How to Approach a Blogger
July 17, 2008
- Research the blogosphere carefully using blog search engines such as Technorati, checking the blog’s ranking and authority to find the most popular
- Actually read the blogger’s posts don’t just skim it – read several first to get a feel for their interests and personality. Check out the categories they cover which will also help – subscribe to their feed and check it daily
- If the blog is irrelevant – don’t send information to the writer anyway as this could cause more harm than good
- Make useful and constructive comments on posts which interest you – try and make the comments mean something
- Never make blatant plugs for your own or a client’s company straight away – this can cause major irritation
- Approach the blogger only after you think he may actually recognise your name. The approach should usually be personal but if it’s a team blog, address the team properly and say hello
- Use simple public relations – make sure you relate to this specific public
- Make sure your story is relevant before you send it
- Try and send other pieces of information with it rather than just a plain news release – try sending useful demo videos, photos and research all in an easy to digest format
- Apologise for the approach if it’s not relevant – these people aren’t journalists so take that into consideration