It is one thing to hear that working with bloggers is a great way to spread news about your business and products, but it’s another thing to know how to approach and work with them in a way that yields great results for your business. If you remember the following ten points every time you go to engage a blogger, you will set yourself up to develop successful, ongoing relationships with these key influencers.
- Bloggers are keen to work with SMEs; many enjoy the opportunity to support business operators who they can relate to and whose products and services resonate with them.
- Bloggers aren’t journalists; if they are writing about you or your product, it’s important to think about what’s in it for them and for their readers (e.g. product, unique content, etc.)
- When writing to a blogger about your product or business, make sure you use their correct name and read a couple of posts from their blog to make sure you are confident that your product would be of interest to them.
- Many bloggers receive multiple pitches each week, or even each day. Before sending your pitch, ask yourself “how does this stand out?”
- If you run a giveaway, the blogger will prefer that you oversee delivery of prizes to winners.
- Make sure any prizes are despatched within 48hours of getting the delivery details. If this isn’t possible, it’s recommended that you let the blogger know when delivery will take place so they can advise the winner. A slow delivery reflects on the blogger as much as you and it will concern them if it they have to chase you up.
- Most bloggers are juggling other commitments and their blog is either a hobby or part of their own business, so be concise in corresponding, reply to emails in a timely manner and make it easy for them.
- If you don’t get a reply to your first email, don’t be shy about sending a casual follow up email.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how the blogger likes to do things and be open to their suggestions – most of the time, they know what they are talking about.
- If it a blog promotion goes well, work with that blogger again – building brand advocates is more powerful in the online space than having a wide range of voices talking about you.
