I absolutely love working with brands on my blog; it’s something that I never thought I’d see happen for me but alas, after years of hard work, it did and now it’s one of my favourite aspects of blogging! Of course it doesn’t come without it’s stresses, like invoices not being paid on time, rude PR people and products which don’t quite live up to expectations but on the whole, I’ve had a hugely positive experience working with brands on product reviews and sponsored content over the last few years. So today I want to talk about how to work with brands and utilize those professional relationships.
Photo by Katie Harp on Unsplash
I also love doing what I can to help other bloggers on their journey to working with brands and I totally don’t understand bloggers who are really secretive about how and where they find their sponsored work. There’s enough to go around, blogging is becoming one of the leading and most popular forms of marketing and advertising and bloggers are being trusted more and more with sponsored content and brand work. So let’s work together on bigger and better brand and blogger partnerships which are mutually beneficial!
Related: Working With Brands As a New Blogger – Things To Watch Out For
Whilst brand work is fab, what I’ve been learning and practicing over the year is how to fully utilize that work to benefit me and the brand in the future. I think we know all to well the high of getting a fab sponsored post and then absolutely nothing for another month; just when things felt like they were picking up, we’re right back to where we started. Although sometimes, admittedly, this hasn’t got anything to do with us as individuals. Some periods of the year are generally just quieter for a lot of bloggers.
Related: 8 Ways To Make Money Blogging and Online
But today I wanted to share some ways of how to work with brands and how to utilize that sponsored work which will hopefully help you keep the jig up all year round, rather than for a week every now and again. Sponsored content doesn’t come easy and it certainly doesn’t come without a butt ton of hard work!
How to work with brands and utilize professional relationships:
Build a good relationship with PR’s
PR’s are usually the main source when it comes to sponsored content so if you can, building a good relationship with PR people can be super helpful! There are a few PR women I work with on a regular basis who I’ve built up such a good relationship with, they just drop me an Twitter DM to see if I fancy working on something. Of course this is rare and it’s always worth being professional from the get go but it’s just an example of how building up a good relationship with PR’s can help you SO much with how to work with brands.
End on a good note
Once a sponsored post / product review is done and dusted, it’s good to end on a good note and leave them with a good, lasting impression of you. Ask them to keep you in mind for any future collaborations which might suit your blog – they may even come back straight away and say they have one! Which has happened to me before and is a great feeling. This is just another element of professionalism.
Keep their email & email them if things are quiet
Sometimes when things are a bit on the slow side, I’ll drop some PR’s I’ve worked with in the past on successful collaborations an email and ask if there’s anything in the pipeline that I might be suitable for. More often than not, when I do this, I’ll get one or two pieces of work. The worst they can say is no.
Don’t half-ass sponsored posts
Of course having a disclosure on sponsored content is the law. But your sponsored content should be so similar to your “regular” content, that if that disclosure wasn’t there, it’d be hard to tell the post was sponsored. Always give your sponsored content as much love and attention as you would a regular blog post. It will not go unnoticed by brands and PR’s… trust me!
Share them as you would a normal post
I’ve certainly felt like sometimes, sponsored posts don’t get promoted or shared as much as “normal” posts on some blogs. But you’ve worked hard on the post (as stated above) and you should be proud of it and want to share it just as much as a “normal” post. Again, PR’s will see that you’re efficient in sharing your sponsored content and be more inclined to come back to you again.
Consider branching out
I’m sure you would have heard bloggers moan about other bloggers taking on sponsored content which doesn’t fit their blog in any way, shape or form. And yes, fair enough, if you’re a beauty blogger and suddenly start talking about oil rigs, some eyebrows might get raised. But if you’re a lifestyle blogger, like me, who talks about almost anything on their blog, it’s definitely worth keeping your eyes peels for collaborations about a topic you maybe haven’t spoken about before. If it’s something you’re interested in and can adapt well into a post then go for it!
Apply, apply, apply
Continuing on from the point above, if you see an opportunity that you think you might like – just apply for it. If you’re not sure, ask for more information. If they want someone with a following just slightly higher than yours, ask anyway. Apply for as many opportunities as you’re interested in! A great tip for how to work with brands is to just GO FOR IT. Be confident in your own abilities!
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This is really helpful! Thanks for sharing Jenny, ice been slowly working with brands and PRs lately, and never thought to get in touch with ones I’ve worked with previously.
You’re welcome 🙂 Yeah absolutely!
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This has been extremely informative. Will definitely be bookmarking this post. Or pinning it! ❤️❤️❤️
Glad you found it helpful! 🙂 xx
Thanks for sharing this incredibly helpful post Jenny. I am still trying to build my blog and I have never done sponsored posts and have no idea where to start. Could you please suggest some places where I should apply? I know sounds silly but I have no idea how to or where to approach a brand or PR to work with. 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
Join Facebook blogger opportunities groups, join Get Blogged, check the #bloggerswanted hash tag and look around on Twitter! 🙂 xx
Good tips! I’ve a book blog and there doesn’t seem to be any market for sponsored posts there but it’s ok. I enjoy what I do anyway.
There really doesn’t, it’s a shame. I’ve had a couple of book / reading themed sponsored posts but they’re rare xxx
This is such a helpful post for both new and old bloggers, I love all the points you’ve made.. I think building good relationships with PR’s is so important too, I usually get most of my sponsored work that way! Great post as always Jenny 🙂 xx
Kate | http://www.katelovesx.co.uk
Thanks Kate 🙂 xxx
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Some really great tips! It’s helpful 🙂
Thank you 🙂 xx
Great points for all bloggers. I’m noticing I’m picking up more sponsored work.
http://littlemissmelanie.com
Thank you 🙂 Xx
Love your tips. Hope to collab with brands soon. Any tips on how to approach them?
I just find responding to any opportunities you see on social media is a good place to start xx
I love this advice! It’s so useful. I’m currently on break from uni so been looking for sponsored posts, didn’t think of getting in touch with PRs I’ve worked with before so will definitely do that now!! Thank you xx
Thank you! Glad you found it helpful and yes it’s always worth dropping them a email 🙂 xxx
I agree, the best thing to do if you want to keep sponsored content coming is to establish good relationships switch the PR reps and be professional
Absolutely 🙂 xx
This was such a useful post! I’m still trying to grow my blog at the moment so am nowhere near the point of working on brand collaborations but this post is bookmarked. I really love how much you help other bloggers with your advice based posts it’s so kind and such a useful tool for others
beesytimes.co.uk
Awh thanks so much, always happy to help where I can! 🙂 xx
Thanks for this very informative post, Jenny. I haven’t done any sponsored content because I don’t think I’m ready yet (I went self hosted just last month, so there’s no rush), but it’s definitely something I’d like to do in the foreseeable future. My question might be very basic, but how do you start exactly? Do you email companies? Which companies? How do you get the emails of the right people?
Sorry if these are silly questions 🙂
You can email companies if you like, what companies is up to you depending on who/what you want to put on your blog. I don’t really email companies though, all mine come from either them contacting me or responding to blogger opportunities on Twitter / Facebook. There’s some fab Facebook groups you can join where I’ve had a fair few from!
Oh so those do work huh. I’d love to know what Facebook groups to join 🙂
If you just search in the search bar they should come up, the ones I’m a part of are:
Blogger Assignments & Opportunities
Blogger Opportunities
Bloggertunity – Blogger Opportunities
Connecting Brands, Bloggers and Influencers: Sponsored Opportunities
Thanks, Jenny.
Thanks for this post! I’m just starting out with looking for brand collaborations and have been struggling with how to go about it! Think I might just start emailing haha 😂 x
It definitely doesn’t hurt to email cx
This is such an incredibly helpful post! I’ve recently asked to be considered for any future opportunities after working with a few PRs and it’s resulted in something else straight away so that really is such a useful tip! I’ve not thought to reach out to brands and prs I’ve worked with before to see it there are any new opportunities so I’ll definitely be doing that now. Thanks so much for sharing all of these helpful ideas xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Awh yay that’s great news! 🙂 xx
Those are some really helpful tips. I was never sure if I could be the one to write PRs when I had the time, I am glad to read that is an okay thing to do. I am sure to keep the other tips in mind as well and hope for the best. Xx
Absolutely 🙂 xxx
This post was definitely super helpful, thanks tips and tricks for sponsored posts, Jenny. I really appreciate how much you help out other bloggers like myself. I’d love to do a sponsored post some day.
You’re welcome 🙂 Always happy to help others! xxx
Regarding the not putting as much effort into sponsored posts – I will NEVER understand bloggers who do this! When I get a sponsored opportunity I make sure I plan the post just as much as I would any other and write about something that I am passionate about and think my readers will wanna see! Otherwise it ends up non-believable and just kind of forced which isn’t good. And it’s like you said – it puts you in good steed for future work with the same or even other brands as they can see you’ve put the effort in to create good content for them! I don’t think it’s any less important than a normal post. Working with brands can be bloody frustrating but its almost always worth it!
Alice Xx
http://www.blacktulipbeauty.co.uk
Oh absolutely I totally agree! No idea why people half ass these sort of posts and it’s always noticeable too! xxx
This was such a useful post! I’m fairly new to blogging so I haven’t had any experience with brands yet, but I can always tell when some bloggers half-ass sponsored posts. It’s not fair for the brand at the end of the day. Loved this!
Evie x | https://eviejayne.co.uk
It really isn’t, they’re paying for the work at the end of the day so you have to treat it as you would any normal “job” xxx
This is helpful advice, I’m not at a place where I want to work with brands as yet but if I ever get to that point I’ve got this bookmarked.
Olli – http://www.olliviette.com
Glad you found it helpful for the future! xxx
Jenny, you’re always so helpful! I totally get it though, I don’t know why some people are so hush hush about it. This was really interesting for me. As I’ve still been blogging less than a year it felt like I spent half of the post nodding away and the other half wanting to take notes. I totally agree about being professional with putting them together and sharing as you would any other post x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
I don’t know why other people are so hush hush it’s not a big secret is it 😂 xxx
Such a helpful post, thank you!! 🙂
You’re welcome xxx
I’m fairly new to blogging so definitely not thinking about anything like this yet! But a very helpful post for the future, a very interesting read 🙂
Sophie x
https://sophiesthoughts3.wordpress.com/
Thank you 🙂 xxx
Very helpful post! Do you usually reach out to PRs or do you wait for them to reach to you?
Bit of both. Some email me and others I’ve responded to on Twitter / Facebook groups or emailed myself xxx
I am still growing my blog but I think your tips are really useful and have bookmarked this for the future! I am currently working in marketing and if I am working with a particular person, I am always making sure I reply to all their emails on time so the company can be seen as an approachable brand!
Ellyn x | Life Of A Beauty Nerd
Approachable brands are the best! Nothing worse than feeling intimidated when emailing a brand xxx
Such a brilliant post, I found this really helpful, thank you! I completely agree with you about treating sponsored content the same as other posts xx
https://lifeofablindgirl.com
Thank you 🙂 Glad you found it helpful! xxx
Great advice on working with brands! It’s just lovely when bloggers help each other <3
Great advice on working with brands! It’s just lovely when bloggers support each other <3
You’re welcome 🙂 xx
This is super helpful Jenny! I’ve just started looking into working with brands this month and it’s all a bit daunting. It’s great that bloggers like you are so open with sharing experiences! Thanks for this 🙂
Alys
https://alysjournals.com
It certainly can be! It’ll get easier though I promise 🙂 xxx
This is such a useful post! I haven’t the most experience with brands, so it’s really useful to know the dos and don’ts! Great post & thanks a mill for sharing!
You’re welcome 🙂 Glad you found it helpful! xxx
This was extremely helpful! Thank you!!
You’re welcome 🙂 xx
Although I’ve been blogging for a while now, I’ve never worked with brands before on a sponsored post. I’m not really good at putting myself out there! This is a really helpful post for when I do branch out with my blog, so thank you! ☺
Ashleigh | ashleighwrites.co.uk
Putting yourself out there is really important, it can be a bit daunting at first for sure but it gets easier 🙂 xxx
These are such helpful tips! I want to go self hosted first, work on the way my blog looks before I present my work to any brands.
Sounds like a good plan 🙂 xxx
This is such a helpful post! I just recently started to work with brands and thankfully all of the collaborations were amazing. I try not to jump on every sponsored opportunity I get. Although I don’t get a lot of them I like to only accept the ones that fit well with my blog and that I’m willing to share with my readers. x
Antonia || Sweet Passions
So great to hear you’ve had some lovely collabs lately! xxx
You’re always so unbelievably helpful and I love it. I also agree that you should up your content when it comes to sponsored posts – I put as much effort into them as I possibly can!
Jas xx
Awh thank you! I do try to be anyway haha! And absolutely, I don’t know why you wouldn’t! 🙂 xxx
Great post! I’ve not stepped out into sponsored posts yet (bit scared tbh!) but it’s defintely something I’m workin towards. These tips were super comforting and motivational, thanks for sharing!
Absolturly no need to be scared! There’s some lovely PR’s out there xxx
these are good pointers, I am getting a small amount of sponsored posts and i never thought i ever would!
That’s brilliant! Well done 🙂 xx
This is such a fab post 🙂
Aside from PRs contacting me (which has happened twice) I wouldn’t know how to find opportunities. And I think starting as book blogger definitely has me at a disadvantage confidence-wise, even over 8 years in to it I struggle with the constant rejection so rarely reach out myself >.<
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
I started as a book blogger too so I was super late to the party because there are basically no sponsored opportunities for book bloggers xxx
you always have the best advice and are so sweet in sharing it with everyone!
Awh thank you! 🙂 xxx
This is a super helpful post! I’m currently in a conversation with a brand at the moment but I’m a little stuck on how to reply 😅 it’s the first time I’ve reached out to a brand, so it’s all very new to me – but very exciting!
Loved this post, as always 😊
How exciting! Just make sure you’re clear and concise about what you want, are polite and professional and question anything you’re not sure of 🙂 xxx
I’ve never pitched an idea to a brand before so I’m trying to get my idea clear in my own head 😅 even that’s proving a little difficult – but I’ll get there!xx
Really great advice there. I know I could do more to put myself out there but a lot of the time just don’t have the energy due to being constantly ill. x
Literally sometimes just replying to a few blogger requests tweets can be hugely beneficial xxx
This is such a great post Jenny with so much helpful advice! I love the suggestion of emailing PRs to enquire if there are any suitable opportunities in the pipeline. That’s really proactive and shows you are keen to work with them again. You are right, the worst they can say is no. This has encouraged me to reach out a bit more so thank you for the inspiration! 💖 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Awh you’re very welcome! Yeah I find that super useful and I’ve had a couple come back to me to say they have and they’ll drop me an email when the campaign is starting 🙂 xxx
Great blog helpful tips x
Thank you x
Thank you for the advice on how to deal with sponsored posts, I for one am glad you spoke about this because it is really hard to find information or people who what to talk about how they gained the opportunity. I think I’m going to start building the confidence to apply for things I’d like to be a part of, as you said the worst they can say is No.
Kate x
You’re more than welcome! I have another few posts which you might find helpful “sponsored posts, earning money and blogging as a business – tips and tricks” and “great resources for blogger outreach” where there’s a bunch of info on places to go to find these things 🙂 xxx
I will be taking a look at these as it can be so overwhelming and feel like a minefield x
I work so so hard on my sponsored content, I try so hard to put my best foot forward with all my content!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
That’s great to hear! I hate it when people half-ass sponsored content! xxx
July has been my busiest blogging month ever and my highest paid blogging month which I’m SO happy about as I never thought I’d earn anything from my blog! I think it’s great that so many bloggers can earn from their blogs now because why not x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
Same here, I’ve had my best month for page views and for income. July was good to a lot of people xxx
I completely agree with you Jenny! People are weirdly cagey about sponsored and gifting opportunities, even if they aren’t right for their own blogs. I’ve always appreciated your help in sharing the knowledge and passing on my details – it’s so kind and you are awesome for doing it! I actually love the opportunity sponsored posts give me to talk about things I wouldn’t normally. Having lots of variety on your blog shouldn’t be seen as a negative in my opinion. We, as a community, also need to stop looking down our noses at people taking sponsored opportunities – considering how much FREE content we make, a few paid-for ads is hardly unreasonable!
Beth x
Oh I totally agree with everything you’ve said, you’ve hit the nail on the head! I have NO idea why people are so negative about people making money through advertising other brands on their blog. If you worked in ADVERTISING that’s literally what you do every day haha! xxx
Jenny, you are one of the most helpful and supportive bloggers I’ve ever met. Can I just say a massive thank you for all the parenting and gardening opps you’ve tagged me in, I’m very grateful 🙂 This is such a brilliant post, you’re absolutely right about treating sponsored content properly both in terms of effort and promotion. And I’d never thought about emailing PRs I’ve worked with during quieter periods but I will now. Another great tip, thank you again xx
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
You’re so very welcome! I’ve found flagging all the PR’s I’ve worked with in my emails is a good way to keep them all in one place so I can go back to them if need be 🙂 and you’re very welcome, in regards to the blogging ops! Just because I can’t apply doesn’t mean others can’t and you’re one of the fabbiest Mum / gardening bloggers I know so obviously you’ll be first on my list 🙂 xxx