threelilprincesses.com

Tag: blogging

  • 4. #BloggingPrompts: Share what you’re good at – you may be surprised where it leads

    4. #BloggingPrompts: Share what you’re good at – you may be surprised where it leads

    #BloggingPrompts

    When I first started blogging, I undertook Problogger’s 31 Days to Build A Better Blog. As part of that, Darren asked readers to start a series. I decided I’d do mine on how bloggers could gain media exposure. Being a journalist, I thought that was an easy one for me to do.

    Little did I know it would springboard into my own business (Mum PR) where I now work with a team to do PR, social media, blogger outreach, writing, marketing and media management for various clients. You just don’t know who’s reading!

    What could you explore on your blog? What are you good at that has business potential? Go on, we’d love to hear it!

    This mini post is part of a regular microblogging series, #BloggingPrompts

  • 3. #BloggingPrompts: Write a PR or brand pitch letter

    3. #BloggingPrompts: Write a PR or brand pitch letter

    rejection

    I was asked if I would be willing to show an example of a blogger to brand pitch letter. I thought about writing up a blank one to give you a bit of a guide.

    However, to be honest, I nearly pulled my hair out 18 months ago trying to find something a little more concrete to help me. So, I’m giving you a REAL pitch letter that I send to brands – just taking out some names. I also modify this for PRs too, especially if there’s a particular brand they work with that I like. I’ve also found this pitch changes slightly every time I use it and is now so far removed from the original.

    Basically, before I share the pitch,

    The format is:

    1. Introduce yourself and give them just a little background on who you are and what your blog is about. Don’t go overboard, but do “sell’’ yourself.
    2. Tell them why you want to work with them – do you use their product, have you experienced their service before, did you hear about them via a friend, can you see how their product would help you or your readers?
    3. Tell the brand what you want and what you’ll do for them in return. Give them an example of what you’ve done for other brands if you want to.

    Blogger-brand collaborations need to be mutually beneficial – and don’t forget your readers! – Tweet this!

    So, onto

    My pitch letter:

    Hi (insert the person’s name),

    I’m a former Tasmanian journalist who started the mum blog Three Li’l Princesses. It’s a follow on from a successful long-running Mum’s the Word column in The Advocate newspaper, which reached 90,000 readers. The columns were last month launched into an eBook and promoted through The Advocate and the blog. 

    Three Li’l has also received national exposure through an interview with Australian Associated Press (AAP).

    As part of the blog, we run the My Tasmanian Backyard series, which highlights family-friendly tourism experiences and services throughout the State (https://threelilprincesses.com/thepalace/my-tasmanian-backyard/). We have mentioned (your business) before, but not in great detail (include a link to that post). (Include a line about your history/connection with their business. Why you love them). 

    We’re putting together a My Tasmanian Backyard feature on (your area) and wondered if you were interested in being part of that? 

    We will write a post of 200-300 words with images and links to your site about our personal experience (with your business), all with our trademark humour. In return, we ask if you would be able to provide (whatever it is you want them to provide to help make the experience possible). 

    I have a strong and very engaged audience of brand savvy mums on the blog, as you’ll notice from the comments section – not to mention Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Pinterest. 

    Here’s an example of what we did for (insert an example that will show them what you’re going to do for them). We’d be happy to discuss a giveaway as well, if you’re interested. 

    Let us know if this is a possibility and how we can go about organising it.

    Take care
    Regards, Kellie

    That’s it!

    What do you think? Could you pitch a brand or PR for your blog? Or, if you have already, what sort of success have you had?

    FREE COURSE

    Click the image below to learn how to make money from blogging in this 7-day mini course

    Click Here to Start

  • 2. #BloggingPrompts: Get on a PR or brand’s radar

    2. #BloggingPrompts: Get on a PR or brand’s radar

    #BloggingPrompts

    One of the most asked questions I get from bloggers is how to get on a PR’s radar? When you’re starting out, you see all the other bloggers scoring opportunities and wonder why no one is beating down your email door.

    There are so many ways to get noticed by PRs and brands. And, in all seriousness, it’s not different to how they get on your radar.

    Here are some things I’ve done:

    • Originally, I Googled for a PR list directory. Plus I had a few contacts from my journo days. I emailed them my media kit and let them know I was open to PR opportunities. If I was after something specifically, I included a pitch letter.
    • Looked at the sites of brands I particularly liked and wrote down their contact details. Then, as above, I emailed a pitch letter and my media kit.
    • Followed brands and PRs on Twitter and connected – not stalked or harrassed, by the way.
    • Created a media plan.
    • Kept updated on changes in the world of PR – new agencies, consultant changes, new contracts with brands etc – via the monthly PR Report and daily Mumbrella site.
    • Commented on their blogs (yes, they love comments, just like you).

    Lastly, if you want to learn more about public relations, visit my business site www.kellieobrien.com.au.

    To end, I’ll just say that obviously not everyone is interested in being pitched products. And that’s OK. It’s your blog, so do what you feel most comfortable with.

    How have you been able to get on a PR’s radar? What steps have you taken?

    This mini post is part of a regular microblogging series, #BloggingPrompts

    FREE COURSE

    Click the image below to learn how to make money from blogging in this 7-day mini course

    Click Here to Start

  • 1. #BloggingPrompts: Start a microblog – by @KatrinaHigham

    1. #BloggingPrompts: Start a microblog – by @KatrinaHigham

     

    Come on. Say it. SAY IT! You want to have a blog but don’t have the time? You want to write about things that matter to you but the five seconds you have, you have a million other things to do. Well, write a microblog! Simple!

    What is a microblog I hear you ask?

    Short. Sharp. Punchy sentences about what you care about.

    My tips to a microblog:

    Keep it short.

    Include a link to someone else.

    Bit.ly link your microblog.

    Add a photo.

    Done.

    Katrina Higham of Katrina Higham Consulting runs her own microblog full of fabulous social media tips and opinion. She is also the inspiration behind this micropost series #BloggingPrompts. Be sure to connect with her on Facebook or on Twitter at @KatrinaHigham.

    Photo credit.

    FREE COURSE

    Click the image below to learn how to make money from blogging in this 7-day mini course

    Click Here to Start

  • Would you like to be my guest?

    Would you like to be my guest?

    Girls rugged up for winter

    I’m looking to start a series of fun posts from fellow mums and mum bloggers on “Life and Laughter” to run every Friday. There are a few reasons behind starting the series, including giving mums a place to post outside their own blog or Facebook page and hopefully drive a little traffic and Google ranking their way.

    If you’re interested, you can choose any of the “new’’ sub category topics under “Life and Laughter” – “new’’ because I deleted ALL my categories the other day accidentally and so decided to start from scratch. So pick a Life and Laughter sub category topic from the homepage sidebar (apart from The Bloke in The Shed – unless you have manly bits) and inform, educate or entertain us. Note: we’re also adding a “Looking after mum’’ headline if you’re interested in posting on that topic as well.

    There are a few guidelines:

    • Aim to keep your post between 300-700 words.
    • You can be witty, serious, write in list form, use an image only or story format (although, note, short sentences and some images help prevent the “grey slab of text’’ look).
    • Include at least one image, but you’re more than welcome to include more.
    • End with a short bio and a photo of yourself or your blog button. You’re more than welcome to leave a link to your blog and one social media site.
    • I’m happy to hear if you’ve got keywords you’d like me to use.
    • The post can be submitted as text in an email with images attached or html in a Word Doc file, whichever is easiest for you.
    • Please refrain from making the post an ad for your business or brand. We won’t run content we don’t believe fits in with the style of the blog. I know, we’re mean, aren’t we?

    If you’re interested in taking part, email the idea or the post itself to us and we’ll get back to you.

  • I need a little help with my blog

    I need a little help with my blog

    girl with tiara

    I’m in the midst of trying to give this blog a bit more focus. I came up with a list of things I enjoy blogging about and I’d love to get your feedback.

    The humour, for the most part, will stay. (Yes, I can hear you all groaning). However, by coincidence, there seems to be a bit of a Crown Princess Mary theme in my life – Tasmania, a classic style, princesses, marrying a prince and living in palaces. OK, maybe not that last bit.

    Anyway, here’s the elevator pitch:

    Kellie O’Brien is an author, media woman, funny mummy blogger, mum to two li’l princesses and a li’l princess herself, at just 150cms. OK, so that’s being a tad generous. She provides a look inside the life of Tasmania’s “other” princess – all while striving for Princess Mary’s style.

    Here’s the tagline (not 100% sold on this):

    Inside the life of Tasmania’s “other’’ princess

    My Tasmanian Backyard – giving readers a peek into some of our finest Tasmanian places and access to our scrumptious food.

    Classic style and beauty – forget high-end fashion and the latest crazes. I’m a classic, chic sort of gal. Give me fashion I can wear next year and beauty products that won’t make me look like a clown and I’m all yours.

    Raising princesses – the good, the bad and the downright funny. From how to do their hair, princess craft activities and all the issues that come with raising girls.

    Living a princess life – juggling home, work (writing/media), charity and playing mum.

    The Shed – Every man needs a shed – and a voice.

    Plus, stay tuned. This week I have a pretty neat giveaway and a little announcement later in the week.

    So, honest opinions. What do you think? What do you like? What do you hate? What have I missed?