When I first started blogging I had no idea about how to work with brands. Or that it was even possible. I was just writing posts about my Sephora hauls and gigs I had gone to. But fastforward a few years and I did start to work with brands, although quite slowly. Now I work with brands quite often, mainly over on my other blog www.rhianwestbury.co.uk but sometimes here as well.
I love working with brands as not only do you get to virtually meet and chat to new people, but a lot of the time you get to put on your creative hat and think about how their brand or item fits with your blog. Plus working with brands through my blog gives me a bit of extra pocket money. Having worked on the other side as someone doing outreach I know how it can be working with bloggers as well. And I think this helps me when I work with them as a blogger. If you’re looking to work with brands more here are my top tips.
Check the requirments before applying to work with brands
If you’re applying for a job through a website or a Facebook group check the requirements needed. A lot of brands will want a specific DA website, a specific social following or a specific niche for their brand or client. If you don’t match those requiments then don’t apply for the role. These requirements are usually there for a reason and by applying you’re wasting the PR/ brands time.
If you really think you’d be a great fit for the brand but just miss out on some numbers there’s nothing stopping you from reaching out later on, or by emailing them. But remember to call this out.
Check your DA before applying
Whether you’re applying for a brand job or you’re reaching out directly make sure to check your DA. We all know how often Moz can update DA’s and usually without warning Moz. So many times I’d check someone’s DA I wanted to work with but it would be much lower than they’d said it was. Sometimes I’d question it and they’s say “It was that recently but yes it has dropped”. We all know how gutting it can be to drop your DA score, but be upfront about it.
Work with brands well by being responsive
Much like brands, bloggers should also be responsive. We’re all busy people and know that some emails can’t be responded to the same day but be as quick as you can. And continue with the same responsiveness. There’s nothing worse than getting the first two replies all within a day and then nothing for a week. Or a brand having to chase you up. If you struggle to answer emails or it takes you a while then set up an auto response to let brands know. At least then they’ll understand if you don’t reply within a few days.
Other tips to work well with brands
- Check if you’ve worked with the PR before and if you have call it out
- If you’re reaching out to a brand then be upfront about what you can offer and what you’d want from them in exchange (budget or products/ services)
- Be prepared to negoiate but don’t be rude if a brand or PR’s budget is lower than you’d expect. You never know when that brand may come back to you later with another campaign, but they’ll only do that if you’ve maintained a good relationship.
- Don’t accept every brand offer you get if it doesn’t fit your brand or it’s underselling what you charge