Well, I didn’t quite expect the huge response I received on my Mom Blogger Status post, but I’m glad I did. I have learned a great deal in just a few weeks, and I have even landed a blogger event. In this post, I go over some of the comments from the previous post, as well as some important details I have learned regarding this issue.
INVITED TO A BLOGGER EVENT. Last week, I was invited to the Nestle Happy, Healthy Gathering, which takes place later this month. Many of you have asked me how I was invited to this event, and assume it had something to do with the Mom Blogger Status post hype, but it didn’t. Shortly after I returned from BlogHer, Nestle Family contacted me, asking me if I would be interested in working together, specifically on giveaways and reviews. Since we are a family that uses Nestle products, I agreed. I was also impressed that Nestle took the time to read my blog, and even pointed out specific articles. I didn’t hear much after that initial conversation, but I still kept in touch with them for weeks. I had NO IDEA I was going to receive an email inviting me to this amazing event. I feel so honored that they selected me, and I will be sharing my experience with you all.
THEY ARE WATCHING. Some brands, like Nestle, are watching us. They are reading our blogs and following our tweets, and this is VERY encouraging. If only every brand would take the time to do this. Kevin Briody from Social Mallard gave us some PR insight on mom blogger selection when he said, ”It’s one part laziness, one part ‘scale’, and the two go hand in hand. The marketers and agencies driving these promotional efforts are going for the big names in part because they already reach the most people and have proven influence, and in part because they can’t be bothered to dig any deeper to find, contact, and invest in less well known bloggers.” While this “scale” may seem like the easier, safer road to travel, it does not guarantee a full commitment to the brand, or even to the blogger’s readers. Heather Kennedy hit the nail on the head when she said, “There is no value to me to see a favorite big name blogger grumbling about travel to and from an event and then reading a half-hearted write-up with crappy photos afterwards to satisfy an obligation to the sponsor.“ Great point.
NETWORK AND ENGAGE, BUT IN MODERDATION. I can not stress this enough. If you are looking to connect with brands and sponsors, you MUST put yourself out there. As Trisha Haas, of Mom Dot, mentioned in her comment, “I get out of my blog (and my community) what I put into it. I dont have a star on my forehead that says pick me. If i want something, I pick up the phone and ask for it and its not because of stats.“ Something like picking up the phone sounds so simple, right? Don’t be scared to speak up or ask questions. You almost have to be an extrovert to be considered for opportunities like speaking panels, events, and summits. I wouldn’t say brands necessarily discriminate against the timid and shy, but it is surely harder to stand out if you are.
It also helps to be extroverted online by interacting with fellow bloggers, PR firms, and brands. Jyl Pattee, from Mom It Forward, describes herself as a “social media extrovert” and when I heard that, I realized I was, too. What about you? Did you know that Melissa Brodsky from Rock and Drool left a comment on a blog, and months later, was contacted by the Dr. Phil show? Like I said, “they” are watching, so engage, but be genuine and never overextend yourself. As Lori Falcon, from A Cowboy’s Wife, said, “I do think building relationships, networking, staying authentic & genuine are key. So many bloggers today are saying yes to everything. They need to learn to say yes to the things they absolutely believe in. Give yourself high standards. Example: If you’re gonna praise Tide today, don’t pimp up Wisk tomorrow and Purex the next.“ In essence, meet as many people as you can, but pick and choose which relationships to build on. The relationships I made at BlogHer not only opened about 50 doors for me, but lead me to some wonderful, real life friends.
WORK HARD AND IMPRESS. Turning a mom blog into something more takes an immense amount of work. There honestly isn’t any way around it. If you have a true passion for blogging and business, like I do, then the hard work comes naturally. I LOVE working on Mom Spark and Mom Made That!, and like spending my extra time growing it. I enjoy taking the smallest of opportunity and running with it. Nirasha from Mommy Niri had it right when she said, “I hope companies start to broaden their horizons but in the meantime I will be still working on making every relationship, big or small, count!“ If you really want to impress, go above and beyond, no matter the size of the client or compensation. Take a simple product review and blow the client away. Pitch an idea. You never know where it may take you in the future.
DON’T LET JEALOUSY TAKE HOLD. For the love of Pete, do not get jealous of another blogger’s success. More times than not, bloggers who are selected for special opportunities deserve to be there, and even if you think aren’t deserving, forget about it. Name calling or bashing another blogger gets you absolutely nowhere. If anything, use that energy as fuel to work harder. Instead of hosting bitterness, congratulate other bloggers, and maybe even ask them for advice. Ultimately, we are all just people, and most of us are willing to reach out and help those who ask for it.
CLOSING THOUGHTS. Overall, I have learned that there really isn’t a clear cut formula to what brands looks for in a mom blogger. My best advice on taking your blog to the next level is to just be yourself and work really, really hard. I know that sounds so obvious, but I think some mom bloggers expect more return than what they have put in. Networking and relationships are extremely important, so make them count. Also, if you ever get the opportunity to attend a conference, do so, because you will never regret the friendships or connections you make from going.
THANK YOU. Many thanks to all of you who participated in this conversation. It is apparent that this is a sensitive issue to several of us. I am currently working on another post with more references and tools bloggers can use to help grow their sites. If you have any you’d like to share, or wish to comment on this post, please do so. I also haven’t forgotten about the other topics there were discussed in my Mom Blogger Status post on mom bloggers vs. non-mom bloggers, the stereotype of a product review blogger, and if age is an issue for mom bloggers. All good thoughts that definitely need to be addressed. Again, thank you for being so supportive.
About Mom Spark
Amy – I love this post – I love that you took the time to chat with bloggers about their thoughts and ideas. This arena is so new, it is often hard to know what to do or how to do it. I agree with the notion that staying true to your own voice and being honest are so very key. Well done!
Danielle
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Thank you, Danielle. It was such a great learning experience for me.
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Great follow up Amy. As a newbie blogger, it is great to hear tips and tools of the trade.
I can’t wait to read the follow up to the follow up (!) with all the links and other insights.
I love that you state and reiderate, you get out what you put in. That is so true. Days that I tweet and comment on other blogs are the days I get the most traffic…Oh, and of course the days that I write a post that gets posted on MomSpark!
So thanks Amy. Keep the info coming.
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 10:11 am
You rock, Meg.
I hope to get the post out before I leave for Type A.
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Amy,
Thanks for being such a great role model for all Mommy Bloggers, seasoned and newbies alike. As an emerging family consumer product blogger launching my own new career now, after decades in Public Relations and Advertising (corporate and agency, the information you’ve shared here is invaluable.
I look forward to continuing to learn from your expert approach!
Janis Brett Elspas
http://MommyBlogExpert.blogspot.com
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Amy - Mom Spark & Mom Made That! Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Thank you, Janis, that is very kind.
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Hey thanks mama for the quote….and ill forgive that you spelled my name wrong because I feel special.
TrISHa
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 9:10 am
Doh! My apologies, real professional, huh? I fixed it.
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hey, why does my comment have a faker picture..i have a real one. Hmm.
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 9:10 am
Maybe this isn’t the real Trisha? Or maybe this is Tricia?
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Great follow up post, I am glad you did the original. I like you did not know what Nestle was looking for and talked with the rep and she said they literally went through hundreds of blogs to get the group they chose, so that right there shows companies and reps are reading what we write.
I love the conversation this sparked. If a brand/company thinks you are a good fit for them doors will open and one company will look at one blogger as a perfect fit while another may look at someone else. I am excited to meet you (finally)
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Toni Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Oh and I too love that companies take the time to point out posts on blogs it shows that they were reading and not just choosing randomly…a big plus about whatever company it is contacting a blogger. We want to know they know who we are, not in the conceited way but in the they actually read what we have to say way .
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 10:13 am
That is interesting news about Nestle. I didn’t realize they were so selective. Good for them!
Thank you for commenting, I have learned so much for this conversation.
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Great post Amy… and still so bummed that I didn’t meet you at Blogher… maybe next year?
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Definitely next year at BlogHer. This year was so crazy, it was hard meeting up.
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Nice follow up. It definitely requires treating your work as just that work (if that’s the route you are taking your blog) and to be professional about the relationships you want to form with companies. I think there is a misconception out there that someone can throw up a half-hearted blog, do a few posts, and suddenly bam they’re the new “it” mom blogger. When in reality it’s not like that at all, just as with anything in life there are no quick fixes.
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Yes, there is a misconception. That is why I cannot sit and pout when we see other bloggers who are successful, because they probably worked their tails off to get it.
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awesome post my friend!! and yes, “they” are watching. and reading.
xo
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Great post and YES!
I agree with everything!
I think always being true to your voice and never trying to fake it to get someone to pay attention to you is another good thing.
Great job on getting the word out there in such a wonderful way!
Happy Thursday!
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Ahhhh! Thanks for the linky love. This is a terrific post with great insight.
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Great follow up to a great post. I’m so happy that you did both of these, it’s nice to know that the companies are out there watching and reading!
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Great post Amy. Yes, it is clear that companies are watching but some other ones need to watch more closely before they make contact. Some companies approach me for reviews or events that have nothing to do with what I write about and then get upset when I turn them down. I love working with companies and PR reps but I certainly prefer to work with ones who treat my work just as professionally as I do.
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Another great post, Amy! I wouldn’t have thought companies were watching us. I really had no idea what made a company choose people to attend events, because not all of the ladies who go to events are big names. Thank you for always sharing information with us. You are so positive and generous with your knowledge. I can see why companies want you at events.
)
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Great post, Amy!. I love that you are so encouraging and positive! And it’s nice to hear that companies are watching us…those are the ones that will create real genuine relationships, rather than those that only look at stats or alexa.
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Looking forward to meeting you in LA for Nestle later this month. Would love to talk about this and many other topics with you. See you soon!
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Amy - Mom Spark & Mom Made That! Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I’m so happy to hear you’re going to LA, too! I can’t wait to talk with you.
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Thanks for reminding us to be happy for eachothers success’s and not to become jealous, all of us moms, bloggers, have special talents, life experiences, etc.. so just remember if you are not having fun blogging, then you might need a new hobby!
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Yes, I think this is so important to remember. Jealousy can get in the way of success!
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Amy, Aww thanks for the linky love. Trying to take a topic that hits home and making sure it does not hit heart too much is what you have done excellently in these posts. No finger pointing just pure soul (or rather blog) searching is important. This follow up is like a wonderful reminder that see good things do come around. I am so very happy that it stopped at your door and I am sure it will travel with you and your blog.
Niri
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 13th, 2009 at 3:43 am
Niri, you are so awesome, and thank you.
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Both posts are great Amy. This is something I’ve talked about with blog friends I know in real life. It does get discouraging to see the same people at the same events. It makes me question the motives of the company, and what they are trying to accomplish.
Stats are such a gray area when it come to blogging. I can only imagine what my numbers would look like if I made subscribing to my blog and following me on Twitter a requirement of every giveaway I’ve ever hosted (I don’t ask that because I want people to WANT to connect with me).
If a company is only interested in those who can show big numbers, I think they’ll be missing out on some really genuine, talented people, particularly some of the dads out there.
Thank you for taking the time to look into this in a thoughtful manner!
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 13th, 2009 at 3:41 am
Mel-Don’t get discouraged. I am confident that times are changing. More companies are watching us, and taking the time to really scout out unique talents. I have no doubt that you won’t be included in something in the future!
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And our picture still cracks me up!
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Awesome post, Amy. You’ve made some excellent points and I’m glad to see that you’re landing some of those well-deserved spots. Kudos to Nestle for finding you!
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Amy,
That was a great follow up with wonderful comments and insight. I look forward to more exploration of this subject. Thank you for welcoming and encouraging the discussion.
Heather
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You definitely said it all! Amazing article! So many great tips that I try to live by and every blogger should! Passion and the human connection is what started us as bloggers and what drives us as bloggers, I hope this story reminds some people that. Passion & Connections are what equal success. Quality, not quantity.
Congrats and good for you in your connections! You deserve it!
((hugs))
–
Erin
@erinjeany
ejsmomej at gmail dot com
http://ejsmomej.blogspot.com
http://www.momlovestoday.com
http://www.google.com/profiles/ejsmomej
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 13th, 2009 at 3:39 am
Thank you, sweetie.
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I’ve never had a niche really. My education is in education and counseling so I’ve covered education topics and mental health topics. I wrote about a number of things over the course of the last 5 or 6 years. However, after Blogher this year, I made a decision to move my focus and focus in a niche’.
I am now pouring my heart and soul into Education. I’m teaching online classes for a company through webinars, I’m teaching for an online University, I’m teaching parenting classes at my son’s school, I’m working as a parent teacher liaison at my son’s school to help parents break down the barriers and get involved.
And, I only told you that to say, I am getting offers from people who are also focused on the niche’ of education. I don’t know that I am necessarily getting more offers than I got before but I am getting more education related offers and I”ve been able to blind pitch some online educational sites and get subscriptions to those sites for my son’s school.
I’ve heard the “find a niche’” calling for as long as I’ve been blogging. I considered my niche’ to be mommyblogging and I was proud of it. But, now, the educating of people, regardless of age is important to me and I never dreamed how many people were watching and listening to what I had to say.
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 13th, 2009 at 3:39 am
I agree, a niche is very important and I didn’t even mention that. Certainly something to add to the next post.
Thanks, Jerri Ann.
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keep the info. coming love it!
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Great follow up Amy. Nestle are lucky to have such a great blogger attending the event. You will do big things and inspire a lot of people along the way … just don’t forget me.
Love, your bff
Oh and of course I love the pic, but then again I could be a tad bias
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 13th, 2009 at 3:38 am
How could I ever forget you? I wish I could see you when I’m in LA.
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Right on, Amy! I have learned so much from you “oh master of all things bloggy!
Seriously though, thank you for taking the time to write these posts. They have been very educational to me, a newbie in the whole world of PR. You are so right in all your observations, and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. You rock, Amy!
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 13th, 2009 at 3:37 am
I am so happy you are getting something out of these posts. I’m certainly not an expert, just going off my own experiences.
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Blogging less than a yr I enjoy reading posts like this especially. I see many wonderful opportunity’s and just feel that the blogger is blessed to have such a great expereince and that like all things my time will come. Sometimes its not what you do but where you are that gets you an opportunity. Being connected is what its all about after all you can’t very well expect to sit in a corner and get noticed.
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I am so glad your work had paid Off Amy and will continue to do so!!!
Stay true to your visions and I am sure Mom Spark and Mom Made That will thrive!! You are awesome!
It has been great having new bloggers to contribute!
I am scouring my brain for some new posts too=)
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
September 13th, 2009 at 3:36 am
Thank you, Donna.
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A very insightful follow up Amy. Thank you.
This is all very interesting to me as I’m learning so much as a new blogger.
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Amy, I love that you wrote this follow-up post. I think you’ve really summed the situation up quite well.
I’m so happy to hear you’re going on a blogger trip… you’ll have a great time, I’m sure.
Talk soon!
Susan
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Great post Amy! I love how you made things seem so simple (insightful) for all of us!
I am a bit timid, not a good speaker, but would LOVE to become associated with a few companies!
I have not been to Blogher, because I am not yet a member, but plan to become one as soon as they approve one of my blogs. May I ask if it is expensive to go?
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Have I told you lately how awesome you are? This post is one of the reasons why
!
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Amy Bellgardt Reply:
October 13th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Whoa, where did you come from? lol It’s because I hang out with other awesome people.
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