Brands and Bloggers: Starting the Conversation

October 12, 2009 By 2 Comments

This new world of social media, of virtual interaction, of brands and bloggers working together – it all feels a bit like the Wild, Wild West to me.

How should we engage with each other?

How and why do brands decide to work with a particular blogger?

How and why do bloggers decide to work with a particular brand?

How much do we disclose?

Do we get paid?  Should we get paid?

This is a topic you have probably been hearing about a lot.  (Like at TypeAMom’s Town Hall) (click for a replay)

For me, it is simple.

It starts with a conversation. It must be organic.

I have to like the product.  For real. And you have to like me.  (or think I am the right fit for you)

You have to know that I have two small people – so teenage clothing, teen tech toys, middle school reading material – it doesn’t apply.  You have to be ok with my voice – with the ‘me’ that I share online on my blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, on MomTV.  I use video quite a bit, if you prefer the written word, I might not be your girl.

Brand Relationship

One brand I have been working with quite a bit lately is E.L.F Cosmetics.  I’ve done a giveaway for them, I worked with them on my Snazl Stories and I did a Make Up At Home Party….so I did videos and blog posts.

I wasn’t paid to do any of it.  I did receive the large make up kit when I gave it away (so I would know what I was talking about) and for the MUAH party – all of the makeup was provided for everyone to try.  My friends made out like bandits.

I like E.L.F Cosmetics.  They make me feel good and fit my budget. And I had used them before I was approached for the party or giveaway.

For E.L.F’s part – I imagine they know that I like them.  Clearly they wouldn’t want someone to pretend, right? So, in me, they have someone who believes in their products, in their philosophy (that beauty comes from within) and isn’t afraid to tell the truth (I like the Mineral line more than the original line)

I know that E.L.F doesn’t have a traditional marketing budget, so they rely on word-of-mouth.  They rely on people like me to share our honest opinions.

That said, if E.L.F does ever have a marketing budget in place, I would love to work with them on a more detailed level.

Because I like the products. Because I am one of their consumers. Because I am honest.

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  • http://kweenmama.wordpress.com kweenmama

    I had never heard of E.L.F. products until I read about them on your blog. And then, out of the blue, my daughter mentions that she wants to try E.L.F. cosmetics. I think we’ll be giving them a try.

    As far as my blog goes…I just use it to promote family. I guess you could say FAMILY is my brand. I am happy with that simple brand. :-)

  • http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com/home/ Sarah Mae

    I think that working with brands on something integrated (like what you did) should hands down be paid for. They do have a marketing budget, if they didn’t, they wouldn’t have that modeling contest going on.

    Not to say they don’t appreciate you, and you sincerely like them, so there is something to be said about that.

    However, your time is valuable, and this biblical principle applies:

    “for the laborer is worthy of his wages.” Luke 10:7

    (Hear that E.L.F. – pay the lady! She’s golden!) :)