Pitching to Bloggers

June 3, 2010

Many companies are reaching out to bloggers to promote new products, company events, specials deals, coupons, etc. Bloggers are usually eager to help, especially if it will drive traffic to their blog, but you need to approach them a certain way in order to for a successful relationship.

First, do your research. Don’t approach a coffee blog with a new soda product. Be sure that the blog is relevant to your product and would be interested in writing about what you have to offer.

Second, when contacting them, make it personal. Bloggers do not hide their personal information and you should be able to find their name. Contact them by email or via their blog. Address them by their name and be sure to comment on their blog to show that you have read it. Keep your message casual, short and to the point. Offer them something in return, such as a link to their blog from your website. Include any pertinent info, like if the product can only be promoted after a certain date.

If the blogger delivers, and promotes your product or event in the time agreed upon, keep the relationship going. Be sure to link the post from your site, put it on your Twitter feed or any other online media outlets that you use.

For more information on pitching to bloggers, check out this post on Problogger.