How Bloggers Can Work with Brands
I’ve been working with brands for over 8 years on my blog and social networks. I’m not a ‘big influencer’ (I’d be classed as a micro influencer) but I’m contacted on a daily basis by brands; I’ve been gifted products, experiences and even holidays – all because of my content. Lately I’ve seen certain brands calling bloggers out for contacting them about potential collaborations. Not only is it unprofessional and just downright petty, it makes no sense. Influencer-brand partnerships can be rewarding for both the company and the content creator.
I don’t want to get started on the politics of small or big bloggers being paid, marketing strategies etc. Those are rants for another post. But I do want to give some advice for bloggers who want to work with brands, but maybe feel they can’t reach out to them.
How Bloggers Can Work with Brands
- Contact PRs
- Ask to be put on their mailing lists. This is a great way to get an insight into the brand/industry and how they work. It helps to build a relationship with the PR, and can lead to potential gifting or partnerships.
- Follow brands on social and interact with them
- @ them when you include them in your organic content.
- Be genuine, let them know why you love their brand.
- Blog/Instagram quality content regularly
- Brands want to work with creators who are consistent in both timing and quality.
- Uploading quality content on a regular basis will help grow engagement and following, which is exactly what brands want to see.
- Show brands what you got!
- Pitch them your ideas for content (e.g. ‘Valentines gifts for foodies’).
- Show them stats and link to previous work you’ve done.
- Tell them why you’d be a good fit for each other.
- Don’t expect something for nothing
- Be realistic. If you are brand new to the game it’s unlikely you’re going to be gifted the latest iPhone or be paid big bucks.
- You need to tell the brand what they will get in return. Let them know how you can both help each other out, and what you will bring to their marketing campaign.
Reaching out isn’t a bad thing!
Pitching has been a part of marketing for a long time. This is no different. Don’t be afraid to contact brands. After all, you don’t lose anything by contacting them and the worst thing that can happen is they say no. I’ve been turned down before, and it just inspired me to work harder and do better (“that’ll show ’em!”). That said, most of the time I get a positive response, and so can you!
I hope this has helped any budding bloggers, or the more seasoned ones who are maybe still unsure about how to reach out to brands. If you enjoyed my ‘How Bloggers Can Work with Brands – A Guide’, let me know if you like to see more posts, such as email templates etc.
Read more of my How-to guides.
Source: 1, 2
