BlogTrends Chat Transcript – The Do’s & Don’ts When Working with PRs #iFabboAUS

Topic: Do’s and Don’ts When Working with PRs
Date: July 8, 2012

This is a topic that our members, regardless of where they are based, are very passionate about.  Our Aussie members offer their tips and recommendations below.

@Blog_Trends: Q1: What is the best way to approach PRs? #ifabboaus

@ifabbo: @Blog_Trends a lot of our bloggers have told us that email is the best way for them to contact PRs #ifabboaus

@beautyandlace: @Blog_Trends For us it’s almost always email, and the odd phonecall! #iFabboAUS

@Blog_Trends: @thebeautebuzz some PRs look for established blogs w/unique & varied content but I don’t think they should exclude small blogs #ifabboaus

@PlasticDiaries: #ifabboaus I think an email introduction with a bit about yourself is a nice way to start. DON’T ask for things. Just introduce yourself.

@bloss59: @Blog_Trends I tend to email w/copy of media kit #ifabboaus

@SixInchHeel: #ifabboaus I have approached directly through social media. Msg through fb page or tweeted their PR here.

@workingwomenaus: @Blog_Trends at the moment I’m meeting businesses through blogging events then emailing #ifabboaus

@Blog_Trends: @seducedbybeauti we think if you’re smaller to make sure you have unique content & good writing is key! #ifabboaus

@Danimezza: @Blog_Trends Q1: Honest Flattery. Make it all about the give not take. Let them know ur “open to collaboration” attach media kit #ifabboaus

@thebeautebuzz: @sparklingker @blogtrends I think the beauty directory is an amazing Aus resource, as well as obviously IFabbo! #ifabboAUS

@Danimezza: @Blog_Trends Q1: I approach via email found through website. FB message and twitter. LinkedIn is good too. #ifabboaus

@Blog_Trends: Q2: What are some do’s when dealing with PRs? #ifabboaus

@berrytravels: @Blog_Trends Be POLITE! Manners, always. #ifabboaus

@PlasticDiaries: DO be polite and professional, even if the PR isn’t #iFabboAUS

@ToniaKor: @Blog_Trends Q2: Don’t ask for samples immediately #ifabboaus

@bloss59: @Blog_Trends be pleasant, always reply to event invites, develop relationships before asking too much #ifabboaus

@norlinm: Q2: Do be polite, do be clear on what you’re about & if working together the boundaries etc. #ifabboaus

@PlasticDiaries: #ifabboaus DO offer to send them your media kit. DO ask if they would like to be notified of mentions of their client

@beautyandlace: @Blog_Trends Do have your stats and readership ready – and definitely build relationships. #iFabboAUS

Danimezza: @Blog_Trends Q2: DO – Use manners. Be honest about your stats. #ifabboaus

@ifabbo: @Blog_Trends Q2: letting them know if you received a product and if & when you’re going to review is also important #ifabboaus

@Blog_Trends: Sending them the link of the post once it’s up is also key! #ifabboaus

@workingwomenaus: Q2a be prepared to take time to build relationships. Opps are not fast or automatic – you have to earn the right #iFabboAUS

@beautyandlace: @Blog_Trends And if you notify them, you get the added bonus that they might post it on their brand’s social media pages too #iFabboAUS

@Blog_Trends: Q3: What are some don’ts when dealing with PRs? #ifabboaus

@berrytravels: @Blog_Trends Don’t demand. #ifabboaus

@Danimezza: @Blog_Trends Q2: DON’T – accept goods and then never share or post. #ifabboaus

@PlasticDiaries: DON’T ask for products, freebies, gifts. Only accept what is offered to you in the early stages #ifabboaus

@makeuptipsblogg: @Blog_Trends DON’T accept every product offered If you know it’s not going to fit you & your audience! #ifabboaus

@Danimezza: @Blog_Trends DON’T: Do a giveaway and pay for the prize shipping, PR’s should do that. Be clear about that before accepting. #ifabboaus

@beautyandlace: @Blog_Trends Don’t ever feel like you are superior #iFabboAUS

@PlasticDiaries: #iFabboAUS DON’T ask for product just because you want it. DON’T accept product you know you will never write about.

@PlasticDiaries: DON’T talk to PRs about other PRs. That is called gossiping and it isn’t wise. They all talk I eachother. #iFabboAUS

@PlasticDiaries: #iFabboAUS DON’T offer or say you will do something and then not do it.

@PlasticDiaries: DON’T RSVP yes to an event and not show up. Also don’t cancel last minute with a ‘cold’ and then go to another event. #iFabboAUS

@PlasticDiaries: NEVER sell product given to you as a gift or for consideration. NEVER EVER. #iFabboAUS

@Danimezza: Donate product you don’t want, DO NOT SELL. I give some of mine to a charity who wrap them up into gift baskets for raffles. #ifabboaus

@Danimezza: I also have a gift shelf. I pick out a random long-time commenter, email for their postal address and send them it as thank you. #ifabboaus

@PlasticDiaries: If you receive a product that you will never use, let the PR know. Give them the option to send a reply paid envelope. #iFabboAUS

@Blog_Trends: Q4: Some PRs expect bloggers to review/feature products/brands without always receiving a free sample. What are your thoughts? #ifabboaus

@BeautyPopC: @blog_trends Q4 I think this is okay; if I am really into something, I’ll go out and get it. Not wait for the PR to send it. #iFabboAUS

@Danimezza: @Blog_Trends Q4: Ha! No way… unless I’m paid to write the post. I need an “experience” to post about not a PR #ifabboaus

@PlasticDiaries: Q4: Make your editorial policy clear on your website and in your first response to a PR #iFabboAUS

@beautyandlace: @Blog_Trends Q4. If it’s a review or recommendation they want, then we’d need to try the product. #iFabboAUS

@PlasticDiaries: Q4: explain your review process and (if applicable) your sponsored post options. Work with them for a mutually beneficial outcome #iFabboAUS

@norlinm: @Blog_Trends I’ve had press releases sent to me but never to ask me for a review without the product. #ifabboaus

@beautyandlace: @Blog_Trends It is SO important to be honest to your readers, you can’t write a review from looking at a picture. #iFabboAUS

@DollhouseMB: Q4 : Always be clear on your intentions editorial wise and to PRs #ifabboaus

@beautyandlace: @Blog_Trends I think you can feature products without testing them, but you can’t say it’s a review – you just need to be open. #iFabboAUS

@Blog_Trends: Q5: What are some things that bloggers can do to improve the relationships with PRs? #ifabboaus

@Danimezza: @Blog_Trends Q5: Take great photographs. Post quickly. Share effectively. Be transparent. Send random thank you cards. Be kind. #ifabboaus

@PlasticDiaries: Q5: #iFabboAUS offer to send links when you mention their client, and actually do it!

@thebeautebuzz: @Danimezza while quick posts are always appreciated, I think be honest about how long it will take. Some take time 2 trial! #Ifabboaus

@PlasticDiaries: PRs are people to, ask how they are, how their weekend was, etc. Be a good listener. Take interest in their needs. #iFabboAUS

@hello_owl: @Blog_Trends q5: Let the pr know a date it will go live. Make an effort with your photos and betruthful #ifabboaus

@DollhouseMB: @Blog_Trends Tell them when you ave posted an article or let them know prior and when done, inform them they inform you #ifabboaus

@sweetaholic: @Blog_Trends Always keep them updated! Let them know when you’ve received your samples and when you’re planning on writing posts! #ifabboaus

@stylistamama: When it comes to promoting products and brands maintaining respect and credibility is my first priority. Reader love comes first #ifabboaus

@DollhouseMB: Always cknowledge PRs and the network around you, and respond #ifabboaus

@Danimezza: @Blog_Trends Yes, definitely. It’s all about being honest. They like that my review will be credible too. #ifabboaus

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