Rules for Working with Bloggers

REMEMBER - There is a Real Person Behind that Blog


How NOT to tick off Bloggers

I had some questions from a media person about dealing with big, bad bloggers. Long story. We got off on rather the wrong foot I think. She’s print. I’m net. Big world difference there. In reality, I’m a crossover and go back and forth between magazines, tech writing, and then online work. So, I do understand that the social rules vary greatly. Blogiquette is definitely different, and here are some general rules for dealing with those strange creatures who blog online.

Rule 1

Know your blogger and his or her site. Most blogs are personal spots handled by a single person. You’re not dealing with a mega corporation. Usually, it’s just someone in the living room plunking away on the keyboard. Read a couple of posts and the bio before making contact.

If you think I’m a man, since I use the handle Barbecue Master on one blog, then you didn’t look very close (or at all). I actually got that title when writing for another site, and it did, in fact, sound better than Barbecue Mistress. For my own work, I generally use my real name (Cyndi Allison) or Grill Girl.

Rule 2

Remember that most blogs don’t make much (if any) money. Sure. Some folks are getting rich blogging – but not very many. Particularly when you’re looking at a niche area, you’re probably checking out someone who is simply blogging because they love the topic area.

It’s rare that you provide anything (information for posting - in particular) that will benefit the blogger in any great way. Most bloggers are much shorter on time than on material.

So, you’re really asking for a favor if you want your information posted on someone’s blog. That’s fine – just be aware that you’re not blessing the blogger with information.

I get some delightful emails from Weber (the grill company) and from Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA). They use my name and let me know that they have some information that I might be interested in or that my readers might want to know about. They keep it short and provide contact information if I have more questions.

Rule 3

Print material does not work well online. People don’t read the same way online that they do sitting down with paper. If you’re sending over a standard press release, most bloggers won’t post it. A blogger may use some of the information and may link – but shoveling content from print to online doesn’t work well.

In addition, if you’re asking a number of bloggers or webmasters to post the same material, you’re creating duplicate content. That can be an issue online. Search engines may think the blog or site is a "copy and paste" spam site if it includes a lot of materials elsewhere online.

Rule 4

When you visit and post a comment, be aware that many bloggers have blogs set to accept or reject posts. You likely will not see your comment immediately. That doesn't mean it disappeared. It's sitting there waiting for approval from the person who hosts the blog. Don't post again and again. That looks like spam when the blogger does click in.

Rule 5

If you post a comment unrelated to the blog and/or the blogger, then you probably won't see your comment. If the blog is about kayaking, then the blogmaster is not likely to leave up random comments about electronic gadgets for sale. That won't impress the readers who visit for a specific topic.

Rule 6

Some bloggers do trade out links. Some do not. Check. If the blogger does not have a long list of "my favorite sites" or "see these blogs too" or something along those lines, then he or she probably is not a link trader.

While it may help to get link trades, I don't do that. And, I think Google will take a look at that some day. Too much back scratching.

On the other hand, I do often mention other sites, blogs, events and so on in my blog posts (like Weber and HPBA above). I just do it when it works for my readers. And, I don't ask for anything in return. Sure. I love links too. But, I hope they will be links that are earned and not just trade off links.

Rule 7

If a blogger does post your materials or mentions your site or event and so on, then a “thanks” is in order. It does not have to be a long and gushy email. Even three letters – tks – that’s fine.

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I’m sure there are more tips that I’ll think of later. One good thing about a blog is that it can be updated over and over.