working with brands (for bloggers)
TRANSCRIPT
CFLBlogCon / September 15, 2012
Working With BrandsJulie Deily / TheLittleKitchen.net / JulieDeily.com
Overview
✤ My background
✤ Finding the right contacts
✤ Networking
✤ How to work with brands
✤ Essentials of a Pitch Letter
✤ Quick Tips
My Background
✤ Started The Little Kitchen.net - food blog in Dec. 2009
✤ Software Engineer, Recipe Developer, Freelance Photographer
✤ Organized two Food Blog Forum Orlando events and two Food Blogger Bake Sales, co-organized Food Blogger Cookie swap, spoke at CFLBlogCon last year
✤ Have worked/working with many brands including, KitchenAid, Dole, Green Mountain Coffee, OXO and Le Creuset
Finding the right contacts
✤ Internet searches - ‘brand name’ PR agency, ‘brand name’ press release
✤ Interacting with brands’ twitter accounts
✤ Networking on LinkedIn and at conferences
✤ Answering the pitches you receive
Networking
✤ Social media
✤ Twitter is a huge connector of bloggers and brands
✤ Connect with them before pitching them
✤ Conferences like these or in your niche
✤ Network with other bloggers in your niche
How to work with brands
✤ Product reviews, sponsored posts, giveaways, conference sponsorships, brand ambassadorships
✤ Each brand wants different things - find out what that is
✤ Attention to detail matters - pitch letter, brand markings, etc.
How to work with brands (cont’d)
✤ Build a relationship with brands and their PR reps
✤ Always be honest when working with brands (with the brand & with your readers) - your integrity is always on the line
✤ Trust your gut
✤ Partner with other bloggers
The Essentials of a Good Pitch Letter
✤ Keep short, sweet & simple
✤ Introduce yourself & your blog
✤ Speak to why you love the brand and why you want to work with them
✤ Tell them what you want
✤ Tell them why you are the perfect fit (mention stats, etc.)
✤ Spell the person’s name & the brand’s name correctly (this matters!!)
Sample Pitch Letter (an actual one I sent)
Hi “Name”,
How are you doing? My name is Julie Deily and I blog at The Little Kitchen. I love to share my favorite recipes on my blog and show that even in a little kitchen, you can make amazing food. I'm reaching out to you because I would love to do a review and giveaway of a ______ because I'm a huge fan of the brand. As a kid, I remember the ______ we had and although it didn't have the bells and whistles of the ____ line, I just remember it being reliable.
A review and giveaway post on my blog would include links to the ______ website and any social media properties. I would highlight the features, provide a how to make ____ and also provide tips. I would most definitely include photographs of the product.
With over ____ twitter followers, almost ____ facebook fans and _____ of monthly blog readers, I know that I can provide a positive impact by helping to promote the ______ brand on The Little Kitchen.
Please let me know your thoughts and if you have any questions. I really appreciate your time and look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,Julie (also include a signature that has link to your site & social media profiles)
Quick Tips
✤ Get an email based on your domain, ie. [email protected]
✤ Create a media kit. Great example & how to on Katy Widrick’s blog: http://bit.ly/katymediakit
✤ Include your email on your about page AND contact form/page (if you don’t have a contact page, add one)
Quick Tips (cont’d)
✤ Copy/pasting into emails (quick demo)
✤ Re-read one more time before sending
✤ check spelling of brand & recipient
✤ DO NOT discuss or make fun of PR pitches you receive on your social media profiles
In Closing
✤ Build relationships with brands and PR reps and agencies.
✤ Work with brands you're passionate about to build trust with your readers.
✤ Utilize and harness the power of social media but always be authentic.
Questions?
✤ Questions?
✤ Contact
✤ Twitter @TheLittleKitchn
✤ TheLittleKitchen.net & JulieDeily.com