* Speak Up (Politely): If you are a new blogger and begin to receive press releases that pertain to your chosen topic, don’t be scared to send a polite response, acknowledging the desire to cover said content, if possible. Remember to include the three “W’s”: Why you would like to use this topical content (and/or sample a product or service), what you are planning to write (a general explanation of your “vision” for the post), and when it will be done.
* Be Responsible: Make sure that you don’t reply to every press release that you receive merely in the hopes of receiving free product for review. Only respond to emails which truly benefit your blog’s vision and general span of content coverage. If there is one thing that the world wide public might not understand about a bloggers relationship with PR companies, it’s that we don’t “get free stuff” for fun. The products and topical content that we review are not free, they are paid for through our hard work, concise writing and honest opinion, and extremely professional efforts to report on brands in the most inclusive, detailed and timely manner possible.
* Go Old Fashioned: Remember that there is no such thing as too much communication, when it comes to building a strong bond with a PR contact. It’s important to keep a detailed list or spread sheet that tracks when a product is received in the mail (and when it is slotted to go live in a post); notify your contact after receiving a package (and inform them once the post is up and running), and you can never say “thank you” too much. If you truly begin to bond with a company or contact, try sending them a personal, hand-written thank you note, once or twice a year (letting them know how much you appreciate their professional efforts and continual inclusion of your website in their latest releases).
* Don’t Go Viral: No matter what you do, don’t post things on social media outlets, expressing a desire for any kind of product sample, event invitation, or anything of the like regarding PR companies. Tweeting statements like, “Can anyone get me into the Emmy’s?” is not appropriate, when representing your brand. Building your blog (and subsequent relationship with public relation members) takes time, patience, and an unbelievable amount of diligent work. If a PR company cannot trust in your voice, your constant professionalism, and your ability to put in the effort (before reaping any of the seeming “rewards”), than you will never move forward in your efforts as an online writer.
In the end, try to keep in mind that your friendship with PR companies is one of the most beneficial things to further your blog, but it takes the proper etiquette, trust and love of blogging (not freebies), to build a positive, long-lasting voice on the web. So, good luck in your future endeavors, and always remember…you can never say thank you too much!
This is informative, thanks! Unfortunately I read it too late. I got an email from a PR contact I think and thinking it might be spam, I deleted the email! =( I haven’t gotten any more emails but I think they might be going to the spam folder, so that’s a tip too, check the other folders just in case.