7 of the best sites for Influencers and Bloggers

Who said that you couldn't try before you buy? Better yet, who said that you had to spend money on stuff that you blog about? Sometimes the coolest things in life are free. Well sort of free, the only cost to you is a few moments of your time sharing your opinion on a certain product! Both as an influencer (a fancy term given to people who talk about what they like on their blogs and social media) and as a blogger you actually have some opportunities that are right underneath your nose!

None of the sites I've mentioned cost you anything nor will they ask you for personal information like your bank account number. However, they may ask qualifying questions to see if you are indeed a good fit for the product they're sending out. Who would blame them? They don't want to send a package of cat food to you if you don't have a cat nor do you know anyone who has a kitty cat. 

Home Testing Club

Who are they? Home Testing Club is a site that offers free items for an opinion. They even put you into a drawing to win gift cards for being active! 

What do I do? You sign up with your Facebook or Email. There will be some sign-up questions when you first join, and all you have to do is answer the qualifying questions and wait for an e-mail that says that you're accepted into the study. 

What do they send? I've gotten baby washrags and a baby towel, a butt cushion, and nail polish. My favorite was the nail polish. 

Crowdtap

Who are they? Crowdtap is a Word of Mouth Marketing site. You'll answer questions, take photos, and do tons of fun stuff and get products to try every now and then. They have product parties and samplings.

What do I do? You answer questions, take photos and even post stuff on your social media. Like all of the other sites and apps, you have to sign up and give your address and email address. Every question and activity you do, you earn points that you can spend on gift cards. 

What do they send? I've gotten hair dye, makeup remover, and cereal bars. 

Smiley

Who are they? Smiley is another word of the site, and a little bit similar to Crowdtap, but a lot different as well. Like Crowdtap you're answering questions, and doing little tasks but unlike Crowdtap there are more opportunities to get a product to evaluate. 

What do I do? The sign up is really pretty basic, you sign up and there'll be missions almost every week. The missions include answering a series of questions to earn points or sharing some information. There will be a breakdown of Smiley and Smiley like sites Saturday to explain how it works exactly.

Unlike Crowdtap, you can not use your points for cards. The points earn you badges, and badges give you more opportunities to get a product to evaluate.

What do they send? Lots of things. One of the recent things that I received from them was my Hair, Nail, and Skin Vitamins. I have gotten OB Tampons and Claratin. They also sometimes send food as well. 

House party/Ripple Street

Who are they? When it comes to Ripple Stree was formally House Party, it's a bit different from the other sites that I have mentioned. Ripple Street is a site that provides you products from a certain company and campaign they're doing so that you can have a literal house party. 

What do I do? There's really nothing to the sign-up process, I don't even think you give them anything more than your e-mail address. After signing up you answer questions about certain products and sign up for campaigns that are open. The campaigns then ask a handful of questions and to share that you're having a party. 

What do they send? The campaigns can range from something like Oreos to Legos to even Captain Morgan. I can't even begin to name all companies that Ripple Street Works with. The stuff you get for the party will also vary. For my most recent Duplo Dinosaur Party, we had one of the Dulpo Dinosaur minipacks, a Duplo Set, Party Hats, a Placemat and Stickers! 

Sampler

Who are they? Sampler is a pretty straightforward sample site. You fill out a questionnaire and you'll be randomly chosen to order products. 

What do I do? After you sign up for Sampler you're asked a series of preliminary questions, like where you shop at, what kind of pets you have, and what deodorant you use. After that happens either you're asked more questions for products you may be able to qualify at the time or sometime in the near future, or you're brought to the page where you can order your products. 

What do they send? I think Sampler is by far one of the coolest sites that I've used. Some of the stuff I've been sent have been sugar-free ketchup, gum, pasta, and a coffee energy drink.

Sample Source

Who are they? Samples Source is kind of like your free be subscription box type of thing. They only send a box once every 3 to 4 months, but when they send a box, it's well worth it. You still have to give your opinions, but most of the time they are quick and easy questions that only take a few moments of your time.  

What do I do? All you have to do is sign up before the boxes go out (not the day of) and check with friends and social media to find out when they send a box, click on the samples you want and wait a few weeks! 

What do they send? I've gotten many things from Sample Source in the past, one of my favorites and Freya's favorite things to get is cat food! Some of the other stuff has included cereal, dishwater pods, and even shampoo!

Pinch Me:

Who are they? Pinch me is probably the most popular site and a lot of people know about Pinch Me, but if you don't know anything about them. They're a monthly free sample box. You order a box and get it 4 to 8 weeks later. All they ask for is a review.

What do I do? On one Tuesday out of the month (and sometimes sooner), you're able to order a handful of products to review. A few weeks later they ask you to provide your honest opinion and that's all you have to do.

What do they send? I can't even name everything they send. I've gotten stuff like dry erase markers, sponges, food, cat food, and shampoo and the last time I got deodorant and putty glue.