FTC Guidelines: Mom Bloggers Report Not Much Has Changed

Just how much of a game changer are the recent FTC Guidelines to mommy bloggers? The answer: not so much.

Today Mediapost’s Engage Moms blog posted the results of a survey of 130 mommy bloggers, questioning how their blogging practices have changed since the guidelines were introduced.  Most bloggers stated that they were already incorporating disclosures and that the number of brands pitching them has remained the same.

A few notable statistics from the survey include:

• 78% of mom bloggers said they rely on general disclosures for product reviews
• 68% disclose the value of giveaways when applicable
• Half of those surveyed believe that the guidelines seem to single out mom bloggers while outlining fewer disclosure guidelines for journalists (68%) or celebrities (82%)
• Nearly all believe it is ethical for mom bloggers to receive samples, giveaways and compensation
• However, mom bloggers expressed anxiety about vulnerability to IRS audits, with 75% believing that they may be at risk for an audit if they disclose specific dollar amounts of the product value or compensation

-Maria