I was sifting through my emails recently when a large company contacted me requesting that I review one of their products and they would also sponsor a giveaway for a lucky reader to win. This came from a reputable company and the communication was much like that of any other review and giveaway I performed in the past so I really didn’t give it much thought. I was just about to commit until I received a deal breaker email from this company soon following…
In addition to the review that I would typically perform, this company wanted me to write a personal post prior to the actual live review and somehow incorporate their links to very specific places on their site within a personal post within the first few paragraphs. As a blogger who blogs with integrity this is where I draw the line. This company clearly wasn’t interested in a true “product review.” They were interested in generating traffic from a target audience hitting a very specific area of their site over period of time. The irony here is that the product they wanted me to initially review had nothing to do with the links they wanted me to place in a personal post.
So this got me thinking, when we perform product reviews do we supply links to specific areas of a business or company’s website to generate traffic? Of course we do – that’s part of a full review post that we as bloggers agree to, write and publish in exchange for free, fully disclosed product(s) but certainly not to be added within a non-related personal post that has direct links “embedded” in the text. Hence, I declined their offer.
The reality of all of this PR business is that many of whom that reach out are legitimate marketers looking for and establishing a connection and relationship with bloggers BUT there are tons of other PR reps that I would be leery of so you really need to research those you choose to work with. This also raises the question about how many reviews and giveaways you as a blogger should want to commit yourself to…
I wrote a pledge to my readers that the content of this blog will always speak for itself. I never want to be labeled as just a “review” blogger and although reviews and giveaways are a wonderful addition to the content of Theta Mom, it is certainly not the sole source that keeps this blog running. Therefore, it is essential that YOU create some standards and requirements for yourself and have them set forth on your blog – and this will vary from blogger to blogger. Ultimately, you have to make decisions that make sense to YOUR blog.
Now I am not the first blogger to address this topic nor will I be the last. Scary Mommy recently wrote a post including some links and posing a question from a monetizing standpoint which is very relevant in the blogosphere right now. I don’t have all the answers nor do I claim to but what I can share are some of the things I’ve learned along the way (by performing reviews and giveaways on my own site) that may help out other bloggers grappling with this process.
My Top Four Review and Giveaway Rules:
1. Research the company or business extremely well before you commit to any review/giveaway and know exactly WHO you are dealing with. A few clicks within a simple Google search is a great start. Make sure this is a legitimate business worth your time and your readers’ time. What may be a good fit for one blogger may not be for another. You have to decide if it is right for YOU. Know who you are in constant contact with whether it’s a PR rep or the actual business owner and establish that relationship from the very beginning.
2. Understand the full requirements “agreed” upon by yourself and the company/business. If they are sponsoring a giveaway, what are the terms and conditions? Who is responsible for paying the shipping and coordinating the winner’s prize? Are they requiring specific links? What is the anticipated time frame and what are their expectations of you as a blogger? What are your standards as a blogger and did you communicate this clearly to the prospective business?
3. Do not accept every pitch that comes your way. When PR reps do not address my name in an email it shows me two things: They didn’t take two seconds to read my name in my About page (which is the very first sentence) and they didn’t take two minutes to read my Mission so how would they really know if Theta Mom is a perfect fit for their product when they didn’t even read my blog? The bottom line is if marketers can’t take the time to initially read our blogs then why should we take the time to respond to them? In my opinion, respond to those who actually read your blog and address you by your name in an email. Everything else you receive in your inbox is borderline spammy.
4. Above all, set some standards for yourself and your blog and live by those rules. As I previously mentioned, it is YOUR blog. YOU call the shots. YOU make the decisions. YOU set the precedent so be selective with who you work with – it will actually make you more marketable because readers will know you are not publishing every pitch that comes your way. In this sense, you are being selective in who you choose to work with (companies and products you fully endorse) and that will come across in your writing.
If you are hesitant with working with a company or a specific product for any reason, it’s ok to say no! It’s not worth attaching your name to something that may not be a good fit. I’m not saying you can’t perform honest reviews, sharing perhaps the negative aspect of a particular product or company. What I am saying is don’t associate yourself with companies like those I addressed at the beginning of this post as THAT would not be deemed as honest practice.
So what’s the valuable lesson here? Set some standards for yourself that work for you as well as your blog – and live by those rules. And those emails sent to you addressed as “Good Morning,” “Hello,” or my absolute favorite, “Dear Blogger…” Move it right to trash.
Because you have better things to write about.
I think you have struck a nerve Theta Mom. As a person who enters giveaways I notice the difference between sponsors and sometimes get a glimpse of situations lacking integrity. Not too long ago I got into the middle of a situation between a blogger host and the sponsor concerning payment of shipping costs. I had turned down a win because it required me to spend more than I won and pay the shipping. I explained it crossed a line that I had established when I began entering giveaways.
To the blog host’s credit, she attempted to make things right for me, offered to pay the extra, and appropriately addressed the sponsor. To the sponsor’s discredit, she voiced things in an email to me that were totally inappropriate and quite frankly, childish and very snarky. It was apparent that either she was not having a good day and lacked good sense and personal control, or had few, if any, quality business principles.
In the end, I found that the only good resolution was to insist that another winner be chosen and to praise or smooth over the tension between everyone. but I have to say it did leave a bad taste and emphasizes one of your 4 rules; always make sure there is a meeting of the minds ab out exactly what is being offered as the giveaway and how shipping will be handled. As a giveaway entrant, I felt a little misled but the giveaway.
I have no desire to be a giveaway host, but I just wanted to add the perspective of a giveaway entrant.
I enjoyed your post Theta Mom and all the replies.
Thanks so much for sharing your perspective and experience – this is EXACTLY why I always work out these details with the sponsor up front so everyone involved is clear on the expectations.
Thanks for sharing Judy. I had no idea things like that happened during giveaways. I didn’t realize how ignorant I was. I am only about to start my 2nd giveaway ever, I don’t really do them, but now am armed with some serious ammunition and sense of responsibility for future reviews/giveaways.
.-= Mommy To Two Boys´s last blog ..Get to know Jaylen – A Beautiful Mind =-.
I have only done one giveaway. It was in cooperation with an Indie Biz classmate of mine who posted an awesome tutorial on my blog and was giving away a painting she did. I got an offer from a bigger company to do a review/giveaway. It was not nearly as shady sounding, but it was also pretty apparent that they don’t read my blog because they thought my readers might like kitchenware. (Not that I think my readers WOULDN’T like kitchenware, but my blog is primarily a handmade sewing and craft blog so it really didn’t make sense). I turned that down simply by not responding and have heard nothing since. I could get on board with doing giveaways or reviews for Etsy sellers because in general, that’s the kind of stuff I want to support.
This was a great post! I’m glad you wrote it and joined in on the conversation. I had just read Scary Mommy’s post on this topic the other day and this was a nice follow-up.
.-= Skooks´s last blog ..Bamboo Shades and Giveaways =-.
I’m pretty sure I know who you are talking about. I look at it this way; they are looking for traffic and SEO for specific items and are asking you to do that. As payment they will send you such and such a product for whatever value you agree too. No difference than being paid for a content article or press release or advertising. The post shouldn’t come across as a “review” more of a check out what so and so is selling. Thats my take. We did it and I had issues after realizing what they really wanted. Maybe they need to work on wording or the pitch? i’m with you though, no review without something to actually review.
.-= Melinda´s last blog ..Crumpler Bags introduces Baby Anchovy =-.
That’s exactly what they wanted – traffic for SEO purposes and that certainly is not a “product review.” No matter how you slice it, I don’t think it’s an honest way to appraach bloggers and the irony is that I have received more of these emails recently from other “big” companies following suit. I have declined them all.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I totally agree with you about how they address you. I will not even LOOK at an email if it doesn’t have my NAME on it. Thank you for the helpful tips though. I am very picky about advertising on my blog, and like you said, I think it’s very important to remember what you’re about, and not just blog to make money
.-= Crystal´s last blog ..Wanna BE Debt FREE? =-.
Exactly Crystal! Set those blog standards that make sense to you and live by those rules. To me, you can never go wrong if you do that! Thanks for your comment.
i am very strict about what i will do for a review or for a giveaway. I will not under any circumstance write a review for anything that I have not experienced first hand. I have to use the product in m daily life in order to spread my thoughts about via the web. The companies links in the my review i try really hard to use in the correct context, but sometimes i can not and therefore i jsut link it. I read others blogs looking for information about certain products; I rely on this informatio nto be true and honest; therefore that is what I ALWAYS provide1
Thanks for this post. I am just getting started, but I have promised myself that I wouldn’t review anything that I wouldn’t use myself. Thanks for sticking up for what you believe in!
.-= Susan S´s last blog ..Fun Family Vacation Activities Your Kids Will Love =-.
Oh thank you for this. I was recently contacted by a very large company. They wanted me to either do a product review (of which product I would personally have to pay for) or do a “giveaway” on my site (to which the winner would be responsible for shipping costs). They asked me to put a link to certain words in the post, and they also wanted it done in advance. Hmmm, could very well be the same company. I had a check in my spirit and opted out. Thank you for bringing even more clarification to this for me, as a fairly new blogger, I always want to blog with integrity.
.-= Barbie´s last blog ..Win A Personalized Theme Song For Your Blog! =-.
love it. was just contacted for a giveaway for the first time this week (meaning i didn’t initiate the communication), and it’s good to have some guidelines. thanks for the post blogger! errr i mean heather!
.-= alexis´s last blog ..look, i’m creative! sort of… =-.
Once again you hit the nail on the head, Heather. If you get a funny feeling about a company, why would you want to spread them out to your readers? If it turns out the company really is shady, your future and past reviews have all lost credibility and that doesn’t work out well for anyone!
.-= Lindsay @ Just My Blog´s last blog ..My Loss =-.
I did a giveaway for a company that obviously wanted SEO, but I figured a reader could benefit from it, so I agreed. They paid shipping; she liked the prize. They are back now asking me to do another one. You have me wondering if I should.
.-= Judy´s last blog ..Come to Grammy =-.
P.S. The one I have at my blog now is purely out of my own pocket, just to be clear.
.-= Judy´s last blog ..Come to Grammy =-.
This was a great post. I haven’t done any giveaways on my blog since it is for my business, but I have always been really curious about how it all works because one day I might want to give my products away on a blogger’s site and want to make sure I do it legit! This gave me a lot of food for thought, and you know, those shady giveaways just make the blogs that host them look really budget and lame. I like that you incorporated a pledge to your readers. Now that’s where it’s at!
.-= Moving Announcements by Kate´s last blog ..Birth Announcements – Ideas for Unique Birth Announcements =-.
This is so very helpful. I’ve considered hosting giveaways and wondered what the down side could potentially be. Thanks!
.-= Teresa @ Red Velvet Confections´s last blog ..A 40 Something Caramel Cake =-.
Thanks for the tips. I have only done 1 giveaway so far because my blog is mostly focused on Autism and I want to keep it that way, except for my weight loss stories.
I just did a review and giveaway on an Autism children’s book and now was just contacted to do one on some PT/OT products for kids with special needs. So thank you for these tips as I being to take on a few reviews/giveaways.
Thanks for always being honest and looking out for us fellow mamas and bloggers! You rock!
.-= Mommy To Two Boys´s last blog ..Get to know Jaylen – A Beautiful Mind =-.
Nice to know that there is a credibility that we can rely on. Our company shied away from bloggers for sometime due to an unsavory initial contact with one. We asked for a product review and give-away. The blogger agreed to take on the job, then said that it is alright without the product itself just send her an item that she desired. What she wanted was not costly, but our tweeter account ended up with a bunch of spam and the give-away contest that we were supposed to do, looked very unprofessional. We pulled out immediately after a day as it was apparent that it will be more damaging to our company and products.
You make a good point in that businesses should also be carefully selecting bloggers as well – Legit companies should seek “professional” bloggers that set some standards for themselves. Thanks so much for your comment.
Very good post, one that I am interested in but so far have not been contacted by anyone, possibly due to the vast majority of companies wanting reviews being in US and i live in New Zealand – but I’ll persevere, hopefully I’ll get something one day.
But, great advise, as always xxxx
.-= Lottie´s last blog ..Mother knows best =-.
Welcome Lottie, I don’t think I’ve seen you comment before – glad to have you reading Theta Mom! Thanks for letting me know that this post was informative for you – off to check out your blog!!
I’ve kinda of been a stalker – although have been displaying your button for quite a while xxx
.-= Lottie´s last blog ..Mother knows best =-.
I have deleted far more opportunities for giveaways than I’ve accepted and for the reasons you state. I will write what I want and when I want!
.-= debbie´s last blog ..Wanted: Clothes that Fit a Real Woman =-.
I love the people who want me to read and review a freakin’ book — for free. And it’s never a book I’d actually want to buy and read for pure interest. I’ve thought about sending them a note with a list of books I actually do want to read and telling me to send those and then I’ll consider reviewing whatever piece of crap they’re selling.
Thak you for this post! As a new blogger getting ready to do my first review and giveaway, this is all wonderful advice. I even bookmarked the page to refer back to!
.-= Natalie´s last blog ..You Know You’re A Mom When-sDaze…And A Few Other Things… =-.
I do not do many giveaways…OK…scratch that…I do one almost every week on Tickled Pink Fridays…but those are usually donated from the person tickled pink and are not solicited or requested by me to be a tickled pink bloggers – I ask them it they woudl like to be tickled pink and generally if there is a product, the blogger offers a giveaway. Tickled Pink was not intended to be a giveaway-a-week-type of party. The giveaways are their choice – and NOT a requirement and I would never ask.
Additionally I have given away a few small things – books, journals on Fridays, but they have been stuff I love and that I purchase myself. I have done a giveaway with a large company (probably the one you are referring to). I did not ask for or receive a product. I reviewed a game on their site that I already owned and loved…something that fit with my blog and my goals. They did request key words and changed the word to accommodate the giveaway I had. I think I was not asked to do a personal post first because I did not actually receive a product.
No where on my blog doe sit say PR friendly or reviews, etc. So, I am not solicited much.
Now from the standpoint of a commenter/visitor..I generally stay away from entering tons of big contests. I do enter some and often at the request of a blogger via email. I typically skip over review and contests these days.
Interesting post…and definitely something to think about.
I am so glad I wrote this Holly and that the discussion has been so active – I feel like I “put it out there” and raised a bit of awareness about it because as bloggers, I firmly believe we need to establish our OWN ground rules and stick to them!
I recently did a review on a car and I wrote about my experience with the vehicle. Later that day, I got a phone call and was asked to change something in my post. I declined but I’m wondering will they call me to review again? These reviews and these give a ways are starting to erk a nerve with me.
They are fun but can be very time consuming, with trying to pick a winner to shipping… can leave this mom of 2 aggravated! I try to review things that I really love or that I’ve come across on the internet.Rarely do I take pitches from pr or mktg firms because most likely I’m not interested in their products. I like to review things that I like and love.
This post was very informative and I feel we blogger moms need to stick together and start asking these corps not only to send us the product but also pay us and they pay for shipping. They’re saving tons of money on advertisement dollars by transitioning to bloggers and saving the corp money!
.-= tami´s last blog ..Love and a workout on the Beach =-.
Thanks for your comment Tami and I agree, bloggers really need to be selective with you they work with!
(standing ovation clap!!!)
Such a well-thought out and informative post. I’m in the marketing profession and it irks me what some firms try to get away with.
What saddens me though is this:
I’ve received some pitches to review products that had NOTHING to do with my blog. The company didn’t even address me by name and it was the standard crappy form letter they send to everyone.
Then I go to some other bloggers’ sites and see them giving away the same product I had turned down. It’s THEIR right to choose what they want, but it makes me a little sad that this doesn’t bother them. If bloggers continue to say yes to the bad apples, they’ll continue to be bad apples. We have to respect ourselves and our self-worth.
.-= Melissa ´s last blog ..Call Me For a Good Time =-.
Thanks you so mch for this comment Melissa because it reinforces the idea that as bloggers, we really need to be selective with who we work with and I just wish other bloggers would see this that way. I also saw that giveaway all over the blogosphere and I think those bloggers compromised their integrity for the chance to get a “free” product.
Thanks for the input – this was an awesome discussion and food for thought!
Definitely words to live by in the blogging community!
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..Three Years of Bliss Today & A Jewelry Giveaway =-.
Totally agree! I’m only on my fourth giveaway but so far they have all been parenting related and products that I love myself. I haven’t had a grey area yet but I will be confident with my decision to say no if I’m at all concerned.
Thanks for the great post!
.-= Ellie-Town´s last blog ..Good luck, Daddy! =-.
Good for you for not “selling out” per se. And those are great rules to live by. You’re right – to live with integrity means you would have to adhere to the principles you set yourself.
I recently received an offer just like that! I was all set to do it and then received the email I had to do a post with links to their sites BEFORE I’d receive the product to review.
.-= Life in the BAT Cave´s last blog ..A Weekend in the Woods =-.
great GREAT tips little momma! i have wondered how people pick and choose which ones they’re going to do and which ones they aren’t. thanks for the tips!!!
have a fantastic day!!!
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Thank GONZO It’s Friday! =-.
You are sooo right my dear friend..i do very few giveaways for that exact reason…hugs and love
.-= natalee´s last blog ..Did I REALLY????? =-.
I can see both sides of it. Part of it is…well, it’s just the way the PR industry works. (I’ve worked in PR in NYC.) HOWEVER, it is curious that the required links for that particular review were to a very specific page. Normally, though, it is typical to expect some sort of collateral is featured (images, links, what have you).
I completely agree with your four rules.
We bloggers cannot simply be regurgitating releases that PR pros send us everyday. Have some integrity and some standards. If you think of yourself more as a journalist (at least when it comes to working with companies) it should be pretty self-explanatory. You do, after all, serve the same purpose as a journalist who would write about a product/company.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Unpacking boxes of memories (and giving them to a rummage sale) =-.
I think I’ve encountered this company as well (or someone that wanted me to do the exact same thing). I turned them down and it is probably good that you did as well. I don’t know what’s worse.. this or the companies that ask you to promote their product without sending it for review. I’m not sure how people can expect something for nothing. Anyways, I love this post and your tips!
.-= Tiffany´s last blog ..Onto The Other Side =-.
This article is pure gold to me. These are questions and views and the real truth I have been looking for. Thanks for your honesty and intregrity Heather. THAT’s why your blog will be around for a very long time. You’re not a “fronter”. You don’t blow smoke. You rock my friend
.-= franticmommy´s last blog ..Mom Squad Central: Mom Squad Quotes of The Week =-.
Great perspective and warning for a new blogger such as myself. Thanks for sharing your experience and providing some insight on this topic.
amber
.-= The Momma Stuff Blog´s last blog ..POM Wonderful Review & Giveaway =-.
Wow! Luckily I have never run into this but do often get company’s with crazy offers. I just kindly reply that I’m not interested. It’s absolutely ridiculous how some of these PR and Marketing people are. Although, I think there is a HUGE difference between the two. PR just want a well written post, Marketing want Mula from your post. :p
Pretty much every product I receive to review I love, but the ones I don’t…get a honest…no go :/ To bad…that’s the whole point of this gig! lol
Your great Thetamom! Love how you tell it how it is!
.-= Tara Bucci´s last blog ..LeSportsac Erika Tote $68 =-.
very good things to think about. I am here from a giveaway entry, but always stop by the home page & see what the blog is all about – have read all of the comments and it’s really great food for thought. I have the exact same pitch in my email, and am still trying to decide. Thanks!
.-= Idaho Jill´s last blog ..Win a $500 freezer! ends 6/11 =-.
Again thank you so much for this informative post. We are on the other side of this story as the company that sells the sensory tool Kid Companions chewelry. In March 2010 when I started reading blogs I noticed how many bloggers were doing reviews and giveaways. We have participated in a few already and luckily all has gone very well. We have always received honest, much appreciated feedback. Thanks to all the bloggers who really do a good job of letting readers know about the new products out there. Lorna d’Entremont
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Please let me know. Thank you.