Working with PR, Brands and Blog Networks

Working with PR, Brandsand Blog Networks

#Blogalicious12 #MakeItPersonal

Wifi Network: BlogaliciousWifi Code: BlogHer4Blogalicious

AJ FEUERMAN @AmandaJoyFounder, Confessions of a Fat GirlOnline Publicist, Think Jam

BARBARA JONES @BarbaraJonesCEO, Blissful Media Group

ANGELA SUSTAITA-RUIZ @LatinaMomBlogsCo-Founder, Latina Mom BloggersFounder & Co-Organizer, Hispanicize 2013

STEFANIA POMPONI BUTLER @CleverGirlsColl, @CityMamaCo-Founder, President + Chief EvangelistClever Girls Collective, Inc.

AGENDATHE BASICSGETTING NOTICEDBUILDING RELATIONSHIPSCAMPAIGN PERFORMANCEBLOG NETWORKS

The BasicsYour Blog: The 10 P’s

PurposePassionPlatformPreparePrettyPrioritizePlan ProduceProgress PromoteBlogalicious ’12 Beginner Lab: Working with Brands, PR and Blog Networks

Let’s Get Started With the Basics!

The 10 P’s

PurposePassionPlatformPreparePrettyPrioritizePlan ProduceProgress Promote

Why am I starting a blog?

What do I want to put into it and hope to get out of it?

Do I want this to be a hobby or a business?

Blogalicious ’12 Beginner Lab: Working with Brands, PR and Blog Networks



What am I passionate about?

What kind of content am I going to focus on?

What niche or niches do I fall under?

Who is my audience?Blogalicious ’12 Beginner Lab: Working with Brands, PR and Blog Networks




What type of blogging platform is best for me?

Wordpress? Blogger? Tumblr?

What social media platforms make most sense for me and my audience? Twitter – Facebook – Pinterest – YouTube - Instagram




Choose a blog name that reflects your content

Have your own URL and implement

Public vs. Private – What’s your policy?




Add a Search Bar

Add Google Analytics

Newsletter Sign Up

Contact Form or Info

About Page

Media Kit

FAQBlogalicious ’12 Beginner Lab: Working with Brands, PR and Blog Networks



Ugly Blogs Hurt People.

Stop The Madness.

Design Matters.

Make The Investment.




Set your goals.

Make them realistic.

Meet and Exceed Them.

Update Them Regularly.




Create an Editorial Calendar

Helps You Organize

Plan Weekly Content




Write.

Shoot.

Film.

Write.

Produce Content Regularly.




Measure Everything.

ReadershipReferral Traffic

KeywordsComments

EntriesShares

Engagement




You Got The Basics.

Now It’s Time To Promote.

And Get Noticed…


THE BASICSGETTING NOTICEDBUILDING RELATIONSHIPSCAMPAIGN PERFORMANCEBLOG NETWORKS

• Build relationships with other bloggers, social media influencers, agencies and brands - both on-line & off

• Invest in your site – purchase a domain (i.e. no Blogspot), hire a graphic designer, create marketing materials, attend conferences

• Less is more – have a clean, well-designed blog that is easy to navigate• Keep it personal – add an “about” section, incorporate your own photos

and videos, and use a conversational tone to connect with your readers• Engage your audience – encourage your readers to share their opinions

and ideas to foster engaging and meaningful conversation• Stay focused – don’t accept campaigns with brands/products that you

don’t believe in or that won’t appeal to your readers• Strengthen your pitch – sell your own ideas by developing thoughtful and

creative pitches with measurable results and follow-through on what you promise

• Don’t by shy • You are your own best publicist• Seek out like/comparable brands• Know your contact• Follow up either way• Plant a seed for the future/check back later• Send links, send stats, get social• Write regularly • Brag• Conferences• Know your “competition” – what are other

people doing? What’s trendy?• Network with other bloggers• Don’t forget to Google• Don’t be afraid to ask questions



• Be professional – Stick to campaign deadlines and clearly communicate if you need an extension, etc.

• Don't sign up for a campaign if you don't meet the requirements or can't fulfill requirements

• If there is a problem with a product you receive, let the contact you are working with know, so that you can work together to resolve the issue in a professional manner

• Provide completed post URL according to deadlines (via email or enter into form provided by network)

• If you pitch a brand/agency and they agree to work with you, be professional; provide them with a wrap report of your activity and include metrics – There are a lot of free tools out there (i.e. Google Analytics)

• Show that your audience is engaged in your whole social media footprint – what happens when you 'talk' - comments, RTs, shares, etc.


• "Collective bargaining”— the power of many, many bloggers working on a campaign together. Impressions are aggregated--not just relying on one blogger. Great for smaller bloggers

• Multiple opportunities to monetize from ad networks to brand ambassador programs

• The ability to participate in a wide variety of diverse campaign types from blog tours to Pinterest campaigns to Twitter promotions

• Network-only perks like special in-person events, special offers, etc.• Community support to help you learn and grow as a blogger

QUESTIONS?

THANK YOU!

Technology

Working with PR, Brands and Blog Networks