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Social media and the mainstream press might embrace different agendas, but there is one thing the two mediums have in common, besides a goal to inform and entertain. Like traditional media that have historically relied heavily on advertising dollars for generate income, bloggers are becoming increasingly entrepreneurial and actively court brands to advertise on their blogs or to submit products “for review.”
There is one problem: when bloggers became mainstream, many initially wanted to be treated like journalists. They wanted to receive the same content, the same information and ultimately, the same professional respect that public relations reps and marketers give to the likes of the editors at the New York Times. This is all great, but now, things are different
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I participate in a number of blogger forums on Facebook, which some of my friends in the blogging community initiated to give bloggers a place to gather and discuss issues relevant to the rapidly changing world of online publishing.
While the types of questions posted run the gamut from technical to business development to vendor referrals, a topic that frequently arises is when bloggers should ask brands for payment to review or mention their products and subsequently, how much they should charge Blogging has gained popularity in recent years and remains one of the “it” marketing vehicles for companies large and small. I’ve had numerous clients and prospective clients approach me with hesitation about starting a company blog – they don’t have the time, they don’t know what to say, they have concerns about giving customers a public forum to sound off.
While a recent study by Social Media Examiner that reported 68 percent of small businesses use blog posts as part of their social-media strategy, blogging is still a relatively new concept in the grand scheme of marketing. It’s normal for companies, especially small businesses with limited resources, to feel reluctant about taking the plunge. If you’re thinking about starting a company blog, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions before you create your new URL and start clicking away on the keyboard! It’s that time of year again: Conference Season. While brands and public relations agencies are preparing their 2013 outlook, bloggers are doing the same, which includes budgeting for conferences and attending networking events and seminars to help them become better writers, photographers and publishers.
Many bloggers opt to attend conferences with a sponsor, which helps them defray the cost of attending these expensive events (some conferences cost up to $1000 per ticket) while opening the door for new networking and collaborative opportunities. I belong to a Facebook group for bloggers who want to help and support one another and recently the conversation turned to what elements brands look for in a pitch from a blogger seeking conference sponsorship. Having been a blogger since 2008, I have been on both the sending and receiving end of these types of pitches and offered up several points that any blogger might want to consider before pitching a PR agency for conference sponsorship. |
MusingsThoughts on new and traditional media, current events, life in Chicago and the occasional small Chihuahua photo. Archives
February 2018
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