[caption id="attachment_2609" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Top fashion blogger Rachel Parcell of Pink Peonies[/caption]  

As the Internet, media and advertising all continue to evolve, bloggers are playing a bigger and bigger role in PR and marketing plans.  For us, this means that in addition to traditional media relations, blogger outreach has become a staple in our strategies for many clients. A key product review, social media mention or recommendation from a top blogger with a devoted audience can be just as influential as a national newspaper or magazine to drive awareness and new customers, increase sales, develop brand advocates and more.   To score a stellar review or feature, read on for our top tips on working successfully with bloggers. 1. Be familiar with the blog According to a survey conducted by PR Daily, most bloggers reject more than half of the pitches they receive. And based on feedback from our blogger friends, we know this number is even higher for top tier blogs and websites. So just like traditional media, it’s essential to research a top blog to really understand the focus, content and audience to put together a thoughtful and compelling pitch.   2. Their blog is their business For many bloggers, their website is a source of income. They work hard to increase traffic to their sites because it turns into opportunities and ad revenue. Experienced bloggers will always have their audiences’ best interests in mind because they are stakeholders in their business. Consider this as you’re developing a pitch – will a blogger’s audience care about what you’re sending? If the answer is yes, the likelihood of receiving a positive response increases.   3. Bloggers are social media savvy Even more so than traditional media, bloggers are incredibly accessible and active on social media.  In fact, only 2.5% of bloggers are not using social media. Use this to foster a genuine relationship with favorite bloggers through social media – tweet them with recommendations, like their Facebook posts, comment on Instagram photos. All bloggers appreciate re-shares and interaction from their readers, and this is a great way to build rapport before reaching out with a pitch.   4. Pay to play As shared above, many bloggers are running a business, so they will often ask for payment (or minimally free product) in exchange for a feature or review.  If paying for coverage leaves a bad taste in your mouth, reconsider. The state of PR and paid media is a-changing. Bloggers have cultivated a community of loyal readers who trust their opinions, and you'll often have to pay for access. Remember, you’re paying for a blogger’s time, so be leery of those who will explicitly exchange positive coverage/reviews for payment.     Do you have a top tip for interacting with bloggers? We would love to hear! Share with us on Facebook or Twitter.