both type of content plays an important role in the social media ecosystem. A non-sponsored post helps to gain trust, loyalty, and credibility. A sponsored post helps creators earn and helps brands reach the right audience.
Therefore, a professional balance between both is key to delivering authentic values along with monetization of their efforts.
Principal Differences between Non-Sponsored Posts and Sponsored Posts:
There are the following fundamental differences between the two types of posts;
1. Transparency:
Non-sponsored posts do not require any disclosure because it is original content, while sponsored posts require ethical labels to enhance transparency with viewers and readers.
2. Aim:
Non-sponsored posts aim to inform, share the experience, and entertain the audience. The purpose of sponsored posts is marketing of a brand, product, or service.
3. Monetary Value:
The non-sponsored posts are not paid as they belong to the personal experience of a writer or publisher. But sponsored post gives incentives and money to writers and content creators.
4. Audience Perception:
Non-sponsored posts are more authentic and reliable to the audience. And sponsored posts are always treated with caution because they involve the brand’s purpose.
The main difference between non-sponsored posts and sponsored posts is the purpose, authenticity, and influence. Both posts have different goals. And it is important to understand the difference to consume the social media content more wisely.
It is also equally important for writers and influencers to balance healthy, rewarding, and transparent content.