How to Pitch a Brand {Blogging 101 #hispz12}

I’ll preface this blog post by stating that I have never really pitched a brand for anything major. There have been the less-than-a-handful of times where I’ve approached a brand and said, “I love your product, would love to try it out and write about it, what do you think?” type of e-mails, but they’ve been for really low priced items. I’ve generally offered to write about the product (if I like it) and promote my post via Twitter. It’s been nothing super major though.

Like a $15 pair of slip-ons for shoes that make it easier to workout on carpet.

Speaking of which… I need to write that review on the $15 slip-ons that make it easier to workout on carpet. And that low calorie booze a lovely company sent me. And that stripe painting tool.

Duly noted. I need a week off just to blog.

While at Hispanicize 2012 in Miami, I attended a fabulous session led by Cristina Alfaro from McDonald’s and Jennifer Stansfield of VPE PR. I learned so much at the session, and when I have actual time available to write up a pitch, I will follow their advice.

Here are my top takeaways from their session:

Put it on paper {get your facts straight}: Be brief, smart and to the point!

-Audience Reach

-Twitter Followers

-FB Likes

Outline how you’ll benefit the brand: What’s in it for you AND them? It’s a 2-way street

-When thinking of ways you’ll benefit a brand, think outside the box. They’ve seen and heard it all. What can you do differently or better?

-Be creative, be true to yourself/blog.

-Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Keep it real.

Key things to include in a pitch/proposal: Be informative without rambling

-Background on your blog

-Objective: What do you want to accomplish by partnering with the brand?

-Creative concept…so important!

Don’t beat around the bush: Money talks and it should talk within the pitch

-It may feel awkward to include money in a proposal, but include what/how much compensation you expect

-Be open to negotiations about compensation and be realistic about how much to be paid

-Factor in how long the project will last, how much work you’ll do, etc.

Some other items Cristina and Jennifer talked about were the importance of keeping a proposal 1-2 pages max and making sure your pitch is professional. Don’t just write a company and say, “Hey I need airfare for BlogHer!” You need to come to the table ready to offer something of value to the company other than your presence at a blogging conference, etc.

Really what I learned is that a brand pitch is 2-way street in which neither party wants to be left feeling like they’re in a dead-end. Cultivating and creating these brand partnerships will open doors to other opportunities, so it’s essential to be professional, honest and realistic about expectations.

I don’t know if I will be pitching brands a lot, but I am thinking of creative ways that I may be able to work with brands/products I love and admire. I don’t get to blog nearly as often as I’d like, but I do feel that quality is better than quantity in these matters. Right?

Please feel free to add in your comments/suggestions/thoughts in the comments section! I’d love to start a dialogue about this topic because it’s something that many bloggers feel awkward in discussing or don’t know what to ask. Let’s help each other! :)