Monetize Your Blog, part 5: Getting the goods

Posted by: kimc on Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

start here:

  1. Don’t do it for the money
  2. Take your time
  3. Get your own domain
  4. 13 Great ways to build your traffic

Now you have some good content, and you are probably receiving modest but growing traffic.  You might not be ready to start advertising in earnest, but it's not too early to start reaping some of the fruits of your labor.

One of the best ways to do this is by requesting products for review on your blog, but proceed with care.  Consider your readers, and make sure the reviews you write are relevant to your audience.   This is more than just free stuff for you.  This is an opportunity to provide more quality content for your readers, and to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between you and a vendor, manufacturer, or publisher.  It's a win/win/win situation, and unless you start off requesting $200 worth of electronics, you will seldom hear "no" as an answer.

However, you have to ask if you want to hear "yes."  Here are some tips on making your request:

  1. Be brief. Don't give them your life story.  Just tell them what you want to review, and why you think they should say yes.
  2. Be realistic. Don't aim too high by asking for expensive goods when you're just getting started. First post some reviews of a few products you already use to get some practice and give examples of your work.  Then get started by requesting inexpensive items and work your way up as your blog grows.
  3. Be smart. Target small business owners, little-known or self-published authors, creators of original products that are not yet in the big-name stores.  Those who have a smaller advertising budget are more likely to find your offer worthwhile
  4. Be enthusiastic.If you are initiating this contact, chances are you already know a bit about their product and are enthusiastic about it.  Be sure to communicate this and explain why.
  5. Be ethical. Don't overcommit, forget, or procrastinate.  Reviews can be awkward if you find you don't like the item, but don't leave the sponsor hanging: address problems privately and honestly if you don't feel comfortable doing a negative review.
  6. Include your shipping address. Why make them ask for it?  Do whatever you can to streamline the process for them so they are more inclined to say yes.
  7. Use this sample form as a framework for writing your own requests, and get that thing you were already thinking of buying - for free!

Once you have received your first free goodies, you are ready to form an opinion and share it with the world!

  1. Be honest. This is the number one rule.  Your readers must know they can trust you, and why would you lie to them?  Tell the truth if you weren't entirely thrilled, and help your readers make an informed decision.
  2. Be courteous. I like to offer to let manufacturers preview my reviews before publication.  If I can't give a highly positive review, I let them decide whether they prefer my honest opinion or none at all.  I don't think it's fair to expect manufacturers to pay for negative reviews by providing free product for me to complain about publicly.   This also gives them a chance to correct mistakes on my part, which may affect my final opinion.
  3. Be interesting. Too obvious?  I don't think so.  Make your reviews appealing, so that manufacturers will see previous reviews and want you to write about their product.  Be expressive and enthusiastic.  Be specific about what you like.  Use photos.
  4. Don't overdo it. If you are choosing relevant, interesting products, your readers will appreciate your reviews.  But unless you are trying to establish a review blog (not a bad idea for monetizing!), you need to space your reviews with other content in between.

Are you ready for this?  If you have already done reviews on your blog, share a link in the comments.  Have you ever requested an item for review?  What response did you receive?

related posts:

  1. How to request a product for review I mentioned requesting items for review in my list of...
  2. Monetize Your Blog, part 6: Giveaways! start here: Don’t do it for the money Take your...
  3. Monetize Your Blog, part 9: Affiliate advertising If you want to learn how to monetize your blog,...
  4. Monetize Your Blog, part 4: 13 Great ways to build your traffic start here: Part 1: Don’t do it for the money...
  5. Monetize Your Blog, part 2: Take your time start here: Monetize Your Blog, part 1: Don’t do it...

Topics: make money

4 Responses to “Monetize Your Blog, part 5: Getting the goods”

Anita Chamblee Says:
May 17th, 2011 at 7:54 am

http://busyhandsbusyminds.blogspot.com/2011/04/homestead-blessings-giveaway-three-dvds.html

I requested this giveaway from my husband’s business at The Homeschool Channel. It’s nice to have connections!

Mother Hen Says:
May 17th, 2011 at 12:37 pm

Thanks, Kim! I’m kinda asking myself why I didn’t think of that. Thanks for the lists!

theresa Says:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:48 pm

thanks for the info! like a {slaps forehead} moment! why didn’t i think of that!

kimc Says:
May 23rd, 2011 at 2:08 pm

Anita,
Using connections like this is also a great way to work toward bigger and better giveaways from other companies where you might not have connections. Good job!

 

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