Blogger Relations: I Don't Need A New Best Friend
06/11/2008
Or .. subtitled: It's A Diva's Prerogative To Changed Her Mind
Blogger Relations seems to be on the radar for an increasing number of people. I've written my fair share of posts on the topic and have worked with clients to create blogger relations programs that are a Triple Crown Win for blogger, blogger's community and client. On the flip side of the equation, as a blogger, I get my fair share of pitches.
Sooo it shouldn't be a surprise that I've been doing some thinking about blogger relations. PR/Ad agency people to make it easier and real for us both let's ..
Change the Rules For Blogger Relations
- 1. Don't pretend to be Diva Marketing's biggest fan.
- 2. Don't bother subscribing to my RSS feed - because your boss told you that was what you should do - only to unsubscribe after your pitch.
- 3. Don't worry about dropping a comment on a post.
- 4. Don't bother sending me an email to introduce yourself weeks prior to your pitch.
If you're not interested in social media marketing, if your job does not include clients who have an interest in this village of social media where Diva Marketing resides, then your time here was a stop on the social highway to doing your job. I can accept that.
What I do expect.
Although I am not a main stream media journalist .. I do expect the same respect you would give to a main stream media journalist. To help you help me and to help other bloggers -
Six Tips on How To Work With Bloggers
1. Know the content direction. - How will you know? You don't have to follow posts for weeks or try to be my new best friend .. here's the secret shhh .. don't tell your competitors: Read several months of back posts. If you scan quickly it will take you a few minutes.
2. WIFM - Lead with what is most valuable to me and my community. Help me understand why I should not only care about the nifty new product or service or book or conference or cruise .. but why I should take the time to write and research the post and dedicate space to promote your client.
3. Value add. - What are you including that goes beyond a product brief that anyone could pick up off of a website? If you offer to provide access to a VIP to answers I'll take you at your word. Please read this - Blogger Relations Tips For PR Agencies & Consultants
4. About you. - Please tell me who you are, your organization and your relationship to the brand you are promoting. Would be nice if you included the url of your corporate website.
5. Don’t lie. Don’t cheat. Don’t bully. Play nicely together. Say Thank you!
6. Bloggers are not journalists. Keep in mind that most bloggers have no editor, write about what they want, when they want and if they think you are not playing nicely with them may not play nicely with you. Read Elana Centor, Funny Business
Sidebar: Catch June 11's Forimmediaterelease live internet radio show on blogger relations. 10am PDT/ 1pm EDT / 6pm UK time.
