So I have had a few days to digest the overwhelming conference of BlogHer 2010. I've come to the fact, I am still overwhelmed 1) as a marketer trying to to stay on top of the social media realm and 2) as a beginning blogger.
I have to concentrate first and foremost on the Marketing side as that is what helps pay the bills. This conference had over 2,400 women bloggers in attendance. (Marketer's Dream!) And every big product brand out there was in attendance with full representation. I have never seen so much high quality swag given away at one conference. But the goal was obvious. There were 2,400 of their target market in ONE CONCENTRATED PLACE! (again, Marketer's Dream!) And they wanted those ladies to review their products on those blogs. Simple and key, but that is not where it ends.
Over and over I heard what these companies were putting into their social media efforts. They have entire teams that are developing these relationships. Oh yeah, that's another repetitious thing I heard, these ladies want the relationship, not the pitch. (I have heard this several times before, but always hits harder coming straight from the horses mouth) Now my job, is to take this to our marketing teams and see how the handful of us can create these awesome relationship with these lovely ladies to be touched by our books and help to spread the word.
As for me being a beginning blogger, there is much to learn. I was amazed at these women and all they knew and were basically self taught. They knew HTML, PHP, back links, monetizing, back end programming. Um, I know HTML, but very limited. But I'll get there...as I said the other day. I'll take any advice and help along the way.
I have only one criticism of the conference. Next year I would love to see some case studies of mid and small size companies. The Pepsi, Lion Brand Yarn, etc studies were great to see and hear, not everyone has their budgets to contend with. They get to pay and play while the rest of us are still using elbow grease to get the job done. It would be great to see a little diversity in that aspect.
So thank you BlogHer for a great conference and plenty to think about, I hope to see you again next year and compare.
What has been your blogging experience and has been most helpful information to know?
Did the bloggers have any suggestions on how they prefer to have the relationship formed? I've heard commenting on the blog frequently helps. Were there any other tips?
ReplyDeleteYes, commenting on the blogs is the main way of relationship forming. Also, some blogs have the direct contact info on them, that is another way, but start with the relationship that way and not the pitch.
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