BLOGGER to BLOGGER: Email Etiquette

Photo Credit: With Love from Kat

Hi dolls, so today I’m bringing you the second edition of BLOGGER to BLOGGER touching on a subject that seems like common sense…but you’d be surprised: email etiquette. As a blogger {+ former PR gal} I have the opportunity to communicate with numerous brands, bloggers, PR reps and marketing directors on the daily. To my shock, awe, and sometimes dismay I’ve found that a large number of these people don’t have the slightest idea how the heck to email!

I digress. Just sharing a few tips and common curtsies to keep in mind when chatting it up via the worldwide web.

Hello, Hi, How are you, Great to hear from you, Thanks for reaching out…these are all great starters to an email. No, I do not want to receive an email beginning with a run-on sentence about you or your brand. This is one of my biggest pet-peeves. If you’re reaching out to someone for the first time, heck, or for the second or third time, it’s polite to include a greeting of sorts. Of course if you have a continued relationship with this person that doesn’t necessarily apply {although it still somewhat bothers me personally}. Beginning your email with a nice, soft pleasantry just seems to make what you’re about to say a bit more cheery.

Email can be a bit tricky since you’re simply typing words on a page. You can’t see that person’s reaction, hear their voice, or read body language through a screen. It’s always important to keep your email tone positive and upbeat. It’s tough to dissect and respond to an email that seems tense, so try to shy away from writing hard sentences with no emotion. An occasional exclamation point is nice. Use smileys sparingly, unless it’s more of a friendship or close working relationship.

I love love love getting emails from fans and supporters asking questions about advice or tips on getting started in the blogging world. Let’s be honest, it’s a tough business to break into so I commend those that aren’t afraid to reach out for help! What really bothers me, and to be honest is extremely presumptuous, is when I’m emailed about my personal business, how much money I make, and crazy ridiculous requests to provide favors for individuals I’ve never met before in my life. Bye-bye – delete is my response. If you’re reaching out to a blogger you love {whether you’re another blogger or a brand rep} be considerate of that person’s time and don’t over ask to the point of making them uncomfortable.

If you’re not making moves and pitching yourself to brands, get out there and start! If you’re a newbie blogger, it’s rare for brands to reach out to you – you need to be proactive and engage with brands you want to work with. Start small and work your way up. When reaching out to a brand be concise and to the point. PR reps have a lot on their plate, so they’ll appreciate your editing skills. Make sure you include a brief intro about yourself, your blog, and always speak to how you think you would be a good fit for their brand specifically and why. Do research prior to pitching to make sure you’re contacting the correct person {generally being their PR, Marketing, or Press Relations}. You’ll also want to include your blog stats and/or media kit. I personally don’t present my media kit unless asked to do so, but including quick stats {social media reach, blog hits, etc.} is a must.

If you’re blogging as your primary business, side business, or just a hobby there’s a good chance you have been in a position to negotiate terms/fees with a brand – which is a great thing! When I first began negotiating terms I was a bit nervous {I mean talking money with people can be scary!}, but then I realized the partnership needs to be beneficial for both parties – if you’re not happy about what’s being presented, go after what you think would be best! Whether that’s additional monetary income, cross promotion via social media channels, guest blogging, product, etc – compensation can come in a variety of forms. Be firm, but also willing to compromise at times. For example, let’s says there’s a really exciting brand you’ve been dying to work with but they aren’t willing to offer you the expected compensation – if you truly love the brand, chances are you’ll be willing to sacrifice a little to maintain that relationship. Don’t discredit compromising, brands will remember that you were willing to work with them on their terms and come back to you when the time is right for what you’re requesting. p.s. Sometimes negotiating via a phone chat is best!

Something that is often lost these days in the business world, but follow-up is SO important. Whether you’re following-up with a brand regarding working together or simply sending a ‘nice to meet you’ email after a networking event! People will be more willing to work with you, listen to what you have to say, and engage with you if you send a simply follow-up. Follow-up emails should be super short {1-3 sentences} and relate back to previous correspondence or what you’re contacting them about.

Time is money people. I understand everyone, whether it be a brand or blogger, has something unique to offer or a story to tell, however make it a habit to keep emails {especially introduction emails} as concise as possible. Re-read through your text and see if all of that babble really needs to be included. There should be an opening, a point, and a call to action making that person respond accordingly.

I’ll admit, this is a tough one even for me to always abide by – I’m a terrible speller. However, if you’re pitching yourself to a brand make sure you’re filtering your email through a triple spell check method! One or two little mishaps is understandable {hey, we’re all human}, but I cringe when I see multiple mis-spellings regarding silly words that makes it clear you didn’t re-read what you were writing at. all. Furthermore, write in full sentences when emailing! This isn’t texting, you need to be professional – exclude the use of {c, u, 4evr, bff, omg…you get my drift}. Sadly, these emails have come through my inbox countless times.

I’d love to hear your thoughts/stories on email experiences or personal pet peeves!
p.s. Have something specific you’d love to see on BLOGGER to BLOGGER – leave a comment!