How to Pitch Brands Like a Boss

When I wrote this post on My Advice – How to Get What You REALLY Want over on my lifestyle blog, it received a huge response. Many loved it, were motivated by it, but had one big question.

How do you ask for what you really want? Especially in regards to pitching brands.

Well that’s a good question, because we all have fears of rejection. And getting over the hump and actually making the ask is a big step, so once you decide to do it, what do you say? I did a Periscope on this very subject this week, you can watch it here!

For bloggers that really want to work with brands, here’s what I recommend and what worked for me at mommy in SPORTS. Please keep in mind, there are a thousand ways to work with sponsors through blog groups, this is just a more direct way of getting what you want!

how to pitch brands like a boss!

1. Make a List of Brands You Can’t Live Without

   Seriously, what do you use all the time, who would love to partner with? For me its Vega protein, Nutribullet, some South Florida jewelry companies, you get the picture. Make the list so you can decide how you would work with them. (I learned this tip from blogging guru Katy Widrick, highly recommend her blog and courses!)

2. Write a Kick A*s Bio

   I encourage everyone to write a re-vamped bio so you can really sell yourself! What have you done recently, what were you in your former life? Have you been featured on another site? Won or nominated for an award? Everything matters, including your social media stats!

3. Craft Your Pitch

   What is it that you’d actually like to do if you partner with this company? A sponsored post? A review? Giveaway? Video? Know ahead of time what you’re capable of, and pitch it!

4. Confident Close

   The #1 mistake most people make is in the closing. They write things like, “if you think you might be interested, please let me know. Thanks for reading.” WHAT? Be confident and assertive! “Please let me know when we can make time to chat, I know that this partnership would be mutually beneficial to both of us. I can’t wait to work with xxxxx brand!”

5. Use Your Voice

   You know how on your blog you’re super witty, and everyone loves your writing? Well do that in your email to brands. This isn’t a job interview or a cover letter, so show your personality and give them a reason to want to work with you!

6. Find PR Contacts or Use Website Contact Form

   Yes, the contact forms have worked for me, numerous times! Mostly though I try to find a PR or Marketing contact. If all else fails use the power of Twitter! I recently was retweeted by Target, and Chris Bosh of the Miami HEAT. Twitter works ya’ll, but that’s for another day! (Here’s my Twitter advice!)

7. Title

   I actually had a question regarding how to title these pitch emails, and that’s a great question. I always do something fun like, “Let’s Work Together – mommy in SPORTS loves Vega!” or something cheeky. Again, you want them to open the email, so think teaser!

Still not sure exactly how to approach a brand? No worries, here’s a sample email:

Hi, my name is Carrie Bradshaw and I am former columnist turned stay at home mom, and blog at www.manolosmama.com. I have a loyal following of readers and reach around 10,000 UVM’s per month. Additionally, I’m very active on social media and love sharing products that makes mom’s lives easier with my fans! Shoes are my go to, but have had to trade in the high heels for flip flops, and have become addicted to kitchen products! One thing I’ve learned as a new mom I can’t live without is my Nutribullet. Who knew?

I use it everyday for smoothies, and even make baby food with it! I was thinking of writing a post on how versatile the Nutribullet is, because seriously, I don’t cook. But the Nutribullet makes delish meals for my baby and I every day, and even if you’re food prep challenged, you need a Nutribullet in your life!

Please let me know when we can schedule a time to chat about working together! I’m available and able to write a sponsored post with high quality images, and would love to do a giveaway with my readers. Additionally, I’m active on Periscope and could do a DIY Video of how I make my organic parsnip baby food, or even a video for You Tube for additional cost.

I can’t wait to work with Nutribullet, I really think a partnership would be mutually beneficially to Manolos Mama and your brand! Thanks so much for your time and consideration, talk soon!

Thank you,

Carrie

Link to Blog and all social in professional signature along with your phone and email

I sincerely hope this helps you gain the confidence to go after the brands you love! And keep in mind, my first sponsored post was for $50 when I had around 6,000 monthly visitors. As my readership increased so did the amount I received. Baby steps to building your blog! And keep in mind this sage advice:

COMING SOON….how to leverage VIDEO for your business or blog! And stay tuned for a FREE webinar on How to Make DIY Videos Like a Pro – please join us!