I was planning on doing a few follow up posts on How to Run Your Blog as a Business in which I address each section in further detail. However, after I received direct messages and emails asking me specific questions, I decided to focus on those questions for this post. First, let me thank everyone who sent, commented, or tweeted me kind words about the post. I am definitely no expert but, I do like to share what I learned and I am glad I have inspired others into action. Second, I tried to answer everyone, who sent a direct message; however, it is really hard to explain things in 140 words via Twitter.
As, I promised many of you, I would have all the questions answered to the best of my ability with my suggestions (in the end you will have to do what you feel is best for your blog/business).
Did you post a message on your FB page or FB profile asking others to like your page?
I did and do neither. I suggest that you do neither also. That may seem like an odd answer but, I have my reasons. When you put out a status update on Facebook, unless your friends and family are reading their timeline at that moment, they will not see it. If like myself you have over 600 friends and family on Facebook, the only way to guarantee all your friends and family will see your “like” this page post is to repeat it every hour.
That is a waste of time, it is not wise marketing, and it is annoying. If you were to repeat a status saying, “Hey, tell your friends to like us too” on your Facebook blog page every hour, I believe you will lose more likes than gain likes. The people who have already liked your page want to know what is happening with your brand and blog; not read about your cry for more followers. If they like what they see they will share the page without you asking.
What I suggested, when you are just building your page, is to ask your close family and friends. How? You send them each an individual email via Facebook, tell them a little about your blog, ask them to like it (if they want to) and make sure to include the link to your page in your email.
Now let’s deal with those friends, who you really do not know because, like me, you play games where you need a bigger house. I suggest you go to your Facebook page and on the right hand side you will see the words “Invite friends”. Click that link and chose each friend you would like to invite. They will be sent a message (friends who already like your page will look faded so you know not to click them) inviting them to join.
The majority of questions I received were about Media Kits. As with any business the best thing one can do is learn about every aspect of business. By every aspect, I mean every aspect, running, marketing, bookkeeping, etc. I read business books, business magazines, and have taken a few classes at the local community college. Now, I am not suggesting you have to be an expert at everything because you will evidently have others handling certain areas for you HOWEVER, you still need to have a working knowledge to avoid being taken advantage of.
As with business, the same goes with blogging; you need to learn every aspect. You need not to only learn SEO, marketing, and social media. You should also know other things, like how Public Relations Companies work. One site I enjoy reading is PR Couture . PR Couture explores the ever-evolving role of public relations, marketing and social media in the fashion industry. While, PR Couture is geared toward those working in the PR industry; I enjoy reading articles like Fashion PR:Fashion Blogger Burnout .
Now on to your questions and my suggestions.
I suggest you read these links: Writing Your Blogs Media Kit / Your Blog’s Media Kit / Tips for Creating a Media Kit for Your Blog
Some of the basics are:
4. Advertising sizes, options, rates and guidelines (guidelines are something like: no porn links, no racism or sexism, fashion only links/products [if you are a strictly fashion blog])
7. Be consistent use the same color, graphics, logos found on your blog
8. Social Media reach (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, You Tube, etc)
I suggested that before you send a Media Kit to a PR Company you first send a letter introducing yourself.
Besides, following the suggestions in the post I have shared, I believe that while you share your statistics, you REALLY NEED TO sell yourself. Many of us are small blogs looking to carve out a little spot for ourselves. We do not have the millions of readers to boast about so, brag about what you can bring to a brand. Maybe you can share a link to a post you wrote that was extremely creative or one that received numerous responses. I, myself, am an event planner so, I am always looking for sponsors for events, which is something, I like to share with PR Companies.
What is your blog niche? Queen in Heels is not a fashion blog it is actually a lifestyle blog. The theme of the blog is high heels but, I am building it so, that eventually it will focus on a wide range of topics for women. Which has not only been the mission from the beginning; it is stated in the tag line. I make sure to always share this information with PR Companies.
Also, end by asking if you can send them a copy of your Media Kit and do NOT forget to enclose your contact information. Yes, even if you are sending an email you need to include your email address in the letter (I include my phone number, also).
I found an excellent post that was written by a PR representative entitled: Bloggers and Brands: 7 Tips for Working With PR . It explains from an insider’s view what PR Companies want you to tell them about yourself and blog.
The place where we all spend 75 percent of our time . . . the Internet. When researching PR Companies do not focus only on companies located in New York or California; there are PR Companies in just about every city. PR Companies in your hometown are great to connect with.
Side note: With proper research and tactfulness you can approach brands directly. I have done so and very successfully. This is especially useful when you need information and really do not feel like waiting on the middle man to send it.
First, with PR companies it may not always be a product you are offered. It can be various opportunities including: press releases, products, invites to events. With that said, if you receive an email asking if you would like to cover something (event, product) that you do not feel is cohesive with your blog; do not sell out. You should never sell out the integrity of your blog or self for money. What you should do is . . .
• Send an email and thank them for the opportunity
• Ask that they will keep you in mind when a better opportunity that fits your blog, comes along.
Avoid snarky responses. Despite, the numerous complaints you read about PR Companies from other bloggers, the truth is, they are great allies to have in the world of blogging. Especially, for those of us, looking to expand beyond our blogs.
There you have it my suggestions. I hope this answered your questions. If not or if you need more information please feel free to ask.
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