New Mommy Blogger Tips: Collaborating

A big part of blogging that I had trouble with for a long time was Collaboration. I would research for hours on how to get through to businesses and other bloggers so that I could start my site. I honestly didn’t have much luck on getting the information that I needed, but after months of trying, I think I may have it down pretty well! Listed below, are tips on how to collaborate with other bloggers and businesses..

 

Bloggers

When your looking to collaborate with other bloggers, your typically looking to either guest post on their site or they guest post on your site. I find that advertising this as much as possible is the best!

• I chose my strongest social media platform, which is Twitter.
• I found a site that allows me to create free marketing photos. Almost like the one above! (If you are looking to find out about this website, I will be creating a tutorial for the site that I use!)
• Go to your social media and post the photo you created with a description about what you are looking for. With Twitter you are able to send out tweets to different pages that actually Retweet your tweet! This lets your post be seen by so many more people! Here is an example of what I post on Twitter with my photo:

 

• Something that is extremely helpful is Crowdfire. Make sure to check out my tutorial! With Crowdfire, you are able to schedule future posts on Twitter. What I typically do is schedule my posts to come out 2 times a day. That way I am able to be seen by bloggers in the U.S early in the day, and to the U.K. in the evening.
• Once you do this, you should start receiving messages or emails very quickly!
• Make sure to answer your e-mails in a timely manner. (This is very important!) These are usually bloggers looking to publish their writing on your blog. Be courteous and even if you don’t think they are a good fit, let them know. They may benefit from any tips or suggestions you give them!

Businesses

Now this was the hardest for me, but I definitely learned from a lot of trial and error and even researching on other bloggers sites!

• Here is one mistake that I made.. I made a huge list of the BIG businesses that I wanted to work with. With this list I started sending out e-mails to every single one listed in my little notebook. There really wasn’t much of a response. The ones that did respond, told me to email them when I had a certain amount of subscribers. What I ended up doing was going on other bloggers sites and looked at who they had reviewed for. I made a list of those businesses and reached out to them. For being a beginner, I received at least 50% of those emails saying yes!
• Businesses really look at your reviews before they say yes or even try contacting you. Make sure you have at least 2-3 reviews on your page, so they can see how you write. They usually check for: photos, descriptions, how-to’s, and also for the posts to be written in a positive tone.
• Here is a HUGE tip: If you don’t have 2-3 reviews done and don’t know where to start..it’s easy.. look around your house! I chose my Scentsy warmer and my juicer!
• When you are emailing potential businesses to work with, make sure your email is short, sweet, and to the point. Make sure to be professional but also give it your own special touch. Here is an example of an email that I sent out:

 

 

• Be sure to check out forums on blogger networks! There are sites that have “Bloggers Wanted” ads. I use these as well and I was able to work with some great businesses!
• Don’t be discouraged if someone says no or you don’t receive a message back. Sometimes you need to follow up with them and sometimes its just best to leave it alone.
• Once you have a larger site, with many followers, you will be able to start charging for the posts you do or even advertising on your site!
• Make sure to always be polite with the businesses you work with. Thank them for their time, even if they said no to you.
• Make sure to do your reviews in a timely manner. Many of these businesses grow because of you. If they are giving you free product or even a discount, make sure to keep your word on writing up a complete review.

 

I hope these tips come in handy when you decide you want to start collaborating! Let me know if you have any questions! You can always email me at: thegeekymama451@gmail.com