This article was originally published on Business 2 Community on October 22, 2014.
One day I was having a conversation with a musician that expressed ill feelings toward a popular music blogger who had ignored his request to help him promote his music.
I asked the musician three questions, all of which he responded in the negative.
“Have you ever reached out to the blogger before asking for his help?” No.
“Do you promote the blogger’s stuff on your social media sites?” No.
“Do you visit the blogger’s site and leave comments?” No.
Well, how can this musician be upset with this blogger for not responding to his request for help when he has made no attempt whatsoever to build a relationship?
The actions of this musician are examples of how not to ask bloggers for help.Following are ten smart strategies to build relationships with bloggers.
Strategies to Build Relationships with Bloggers
1. Send an introduction email
This is the most intimate way to connect with bloggers because the message is going directly to the person. Let them know how their site, a specific post, their words or actions have impacted you.
Sample email:
Dear Blogger:
I have been following your site since 2013 and appreciate your tips on how to get clients for my business. I have gained 10 new clients following your advice. Thank you for helping me to grow my business.
Sincerely,
Jack Jones
If the blogger doesn’t respond, continue to send emails until you get a response. Do not stalk the blogger! You are not being ignored (all the time). Bloggers are busy and messages go to spam and cluttered inboxes.
2. Comment on their blogs
In addition to showing that you read their blogs, comments allow you to become an engaged member of their online community. Even if bloggers do not respond to your comments, they see you.
Do not comment for the sake of commenting; add value. If you don’t have anything to add, share their content on your social media sites.
3. Promote them and their blogs
Share it. Tweet it. Pin it. Post it. Speak it. These are some of the ways you can promote bloggers, their sites and content. This is an indirect – but effective – way to build a relationship.
4. Connect on social media
If the blogger has not made an attempt to reach you after a few weeks of promoting their blogs posts, initiate a conversation. They will eventually respond.
5. Write a guest post
The benefits of guest posting are twofold: you establish a relationship with the blogger while sharing your expertise with their audience. Sometimes bloggers accept posts from people they don’t know, however, your chances of acceptance increase if you have a relationship and a good blog post topic.
6. Interview them
If you have a blog, podcast or other platform with an audience, interview the blogger and promote it everywhere. In addition to sharing it on your platforms, find relevant sites to post it on.
For example, if the musician were to interview the blogger, he could post it on other music blogs; email it to people on his list; and forward it to other musicians.
7. Introduce yourself at events
If you know that the blogger is going to be at an event you’re attending, introduce yourself. You can attempt to schedule the meeting prior to the event or find him or her at the event. Be sure to share how you have been impacted by his or site. This is an introductory meeting where the blogger is the focus of the conversation.
8. Schedule a meeting
If you and the blogger live in close proximity, schedule an in-person meeting, maybe lunch or coffee. If distance is a challenge, plan a phone conference or video call.
9. Pay for their programs, products and services
Many bloggers create and sell products, services and programs. If you know that you can benefit from their knowledge, invest in it and then promote it.
10. Be persistent and patient
Bloggers are busy people. Many have families, jobs and other commitments outside of their blogs. If they don’t get back to you, keep trying.
When I started writing my book, 62 Blog Posts to Overcome Blogger’s Block, I wanted to include the expertise of other bloggers, including pro blogger Darren Rowse. I sent several emails requesting permission to use his site in my book; I also reached out on Twitter. After about three weeks of constant attempts, I finally got his attention on Twitter and he said yes.
You have to be persistent and patient.
These are just 10 smart strategies you can employ to build relationships with bloggers. What are some other ways this can be done?