Blogger Tips: 5 Ways to Get Noticed by Brands
One of the questions I get asked a lot is how to work with brands. Blogger tips on this topic can be hard to find, but they’re seriously important. Getting noticed by brands and building a working relationship with them takes a lot of time and energy. While there’s no right or wrong approach and I’m by no means an expert (I’m still learning about blogging + life every single day!), I wanted to share some “blogger tips” I’ve learned along the way, beginning with how to get noticed by brands.
What are collaborations?
Let’s start with the basics. Bloggers are constantly talking about collaborations or special projects they’re working on. Before I started blogging, I never knew exactly what that meant, but it’s really just a somewhat cryptic way of describing a partnership between two parties. The brand may offer the blogger free product or even payment, in exchange the blogger may promote or feature the product/brand.
Collaborations are really the bread and butter of many bloggers/social influencers, especially those that work on a full time basis. Securing consistent collaborations is key to their success and while sometimes a brand may reach out to you directly, often times you may need to do a little leg work in advance to get noticed by them.
Blogger Tips: 5 Ways to Get Noticed by Brands
Content is king.
Always. At the end of the day, your images and quality of work have to speak for you. While your media kit may be more of your resume, your social channels highlight your portfolio. If you’re mostly active on Instagram, it’s important to make sure your photos are of high quality, in line with a brand’s aesthetic (and yours!), and tells a cohesive story using your voice in the copy.
Be proactive.
Instead of waiting to get noticed, take the initiative and reach out to them! Think about your own inbox and the amount of emails you get a day – it can be SO overwhelming. Bigger brands especially receive countless messages a day and have people lining up to work with them. If you don’t reach out to them, they may never even realize you exist! Besides, who doesn’t love a self starter?! You might be scared to reach out – I know I was and that held me back – but once you do, what’s the worst thing that could happen? Maybe they say no, or they’ll more likely just ignore your message (again: overwhelmed in the digital age!). There’s nothing to lose in reaching out to a brand you love directly.
Do your homework.
When you do reach out to a brand, do your homework. You wouldn’t go into a job interview without knowing anything about the company you’re interviewing for, would you? Same thing with brands. A little knowledge goes a long way. You also want to target brands that you already love, or are a good fit for your audience and aesthetic. You never want to work with a brand that doesn’t fit your image – there’s no faster way to lose your credibility and the trust of your followers.
Be willing to do favors.
I’m a huge believer in giving more than you receive. It may be a the taboo thing to say, but I think you should be okay with doing things for free – especially for brands you really love and want to work with – because you never know what that might lead to. I totally get it – a girl’s gotta eat, and free shoes and clothes don’t pay rent. We’ll talk about payment in another post, but I really, really believe that sometimes you have to be okay with doing things for free. Of course, there’s always the chance that a brand will take advantage of you, but you live and you learn, and you move on. I’m not saying you should do everything for free – it’s up to your judgment when to do so.
Be persistent.
Okay, so maybe don’t send them an email every single day. You know that annoying guy that won’t stop texting you? Don’t be that! Unless it works for you? In all seriousness, when it comes to qualities I admire, a little persistence isn’t such a bad thing. If you want to get noticed by a brand, it might take more than 1, 2, or even 10 tries. If you’re absolutely hellbent on collaborating with someone, it’ll be worth the wait. Be patient and be persistent. I featured one brand on my Instagram consistently for over a year before they reached out. They were so appreciative and grateful for my continued support and loyalty, and now we have a working relationship!
Show brands that you know and love them. Follow and engage with their social media accounts. Give them a tag or a shout out in your social feeds – if they like what they see, they may even reach out! As with any relationship, good ones take time and hard work. Be patient and let them grow organically.
By the way – how cute is this dress from Tularosa?!
I’m jumping the gun a bit, but I can’t help it – the arrival of spring and summer collections makes me so excited for warmer weather! I pretty much want everything from Tularosa right now!! I always like to keep a light layer with me to throw on when the temperatures dip at night, so this suede moto is a perfect lightweight option to keep on you when you’re on the go. It’s also on sale : ).
I hope this was helpful! I know when I started blogging, I struggled to find good blogger tips or resources to show me the way. With that said, I would LOVE to hear how you secured your first brand collaborations, and if you have any other blogger tips or advice for getting noticed by brands.
xx, Amy
dress: tularosa | jacket: lovers + friends
Great tips! Love that dress so chic!
http://bellemelange.net/
Yesss girl! All these tips are so great and useful for getting noticed by brands! Love the outfit by the way! Those star prints on that dress are so cute and so perfect for spring! Hope you’re having an amazing day girlie <3
XO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/color-blocking-at-nyfw/
I love, love, love, love this post! When I first started blogging, I always wondered how the big blogs out there got people to post adds on their blog, or send them things for free. Over time, I grew a little– enough for brands to notice me and want to work with me. However, I still have quite a long way to go, especially when it comes to things like media kits, or reaching out to brands myself. So to hear that it isn’t crazy, that I can do it– that brands won’t burn me at the stake if I emailed them persistently to collab with them– is strangely reassuring. And that dress goes so well with your skin tone! I love the gold star detail on it!
https://cynicalduchess.blogspot.com
I’m so glad this post resonated with you. Thank you so much for the kind words, and keep up the great work! xx
You’re so so right about content being king. People think that all you have to do is start a blog for free stuff but that’s just not how it works!
xx, Pia
http://gymbagsandjetlags.com
Not at all! It takes a tons of effort and hard work : ). xx
These tips are so great! Thanks for sharing! Also I’m loving your outfit…that dress is so cute!
http://roadesque.com
http://ourruins.com
Great tips babe!
Def something everyone needs to know 🙂
I love reading about all these tips, as I also get the same struggle of trying to secure brand partnerships sometimes. I am now growing and learning a bit more every day, and I definitely know that being consistent helps a lot. xo
Sabina | I’ve Got Sunshine
SO TRUE! Being consistent is key! xx
I agree with you 100% Amy. Keep plugging away 🙂
xx
Lauren
http://www.shoesandsashimi.com
Thanks Lauren : ) xx
Great post, with such useful tips, I love your blog, love your stunning outfit as well. Thank you for sharing, you look gorgeous, cannot wait for the next interesting post!!!
xxx
http://www.bridesonamission.com
http://www.noragouma.com
Loving this post babe! I’m still learning about all of this blogging business everyday and it is definitely a complex business to get a handle on. I really think that you live and learn but it’s nice when bloggers can share their own personal experience. Your post has shown me that I am headed in the right direction and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store!
xoxo Rina
http://www.andshedressed.com
Totally, everyone’s experience is a little different, and I have so much more to learn as well! It’s nice to share and know other people can relate. Hope you had a wonderful weekend! xx
Love this post. It’s always nice to see the behind-the-scenes of what actually goes into working with brands.
Totally!! Happy to do another post as well with more info if you’re interested : ) xx
That dress is adorable and love the boots too! Thank you for the tips, I’m still learning about the best approach for collaborations. I feel like some brands definitely take advantage because they demand a lot of you and don’t pay, so I’ve started saying no to those types of collaborations.
xx
That’s a great approach! I always go with what feels best – at the end of the day, you want to be working with brands you personally love and want to work with! xx
I love your article. I am sure many bloggers who are starting just now will find it very helpful. It is very nice of you that you shared all your tips and tricks.
And that dress and leather jacket look stunning on you.
Have a great weekend, Amy!
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Thank you Miri!! Hope you have a great weekend as well : ) xx
You look so beautiful n flawless babe, I love ur dress but that jacket is beyond beautiful…Its wow…!! xoxo, Neha
http://www.theinstylejournal.com/
Thank you so much Neha!! xx
Such great tips, I think it’s so nice when bloggers can be transparent about these things and share them with others. Loving your look here – that dress is so cute – I wouldn’t be able to wait to Spring to wear it either. Gorgeous as always!
Annessa
http://www.seekingsunshine.com
Thanks Annessa! I totally agree – it is so nice when people are transparent and honest! If you ever have any other questions I’m happy to do another post or chat via email! xx
So pretty and so cute! 🙂
x
Kat | Nested Thoughts
hi Amy! I am new to your blog, but absolutely love this post. It is really helpful and I kept nodding all along. By the way, that dress is so beautiful, I love the look <3
Naya // http://www.partyparrotblog.com
Hi Naya!! Welcome! So happy you stopped by – I’m soo happy you loved the post! Really glad it resonated with you 🙂 xx
I’m a new bee so this was a great read – thank you for sharing! Will definitely keep this info and you in mind. Loving Tularosa!!
Thank you, Heather!! Thanks for reading! xx
I love your tips and totally agree with you.Also, your outfit is so cool, that bag and the boots are on my wish list 🙂
Ivona from http://www.thesmokedetector.net
xoxo
Thank you for this advice. This is helpful information that is very much needed. Great outfit as well!
-Racquel
http://www.purposely-you.com
I can’t agree more. Thank you for sharing this Amy! I think in this industry most people feel like they have to guard their information so I commend you for sharing!! One of the things I’ve learned over time is that if you really like a brand, spend some money purchasing their products. Nothing shows loyalty and admiration like actually investing money in their products. Most of my collaborations actually came about this way, and not so much the cold pitching.
Of course I hope one day my “cold pitchings” become more fruitful, but until then.. I will keep hustling!
Jessica || Cubicle Chic
Agree 100%! Buying and consistently showcasing certain brands and labels has led me to partnerships and recognition by those brands. Being a true and loyal customer can really pay off! I think of cold pitchings like dropping your resume at a company – unless you have a tie to them, it’s so easy for your resume and information to get lost in the mix and hard for it to stand out! Keep hustling babe ; ) xx
This is such a wonderful blog post love! I admire you for putting this information out there and the tips couldn’t be more perfect! I hope you have the best time in Mexico City!! Love you girl! xx
http://www.thecharmingolive.com
🙂
Looove you! Thanks for stopping by!! xx
Great tips Amy. And you look amazing as always x
♥Kumari
http://stylesociety.co.za
Thank you for these tips!! I absolutely love Tularosa and it is actually one of the brands I’m currently trying to set up a collaboration! As you know, I’m obsessed with your bag!! Hope you are having the best weekend! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
Thanks so much Susanne!! Good luck with your collaboration goals babe! xx
These tips are so on point for getting noticed by brands! Also, I am loving this dress on you, those stars are so cute!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Thank you babe! If you have any additional tips or thoughts I would love to hear them! xx
This is such a great post! I completely agree. Reaching out is such an important part of creating strong collaborations and to get noticed. I would say that creating a good media kit is really important as well. I try to create different ones tailored to different brands that I pitch to.
Dora
http://www.adropofindigo.com/
That is such a great tip Dora!! A little extra work goes a long way! Will definitely be trying that as well. Thanks for sharing!! xx
Finally, somebody had written about this 🙂 Agree with the tips, being proactive is the key. This starry dress looks really nice on you, it has matched well with the jacket and those boots.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Thanks so much for the kind words babe 🙂 xx
These are such great tips, thank you for sharing! I’ve always been passive and just waited for brands to reach out to me, but like you said, what’s the worst that can happen if I take the initiative? I think it’ll be a great 2017 goal to have – try and reach out to a few of my favorite brands and see what happens from there 😀
Jenny // Geeky Posh
Hi Jenny! Thanks for reading! I don’t think there is anything wrong in being passive – but I do think that if there’s a collaboration you are really interested in, it doesn’t hurt to take the first step 😉 good luck on all of your goals in 2017!! xx
Thanks for the informative post. I love the dress! And pairing with that jacket is great.
for vanity’s sake
Girl I totally agree! I find so many of the young starters can have a sense of entitlement before they have even established themselves and refuse to do any favours. I truly believe that some of the time it’s ok as well, it’s a show of good will and building partnerships. Love this post hun, it’s honest and real xx
http://sydney-styleblogger.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/a-day-to-celebrate-love.html
Totally agree! Consistency and hard work are key. Good things take time!! 😉 xx
Thank you so much for these amazing tips girl, it is sometimes so hard to get noticed. your outfit is amazing!
Camila,
My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com
It’s so hard! I am still learning so much and have a long way to go. I’d love to hear more about your experience! xx
I’m absolutely loving this post! Very insightful on blogging collaborations, and yes I believe it’s a small steps to reach a big goal kinda deal. And I love this dress on you! Super chic and classy :). xo~ Lena
http://www.thewanderliste.com
So glad you enjoyed the post babe!! xx
Thank you for the tips! I have gotten to the point where I have done so many sponsors for free in the last 2-3 years of blogging that I’m starting to feel like I just work for free all the time. I have done a few paid sponsorships with brands I really love but it only happens once every few months. Any tips for when they email you back with the excuse of “we don’t have the budget at this time to do a paid sponsorship”? I seem to get that a lot even when I really really like the brand!
With love,
Brianna
http://www.globalfashiongal.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/briannadeg
Hi Brianna! Thanks so much for reading. I totally understand your frustration. I think it really varies on a case by case basis – when I get that response from a brand you can either politely thank them for their time and ask to be considered for future opportunities or try to explain the value you are bringing to them in a collaboration! I’m definitely not an expert in this but if you have more questions I can totally write another post! Or feel free to email me anytime 🙂 [email protected] xx
OMG! i just realized I totally posted my comment meant for this post on your last post *eyerolls* sorry girl!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Haha it happens a lot! I should look into changing my comment form. xx
good….!!
Such a cute dress, I love the tips! I strongly believe in working with only brands you truly love. Sometimes you’re trying to figure that out the first time you collaborate with them, if you’ve never heard of them before, but again, learning lesson if you find you don’t love their apparel in person as much as when you saw them online, right? 🙂 Great tips. Thanks for sharing!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Wow good tips and recommendations! You look so pretty with this outfit dear! The dress is stunning!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: RUFFLE TOP AND VELVET LOAFERS
Great tips and I totally agree! I doesn’t hurt to reach out to brand yourself! Also, love this look! Your style is SO rad!
Happy Monday, babe!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Great tips! Thanks for sharing! Love your dress!
http://chicglamstyle.com
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