I often get asked the question how I work and continue to work with reputable brands in various ways. Bloggers (especially those just starting out) want to know how to grab the attention of some brands to begin forming partnerships through their own blogs. They are unsure of how to even get started so here is my short answer to that question:
Continue blogging and build a quality, sustainable network.
It’s actually a simple equation when you think about it. I’m not talking about specific numbers, I’m talking about readers (NOT number of comments, number of Twitter followers or likes on Facebook). I’m talking about REAL readers who come back time and time again and share your posts.
I know a handful of big time bloggers who don’t always get a gazillion comments per post, but you know what? You better believe that when those posts roll out, TONS upon TONS of people are reading that blog and sharing that content – and THAT is the tell tale sign that a blog is being read.
Here is my long answer: (I hope you find my story inspiring regardless of how far along you are in your own blogging journey)
Just two short months into my blogging career, I wrote a post entitled “What’s the Deal Dr. Brown?” Basically, I posted about the sippy cups I was using with (at that time my Baby Girl) which actually had the top rubber piece coming off making the cup a complete choking hazard. I was horrified. It was one of those things that once it happened, I couldn’t wait to blog and post photos about it – partly to raise awareness, especially if other moms were using those cups and partly to get some feedback as to how I should proceed to notify the company.
Keep in mind, I posted that in September of 2009, only TWO months into blogging and the response I received was incredible. I followed it up with another post entitled, “Dr. Brown Proves I have the BEST Followers” because it really was the fact that my readers encouraged me to reach out to the company and let them know about my scary situation. I blogged about that entire experience, too – from the email exchanges that took place as well as the phone conversations I had with the company.
But what happened next truly demonstrates my point…
While I was testing out the new replacement cups the company provided for me to use with my Baby Girl, I had numerous telephone conversations with various reps over at Handi-Craft. Shortly after, I received an email from the Vice-President of Handi-Craft himself. He wanted to talk with me over the phone.
That’s correct. He wanted to talk to ME (the girl who had only been blogging for less than three months) and I was about to hop on a conference call with the VICE PRESIDENT of Handi-Craft, one of the largest manufacturers of baby bottles in the nation {that’s after I wiped up baby snot from my t-shirt and spilled juice from the floor of course.}
I chatted with the VP about my experience from my kitchen telephone, holding my daughter in one hand and a diaper in the other. He informed me the “original” cups I used were eventually taken off the market.
So, over several months and upon numerous email exchanges, phone conversations, and ultimately a chat with the VP himself, I would like to think I had a little something to do with the “original” cups being removed so that they could not potentially harm a baby. That in itself is pretty amazing stuff. And yes, I blogged about that, too entitled “Blogging like a Rockstar.”
In retrospect, my blog became a platform for my voice to be heard and that brand was listening.
Lesson learned here and case in point?
No matter how “small” your blog or how “long” you’ve been blogging – BRANDS ARE LISTENING.
You want to connect with brands? Be authentic. Be professional. Create content and a blog that readers want to return to again and again and again. Build a quality and sustainable network and continue to set new goals for yourself. Write, write and write some more. Connect. And connect some more. Continue to reach out to your readers and build a reputable online presence. In doing so, you’ll create the kind of platform for your voice to be heard and when that happens, the brands you want to connect with will be listening.
I am pure testimony of that.
I love that you shared such a big part of your journey -and lessons learned with in it- here! For a newer blogger and reader, that? Is fabulous learning!
{Way to go, Mama!}
xo
That’s always been my mantra – it doesn’t matter how “small” or “big” you are, it’s the voice we are sharing that matters most.
xoxo
You have been an absolute professional in all the time that I have known you
(and yes, you typed sweet nothings to me in my early days not that long ago!)
(and I thank you still!)
2011 remains a blur, hoping that 2012 gives me the kick in the right direction to make a difference with my blog … and posts like these …
like a bloggy manual of things to do …
and do them right!
What a compliment Nicole, thank you!!
Such an excellent post Heather and isn’t it amazing that we (you) can have such a strong voice through our words?
Amazing the potential we carry in this space. Life changing. 😉
I remember that Dr. Brown post. I can’t believe it’s been almost 2.5 years!!
I know, it’s crazy!! Thank you for still being here after all of this time mama!
That is such an inspiring story – wow. I totally agree with you that the critical thing is being authentic, and the rest will follow. I’ve never had a ton of comments or followers but I feel honored to have every single reader I do. xoxo
Authenticity with every single reader. EXACTLY.
Another inspiring testimony, Heather! I am so motivated by your journey as a blogger, and inspired by how you’ve gained such influence. You’ve got IT, momma. Funny thing is, similar things have been happening to me via my blog, and things are looking bright at the start of 2012! And it’s because I’ve put what I’ve learned here in TMC into practice. Thank you for being someone mom bloggers can learn from and look up to.
That is such a compliment, thank you Martine!! So glad you find inspiration in this space!
Thank you for the encouragement and inspiration! 😉
So glad you walked away with some!
You are still one of my biggest inspirations for blogging, Heather. It is from your examples that I keep trying.
You just made my whole weekend with this comment. Thank you Molly – and YES, keep at it girl!!
A great lesson, reminder and inspiration my friend.
I totally remember when you blogged about that incident and I was completely impressed with the company’s response!
Just goes to show that Mommy Bloggers are valued!!!!
Thank you for demystifying the process. I guess it really does come down to having that special relationship with readers and being genuine and professional. I had no idea that you began blogging just over 2 years ago, look at how much you have accomplished in that short time!
You are absolutely right Heather! Blogging is the perfect platform for being an advocate and that’s what I use mine for!
Heather, as always you’re so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story, for a new blogger like me who’s just started working with brands (so exciting), it’s so good to know that they ARE listening.
All brands except Cuisinart that it. I posted my experience about them on my blog and they did not in the slightest. Maybe you would have more of an impact! I attached the link below (maybe…I don’t know if it will work or not. If not, you can go to my blog and select Archives, February 2011, Cuisinart Rant if you are interested in my experience, or can get them to listen to YOU!!
http://francerants.blogspot.com/2011/02/cuisinart-rant.html
You are such an inspiration to so many of us, Heather. I know that I have looked up to you ever since I stumbled up your blog and love all the advice that you’ve offered up to everyone.
Thank you.
Wow! I’d love to work with brands. I’ve been thinking lately I need to figuring out how to make that happen. After reading your story, I’m wondering if I should just take a more direct route… 😉