Over time my blog has not only become a place where I share parenting stories and information, but it’s also a place where I am able to share product/service information with readers, offer ad space and make a small revenue.

In the beginning of my blogging I was over the moon the first time a PR person contacted me with an offer – to share their information for some small trade off. There were things I said yes to 2.5 years ago that I likely wouldn’t now.

Mostly because I have learned that promoted/sponsored posts take a lot of time to write and share, and because I value the space on my blog I want to make sure whatever I am sharing is something I am comfortable with.

Sure, I have received some bizarre pitches that made it clear they hadn’t read my blog but mostly I have been approached by some very wonderful people.

I am still learning but here are some tips for both bloggers and PR representatives to try to make these relationships a bit easier (and many of these tips I learn from my own mistakes and successes!)

What Should Bloggers Do?

1) Be polite and professional. If you are expecting to work with PR people, then you are treating your blog like a professional blog. Act like it. In most cases replies should be courteous and respectful no matter if you are answering ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to their request. Who knows when a better opportunity may arise – you want them to think about you.

2) Be honest. If it’s not the right fit, that’s ok. Say no when appropriate and if possible offer an explanation why.  This will help avoid future requests that again don’t fit.

3) If you do say yes, follow through. By agreeing to work with the PR firm on a certain campaign, you want to deliver what’s been agreed upon in a professional way.  Be honest with timelines and if something changes, let them know.  However, saying yes and following through doesn’t mean you have to adjust your opinion or report something that you don’t believe in.

4) See number 2 again. Be honest. If you agree to review a product or write about it and end up simply not liking it or you feel uncomfortable promoting it, then you decide how to approach this. Do you want to skip the post but let the PR Firm know your feedback? Proceed with the post and add all honest response? That’s up to you. Be sure to let the PR rep know that you will be writing the post in your own words.  At the same time, ensure you have a disclosure note on your post for your readers.

What do I hope PR companies are doing when they contact me or when we work together?

1)Research: Sending me an email about your store in Baltimore about dogs doesn’t necessarily hit the market I’ve been writing to. Sending me an email without my name or mention that you’ve ever read my blog, also isn’t the best idea. Hint: Offering for me to try out the latest, gross chemical cleaner? Not even close to what I write about.

2)Appropriate Follow up: I have no problem getting a follow up email asking if I’ve received the first, or if I have any questions because frankly, I’m human and things slip my mind. But sometimes my polite ‘this isn’t the best fit’ is an honest response, and I’m not looking for more information on how to make it fit.

3)Offer value (money talks): I only work with companies that I am comfortable supporting or writing about. Sometimes I do it because it’s a local business and I like helping to spread the word, or it’s something my readers may really enjoy. But if you are looking for brand ambassadors, paying them is smart business. I don’t mind writing about things I love for free (and often do) but I am selective when I do so.  It makes more sense to commit – with full discloser that there is payment – to a formal business partnership.

And PR firms, there are benefits for you. When you pay someone, there is a greater sense of accountability – not that they have to write what you want them to write, but that they will deliver consistent, reliable work. Plus, it shows respect for the work they put in. Writing posts and marketing them (for you) takes time.

4)Don’t send me my words: So you’ve written out a post that you think my readers will love. No thanks. If I decide to share your product/service information on my blog, everything I write will be in my own words – and this especially applies when I am being compensated. You can’t buy my word space. I have ads for that.

I often see discussion online that bloggers are frustrated with PR reps, or terrible pitches, but honestly I have worked with some very polite, professional people. And I make my own mistakes. I’m learning to be better with follow up, to ask better questions and deliver more professionally myself.

Hopefully these few tips will help both sides. There is potential for great relationships between bloggers and PR reps and it starts with respect and honesty.

Are you a blogger that works with PR? Do you think these tips are helpful?