It’s great when companies approach you with offers of paid partnerships. Unfortunately, this may not happen often, especially when you’re just starting out. That doesn’t mean that collaborating with brands isn’t an option for you. It simply means that you may need to be more proactive in your approach. Taking initiative can actually be seen as a good thing by companies. It shows you’re serious about your blog as a business and also demonstrates a genuine interest in their brand. Let’s look at some ways to approach potential blog sponsors and increase your chances of securing a deal.
Look for Fit
The first thing you’ll want to do is to be sure you only look to work with sponsors that are a good fit for your blog. You’ll want to consider the company’s reputation and how relevant it is to your content. Targeting businesses that tie in well with your blog increases the chance that they would be interested in working together and that the sponsorship fits seamlessly into your blog. You don’t want to partner with a brand that causes your audience to question the connection or, worse, your motivations.
Define the Terms
You want to be specific with what you are able to offer in exchange for payment. Doing so demonstrates your professionalism and eliminates misunderstandings that can occur down the line. Lay out what is included in your offer at each price point. Such specifics as the cost for one blog post of 500 words or whether social media amplification will be offered should be included in your proposal.
Sell Yourself
Sometimes bloggers fail to adequately explain the benefits sponsors can gain through working with them. It can be difficult to talk about the value you offer, especially when you’re new. Highlighting your skills can seem like bragging. In this case, bragging a little is actually appropriate. You need to sell yourself and your blog if you want to convince companies it’s worth investing in you. Don’t be afraid to tell them about your experience within your niche, to discuss the highly engaged community you’ve built or ways in which your writing talents can promote them effectively.
Be Open
It’s wise to communicate to potential sponsors your willingness to hear their ideas, as well. Be sure to take time to share your own thoughts so they are aware you don’t expect them to do all the work, but include an openness to collaboration within your message. Invite your contact to share their vision for working with you. Let them know you are open to understanding and meeting their expectations. Working together in such a way is essential to making sure all parties are satisfied. This includes your audience, as well. You don’t want to put in all this effort only to discover your readers are turned off by some element of the sponsorship. There’s no substitute for clear and open communication.
Follow these tips approaching potential blog sponsors, and you’ll be well on your way to scoring successful collaborations. Brands appreciate being approached with professionalism and clear-cut communication. Chances are good that you’ll be creating partnerships that can prove to be beneficial well into the future.
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