The Dating Game: Three Simple Rules For Brands Pitching Bloggers

As a blogger, I get a lot of bad pitches sent to my inbox. So many in fact, I now prefer brands initiate a conversation with me on Twitter since it feels more genuine than the all too often generic and agenda ridden emails I’m bombarded with. My blog is as much of a business as your brand. I completely understand the time constraints of PR firms and businesses, but if you’re looking to develop a lasting and meaningful relationship with me or any other blogger, there needs be a certain amount of wooing involved and less of a “wham bam thank you ma’am” mentality.

Please understand I’m not talking about supplying bloggers with lavish freebies or a large amount of monetary compensation, although those things are certainly nice. I’m talking about making me feel special and showing a genuine interest in who I am as a blogger and a person. When brands approach me it’s a lot like dating: I’m not interested in men who come on too strong or are only out for one thing. The same goes for PR firms and brands.

Below are three simple rules for brands pitching bloggers.

Don’t expect a blogger to “give it up” on the first date. My pet peeve is when a brand or PR firm sends me an email that contains a link to an article about them which they “hope I will share with my readers” before we’ve even had an actual exchange. It makes me feel icky and raises all sorts of red flags. I don’t give it up to a man before he buys me a drink, and I’m certainly not giving it up to a brand before they get to know me either. I’ve worked hard to get where I am. I’m worth more than being used for my “assets” and so are my readers.

Look into our eyes, not at our numbers. As a blogger I may be abreast, but that doesn’t mean I want you to treat me like one. Bloggers are more than their followers, subscribers, and likes, and deserve to be treated as such. No matter how large or small a fan base, a blogger is only as good as the quality of their influence. Get to know them and not just their numbers.

Establish a connection. As most bloggers will tell you, we’re not looking for a one-night stand. While there are some brand-whores who will give themselves up for a coupon or free sample, the majority of bloggers are looking for lasting partnerships that will mutually benefit both parties involved. Tell me why you think we’d be a good fit. Let me know why my readers and I would benefit from us connecting. My subscribers, followers, and fans respect and trust me. Before I begin to develop a relationship with you, I need to know that I can trust you too. The key to doing so is by taking the time to get to know me instead of treating me like a cheap floosy.

Bottom line; don’t treat bloggers like a piece of social media meat. No brand wants to be known as the douchey guy at the bar that preys on bloggers with low self-esteem who have yet to realize their worth. Take your time, buy us a drink, sit back, and get to know us. If you’re lucky, we might even give it up by the third date.