100 comments

3 Things to do Before Contacting a PR Agency to Send You Free Stuff

fashion blogger gifts
Let’s be real: one of the great perks of being a fashion blogger is the opportunity to connect with PR agencies and have them send you lovely things to wear and write about. Who doesn’t love getting goodies in the mail and showing off a great look that came your way gratis?

With more and more style blogs competing for the attention of PR agencies, you can increase the likelihood of becoming a PR girl’s best blogger friend (that’s BBF, you know), by doing the following 3 things before you fire up your laptop to introduce yourself.

Write about the brand, anyway

Publicists are more likely to be interested in sending out swag or collaborating if you have, of your own volition, already given some blog love to their clients. Why? Because demonstrating that you are so genuinely interested in a brand that you wrote about them without any PR intervention makes you a more interesting blogger to work with. It also shows that you know and understand the brand, and aren’t just fishing for say, free fishnets.

What you can do: Make a list of the brands you would like to work with. Then, start writing about them! Each time you do, take to email and social media to let the brand /agency know. This is a great way to get on their radar. If you don’t know the agency client roster, check their Facebook page, most often they will announce press hits there. Or, simply reach out and ask for a client list.

Come up with a specific story idea

A general email about wanting samples or product is a snooze fest. Instead, think about what you have to offer. When you come up with a creative campaign idea or specific story angle that is a fit for both your audience and the brand, you are much more likely to get a response.

What you can do: Think about banding together with a few blogger friends and pitching something like, “1 dress 3 ways,” or “The single accessory you need this summer.” Offering to organize a series of articles or a specific shoot is great for a publicist because it guarantees her multiple media hits to take back to her client.

Know your stats

Put yourself in the shoes of a busy, half-crazed publicist trying to stay on top of all the best in emerging blogger talent and help her understand why your blog matters. From blog traffic to social media stats to recent press, build up your reputation and help her pitch your value back to her client by giving her the goods on who you are and why working with you is a win-win.

What you can do:  Attach a well branded one-sheet that includes your blog’s mission, any recent successes and a full docket of impressive stats and data to make your case. If you are just starting out, focus on what it is about your blog that is different and what about working with you is a natural brand fit. And be honest with yourself and the publicist, maybe your best bet is to ask for a lookbook and come back for samples when you have something to show for your hard work.

How have you built relationships with PR agencies? What questions do you have about the process?

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100 Responses

  1. Krystal

    I have been going back and forth with this idea for months. I made a timeline in my marketing plan for my blog and im trying to stick to it! But i dont think the butterflies in my stomach will allow me to wait a whole year before I reach out to brands. But this article is awesome and I will definitely be implementing these tips!

    Reply
    • Crosby Noricks

      Hi Krystal,

      You definitely don’t have to wait a year – above all, focus on why the PR agency should work with you (not the other way around!).

      Reply
    • Sarah Woodstock

      Urbanette just posted the rates they’ve been getting paid for sponsored posts, and the types they do – you can get an idea of what to charge from this. The rule of thumb is about $100 for every 1000 monthly unique visitors your site gets, and about $30 CPM for a promotion on a well-curated social media account.

      www.urbanette.com/sponsorships

      Reply
      • Miki

        I didn’t expect to run across this, but always appreciate finding shared tidbits like this since I’m new and growing. Thanks for sharing!

        Xo,
        Miki
        http://mikialamode.com

  2. Sabrina

    I’ve always read that you shouldn’t have to reach out to them, they should be coming to you. Interesting…

    Reply
    • Crosby Noricks

      You could certainly wait and see – but why? With so many blogs out there it’s difficult for PR agencies to know everyone who might be a fit for their clients. Make it easy by making the first move and reaching out to them to kickstart the relationship.

      Reply
  3. Fabulous 30s

    That is a very interesting post!! I wonder what your numbers (stats) should be to start contacting PR’s agencies?? I have a small size, one year old blog (and I want to make it bigger) but do not know if my numbers are good enough to start making some contacts.

    Reply
    • Crosby Noricks

      I think it’s less about a specific number and more about showing that the following you do have is highly engaged with your content and exactly the type of audience a particular brand wants to reach. Good luck!

      Reply
  4. Victoria

    Great tips, I usually try to come up with a specific story angle before pitching to a PR and send a little press kit that includes all the relevant stats and info. I think it’s important to show what you can offer them, and not just ask for things.

    Reply
    • Crosby Noricks

      Absolutely! A media kit is ideal, but a simple one-sheet can be as effective. Best of luck with your site.

      Reply
  5. Kelly

    These are all great tips, I would also say, put those stats into a media kit!

    xx
    Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

    Reply
  6. VANESSA

    Very helpful to bloggers. Would it help with an instagram blog? Just outfit photos with brand names?

    X

    Reply
    • Crosby Noricks

      If you have a large enough following, I’m sure that some brands would be interested in gifting items. I would encourage you to have a blog as well – even if it is just a Tumblr that is a feed of your shots and an about/bio page – it’s easier to pass around to executives and the like.

      Reply
  7. Asia Mays

    Oooo this is an awesome post! As Sabrina stated earlier, we are used to hearing about said agencies coming to us and not them, however you want the job, inquire about it. Make yourself known to the agency/company etc. I like it.

    Again, awesome info!

    Reply
  8. Sentrell

    I’m not a fashion blogger, but I think this post could be helpful to any type of blogger. I wouldn’t want to reach out and my stats are looked at as “bad”. What are impressive stats?

    Reply
    • Crosby Noricks

      What makes for an impressive blog is typically a mix of traffic, social media numbers and most importantly, and indication of your influence – do your posts drive a lot of social shares? Did a pair of pants you wore sell out online the day you posted about them? Is your readership heavily engaged in what you are saying, do they look to you as an expert? Those are all ways to show your blog’s value.

      Reply
  9. Tod Hallman

    Great advise for all bloggers to follow and above all else be nice and humble. Brands have alot of choices/bloggers coming at them from all directions so make sure that your blog is one that they want to aline with.

    Reply
  10. Anastasia P

    Thanks for this article!
    I can say that there is also a solution – already have had a net of connections with PRs, for instance if you work in fashion magazine.

    Reply
  11. Tsvetelina

    Fantastic post, i will definitely start doing that. Thank you for making as better and more successful bloggers.

    Tsvetelina

    Reply
  12. Nasreen

    great post! I haven’t contacted any PR agencies yet but when I do, at least I’ll be prepared! I’m still working on understanding on my stats 😛

    http://lazyobsession.blogspot.ie/2013/06/ootd-truth-is.html

    Reply
  13. Katinia

    Wonderful post. I am sure that I will be referring back to this post in a few more months….Interesting enough…I hadn’t thought this far ahead yet…So, thanks for pushing me to prep!

    Reply
  14. Kristel Louisa

    Hahaha you said “gratis”! It’s an Indonesian word for “free”! Great article!!! I’d never find any better blogging source other than IFB.

    TRENDESCOPE
    www.kristellouisa.com

    Reply
  15. Noemi

    This is so interesting and helpful. I have already contacted some brands and they have been very kind. I haven’t received anything from them, besides info and press — but I’m glad, anyway. My blog is quite young (one year old, but I’ve started to dedicate more time to it just recently, at the beginning it was a sort of hobby, I love fashion and since I don’t share this love with my friends (not interested at all), I started the blog. Now, I’d like it to grow.
    But I don’t exactly understand what a press kit is, I mean, how can brands know if your blog bring them clients?

    Reply
  16. Noemi

    This is so interesting and helpful. I have already contacted some brands and they have been very kind. I haven’t received anything from them, besides info and press releases but I’m glad, anyway. My blog is quite young (one year old, but I’ve started to dedicate more time to it just recently, at the beginning it was a sort of hobby, I love fashion and since I don’t share this love with my friends (not interested at all), I started the blog. Now, I’d like it to grow.
    But I don’t exactly understand what a press kit is, I mean, how can brands know if your blog bring them clients?

    Reply
    • Crosby Noricks

      Hi Noemi,

      A press kit or media kit is a set of informational documents about you, your blog, press you have received, key facts about you, and blog stats. In traditional publishing, a media kit is used by a magazine to explain to advertisers why they should give that magazine their ad dollars! In public relations, we use press or media kits to explain to fashion editors why they should cover our client’s products (without ad dollars).

      You might find this post helpful: http://www.prcouture.com/2012/04/25/fashion-pr-101-how-to-create-an-amazing-press-or-media-kit/

      I hope that helps! Sounds like you are doing great.

      Reply
  17. Regina

    What a great article so very useful and helpful. I could absolutely implement these suggestions to my blog which could potentially help me reach out to Pr agency and build new relationships in the fashion industry. Thanks!

    http://fashionyard.blogspot.com

    Reply
  18. Modestglamamor

    I am new to the Blogging scene and this post was very useful thank you. Also you should check out my fashion and beauty blog modestglamamor.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  19. Andrea

    Hi! I’m a new blogger. My question is, are the PR firms independent? Do they rep lots of brands? Or do I somehow contact PR for each brand, store etc? How do I find the right people to contact? -Andrea

    Reply
    • Crosby Noricks

      Hi Andrea,

      That’s a great question! I’ll do an entire post about it in the coming weeks. Thanks for the idea.

      Reply
  20. Barbara

    There aren’t very many PR Agencies over here and that means I mostly deal with the brand owners personally. The one time I tried to approach a brand owner without prior relationship, it ended up being the Spanish Inquisition. Other than that, I pretty much get loads of gratis products from other makeup and beauty brands.

    I do 1 and 3 which ever ways but not 2 as it makes them take me for granted and they don’t value my worth. So unless I get a solid agreement I don’t pitch story ideas to brands again.

    Barbara
    www.barbara1923.com

    Reply
  21. Ebenezer

    Hello,

    I’m the social media rep. for a new fashion leather accessories company based in Georgetown, D.C. We are in search of fashion bloggers willing to feature us on their blog sites. Please email us any fashion bloggers are interested: [email protected]. Feel free to visit us on instagram: @obazzieclassics

    Thank you.

    Reply
  22. The Science of Happy

    Also, if they contact you first and haven’t mentioned supplementing you – ask! Just worked for me!

    http://thescienceofhappy.blogspot.co.uk/

    Reply
  23. Maria Gonçalves

    I’m blogging since January 2010, I have some collaborations with brands but my blog isn’t growing right now. From December 2011 till now I didn’t grow my blog visitors and I don’t know what else to do. I post dailly, good pictures with great quality, I try to get to what people want to see/read but I keep in the same place. What can I do to improve my blog stats? Help me please!

    Reply
  24. Laura Neuzeth

    This is a very interesting article. I’ve been blogging for almost 3 years now but this year I decided to start another blog focusing on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. It makes sense to reach out to the PR, I think they would appreciate the proactive approach.

    Thanks for the great tips!

    Laura
    www.lauraneuzeth.com

    Reply
  25. Sonia

    I’ve never done this before, but with your fine tips I’ll surely give it a try. Thanks for sharing it!

    Reply
  26. Mark St. James

    Another great way to get the attention of top brands is to connect with them on Twitter and Instagram through casual tweets and hashtags even before reaching out. This way you’re on their radar well before asking to collaborate with them.
    It has worked for me with over 25 brands this year alone.

    Reply
  27. Steff

    Helpful post, but I would suggest emphasizing the difference between PR companies and individual labels, especially when the label a blogger wants to get something from is a small indie label. I’ve personally heard from a couple designers in the last couple designers that they don’t like fashion bloggers because they’re always expecting free stuff. I wrote a post about it (http://musingsofbuffyleigh.blogspot.ca/2013/06/before-you-ask-brands-for-free-stuff.html) if you’re interested. Please, be aware and respectful of who and what you’re asking for.

    Reply
    • Dolna

      That is a very good point, Steff, couldn’t agree more. To contact agencies/designers is a responsible step to do, it does not only build/destroy the reputation of the single blogger but the whole blogging community might be judged (fair or not)..

      Reply
    • Dolna

      That is a good point, Steff, I couldn’t agree more. Contacting PR agencies is a responsible step, it can build/destroy the reputation not only of the single blogger but the whole blogging community might be judged by the way it happens (fair or not)…

      Reply
  28. Ann

    Thanks for this; I’m always looking for more tips on how to do this!

    Reply
  29. Grace Kendrick

    Hi!

    I always find contacting PR agencies a little scary, but it’s definitely worth doing, as It’s so rewarding for both you, your blog, and the PR agency too! 🙂
    I love doing reviews but always ensure I’m being honest!

    Grace X

    Reply
  30. Emily Ulrich

    While I believe myself to have a distinct writing style and photographic angle, I don’t see my readership consistent enough to attract a PR agency. Hopefully, I’ll be able to grow my brand and gather a stronger following so I can contact these sorts of agencies in the future. 🙂 Thank you for the tips!

    Reply
  31. CynthiaCM

    Then you have the issue of PR people sending you proposals that aren’t a good fit. It’s like they don’t research before adding blogs to certain mailing lists! Sometimes I ignore them, others, I will write back, telling them that we aren’t a good fit, but to keep us in mind for something that is (I would often attach a media kit).

    Cynthia

    Reply
  32. Erika Batista

    Thank you so much for this article. It is very helpful to read these tips especially as a fashion blogger. I never thought of the simple ideas you pointed out. I really like the “story” idea.

    Thank you!

    Reply
  33. Christine

    I’ve found that over time agencies have been in contact with me, only recently have I pitched ideas to agencies and have found they are usually very responsive. I would say:
    Strive to be selective, only work with brands that are a suitable match.
    Be open and honest with stats
    Come up with exciting photoshoot/ article ideas that will show off the product/ service and engage you readers.
    Love Christine x

    Reply
  34. a. seller

    10 Reasons why us small sellers are tired of bloggers:

    1.)”Send me something/give me a discount and I will feature you!”. We can’t afford to send you free or discounted items. Especially if we are vintage clothing sellers, we may only have one of that item, and could really use a ‘real’ sale of that item to pay our bills. Many of us DO live sale to sale, and use our sales to pay our mortgage, our rent, our bills, our groceries, our kids dental appointments, etc. Many of us have no other source of income. We really don’t like the idea of people getting something for free, when we get nothing in return. Your traffic stats are meaningless (more details about below.)

    2.)”My stats are XXXx and my traffic is XXXX”. Okay fine but what does that mean for MY store? Hate to break it to many of you, but we sellers know for a fact that many of those numbers are bought through programs, and many of those followers are fake and are bot-generated, and therefore, we would not actually be getting the attention of 10K real people, but maybe 300 real people (regardless of what your numbers say) and would only really expect maybe 50 hits on our site, equaling ZERO sales. REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOUR NUMBERS ARE, it’s not worth it for US!

    3.) “My blog is my passion and so unique!” Ah, the I’m a special snowflake defense. Listen. Every girl has a blog now. And every blogger girl thinks she’s hot stuff, but we hate to break it to you, ALL OF YOU are a dime a dozen. There is nothing inherently special about any of you, no matter what you write about or what your style is, or what design you have as your banner, or how big your site is.

    4.) “We can help each other grow!” No…we really can’t. Unless your post is somehow going to make-or-break-us then conversely we don’t see how talking about our item is gonna make you famous as well.

    5.) “I am such a huge fan of your store/product!” Sending us a message asking to sponsor us or asking outright for free stuff, when we have NEVER HEARD OF YOU, is downright ballsy. You have yet to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, never pinned us on Pinterest, never linked us on your little blog… and you expect us to believe you are a fan who ‘loves our style’? Give us a break. Down to #6.

    6.) “I love your style/aesthetic”? Really. Well I’m gonna tell you guys something you don’t know. Us small sellers, especially vintage sellers. WE all know each other. We are all in private forum groups. And we talk. A lot. Everytime one of you guys come begging, we write about it to warn others. Cuz we are sick of it. We will copy paste your little message. And have a laugh at it. Or just get mad. Especially when 20 of us got THE SAME EXACT MESSAGE! Do you really think sending us the same copy pasted message is going to inspire us to want anything to do with you? It’s hard to feel special when you send that message to all our friends. Love my style? YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT US!

    7.) “blah blah blah blah”. Guess what. We consider you spam. And we report every single one of you for spam. Especially when you message us on Etsy or Facebook or Instagram. Keep up doing that girls, and some sites are going to kick you off. Oh and sending us a message on one site asking us for our email so you can talk to us about something…. we aren’t stupid. We know what you’re going to ask. We get tons of THOSE messages too.

    8.) “I have written about your store, and told everyone to like you!” Well thanks, we do actually appreciate the enthusiasm, and support! We will even let our fans know about the post! But, even if you do write about us first, are a huge fan, follow us everywhere, even buy from us on occassion, the likelihood of us sending you something for free is VERY VERY SLIM. We would either have to REALLY love you and just do it as a GIFT, or we KNOW we could get some major business from you. So you BETTER be something pretty darn special. I personally have been at this for 10 years and only given something for free twice, and that was 5 years ago, before every girl had a blog.

    9.) “You’re being rude/you should take it as a compliment/I’m just trying to help!” On occasion, we get angry and write back saying we are not interested, and that we think it’s rude to send these kind of messages to a store who has never heard of you. No. It’s NOT a compliment. Read #6. We don’t write back often usually we just delete your request, or say “No, thank you.”. But sometimes, some requests just really rub us the wrong way, and we can’t hold back. Can you really blame us? I personally get 10 of these messages a week! For years! If I gave a free item to EVERY ONE OF YOU, I would be out of business!

    10.) “Well okay bye :P!)”………………………….. *headdesk*

    Hope this makes some of you think before you send that copy/pasted message. Think again. And then delete it. Be our fan first! Show us you love us! Make us care about YOU! Make us YOUR fan! And maybe, just maybe, one day you might get lucky. Until then, spend your time asking the big companies and businesses. They have more to give than we do.

    Reply
    • Katie R

      I do agree that it is inappropriate to ask ANY brand-especially smaller brands-for free stuff, right out. If you don’t have brands e-mailing you, then you have some work to do. You can let a brand know that you have written an article on them or showcased their item in a outfit, but to ask them for free stuff is very rude!
      I also must let you know that all bloggers are definitely NOT the same. That would be like me saying all clothing brands are the same-begging for way more money than their clothing is worth. There are tons and tons of fashion bloggers, as you said, and that is a real struggle! Also many bloggers post outfits every single day and readers are always wanting to the the trendiest pieces and looks and many of us can’t afford that! Just saying, there are two sides to it!

      Reply
  35. Adela

    Great tips. There’s few brands I’d love to work with one day but feel I still have a way to go with my stats. That doesn’t stop me from showing my love for them though 🙂
    Adela x

    Reply
  36. Albina

    Really helpful advises. I haven’t connected with PR departments , but they do it! It is very productive, they sent clothes to you ,you make outfits and do pictures. Everyone is satisfied!

    Reply
  37. An

    Thank you for the article. I definitely need to start writing about my favorite brands as a way to get them to notice me, especially since I haven’t gotten very far with my blog.

    Reply
  38. Pip

    This is great advice and also remember that you don’t want to work with all the same companies as everyone else because your blog won’t stand out anymore because you will be wearing the same things as everyone else. Try to reach out to companies that are really unique to what your blog stands for. Contact new fashion designers as well who are just getting out in the industry. They could also be willing to work with you to get some of their lines out there!

    Reply
  39. Jennifer Rose

    These are great tips that we have always lived by! Since we do product reviews, brand are rather apt to give product. I think #1, its’ all about delivering when you say you will, and making sure you stay in constant contact with them. Send through links once the post is live. Schedule coffee dates with the PRs, constantly shout them out on social. Keep the relationship going. This goes for both sides.

    Reply
  40. Adrian

    Why should the publicist be a “her”? I thought men worked in the fashion industry too… My bad.

    Reply
  41. Lo W.

    Once I get out of that initial “New Blog” phase I hope I will be able to participate in things like this.

    http://douxetlo.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  42. Shira

    I just thought I’d share a great experience I just had yesterday! 🙂 I’ve been hesitating to reach out to brands because I’m not “big enough” and my readership isn’t massive (yet-hehe) but I’ve really worked to improve my blog the last few months and I feel more confident about it. I e-mailed a well known brand basically stating that I love their brand, their brand fits right in with my aesthetics, I’d love to collaborate with them and feature some of their dresses, etc….and they got back to me and said they’d love to collab with me and have me feature their dresses! So you never know! Sometimes taking these steps are important. I think the most important thing was making sure my photos were of really good quality. Once I had a skilled photographer for my blog, the quality really went up, and I now feel like I do have something to offer these brands.

    Reply
  43. Emily Gemma

    This is so interesting to me seeing that I have been blogging for over a year and have never asked a company to collaborate. I have always let them come to me, but I get it – being proactive never hurts anything! If any businesses are currently looking for fashion + lifestyle bloggers, I would love to work with them! www.thesweetestthingblog.com

    Reply
  44. alison blackman

    The article has some basic and sound points, but please, don’t call samples the legitimate writers need to use to write legitimate reviews, “swag.” Swag is something you get as a gift. Samples are not gifts. And they are not free samples, either. Think of the time, effort and free promotion you are providing to a company. In the case of my website, for example, advertorials costs many, many, many times more than a free lipstick, scarf…whatever that sample happens to be.

    Reply
    • Sarah Woodstock

      Totally agree! And besides, bloggers should be asking for more than just product to write about a company — they should be getting paid (and in the thousands of dollars, each time)!

      Reply
  45. Lisa

    I really loved this article. It opened my eyes to the steps I can take to growing my blog to its full potential. Thanks for this!

    Reply
  46. Victoria

    Maybe the best thing is to not expect free stuff? Maybe it’s best just to write about the stuff you love, and if you do it well enough and with enough passion, maybe the brand you love will come knocking of their own accord?

    My mother always said ” ‘I want’ never gets” and maybe if you spend your time expecting to be gifted, you won’t be giving off a great energy to PR firms. Myself I get insincere emails even here on IFB; “Follow my blog! And I’ll follow yours!” and then they don’t bother, because they are only interested in their own followers and not following other people. Insincerity shows, so PR firms must be able to spot it a mile off.

    There are so many bloggers out there it’s hard to make a difference, but if you are sincere and talented it will show, and those are the ones that will get PR firms interested.

    Reply
    • Sarah Woodstock

      Sorry, but definitely not! A thought: if bloggers do reviews for free, then it’s kind of screwing over all bloggers because it makes advertisers perceive that there’s less value in blog posts in general, it also makes them less likely to pay for sponsored posts since they can keep hassling bloggers to do it for free, and it deprives the blogging community of value and much needed income.

      You’ve heard that most people value things based on what they paid for them? I think that’s true in general and especially in the case of brands and advertising. If bloggers give sponsorships away for free, then it ruins the brand’s perception of the value sponsored blog posts have.

      It may sound harsh, but I really think that the bloggers who write articles about brands for free, or just for product, do a disservice to themselves (that brand will never pay you in the future) and to all bloggers, since it devalues the service and makes it harder for bloggers (in general, as an industry) to make a living. If bloggers can’t make money because others will work for free, then the quality of blogs overall will decrease, since most will have to give it up in favor of a better paying job.

      If you want to write articles without payment, write about brands who are vegan, ethical, eco, third-world artisan, and doing good in the world. They actually need the support and likely can’t afford to pay anyhow. But when L’Oreal comes knocking — make sure your time is well-rewarded. 😉 xo

      Reply
  47. Simone

    There are some good points in this article, and I also agree with the person who said not to look at a sample as swag or a gift. It’s what you need to do for your work if you take blogging seriously. If it’s just a hobby, then I guess you could think of an item you receive after the hours you spend giving companies free advertising a gift. I don’t. Actually, when a company gives me an item that, for example, retails for $100. and I give them a full page review, which I charge $1000. for when I sell an ad, then who’s giving who a gift? Frankly, I’m giving them the gift aren’t I? They’re ahead by $900. right?

    I’m a professional in this business, and my site’s been around a long time and I have a high readership, so if I talk to a publicist about an editorial write up getting a sample is generally not a problem…..unless of course, we’re talking about super high end. I’ll write up $5000. watches, and of course don’t expect one…..but then, I’m invited to their press openings and parties and talk to the designers and executives involved. However, I’d never, ever write up a beauty product without trying it first. If you do, it’s not a review. You can’t say a shampoo left your hair silky if you didn’t try it. Or you can’t tell your readers how jeans fit if you don’t have a pair. But you certainly can do trend reporting by looking online at the photos from fashion week, or from designers sites.

    To A. Seller
    While you made a valid point, which is, no one should expect a small indie company, a vintage seller, or someone that makes one-of-a-kind pieces to give away products, but you didn’t need to be so rude and nasty.
    I wish I could show you the ridiculous pitches *I* get on a daily basis (approx. 300 of them) from publicists and companies saying that my site is a “perfect fit” for their product and beg me to take their samples, when it’s something that anyone who looked at my site for 10 seconds, would know it’s not a fit at all. Stupidity and greed works both ways, and in this column that’s trying to help inexperienced bloggers get tips, and create best practices models for themselves, I think your nastiness overshadows your message and no one will hear you

    Reply
  48. narda

    These are something I want to try. Thanks a lot for posting this. I really don’t that I can actually do some stuff like these.

    Reply
  49. NERLINE GERMAIN

    WOW!
    Another great article. I am so happy I found this site. I must be on the right track.

    http://www.chicfromhair2toe.com/

    Reply
  50. Ellen

    Is this written from the perspective of a PR Agent?

    How about not asking for free stuff. Do you think the PR Agency is working for free. No, so why should you?

    If you reach a large enough audience, brands will contact you. They will not only send you the cloths, but pay for you to wear them and blog about it.

    Reply
  51. Eunice

    Thank you for all the tips this is awesome!! Can you someone get involved with doing PR if they are already out of school and can’t intern. I am really interested in learning the PR side. How can you get involved in Fashion PR when you don’t live in New York or LA? Open to any suggestions.

    Thank You,
    Eunice

    Reply
  52. Fatima Tania

    I have not yet contacted a PR agency because I first want to increase my numbers and perfect consistency. I do have a question….how do you write a pitch to an agency? I tried to find one on IFB but didn’t see anything. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  53. JenLivine

    Hey there !
    Just read your article and and found it super helpful to girls and boys that own fashion blogs! I do not own one but i do love fashion and do love see the looks these new fashionistas put together, as after all, fashion trends are not only what we see on the runway, but what we see on the streets as well! I don’t know if you already wrote about it, but you could write an article about the first steps (from scratch) to start a fashion blog and get noticed, the “must’s do” to be a well-know blogger, as when we are starting something we mostly are clueless about it! If you already did..ops..my bad!
    Cheers Crosby !

    Reply
  54. Winston & Willow

    This is a really great post. I recently contacted quite a few PR agencies and got a reasonable response, however it is always hard to know how to approach them in the right way, so thank you for the tips!
    Charlotte
    www.winstonandwillow.com

    Reply
  55. adhi wahyudi

    amazing and awesome tips! i love this ! this is really great btw

    Reply
  56. Camille Sioco

    Great tips! I found that providing accurate stats is a good way to start 🙂

    Reply
  57. Quynh

    This is a very interesting article I stumbled upon. I just started a fashion blog and would love to earn a good consistent amount of viewers. I always thought the brand would contact you if you have a good number of readers and supporters but taking the first step in initiating is also a great idea. I am nowhere near to having the stats to contact any brands for affiliation but would love to one day. I would be ecstatic just to have people read my blog and be inspired by what I have to offer.

    Reply
  58. Sara

    Hi,
    I am reading IFB posts for about a year now and each time they are useful. I really loved this one and it gave me the confidence to start creating my case and reach out to brands, thank you !

    I just had a question :
    What do you mean by “ask for a lookbook and come back for samples”, you mean asking for some pictures from the brand ?

    Thank you

    Reply
  59. Zakia

    Wow…this was very much a help. I recently just started my blog (I have wanted to do this for years) and this basically just answered a lot of questions I was having…Thanks!!!

    Reply
  60. Mais

    Hiya,

    I’m a beauty blogger and I recently contacted a company they replied asking for my blog statistics?
    HELP what do I send them?

    Reply
  61. U.

    This is great. I should put this on my website to warn off bloggers, haha. I am a PR manager for a beauty firm with a number of various brands- and I often get the exact same email sent to all of our brands from a “truly devoted fan”, who wants free stuff to write about.

    On Monday mornings when I am in a particular good mood, one begging blogger might get lucky, but 99% of them are turned down. If they had done their homework and read this article, surely I would send out tons of products.

    Reply
  62. wherethestyledthingsare.com

    I have found that after posting about upcoming blog posts where I need stock for in a few different places like Press Loft, that PR agencies generally come to you and if you do a good job and build a relationship then they come back.

    However, if you are going unnoticed then DEFINITELY contact them – it shows initiative and passion 🙂

    Adelle

    Reply
  63. Zhenya

    I feel like at this point, just wait for a brand to approach you! Of course there are connections you can make, and there are success stories, I have a few of those. But I would rather keep my blog my personal space, to inspire others 🙂
    ~Zhenya

    Reply
  64. Rossana Vanoni

    Many bloggers need to go back to what drove them to be in this field. That was the sharing of what you love about fashion, your style and/or lifestyle.
    Concentrate on your content and growing your followers. The rest will settle into place.

    Before we started blogging, we bought our own. It should not be different now. Yes, many get pieces sent to them, but, the reasons could be that they have agreements already in place, modeling, editorials, collaborations, etc.
    Don’t be disheartened! Keep doing what you started with, and yes, contact brands if, you have done your homework, have done previous posts, and do wear their designs. But, don’t expect anything for free.
    Remember, if you want to take this to the next level, treat it like the business that it is. Free will not pay your hosting, gasoline, outings, photographer, time, and much, much more.
    And, keep reading IFB. The bible for fashion bloggers!

    Reply
  65. Shumail

    Hi. This is such a great post. It really is very difficult to stand out among so many bloggers when many of them are doing great job. I am also a new blogger and I think as a blogger first of all you should be honest ,all the other things come after that.
    shumailsbeautyandstyle.WordPress.com

    Reply
  66. Betty

    Hey!
    I find your post really helpful, but I would be really interested those of fashion or beauty bloggers what are your stats/ per month ? I know this is a sensitive questions, but I would really appreciate if somebody would give me some pointers?

    Thank you!

    Betty

    Reply
  67. Bernadette

    Thanx for the great advice. This is similar to how Ive been following it and it’s worked like a treat but I’ve also experienced PR companies taking advantage. Sending me media releases and asking me to write a post. After half a dozen posts and when I ask for a sample as their media release states I can. They say no.

    Reply
  68. Bernadette

    Pressed submit too quickly!

    I also want to know what do you do when you meet in person the PR ppl, they offer to send stuff for me to review and then they don’t send it. Is it ok to remind them? I haven’t. It’s only happened to me twice.

    Reply
  69. Sarah Woodstock

    I’m sorry, but while I like your site, I think this is terrible advice, and could ruin the blogging industry. Here’s why:

    If bloggers do reviews for free, then it’s kind of screwing over all bloggers because it makes advertisers perceive that there’s less value in blog posts in general, it also makes them less likely to pay for sponsored posts since they can keep hassling bloggers to do it for free, and it deprives the blogging community of value and much needed income.

    Bloggers who write articles about brands for free, or just for product, do a disservice to themselves (that brand will likely never pay you in the future — and why would they?) and to all bloggers, since it devalues the service and makes it harder for bloggers (in general, as an industry) to make a living. If bloggers can’t make money because others will work for free, then the quality of blogs overall will decrease, since most will have to give it up in favor of a better paying job.

    You’ve heard that most people value things based on what they paid for them? I think that’s true in general and especially in the case of brands and advertising. If bloggers give sponsorships away for free, then it ruins the brand’s perception of the value sponsored blog posts have.

    BTW – I would consider any mention of a brand as a form of advertising… from the brand’s perspective, anyway. They pay $10,000/month or more to PR agencies to get this form of advertising. It’s clearly valuable, so why should bloggers give that kind of value (…and writing skill …and time …and photography) away for free, when brands clearly have the $$ to pay for it (heck, they’re paying other people for it)? Not to mention, it’s most bloggers only chance at income!

    Every blogger should have a page listing their sponsored post options and prices, and should direct brands who want coverage to that page. The key is to always be honest in your reviews, no matter what. If you can’t say something nice, then give a refund. Only write about products, hotels, etc. that you’ve actually experienced/tried for long enough to get a good feel for them.

    If you want to write articles without payment, write about brands who are vegan, ethical, eco, third-world artisan, and doing good in the world. They actually need the support and likely can’t afford to pay anyhow. But when L’Oreal comes knocking — make sure your time is well-rewarded.

    I find it so frustrating when brands / PR ask for coverage with zero compensation. They ARE asking you to not only work for free, but provide free advertising. They pay everyone else they work with, so it’s insulting that they would think that they shouldn’t pay bloggers…

    IMHO – A sponsored article on a professional-looking blog should cost an absolute minimum of $10k+, and a sponsored social media post should cost $15 to $30+ CPM (per thousand followers), depending on what the brand wants and what is involved. For perspective, many social media stars make $50k to $100k per Instagram post alone. And an ad in a print magazine can easily cost a few hundred thousand dollars. These brands are paying for ads elsewhere, so why not in your blog? Don’t you give them value too?

    Good luck, fellow bloggers! And remember: this is BUSINESS. Blogging is an industry, and your livelihood. You are providing a SERVICE for these brands, when you write about them. Never forget that!

    Reply
  70. Amber Smith

    Hello,

    I am not quite a fashion blogger but rather an Influencer Via Instagram and Youtube.

    Can you lend some advice on how to properly seek representation from PR companies for brand consideration?

    Reply
  71. grosir gamis batik muslim

    Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!
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    Reply
  72. Miki

    Thanks for the information and the advice on contacting PR companies. It brought out a lot of discussion, thoughtful recommendations and advice that overall is really helpful on how to be prepared and approach them.

    Xo,
    Miki
    http://mikialamode.com

    Reply
  73. Alonia

    This was extremely helpful! I am currently in the process of building myself and my brand as a young lady who adores the fashion and beauty industry with everything in her! taking notes and networking has gotten me pretty far. I still have a lot of growing and learning to do but I will hit my peak very soon and can’t wait!

    Reply
  74. Neeckiey

    These are really some helpful tips! I have recently started blogging and sure this post is gonna come handy. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  75. Kirby

    This is super helpful! I’ve been writing my blog for many years now but just recently started to think about reaching out to PR agencies. For my industry which is food, I feel like it is particularly hard to get noticed, but I will try my best and be strategic yet humble when reaching out.

    www.eatingwithkirby.com

    Reply
  76. Amber

    I would love to be added to your or list this would be amazing I would love to try all the new things out and share with everyone

    Reply