Now I’m not saying I’m a saint here, but I feel like I’m pretty good when it comes to being . . lets say an honourable blogger. I think in such a small business where everyone knows one another it’s important not to blacken your name and to remain well regarded. With that in mind I thought I’d bring back the blogger tips (can I get a whoop whoop) with some tips on being a good blogger.
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Being A Good Blogger
Don’t Ignore Emails
Now we all get emails from brands who want us to buy . . yes buy, a product in return for a blog post, social media coverage, a competition, a full review, no affiliate links and your grandma. But it’s important to politely turn them down. I personally will never ignore an email, ok so maybe I prioritise the emails about the work I want to do but even if someone wants to promote bridal dresses on your blog about computers . . no one likes being ignored!
I’ve also found this has helped me in the past, PR companies in particular will be very appreciative of your honesty and are more likely to then put you on the list for future projects which might be something you actually really want to do!
Never Be Rude To A PR
Even if you haven’t been paid for 3 months and there’s still no sign of something happening (can you tell I’m talking from experience) don’t take it out on the PR. Chances are they’re working their ass off to get you that payment and are avoiding your emails through sheer embarrassment. Remember they’re just the middle people who have the awful job of delivering the news that the campaign you’ve been working on has suddenly been dropped or your payment will be another week late.
Let them know when you’re done
This is something I’m guilty of not always doing but remember to tell the company/PR when you’ve posted. Be it instagram, twitter, blog or even snapchat . . they can’t monitor all of the channels all of the time and they will be super grateful for the heads up! Hey, it may even get you a cheeky re post!
Stick To Your Word
Always stick to your word. Sticking to your word and following through with your promises is so important. Even if you just post a snapchat about that top you got for free, make sure you do something if you said you were going to. I know right now you really can’t be bothered and its dark outside and you’ll have to put make up on and do you know what? you don’t even like the damn top that much anymore. Well suck it up sister because if you don’t post then guess who they won’t be calling when they do have a budget? yep, you!
Keep To deadlines
If you’re too busy, don’t accept the work/freebies. I generally try to post any collaborations within 2 weeks and if for some reason that won’t be possible I let the brand know before I accept the project. Accepting a product then sitting on it for weeks is barely better than not posting at all. Usually the project is to push a certain item or style which makes it time precious.
don’t get caught in the “freebie” trap
So I kind of touched on this before, don’t get caught in the freebie trap. We all love a freebie and of course it’s a huge perk of being in blogging. We’ve all been there when the offers start rolling in and you say yes to everything because “you want to send it to me?! FOR FREE?!” but seriously guys . . to build your reputation you have to actually post that stuff. So it’s not really free at all. I’m ashamed to say I’ve definitely been sat in a pile of freebies staring at a pair of suede, foam platform sandals and thinking “what have I done” . . learn from my mistakes!
Never post content that isn’t relevant
This is more for when it comes to collaborations and paid content. When people start to offer you money it’s even more flattering than the freebies . . believe me. If you can make it relevant to your blog and fit it in naturally with your content then go for it! But don’t accept posts that won’t fit because at the end of the day, your readers are what make or break you and if they think your a sell out they won’t be hanging around long!
I hope you guys enjoyed my new blogging tips post!!! I’ve got a few more ideas and I’m thinking of doing some updated versions of my older posts as I feel like I have more info on the subjects! Let me know if there is anything you want to know or that I can help with and in the mean time I’ve linked below some of my most popular blogging tip posts below!
5 ways to build your following on Bloglovin
How to use social media to build your blogs following
Building relationships between brands and bloggers
5 Steps to a killer blog title
And remember, be a good blogger!
Great tips Sinead, especially the good email behaviour!! Judith x
Author
Seriously! Some people are so rude! You don’t have to be formal but I would never be rude even if I want to be I just wait a few hours and take some deep breaths!
Babe – you kill it with everything you post! *sigh* xx
Author
no way! babe you are literally making my life right now! Constantly feel like an imposter!
Always so useful Thank you??
Author
Glad you liked it my love!
Such a helpful post: I’m starting to get more and more PR emails and I have to admit that it can be hard sometimes to know how to answer them well and how to stay true to my blog, hence why this is so useful!
http://fannyanddailybeauty.com
Author
Yes definitely hun! I’m glad you liked it! I am thinking of doing a Q&A blog post for blogging tips as I know people always ask me questions and think it might be helpful!
Author
Oh I’m so glad you found it helpful hun!
Really insightful! I’ve been blogging since the beginning of January, so everything’s a bit new for me. It’s interesting to see what it takes to be a good blogger x
Author
These are just my tips but I feel like they have helped me to build relationships with PR’s ! I wish you all the luck in the world for your blog lovely!
Love the advice, will definitely take it into consideration!
xx,
Daeyz
Author
I’m glad I could be of assistance!
This is fab – so helpful! Last year, when I first started getting sent free stuff, I got so much free stuff because I just said yes to everything that it took me 9 months to go through it all and get the reviews posted. This year I’m much more aware of my time and PR’s time, so only say yes if I can get something published within 2 weeks, and if I really like the product/want to work with the company. Same for paid content, I used to say yes to everything because money, now I’m much more selective. Your readers are, as you say, what make or break you, so put them first! x http://www.aimeeraindropwrites.co.uk x
Author
oh my gosh this sounds like hell! I really feel for you! Yes totally all about the readers and what you actually love! Good luck for the new year hun!
Great advice, going to brush up by reading your other posts?
Author
Ah thanks so much hun! I hope it’s helpful! Let me know if you have any questions!
Love these tips! They are so true and not like the common ones, thank you! <3 Would definitely love to hear more of blogging time management, engaging with your followers and writing cooperation mails! Keep going, I really like your content, photographs and blog design! Would love if you stopped by my page.
Have a beautiful day!
Love,
Fa
Personal Style Blog FATIMAYARIE.COM
Author
Thanks so much beautiful! I’m glad you liked it and I do always try to stray from the standard tips that do the rounds in the blogging world!
I totally get the freebie trap. I’m currently looking at something at the moment and at the time I thought I had a super plug to it, and now I can’t even remember it so I’m like “ermmm…. what now?” – haha!
Bee | QueenBeady.com
Author
hahahah it’s something we’ve all done! I’ve done an insta ad for Dominos before and now I’m like WHO AM I!?
These are great tips! But first, I have to get those PR to be interested in contacting me lol. Thank you though, I’ve learned something new today.
http://thewallflowersecrets.com
Author
It will all come hun! Just keep at it!
Wonderful and so helpful tips! Just to the point. I always try to reply in every email, even those i am going to reject their offer.
Author
Yes I agree! It always pays to be polite because who knows, you might like their next offer which they will give you because you were so polite and replied to them last time!
I have been so bad at checking my emails recently because uni has been soo busy and I prioritise that. I need to work on my time managementso I can do both.
Lauren x http://www.huggled.co.uk/
Author
Yes you do but remember that Uni should always come first!
I’m bad for ignoring emails when I feel like they are being pushy over making me take an follow/no declaration post…. think I need to take your approach and reply nicely. Really love your tips! Will make sure to keep your blog tabbed now in my reading list 🙂
Erin || MakeErinOver
Author
Oh yes I never do follow posts for people and you should never let people push you around after all this is your space to do what you want!
x
I loved this post girl… love the way you write 🙂 and the freebie trap..haha I think we all been there
xx Lisa
lisaautumn.com
Author
Ah thanks so so much hun this means the world to me! I hope you will keep coming back!
To be honest I receive a good 15 emails a day and after work I really don’t want to spend my time replying to spam however any email that’s addressed to me gets a proper reply (whether yay or nay) though I definitely want to get better at keeping my inbox clear. I do find it a bit stressful being chased for a reply to an email only sent the day before or ‘where’s the post on this?’ after like a week though :/ personally, I take at least 2 weeks to trial a product (bearing in mind I will probably be testing other products and that takes longer for stuff like skincare and hair care) and a couple of weeks to schedule it in and produce the content, though I do clearly state that on my blog. I agree about always letting people know when a post is up! I keep a record of all posts with PR samples and always email a link if they’ve approached me (even if I didn’t like the product, I’ll let them know why) or tag them on social media if its unexpected because it must be really hard to keep up with all the content going out on a client
Jasmine xx
Jasmine Talks Beauty
Author
Oh yes definitely beauty blogging is a whole other ball game you have to truly test the product before posting! And i cant beehive you work full time and do your blog – I think I’d be leaving the emails to the weekend if it was me!
Loved this post, I totally agree with all of these, especially being honest with PR’s and brands if you don’t want to work with them, it’s okay to politely decline. Although I am a little guilty of letting the emails pile up occasionally… xo
Love, Catherine
Author
We can’t always reply to all of them straight away! But at least you do eventually thats what matters hun!
Ohhh super top tips, thanks!
Gemma
http://www.fadedwindmills.com
Author
Glad you liked them hun! I hope you can put them to good use!
This actually is one of the best blogging tips post I’ve ever seen! It’s so important to be nice to PRs! SO SO important.
Love, Kerstin
http://www.missgetaway.com/
Author
I know right! Some people just don’t have any sense!
Great tips, Thank You! =)
Author
Glad you liked it hun!