UNITED KINGDOMThere are a number of different ways brands can work with bloggers, and a number of reasons why they should. This quick guide should help you get started…
This post was sponsored by Get Blogged but all words and opinions are my own, as always!
It’s no secret that influencer marketing is becoming more and more popular. But for some people, it can be a little unclear exactly how brands and bloggers can work together.
Luckily, I’ve put together a brief guide to help get you started, and ultimately gather you some successful collaborations. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go!
Why should brands work with bloggers?
Bloggers have a targeted audience
Lifestyle bloggers tend to write about a specific niche, and so their audience is super targeted. When brands choose the right blogger who aligns perfectly with their products/services, they can reach a high number of people who will genuinely be interested in hearing about them as a brand.
They have a loyal following
Bloggers are different to celebrities as they are far more relatable and attainable. Their following often trust them as they would trust a friend or someone else close to them. So if a blogger is saying good things about a brand’s product or service, their audience is more likely to take the recommendation into account and act on it.
They don’t have to cost the earth
For the price a brand would have to pay for one single celebrity endorsement, they can likely find a bunch of different bloggers who can provide more in-depth content that hits an engaged audience. Prices for working with bloggers will vary based on stats such as followers and readers, but if done right, they can be super affordable and amazing value for money.
How can brands work with bloggers?
Sponsored blog posts
Brands can pay a blogger to write and publish a blog post in their own style that mentions their product or service and links back to their website. This is known as a sponsored post. The beauty of working with a blogger in this way is that the content will fit naturally with the rest of their content and will resonate with their followers. Websites like Get Blogged have a huge database of UK lifestyle bloggers waiting to write sponsored posts.
Product/service reviews
A great low-cost way for brands to be featured by bloggers is to simply send products/offer services to them in exchange for a review. Bloggers will test the product/service and write an honest and in-depth review, usually accompanied by original imagery and links back to the brand’s website. If a blogger loves a product, they’re sure to rave about it on their channels, and their dedicated audience will take their opinions on board.
Hosting giveaways
A brand can provide the prize for an blogger to host a competition on their website or their social media feeds and in doing so will get their brand name in front of a new audience. Working with a blogger in this way will normally result in a surge of new followers, ultimately bringing in new customers.
Sponsored social media content
Much like paying a blogger to host a sponsored blog post on their website with links back to the brand, bloggers can also be paid to host sponsored social media posts across their channels. Whether it’s beautiful photography on Instagram, a series of tweets about your products, or a more in-depth Facebook post, working with bloggers on social media is bound to help your brand reach new eyes.
Blogger Events
If you want to gain coverage from a number of bloggers in one go, then hosting a blogger event is a great idea. At such an event, bloggers are invited to attend an event showcasing a brand, normally in exchange for coverage or some sort. It’s a great way to give influential people in your brand’s sector some further insight to your product or service, as well as get them excited about it.
Where can brands find bloggers to work with?
Google search
Google is a great place to start a hunt for bloggers. A trusty Google search will soon present you with a range of bloggers that brands might want to work with. You can really get down into the details by adding more and more keywords into the search that fit with your brand The bonus? Any blogger you find this way is ranking high on Google and so is likely to have great SEO skills.
Social media
More often that not, bloggers also tend to be social media lovers, and so social media is a great place to find great people to work with. By searching relevant hashtags such as #uklifestyleblogger and #lifestyleblog, you’ll soon stumble across some accounts you love. If that doesn’t do the trick, venturing into Facebook Groups dedicated to blogging opportunities is the perfect place to reach out and make some new connections.
Competitor feeds
Take a look at your competitors and see what they’re getting up to. Chances are they might have run an influencer campaign at some point. Have a little cyber-stalk and see who they worked with and whose content hit the spot – chances are you’ll find bloggers in the niche you need and you’ll get to see of glimpse of their content style, too.
Get Blogged Marketplace
Get Blogged is a brilliant outreach website that connects brands with quality bloggers across a range of niches. The best part? They take out the hard work for both parties. Brands can simply send over a brief to Get Blogged along with a budget, and they’ll pop the information on their website to be seen by the thousands of bloggers on their database. Bloggers can then apply for the opportunity if they’re interested and the Get Blogged team will ensure the content is delivered by suitable bloggers – all with minimal fuss.
Five lifestyle bloggers brands should be working with
Having worked on brand-blogger collaborations from both sides of the coin, I’m always happy to encourage such relationships. And so I want to help give brands a head start on their hunt for bloggers – here are five lifestyle bloggers UK brands and businesses should be working with…
misskatyenglish – Katy has mastered Photoshop and has an incredibly creative mind, and so creates utterly compelling content that is loved by a loyal audience.
sarahlaublogs – If you’re looking to work with someone who has gorgeous photographs and a beautiful personality to match, Sarah is your gal.
violetglenton – Violet is a Hull-based blogger who talks all things life, travel and parenting, and does so in a wonderfully raw and authentic way.
jennyinneverland – Not only does Jenny have a wonderful personality, but is a fabulous writer too, and so makes the perfect blogger to work with.
ashtongibbs – Yes. I am including myself because a) we should always be our own cheerleaders, and b) I love working with brands!
There you have it! A quick guide to brands and bloggers working together. So if you’re reading this as brand looking to get started, what are you waiting for? Go get those awesome collaborations.