Yesterdays I posted the overview of the #socialbloggers chat. We spoke about how to write a pitch for your blog.
I’ve noticed across a few twitter chats that when this type of question comes up, a lot of people struggle with what to write. It can be very difficult to be professional and stand out at the same time. I prefer to keep things professional, but also give links to posts relatable to the particular person I am e-mailing so they can get a good feel for the type of posts I write.
If you want to learn more about when you might need to send a blog pitch, or learn about the things that hold most people back, then please refer to yesterdays post: Writing a blog pitch.
This post is about what I include in a blog pitch and some do’s and don’ts.
If you want to learn more about when you might need to send a blog pitch, or learn about the things that hold most people back, then please refer to yesterdays post: Writing a blog pitch.
This post is about what I include in a blog pitch and some do’s and don’ts.
My Pitch ‘Template’
I’ve developed my own ‘template pitch’. I use this as a basis when applying for campaigns or contacting a brand ask to work with them.
When I write a pitch, I basically cut and paste the template, and then change certain details so it’s personal to the brand or campaign. Like when you are applying for a job, you need to write a cover letter tailored to that particular job, it’s the same for writing a blog pitch.
Writing it:
Start with a Hi or Hello follow by a name, if you have one. Try not to make it overly formal!
I always open with my name and my blog URL and what my blog is about:
My name is Corinne and I am a lifestyle blogger from Leeds. I blog at www.skinnedcartree.com and post mainly beauty, style and food posts.
State your intentions of e-mail and include something that shows you actually know about their products. If you are contacting following a campaign request, make it clear where you found their contact details.
I saw you were looking for bloggers on Twitter to work with and think your products/site/brand would fit will with my site because:
Then go on to state WHY reviewing their new mascara, for example, would work well on your blog:
- You’re an expert in reviewing mascara.
- You’ve reviewed similar products that have gone down well with your audience.
- Your audience is similar to their target audience.
I often will write about my audience, something along the lines of ‘My audience is mainly young females around 18-30 from the UK who enjoy make-up and online shopping’.
Link posts that you are proud of that are relevant. I might say something along the lines of:
I’ve reviewed many other beauty products before, including mascara. You can view some previous posts I’ve published about mascara here [link] and [link] to get a feel to how I usually do my reviews’.
You don’t have to include a bunch of stats and can always politely suggest at the end of the pitch they may request further information. I find most PRs and brands are more eager about your influence and engagement than the number of followers you have. If you get quality comments, it will give the brand an opportunity to get some real opinions.
If you want to add stats, then that’s fine, but focus on what you’re good at. If you have 2000 followers on twitter, but only started your Pinterest account last week so only have 20 followers, or started it a while ago but don’t really push it, then don’t be afraid to leave that part out and just focus on your twitter followers. I have never been asked for any blog stats. I usually say something like:
If you want to add stats, then that’s fine, but focus on what you’re good at. If you have 2000 followers on twitter, but only started your Pinterest account last week so only have 20 followers, or started it a while ago but don’t really push it, then don’t be afraid to leave that part out and just focus on your twitter followers. I have never been asked for any blog stats. I usually say something like:
As you can see by my blog, I get a high number of comments and plenty of engagement both on my blog and off my blog using social media accounts such as twitter, facebook and instagram.
Have you ever noticed how I tag all sponsored posts as ’sponsored’?
It’s not to brag about getting free things, it’s simply so I can e-mail that tag to PR’s to allow them to see how I’ve worked with other brands:
I take all my photos with a DSLR camera to ensure the highest quality when reviewing products. I have a lot of experience with working with different brands and have featured beauty products, food and fashion items. You can see a list of my sponsored posts here: http://skinnedcartree.com/search/label/sponsored
I’ll then close with something along the lines of:
If you would like to work with me, or would like any further information then please feel free to ask for more information.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Corinne.
Top Tips for Writing a Blog Pitch
Don’t:
Contact brands that are irrelevant to your niche – if you only post about make-up, don’t approach a brand about reviewing a kitchen appliance.
Make sure:
You have done your research about the brand and are generally interested in that product or brand and it shows through your pitch.
Don’t:
Cut and paste the same generic message to different PRs. It needs to be personal.
Make sure:
You have an IDEA to pitch if you are not applying for a campaign, but e-mailing a brand to see if they would like to work with you. Tell them the product or type of product you’d live to review and why – tell them how it would be worthwhile to them.
Don’t:
Spam the same PRs over and over. If you haven’t had a reply after a week abut are still eager to work with them, send a quick, polite follow up e-mail, something along the lines of:
Hi Gemma,
Just wondering if you had a chance to read my e-mail regarding featuring one of your products on your blog. I’m interested to hear your thoughts around it!
Corinne.
It’s polite and short – some PRs are generally overwhelmed with e-mails and may lose track, it also shows you are genuinely interested in the brand rather than just mass e-mailing people. If I didn’t hear a reply after a second e-mail, I would probably move on.
Make sure:
If you are accepted, be sure to keep them updated when you receive the product, when you plan on posting in the review and sending them a link after.
Don’t:
Be afraid to reach out! I’ve never had a nasty reply after e-mailing a company. In generally, if they don’t want to work with you they just won’t reply. I’ve never got a rejection, I just don’t hear anything back!
Other posts about working with brands you might be interested in reading:
Why you should get paid for your blog posts.
When to say No to sponsored posts.
How to run a blog competition.
Other posts about working with brands you might be interested in reading:
Why you should get paid for your blog posts.
When to say No to sponsored posts.
How to run a blog competition.
What do you include in your pitches?
Have you ever had any bad experiences?
Corinne this was so useful! I’m never sure whether I should contact them first or they should contact me first but there have been some brands I’ve been willing to work with that would definitely suit my blog. Thanks for the tips!! xxx
If you think they would suit your blog, then you should contact them!
Thus us such a useful post . As you said a lot of people are afraid of writing to PR’s .
I am happy that I am doing the pitch right but I am surely going to pick up some amazing points
Keep in touch
http://www.beingbeautifulandpretty.com
http://www.indianbeautydiary.com
Very helpful and detail great job in communication with the companies.
http://tifi11.blogspot.com
These are great tips, as I usually babble on, haha. But, super helpful 🙂 xx
Haha! It can be hard to want to babble on but I try to keep it short and sweet!
Great post and ideas Corienne. My third published review is up today. I can’t wait to take your suggestions and begin e-mailing for more opening reviews. Rachel xo http://garaytreasures.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/sunday-dress-eshakti-review/
a great post
FASHIONSEDUCER.COM
I’m always scared about sending e-mails! I have bookmarked this x
great tips!
http://www.mrsnoone.it
kiss
thanks for sharing this tips dear!
I love this post and tips so much! Have an awesome day 🙂
I AM ALSO ON: Instagram @kennydaily, Bloglovin and Facebook
xoxo;
What Kenny Hearts a Fashion and Decor Blog
this’s a nice and useful little post! xx
This is such a handy post! I’m going to refer back to it next time I am writing a pitch – thanks!
Lyndsay | Fizzy Peaches
Great post Corrine! I’m definitely going to tweak my blog pitch after reading some of your pointers! BTW, judging your love for mascara, I love how you included it as an example in the post 🙂
xx
http://www.JuneWantsItAll.com
Hahaha! The mascara thing was just an example 😉
I’m glad you found it helpful.
It was so great to see examples so thank you for taking the time to put this together! I really want to try to reach out to companies that are relevant more often and this was definitely helpful. I love the ending of when you said you didnt get rejected you just didn’t hear back!
Ha, I’m sure some people well get rejected but I doubt they would say anything nasty! Probably just that they aren’t looking to work with bloggers at the moment or something.
Cool post!!!
As alway Corrine you are a mind of information a useful and helpful post. I loved the chat about this the other night much of what was talked about I struggle with Lucy x
Your posts are always very informative. I wouldn’t know where to start with this otherwise.
Hi Corinne, thanks You for shared this tips! Very interesting for me, I am put in practice of course!
http://www.urbanikamoda.blogspot.com
Great review, interesting. Keep in touch.
Valentina.
http://WWW.ZAGUFASHION.COM
ZAGU FACEBOOK PAGE
bloglovin follower
Hi Corinne, thanks for this lovely and informative post! I look forward to more.
Lilly. xx
http://heyhellolilly.blogspot.com/
I love posts like this and it’s always nice to see bloggers sharing tips, tricks and advice!! 🙂
Layla xx
http://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk
I’m always willing to share what I know, I’ve learnt most of it from other bloggers after all!
This is such a helpful post and very useful template! Thanks for writing this! It’s always fab to see others sharing advice like this 🙂
Sophie/ http://www.prettyandpolished.co.uk
Excellent post Corinne! As a blogger, it’s important to know how to communicate with businesses.
SO AWESOME! i love these little insider tidbits you’re so willingly sharing, Corinne!! they’re so helpful!!