I have had plenty of my readers ask about getting into reviews, giveaways, and Brand Ambassador stuff. So, in preparation for this post, I contacted some of my PR people and a few bloggers to get their input on what you need to know to really get into this blog field. I must say, I was amazed at some of the responses. We “Mom Bloggers” tend to get frustrated by the companies expecting us to work for free, but alas we aren’t the only ones frustrated! The PR companies are just as frustrated with the moms who don’t understand the whole concept of journalism! Are you ready to see what people really think of the PR and Blogger relationships?
What should we know before reaching out to you?
Across the board, people are saying, “Know me! Know my brand!” If the bloggers want this and the PR people want this, then why isn’t this being done? –Kelli @ 3 Boys and a Dog
- I would like bloggers to know what products we have and what age ranges we have games for. I have gotten pitches from bloggers who have 2 year olds that they are not comfortable letting on the computer yet or bloggers who don’t have kids. Since we are a company that video games (primarily online) for ages 3-12, this pitch is not productive for either of us. - Jennifer @ Knowledge Adventure
- I hope that they have taken a moment to review our site to understand what type of products we offer, who our target consumer is, where our products are available for sale and that they’ve got a unique idea how to present our products to their consumer base. - April Whitlock @ Carolina Pad
- That it shouldn’t always be gimme gimme gimme – doing stories and posting photos and videos without having the product in hand would be nice too – Susan @ Tellem Worldwide
- Honestly, I don’t work for free. Please do not send numerous press releases expecting me to post them. And more importantly, read my blog before you say “I believe this product would suit your readers”. - Amy @ Marvelous Mommy
- We are PR professionals and represent our clients in that capacity. We are not an advertising agency and therefore will never pay for a review of our clients. We do our best to provide samples for review and often giveaways for contests, when possible. – Lauren @ ASAP Productions
What do you wish people would do or say when you reach out to them?
Again, this is the outcry everywhere! Respond and in a timely manner. Hey, I am the world’s worst at this. I need to get better with email. Especially since… as I grow, so does the crazy amount of email I receive. –Kelli @ 3 Boys and a Dog
- We’d love a response – either yes or no. It’s hard when you never hear back from an email request because you don’t know if there was a SPAM issue, or if the blogger is too busy right now or if they just hate our product (and we’d be happy to stop sending pitches if we know that). We try to only reach out to those bloggers who have contacted us or who really look like a great fit with our product, so we’d love just an acknowledgement of our request – even if it is no thank you. - April Whitlock @ Carolina Pad
- It always helps if folks visit our site, watch a few videos, and understand how our toy system works; age levels, starter products, educational values, etc. - Paul E @ Rokenbok
- Regardless of a yes or no answer, it’s nice to get an answer. It lets me know they received my email and took the time to review it! - Amy @ Marvelous Mommy
How do you feel about all the “Mom Bloggers Should Be Paid” rumblings around the blogosphere these days?
Ahh, this is where the fighting comes in. It doesn’t seem as if everyone is on the same page here, nor does it seem as if everyone really understands how this should go. Personally, I do NOT accept or expect money for product reviews, but on the other hand, you can not honestly expect me to do a review without having the product in my hands. I am not telling my readers how “wonderful” a product is by looking at pictures. Otherwise, this is an ad and I should receive payment for it so that I can properly disclose it as such. –Kelli @ 3 Boys and a Dog
- In our opinion, the product we send for review and offer as a giveaway is enough payment since we are actively seeking bloggers who we believe use or our product (or similar product) on a daily basis. I liken it to the traditional (old school) PR model – we never pay for product placement as well. We will follow up and pitch any magazine, television show etc. because we believe our product is a great fit, but even when media channels like that ask us to pay to play, we politely decline. - April Whitlock @ Carolina Pad
- If they can figure out a way to monetize their sites fine, but it should not be on the backs of PR people; They need to decide whether they are journalists or advertising sites. – Susan @ Tellem Worldwide
- Not familiar with the rumblings. Could advertising and affiliate programs be an answer? - Paul E @ Rokenbok
- I believe we should be paid. Whether it is cash, store credit, or a product you’ve received, if you are taking the time to work and promote a company, you should be compensated. - Amy @ Marvelous Mommy
- I see this from both sides of the coin. As a Corp. PR rep, I like free publicity… A LOT! That’s a big reason why I started doing this – paid PR is costly, and frankly, it doesn’t really do anything for us. Blogger PR is “word-of-mouth” marketing at its finest – people trust the bloggers they follow (or they wouldn’t follow them) so when they say they like something, it resonates. However, as someone who has actually become sort-of friends (even though I haven’t met most of them) with many of my bloggers over the past few years, I want them to be paid because I see the value in what they are doing for brands. That’s a tough one for me to answer. -
- Journalistic integrity is greatly at stake these days. Writers have never been paid for an article and bloggers should not either. It compromises the value of the written word. Unless you are doing an advertorial piece, nobody should be paid for a review. Lauren @ ASAP Productions
Denise @ Simple Green.
Credits:
- Jennifer @ Knowledge Adventure oversees blogger relations for the JumpStart and Math Blaster brands. She has worked with hundreds of bloggers and maintains the JumpStart and Math Blaster blogs. If you would like to work with Knowledge Adventure, you need to fill out this Blogger Form.
- April Whitlock, Director of Brand Management at Carolina Pad – the industry leader in fashion school, office and organization products. If you would like to work with Carolina Pad, contact Sara Erwin, our Partnership Associate at serwin@carolinapad.com and complete our online form.
- Tellem Worldwide is a social media marketing and PR agency that works with top brands and small companies throughout the US. Tellem – the name says it all. If you would like to work with Tellem, simply contact stellem@tellem.com or dgrody@tellem.com
- Paul E @ Rokenbok… Family toys that grow along with your child. – simply send Paul an email if you would like to work together. paule@rokenbok.com
- Amy @ Marvelous Mommy has been blogging since June 2009. She is a motivated, dedicated blogger and mother with a talent for writing! Marvelous Mommy was recently voted site of the month at rantsnrascals.com and is rapidly gaining many new followers!
- Denise Dochnahl Marketing Specialist & Blogger PR Manager at Simple Green. Happy to have new bloggers contact me – ddochnahl@simplegreen.com!!
- Lauren Busch Singer is president of ASAP Public Relations, a company specializing in cyber publicity for children’s products, fashion, lifestyle, entertainment and eco-friendly companies. She has worked in the Public Relations industry for nearly 20 years and has extensive background in securing coverage and exposure for all of her clients. For further information, you can contact Lauren at Lauren@asapprod.com.
Stay tuned for next week when we cover how PR companies choose who they will work with and who they will continue working with. 
Feedback time! How do you feel about the above responses? Agree? Disagree? Do you find it helpful?
About Kelli
Wow, some of these responses are a bit unsettling to me.
I was hoping to see more encouragement, support and an understanding from the PR companies that there is a bigger value in what bloggers are providing when we share our honest opinions with thousands of readers. After all, any product promotion/product review done in the form of a blog post is going to stay on our sites (via archives) for an eternity. Unlike a magazine that is just tossed in the trash once it is expired, so to speak.
I think it is possible to be a great writer, or journalist if that is what some prefer to call it, and be paid for our time, opinions, and the exposure we are offering.
Personally, I consider myself to be the author of a site that is full of mommy resources that are both valuable to readers looking for honest, trustworthy, opinions, as well as companies looking for an avenue to give their product some exposure and a test drive. Afterall, both the blog author and the company we are featuring have a reputation on the line.
Our blogs are more than just sites where we share our struggles, the things that work for us, our crafty ideas and pictures of our families, we are resources in many capacities.
Crystal & Co.´s last [type] ..Crystal & Co on Facebook
@Crystal & Co., I agree 100% with you and figured this post was going to stir up some major controversy. The biggest thing I see is that many people don’t seem able to distinguish between ad and review. What a few of these PR peeps don’t understand is that in the newspaper and in magazines, those people are getting paid to write their review. They make a salary or a per post payment from the magazine or newspaper they work for. Mom bloggers ONLY make what we sell in the form of ads. Period.
@Kelli,
Thanks for this post – it is really helpful in thinking about starting to work with companies. I have not gotten many PR pitches – I don’t know if it’s my blog niche, or what, but I think I’m going to have to be the one that seeks out companies to work with – and I’m okay with that because then I get to choose which companies I think would be the best fit for my blog (if they choose me to, of course).
Anyway, I was confused about Lauren’s last answer on the last questions – writers do get paid to be writers – doesn’t she think the authors of newspaper and magazine articles get paid?
Bloggers are also writers – we just work for ourselves, not some larger publishing agent – if a company wants us to write something for them, we should get paid as well. Just my opinion.
Emily @ Live Renewed´s last [type] ..FAQ – Are Reusable Products Really Better For The Environment Than Disposable
As a PR major in college, I definitely understand where the PR people are coming from. And as a blogger, if there is something newsworthy in what a company is doing, I post it and would never expect to be paid for it. However, product reviews or where they are asking me to do specific things yes I demand payment and yes I disclose it. Sort of like in a magazine where there are certain pages marked “advertorial.”
Wendy (The Local Cook)´s last [type] ..Homekeeping Simple Living Challenge
@Wendy (The Local Cook), to clarify, I don’t ask for payment for reviews – but the actual product is a must.
Wendy (The Local Cook)´s last [type] ..Homekeeping Simple Living Challenge
I really appreciate this post. I’m not necessarily a new blogger (I’ve blogged at Another New Season for 2+ years) but I am launching a new blog this month with the intention of introducing great products to my readers as well as great content.
One point that I really appreciated was the comment by Denise @ Simple Green, when she talks about relationships that are built with bloggers and how she would like to see those bloggers paid because they see the value in what they are doing for brands. I couldn’t agree more not that we should be paid, but that relationships matter. I want my readers to be assured that I am truly impressed with a company that I’m working with. Integrity is key.
As I move forward and prepare to make connections with companies I’m hoping to not just score a great gadget or product – I’m hoping also to build relationships. Many bloggers I know blog not only because the love it but also to bring in some income for their families. Finding out HOW to do this is so tricky and hearing straight from companies is truly helpful.
Thanks for your post!
P.S- I’ll be contacting April at Carolina Pad! They fit the “geeky” in my new blog!
Thanks!
Donna
@Donna, I have a handful of PR peeps that are in my head.. their contact info is imprinted in my brain because they are wonderful to work with and really “get it” Denise is one of them! I think even if she worked for some off-the-wall product I would work with her. Thank goodness she works with Simple Green – a product I use every single day of my life
Anyone interested in finding out more information about Carolina Pad (and the fabulous April Whitlock) check us out at http://www.carolinapad.com!
@Melissa Lamkin, Thanks for stopping by, Melissa! I hope you see some bloggers signing up from this post. When I first started out, you guys gave me a chance even though my stats were pitiful. I really appreciated that.
@Melissa Lamkin,
I just filled out all the forms! Love the new Fundanoodle, it looks great! I spent an hour working with my 4 year old last night on her writing and it was so difficult. I’m looking forward to hearing from you! Thanks for the opportunity!
Kelli,
I think this is a wonderful post! Thank you for creating it and I am looking forward to your follow up article next week.
While my passion is blogging, in my “real” job, I work in marketing and sales and appreciate that each customer has different goals and motivations.
I appreciate the inclusion of the PR perspective of the Blogger-PR relationship!
That being said, each blogger has varying motivations and goals and each should feel free to market themselves in a way they feel comfortable with, setting their own guidelines for the services that they offer.
Terri´s last [type] ..Rhis Bits and Beads Simple Elegance Review & Giveaway
@Terri, Obviously, I couldn’t use every single quote that I received. This post was already long enough as it is. LOL! But, some of the responses in my inbox have made me re-evaluate the companies I will be working with.
@Kelli, Oh, dear.
That does sound like some disappointment, but enlightening. It’s important to be able to support the businesses you work for and agreeing with their philosophies can be such an important part of one’s ability to “connect”.
The blogger-PR relationship is only successful if it’s a partnership, with respect.
Terri´s last [type] ..Rhis Bits and Beads Simple Elegance Review & Giveaway
I think @kelli did a great service by letting PR people point out some of the things that could be better. I work with bloggers daily and many are fabulous to work with, really staying true to the blogsphere by posting important information for parents. On the flip side, some are only blogging to get free products. It’s an important distinction. As someone pointed out, if you want to monetize your site, start selling ad space just like magazines. Most PR people do not have a budget to place stories and that is not the point of PR anyway. PR has always been equated with FREE third party endorsements about products and services.
This is fascinating! I can’t wait to read more.
Blessings
Mrs. White
Mrs. White´s last [type] ..Domestic Occupations
I think there are some great points in this article, however, I think Susan Tellum has it wrong with her statement that “some are only blogging to get free products.”
I’d honestly like to see a list of those bloggers who are doing this to get free products. I think that some people START OUT blogging for the lure of freebies, but their enthusiasm fades quickly once they realize how much work it is to produce a quality review.
PR reps should definitely be vetting the sites that they partner with to ensure the blogger is established and produces quality, unique reviews. If those two elements aren’t there, then additional steps must be taken to make sure both parties are on the same page. The brand needs take responsibility that they’re partnering with sites that will represent them with trust and honesty.
I
marybeth @ babygoodbuys.com´s last [type] ..6 Pack of Skippy Peanut Butter for 8- Free Shipping
@marybeth @ babygoodbuys.com, suggest you check out Tomoson.com – while many of those bloggers are great ladies and I had fun with them with one of my products, it is set up just to do product reviews so you must send products – some of the bloggers were misspelling product names and asking for a lot of products to give away. I am happy to do it as long as they get the product name right just like mine which is actually spelled Tellem.
@Susan Tellem, Actually, I do not suggest working with Tomoson at all. They are a joke and do not understand the blogger/PR relationship in the least. If you do a Google search, you will see that only brand new review bloggers are working with them.
ex. 1
http://dearcrissy.com/tomoson-seeks-bloggers-to-review-invisible-rowbike/
ex. 2
http://dearcrissy.com/tomoson-com-gives-power-and-one-sheepskin-slipper-to-bloggers/
I disagree. I’ve been blogging for over 2 years and definitely don’t consider myself new to blogging. I do Tomoson reviews. Do I take all their opportunities? No. But I have gotten some good contacts from their site. I also appreciate the fact that the response rate and follow up is great with Tomoson. I don’t have to play email tag with anyone over and over again trying to find out what I’m reviewing and when it will be here. Granted many of their opps are lower dollar value and some are rather odd like the row bike one. There are a few good ones too.
@Kelli,
Ellen Christian´s last [type] ..Tom and Jerry- Fur Flying Adventures on DVD February 8th!
Donna hit it right on the head – the relationships that are developed are so important. I guess that is why I feel like so many of my bloggers have become friends, I read their blogs, I know what’s going on with them, and I know what their motivations are… I like them as people and I trust them with my brand. Great conversation starter Kelli!!
Thanks for the post Kelli! I have a small blog, but enjoy promoting products I enjoy as well as telling my readers about new exciting opportunities.
Some times it feels like getting my foot in the door is a real challenge. I don’t expect to be paid for writing about products I am enjoying with my family. I am most frustrated by companies that don’t look at a blogger as a match, or bloggers that will take on and “review” any product that comes along. It is hard to give an honest review of a product you can’t use or didn’t, and it gives the entire review blogging community a bad name. I have pitched to companies with bad experiences in the past and don’t see the value “Mom Bloggers” offer.
A good relationship with PR is about finding a mutually beneficial match. Is it a product that fits your lifestyle? Will your readership enjoy and use the product?
I will be contacting one or two of you PR contacts because I can enthusiastically say, “Yes!” to both of those questions. Thanks for the great insight and getting this conversation started.
Owen’s Mom´s last [type] ..Mamavation Monday Its not You- Its Me
I love the post! I agree with the others about the importance of building relationships. Thanks for including me!
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday – Horses
Thanks for the in-depth post from bloggers and PR reps. I’ve been blogging for a year and a half now. Personally, I do not expect to be paid for a review unless it’s a sponsored post or ad placement. However, I do expect to be able to have a product on hand for myself in order to facilitate a valid and honest review. I can’t do it based on pictures and facts alone.
Terra Heck´s last [type] ..Himalayan Salt Shop – Review and Giveaway
I think one of the big issues is that a review and an ad are not the same thing. An ad gives the company’s sales pitch and should be paid for. A review gives my impartial opinion on the product based on using it. There is no way I can give my opinion on something based on pictures online and a description. If you want that, it’s an ad. If you want a review, I need a product. I don’t think reviews should be paid for. In my mind it wouldn’t be impartial that way.
I really love the PR agents I work with for the most part. They understand that my time is valuable and I do the same for them.
Ellen Christian´s last [type] ..Tom and Jerry- Fur Flying Adventures on DVD February 8th!
@Ellen Christian, Very well said, Ellen!
I love working with brands and bringing new products/ideas to my readers. I don’t do ads on my blog. I try to be genuine. I appreciate receiving products to try but I also do posts for brands. I make sure to let my readers know that it is the brands post and not from me.
My biggest pet peeve is not the brands but the followers. Too many are all about the win and couldn’t care less what you’ve written about a product. I do some great posts about family, books, CHARITIES and HELPING OTHERS, as well as many other topics, but if I’m not giving something away, it’s hardly ever read. I think it’s so rude and distasteful. Brands should be concerned, too. Yes, their product gets out there but, too many, all you have to do is tell/show what they’re winning and they’d enter. It’s a matter of what they want that determines whether or not they come by.
Appreciation is a plus for my payment, from brands and followers. I do reviews/giveaways for myself and my followers. I don’t look at it as free advertising for brands who are taking advantage of me. Brands could say the same about us, right? It’s a win/win. We both benefit.
I’m a big girl. I know how to say “NO” to the few who are taking advantage or if the partnership turns into a solo act.
I love to see people come by and communicate with me. Love comments. I’m disabled and, many times, that’s the only ‘adult’ or ‘real’ contact/conversations I have during the week.
But, I hate that I have to ‘pay’ to get them there. I try to make it a point to visit blogs and read what they have. I love to win, too, but I like to know who I’m following, what are their interests, what’s their storie, etc… I suck at commenting, I’ll admit, but ask me about your blog, you know.
If anyone is getting ‘cheated’ it’s the bloggers and it’s being done by ‘followers’, not brands.
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What gets me are the PR responses that suggest bloggers should stick to good journalism and shouldn’t seek compensation. OK, then why exactly are you emailing me a press release about a cookie video contest where one winner will be selected to win a $10 cookbook? Seriously? You think that’s good journalism, posting something like that on my site? You think that “quality” sort of content is going to fly with my readers and increase my following? By just posting it and not seeking anything in return, I’ll be “blogging with integrity?” C’mon. We both know such a post would only serve your client – you know, that one that pays you to email people like me.
Honestly, I think some bloggers (myself included) are confused because the pitches and press releases we’re sent sound an awful lot more like ads for your clients. Not good quality content we should be excited to share with our readers. And many of us, myself included, don’t post these.
PR folks, we want to work with you & build positive relationships. I guess what I’d like you to know about me is I do take my blog very seriously. I would love for you to take the time to learn about the content I normally share. I’m much more likely to read your email with interest if you tell me something that stood out to you about my site, what you like about what I’m doing with my Facebook page, or something that indicates you care about the unique space I’ve created on the web.
And please understand that for some of us, we DO offer value to your clients. Some of us have large social media followings, and a large audience. Some of us know how to promote like nobody’s business. In my book, that is worth something. (And I ain’t talking about a coupon for a bag of chips either.)
Angela R´s last [type] ..Albertsons NW deals 2-13
I wouldn’t feel comfortable getting paid anything past a sample for a review. However, if I liked the product enough to fully endorse it, I would feel comfortable getting paid to advertise it, as long as I disclosed that in this instance this is an advertisement.
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