Some bloggers are difficult to pitch. I hear stories about how some bloggers won’t write about a product or service unless someone they’ve already met in person, or have a relationship of some sort through social media, suggests it to them. If you’re new or relatively unknown, good luck getting their attention.
I’m not that hard to pitch. If you send me an email that matches the niche of my site — in my case, Boston-area architecture and design — and shows some degree of originality or something interesting about you, I’m probably going to write about you.
An email I received today breaks even my generous threshold for what’s acceptable.
First, and most important, he got my name wrong. If Andrew even bothered to read a post, or the “About” page, he would know who he was addressing in his email. Do just a little homework and you’ll be in an infinitely better position than Andrew here.
Second, he gives no information about his company beyond a name and website. How are you going convince someone that your product is worthwhile if you don’t tell them anything? It’s an old saying, but it’s true: Tell a story, explain how you’re unique, better. If you don’t tell people, how are they going to know?
Third, he tries to bribe me. I have no problem with reviewing a product (so long as any prior arrangement is properly disclosed), or even arranging a contest, giveaway or other such benefit for a blog’s audience. But to just throw out “I have cash and merchandise available” reeks of a lack of class.
I know this isn’t the norm. This isn’t what the top speakers in public relations and blogger outreach promote. But I can only guess at how many similar emails Andrew sent out, and fear for what that says about the company he represents — and the industry he works in.
