Over the past few weeks I’ve shared my ‘Blogger Photography Tips‘ and also my ‘Tips for Working with PRs/companies‘ and the response has been really overwhelming! This weeks blogging topic is more for small businesses, PRs or companies who are looking to work with bloggers but are a little unsure how to go about it. I’ve put together a few tips based off my experiences so I hope they’re helpful.
PERSONALISATION
9 times out of 10 if the email does not have ‘Hi Sarah’ or something of the sorts I will not reply or even look further. I know cutting and pasting is the easiest way to get alot of emails out fast but common courtesy is inserting the name of the person you’re sending it too. I’m not saying write an individual email for everyone because I know that’s not always possible but just be wary that the person on the other end will appreciate you taking the time to simply insert their name. Look at your formatting too! If there are variations in text/size making it obvious that it’s a cut and paste generally I lose interest. It takes less then a minute but I bet that you’ll get alot more replies.
TAKE FIVE
Obviously you have a target audience and an idea of what you want to gain with the particular blogger (if you don’t probably best you figure that out first). Don’t waste your time finding a blogger on social media and sending them an email about your product if you haven’t looked at their actual blog. I’ve been contacted about everything from cleaning products to nappy bags so take five minutes and look through the bloggers page and see what they actually blog about. If you don’t you’re wasting both our times.
CONTACT
Email is the only way to contact us. Please refrain from sending direct messages over social media sites. First off it looks unprofessional and although most bloggers do it as a hobby that doesn’t mean they want to be chasing conversations up over numerous sites. It makes our lives easier and looks better. If you’ve worked with a particular blogger once and loved it. Why not contact them again? We love building relationships just as much as you!
FOLLOW US
Get really stalky and read our blog and/or social media this can actually do a world of good especially if you follow us. It’s a small gesture but it means you’ve taken the time to stalk us and find out more. It also means if there is a problem like sickness or holidays we can send an informal tweet to let you know OR you’ll just know by having us.
If you’re first contacting someone compliment a recent post or ask how a recent holiday is, anything! Just draw something from their social media and blog because it really does make a huge difference.
BE FLEXIBLE
You may have an idea on how you want to construct a post to show off your product but bloggers are blogging because they’re creative so be open to opinions are different takes on your collaborations with different bloggers. Don’t be scared of something to be produced differently, it will only mean a more authentic review.
It is also important to remember that bloggers are essentially the editor of their site and they don’t have to publish a review if they’re feeling uncomfortable or aren’t happy. SO be polite and don’t hound them for a review. Never ask to review a post before it goes live or get shitty if the review isn’t all fluffy and positive - bloggers are honest and it essentially is a risk you take with working with bloggers.
SOMETHING FOR NOTHING
This isn’t just in reference to payment but also more about the ideas you pitch to a blogger - there has to be some sort of win win. In last weeks post a few bloggers said that brands had contacted them asking to buy a product at a discounted price, do a review and they’ll chuck in a free sample. Ahh what? If you’re sending free samples there is an incentive or even a simple retweet of the post link that’s good exposure for the blogger. Be open to sponsorship, bloggers are becoming a key in marketing these days so if you’re wanting to work with a huge blogger expect for there to be some sort of sponsorship involved.
About Sarah
I'm a retail manager by day and a blogger by night aiming to bring you the newest beauty, fashion and lifestyle news. More Than Adored was created to help beauty lovers, like myself, make informed decisions when it comes to buying new goodies.
