blogger review

[Former_Member]

Hello Team,

I've been approached by a blogger who wants to review my cloth gift bags for a reusable holiday series. I've never done this before and could us some quick advice on how it works.

She hasn't asked straight out, but I think she wants me to send her a free sample, which she'll review on her blog. Is this the standard arrangement? Do I just send it off and take her word that she'll give my item a good feature or should I press for a more formalized agreement?

Finally, does anyone have experience with product reviews by blogs? Do they actually bring new shoppers in? I don't typically do give-aways and freebies because, let's face it, that's expensive. But being promoted in front of the right people is worth something.

Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts. This team is such a great place to get perspective.

Cristal

[Former_Member]

Hi - I just did this and did not see the results at all. Actually, I sent the blogger an email stating that, she apologized and said she would send my necklace back and never did. I would do some research on the blogger. Look at the blog and the following and see what anyone else says. I bet if you put this blogger question in the Etsy seller handbook search page something would come up. I am sure there are reputable bloggers but there are plenty that are not. I hope that helps! Namaste' ~ Melissa

[Former_Member]

I agree with melissa, check out that blog for two reasons. First to see if there's good traffic and second to see if the blogs traffic is your target market. There's no sense in marketing baby clothes to i.e. hunters, know what i mean?
And of course ask if she intends to actually buy your stuff, because of she does i'd go for it of course.

[Former_Member]

Thanks Melissa and Barbara. This blog seems to have a good amount of traffic. It's focused on product reviews and money saving tips for mothers with young kids. Is this my target audience? Not sure. My products are eco-friendly and reusable, but they represent an investment before the money saving aspect kicks in. I've been thinking a lot about this dynamic.

I'll have to get back to her soon, so we'll see where this goes.

[TooSplendidSupplies]

Research to do:

1. If it's specifically devoted to performing reviews, they should have a published submission process. Read it and see how out of line this is with what they normally do.
2. Who has purchased from you in the past? Do they fit in with the followers this blog seems to have?
3. Google reviews of the blog itself. You can usually find something from other people who have had good/bad experiences with this blog if it's mid-size or larger.



A couple of big questions to ask yourself:

1. Is it a risk you can afford to take right now if it is a bust?
2. Can you handle an influx of customers if it works out?
3. Can you afford to purchase advertising from the blog to follow up after the review?
4. Who is your target market? This is definitely something you should know if you're considering advertising your product. (https://blog.etsy.com/en/2013/how-to-find-your-target-market/)



Questions for the blogger (which you should send through the blog page to make sure that it is legitimately the blogger who is contacting you):

1. Average number of visitors per month.
2. References from companies that have been featured by them.

[maydaylabels]

What are you judging as a good amount of traffic?

[Former_Member]

Melissa, Those are all excellent questions to ask. Thank you. I'd about decided to let this opportunity pass, but your recommended thought process has helped me articulate why. Basically, I just don't think this blog caters to my ideal customer.

Thank you all.

[2ChicksAndABasket]

There is some really good advice in this thread! We get approached by a lot of bloggers and I agree that doing research on the blogger is key. I always try to see if it is just someone wanting free products.

Check and see how many followers they have and if they have a Facebook, pinterest and twitter account, check those out too.

We did recently do some advertising with the Ruffled Blog and I don't regret it at all. Her posts are amazing and our wedding stuff is a good fit.

http://ruffledblog.com

[ConcertinaPress]

I know you've decided to pass on this - but if it helps any, I do social media for a company that offers free product in exchange for reviews but I generally check on these things before I send them any product for free:

1) do they have well written reviews of other products?
2) do they create nice, pinnable graphics for their review?
3) do they take candid photos of their kids using the product?
4) do they have more than 2,500 followers on Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter?

if the answer to all of these questions is "yes" then I send the item (free of charge)

If the answer is no, I politely decline, but thank them for considering us.