Pitching Bloggers
06/02/2005
Question: How do you know that your blog is making its way in the blogosphere?
Answer: When your "pitched to" rate increases.
Recently I received two very different requests.
Example One - reprinted with permission from the author.
Dear Diva,
I am hoping to find out if I can send you a copy of the below Marketing Playbook. I noticed your blog has a lot resources but not necessarily a book review column. Another idea I have is that some of the "Plays" in the book would be strong as published content on your blog, if you find them of Interest.
We would be happy to send you a copy for a closer look and further discussion - please let us know. Thanks for your time.
Christine Attalla
President, PR Results, Inc.
630.783.1024
www.PR2Inc.com
<Followed by more information about the book.>
Example Two - Since only a snip is used and no names are mentioned, didn't contact the author.
Ms.Toby Bloomberg, Blogger
I thought that Diva Marketing might be interesting in what may turn out to be one of Poker's most intriguing, and most well-watched, matches for the history book -- Man vs. Poker Machine.
Which station will want it first? You can't say people don't like watching Poker on TV:)
<Followed by a request for a telephone call and a press release.>
It's evident that the author of "example one" spent time on Diva Marketing Blog and got that the focus of the blog was about marketing. What is especially impressive is the creative suggestions. Perhaps a book review column would be a good addition to Diva Marketing.
As for "example two" - at least the author got that, as Mick and Cameron would say, I'm a "Sheila." However, man and a poker machine and Diva Marketing...man and a poker machine and Diva Marketing...hmmm...I think not. Now a woman and a poker machine - that might be an interesting marketing spin to blog about on a site called Diva Marketing!
Pitching to bloggers is not unlike pitching to the media. The cardinal rule always has been understand what the pub/show is all about and make your request relevant. Kirsten Osolind, re:invention, developed a terrific set of guidelines for pitching bloggers and in typical Kirsten fashion spins it with her stylish humor.
Some simple tips for pitching us if you are serious about a mention in our blog:
1. Please consider a personal approach. We dislike canned SPAM.
2. Please do not send us attachments (links to hidden content stored on your site work better).
3. Feel free to make your request sassy and snappy. Depending on our mood, we may even accept sappy.
4. Tell us how we can contact you if we have questions.
5. If you are considering a gift, it's really not necessary. But we kinda like shoes (wink-wink, nod-nod) :)
Read more on pitching to bloggers
Elisa Camahort's Personal Weblog
Jeremy Wright
Micro Persuasion
Kevin Dugan
A Penny For...
Lessons From A Clueless Blog Pitch by BL Ochman
Andy Lark's Blog (thanks Elisa!)