So there is yet another list of top mom bloggers. Yes, another. Cue exasperated sigh. I am on this list so believe me when I say this isn’t about sour grapes. In fact, the list itself looks pretty sound (although I have a hunch it is culled from Twitter lists or perhaps Klout rankings). It’s always fun to be on a top list, whether it has any validity or not. It makes me feel fancy. The problem? This particular list is at the end of a post that recommends using some of the most reviled blogger outreach tactics around, such as blogging for contest entries or blogging for freebies. Christine summed it up nicely.
This isn’t the first time someone who doesn’t know the space will pull this stunt as link bait, and it certainly won’t be the last. It struck me, however, that as many times as marketers have made mom blogger lists I don’t recall a blogger making a list of top marketers and PR people who get it when it comes to blogger outreach. I know so many who do get it and who are brilliant, and I always hate seeing the industry embarrassed by people who should not be advising on these topics.
The PR people, marketers and social media managers who get it understand some basic fundamentals about blogger outreach: it is about relationships and respect. And respect means paying someone for work. It’s as simple as that. I’ve said this so – many – times.
This is an intentionally very short list of people I have had lengthy conversations with about the space, and I know they understand it. They live it and practice it from day to day. I know so many other people who get it. I knew the longer this list got the more likely it is to be attacked (and for the people on the list to be attacked).
I thought about making one of those crazy, controversial top X lists, but what I want this post to do is spark a conversation about the good marketers out there. This should be the beginning of a crowd sourced list among bloggers.
I will get the ball rolling. Here are two people who totally get the space, they build relationships with bloggers and they respect bloggers.
Caitlin Madden
Social Media Manager for Mabel’s Labels
Why? I have known Cait for years, and she was embedding herself in the blogging space before many marketers even bothered to pitch them. She put a small Canadian-based business on the global map with recognition in prestigious publications like Forbes.
David Griner
Digital Content Director for Luckie & Co. and Contributing Editor at AdFreak
Why? I have known David longer than I have known Twitter, and we actually worked together IRL before I quit my day job to be a business woman. We have talked about blogging and social media many times. He was one of the first agency men I remember regularly seeing at mom blog conferences and who was welcomed, and many bloggers have gotten to know him over the years. He has been defending mom bloggers – for years.
Now, your turn bloggers.
Let’s give these marketers who GET it the recognition they deserve once and for all. Perhaps brands will pay attention, and hire them as firm representation or social media managers. I certainly haven’t worked with everyone in PR and advertising or brand marketing director, PR manager or social media director.
UPDATE: I am closing the linky simply because there were too many self-submissions that I had to delete (none are remaining on the list right now, to be clear, but the linky was confusing). Please continue to use the comments section to add marketers you would recommend who understand blogger outreach, and why. If you have written a post, please add that in the comments. The same rules still apply… Bloggers should be doing the recommending, and recommending marketers who they feel get it. The marketers should be people, not companies.
I would love to shine a light on the positive people who work so hard and do understand the space.
Photo © pressmaster – Fotolia.com
Marketers Who Understand Blogger Outreach,
Kelby Carr is the founder and publisher of Type-A Parent. She also is the organizer of the Type-A Parent Conference. She is the author of Pinterest For Dummies and Pinterest Marketing For Dummies. You can follow her on Twitter at @typeamom and circle her on Google+.
Ok, so I totally flubbed and read the directions wrong. That’s Vicki Cos up there with my name under her pic.
I chose her because for about 3 years now I’ve had a wonderful relationship with her. She is kind, sweet, and realizes the value of a blogger. She’s not a use ‘em and leave’em PR Person. She keeps in touch and is always offering my family tickets to fun events, just because.
No worries, it is really awkward. I tried adding a line to make it better but it doesn’t display, so I just switched to pics only. It will make people click to twitter profiles, and people can comment to explain who/why they submitted who they did.
You’re a rock star!
And of course, feel free to submit more than one!
Caitlin is AMAZING!I’ve not worked with her in several years but she’s one that will always stand out to me.
Love this Kelby!!! I absolutely have a list. They have shown me that my time and effort is worth more than a $4 a post. I work hard for them and they work hard for me.
I love it! Hahaha…
http://www.peakco.com/ is an amazing group of people who get bloggers. As are http://veritascanada.com/
I don’t have time to write posts etc..but have good relationships with many of the staff there…there are more too.
There are many that get it..that it is all about relationships….but there are also bloggers who don’t get it either..two way street
I submitted Rose – I had no idea until I linked to her that she was so young and so beautiful! Our contact has been via email and she’s and amazing professional with a sense of humor. She’s incredibly helpful and really works hard had maintaining a great relationship.
Thanks Rose!
I would put Clever Girls Collective at the top of the list. Started by bloggers, yes, but we all have a business and/or marketing background. I spent almost 10 years working in Marketing Communications. We get marketing. And we get bloggers, too!
Totally agree here! Clever Girls is fantastic. Great campaigns, everything outlined very well, expectations are clear. Love the “cool” vibe of everything they do, and it always feels like they want the best for their clients *and* bloggers. AND bloggers are paid well, every time.
Thanks Stefania! I know we have had great experiences working with you guys and Ubisoft as Type-A sponsors.
I’d like to add Denise Dochnahl to the list. She has always gotten it, even when she was new to the game. She’s efficient, and takes good care of the business part so that we have been able to develop a great working relationship. It’s always a real pleasure working with her.
Yes! Denise is fantastic, and she is alway so thoughtful and friendly. She really does get bloggers!
My favorite part of this post is that you didn’t take the linkbait.
It’s not a good list (a lot of those people are not mom bloggers–some aren’t even bloggers), it’s not a good article, and it wasn’t written by a good marketer.
I’m sorry you had to waste your time writing a post to refute something so inane. But I’m glad every time that you stand up and say what’s right. Go, Kelby.
Thank you, and yes I made sure not to link. I hope THIS post has legs, and we all forget about that OTHER post and the person who wrote it. And you are so right about the quality of the list. I saw lots of names that belonged on there, but then things like Cafe Mom which isn’t a human, and that site isn’t even run by women, much less moms. I consider a blogger list to be human bloggers, but maybe I am particular.
Oh noes! Particular!
What would the world come to if we all put thought into our posts like you do. Shudder to think.
Here are my contributions of people I love working with on behalf of Cool Mom Picks. Not including so many who are already up there (Adam, Cassie, Stephanie, Barbara, David W…). I chose them because they don’t send mass pitches, they know our brand and reach out to us accordingly, they’re responsive, and they’re a pleasure to work with. They’re not all PR by the way.
Disclaimer: this is a WILDLY abbreviated list
Katie Hammond of 9SPR (formerly 72 and Sunny)
Bonin Bough of Pepsi
Jeannine Harvey at One.org (formerly PBS Parents)
GG Benitez of GG Benitez and Co
Dina Vathis of Big Honcho Media
Julie Cole of Mabel’s Labels
Stephanie Schwab of Crackerjack Marketing
Stephanie Azzarone of Childs Play PR
Lisa Ormond of Kid Stuff PR
Shelly Kramer of V3 Integrated Marketing
Calli Maxwell at Ralph Lauren
Esther Chen -independent, (formerly of Martha Stewart, EW)
Zoe Dunn, Shani Wright and more at Formula PR
–
I know there’s a million more.
TY!! xo
Thanks, Liz!
Thanks for including me Liz!
Thank you so much Liz! I adore working with you and your team too.
Came here to link Dina Vathis of Big Honcho Media, but I see someone else has already done it. Bravo! What I love about Dina is that she is straight-forward, incredibly organized, values your time and resources, is so easy to work with, and always has fun stuff happening. And she’s just an awesome person! She needs to give a Master Class to other marketers on how to do it right.
I submitted two more links, and I’m sure I’ll think of more as the days go by. I linked to Erin Olson of The Motherhood and Monina Wagner of Marcus Thomas. Both are very, very organized, communicate clearly with their outreach, are available for questions and feedback, and all-around make every campaign fun *and* professional. Well done!
Thanks! And feel free to add people already here. I think it is telling if someone is submitted by several bloggers, KWIM?
Thank you Stacey! I’m so honored you elected me to this fabulous list. You are amazing!
This is such a great idea. Those of us who have done this for a while end up working with the same marketers over and over again after we have positive experiences. After a few good times, you always open an email from that one PR rep or marketer that you know is doing it right. I’m going to take a stab at adding one to your complicated looking linky thing.
Yes, exactly. We know who are the good, talented, hard-working ones. As far as the linky, super easy. Type in the URL for the person’s Twitter profile. Then your name and email (which don’t show). You don’t have to, but you can also comment if you’d like to explain why you added who you did. And you can add more than one, and people who have already been added.
What an awesome response to that so-called ‘list’. I love that you’ve offered a place for people to share, I’m excited to see some of my favorite people already listed (Caitlin ROCKS), and look forward to reading more about some of those I don’t. Off to check out everyone who is linked up and add my own favorites.
Well you know, if it’s link bait, we could all take the bait and give them big ole’ hefty dose of Santorum-like SEO results.
[...] in Blogging and Social Media at Type-A Parent How to write the perfect pitch letter at MamaDweeb Marketers who understand blogger outreach at Type-A [...]
I LOVE this! I started adding people and couldn’t stop!! While there were some agencies recognized that I LOVE, I also wanted to add the people too. Because they make all the difference.
Great idea, Kelby!!
Ahh beat me to it (great minds think alike), only I was going to do brands that get it. But honestly there are only maybe 3 that I continue to work with. The rest disappear…
There are quite a few recommendations that I’m unfamiliar with. Looking forward to knowing them better and if I can think of some more, or as current new relationships flourish, I will add. I added Jon Gray at Fleishman-Hillard and Michelle DuQuette at Tea Collection so far
. Michelle tweets on the brand account, so is linking to her LinkedIn ok?
This is a fantastic, Kelby! I’ve been thinking a lot about marketers and brand reps that have been so genuine and kind to me, and now that I work on blogger outreach, I take a lot of what I do from them! I’m going to link to them, but want to also share here that Chandra Carson from Stonyfield and Angela Snider from Bottom Dollar Foods are amazing representatives for their brands.
I know someone who gets what mom blogger outreach is all about but unfortunately he doesn’t have a twitter handle
Its so refreshing to see so many reps carrying about the role we bloggers take in promoting company’s and products.
Hi. You can add another link like maybe a LI profile. Although just my two cents, but I think people who do blogger outreach really should be on Twitter since that is where bloggers communicate heavily. But a Twitter profile isn’t mandatory.
Me too. I added her LinkedIn and asked if that was ok since she tweets from the company account. I don’t see her on the list anymore.
i submitted @favemama though i don’t see the link up there, it might just be taking a little while. I love her honest blogging and stand up for the issues she believes in. She also has great reviews about great quality products that will help moms and moms to be (like myself)
Liz Ticona
Hi Liz. It sounds like she is a blogger, not a marketer? The list is for marketers.
It’s an honor to be on this list; I only wish I knew who nominated me so that I could thank that person! As my career at Ketchum continues to develop, I have less opportunity to work directly with bloggers but I will never abandon the amazing community of parents online who have taught me so much!
I second nominate you!
I am so incredibly honored to be included on this list. While I don’t get to work with bloggers as often as I would like to, I have met many of you at blogger conferences and it is just a pleasure to know and work with you when I can.
I just wanted to say thank you, and I am really happy to see that those folks that get this space and want to do it right have this chance to be recognized. There are so many good folks included!
I am humbled to be included on this list. The bloggers with which I work make every day a joy. I am fortunate I have gotten to know so many of them.
A huge thank you to Stacey for the nomination. I am so grateful!
I added in Brian Carter of SeaWorld, Susan Raab of Raab Associates, and Mike Wood of WGBH Boston.
Brian offers a neat program for bloggers at SeaWorld, and I think the neatest thing SeaWorld does is really work hard to offer more than just the park experience (as if that is not incredible enough) to their bloggers — they’ve added in an annual conference and I know they want everyone to build friendships, hopefully for the long-haul. They genuinely care about people and animals. It shows in so many ways. Since 2009 — my direct experience with them.
Susan and her team take time to figure out what works well for me as a person, blogger and mom. They send me books for review — children’s books. They’ve even contributed to needy libraries by sending additional books. Over the years, every time I get a set of books, they get in touch, offer support, ask for nothing specific, take cues to communication, and I see the things they send me keep getting smarter for what my kids like. So they listen, really. Since 2010 I think.
Mike Wood at WGBH Boston has a pretty easy cool deal on hand to appeal, right off. But it’s all personable and great. One time, he got the author of the book and producer of the show forMartha Speaks to do an interview with my daughter’s entire class. It was amazing.
These people are just good people. That’s what they are. And every instance of working with them is like a fun pleasure.
Oops, sadly, cannot add in the other two. Well consider it a kudos anyway.
Sorry, you can now. For some reason, it set the linky to end earlier than I had planned. Try again?
It’s so nice to see my name on this list, and I also wanted to thank Mom101 for including Stephanie Azzarone from ChildsPlayPR.
I own a small agency, and my clients include brands such as PlanToys, Udi’s Gluten-Free Foods, CuddleUppets and Corolle. I also assist Share Our Strength on blogger outreach. Many of these brands have sponsored Type-A Conference or BlogHer in the past. I understand the importance of giving back to the blogging community by supporting blogger networking and educational events.
I really value my relationships with bloggers, and the women I work with in my agency are bloggers too because they “get” the importance of treating bloggers as professionals. (Big shout out to Sarah Peppel @sarahpeppel, Melissa Angert @melissaangert, Jo-Lynne Shane @jolynnes and Joey Fortman @joeyfortman for all of their help! And a big thank you to all of the blogger freelancers who pitch in on projects when I need extra help!)
Stephanie Azzarone also “gets” blogger outreach, and it is probably one of the reasons why she hired me as her Social Media Director at ChildsPlayPR. I have experience as a blogger and a marketer. She has mentored and supported me in building my own business because she’s smart enough to see that it doesn’t compete with her business. She values having bloggers on her team. It’s also why she was the one who stepped up in 2010 to provide pro-bono PR support for the Bloganthropy Awards. We had our third awards this year at BlogHer, and I don’t believe I would have been able to get the awards off the ground without the pro-bono support she provided on PR.
I also wanted to nominate Jo-Lynne Shane of the Philadelphia Social Media Moms (PSMM). Jo-Lynne (@jolynnes) is the social media manager for Rose Romanos, and she is the founder and organizer of PSMM. Jo-Lynne organizes workshops to help train new bloggers and to mentor them. She has made Philly into one of the most vibrant blogging cities in the country. She also helps me on blogger outreach for Udi’s Gluten Free Foods because she understands the importance of a personal touch in blogger outreach.
Another marketer I’d like to nominate is Jennifer James (@mombloggersclub). Jennifer is one of the women in the social good field that I admire the most. She has become an invaluable resource for any non-profit that needs blogger outreach. She’s created an impressive network (Mom Bloggers for Social Good), and she uses it to help charities and to advocate for good causes. Most recently, she sent an action email to her network on behalf of Share Our Strength at my request. She understands how to motivate bloggers to rally behind important causes.
And finally I’d also like to nominate Chrysula Winegar @chrysula. Her work on blogger outreach on behalf of Shot@Life has been absolutely amazing. Her passion for social good and for Shot@Life is always evident, and she treats all bloggers with respect and kindness even as she asks us to comment on posts to help raise funds for the Blogust project.
There are many more I could nominate because this industry has some fantastic marketers as well as bloggers!
I recommended @buzzmommy. Debbie represents a variety of quality brands and is always a delight to work with. She goes beyodn the typical product review and creates fun and innovative campaigns – and she offers fair pay for ambassadorships and sponsored posts.
Kelby – I added two people to the linky list. I saw both show up yesterday but now one is still there and the other has vanished. Did I do it wrong and it got removed? Thanks! Maureen
Okay, I’m back. And that was supposed to be beyond.
I want to second these nominees:
Emily and Cooper (and Erin) of The Motherhood
Brandi Jeter who represents Eyeona
All the fabulous ladies at BlogFrog
Whaewon at Fleishman
Nina Restieri from MomAgenda (another one who has been in the space from the beginning)
And I’m adding Christina from Therapon Skin Health!
Oh gosh, I know I’m missing a ton. I will just keep coming back as I think of more.
Thanks Jo-Lynne! We adore you!!
Leah – Bookieboo – MUST appear on this list – she totally gets it and helps brand connect in meaningful ways.
I’m late to the party but I would totally nominate Leah aka @bookieboo as well.. Leah works hard to make sure that the bloggers she works with are recognized and compensated for their craft, sometimes even paying out of her own pocket.
It’s that type of selflessness that makes her stand out to me.
I agree!! I nominated her too!
Awww! Thank you! XXOO
I added Jennifer from Wholly Guacamole (@eatwholly), cause she’s awesome at what she does and “gets” how important bloggers are to her company!
But, I am not seeing her pic up there, I went to add her again and it says she is already there…
Thanks!
Dian
The people added need to be people, not brand profiles. If she doesn’t have a personal Twitter @, perhaps she has a LinkedIn profile you could add instead?
Thank you so much, Dian! We’re a small company and we all wear lots of hats but the blogger program is my favorite by far! It’s so fascinating to see how the blogger world has become such a powerful force in the marketplace. Anyone who sees a mommy blogger as “a stay at home mom with a computer” has TOTALLY missed the boat and needs to open their eyes! You guys ROCK!
Got it! Thanks!
Dian
Thanks for nominating me! It’s an honor to be among all these other professionals. Yippee!! XXOO
I also want to nominate Beverly from the March of Dimes. @modbev
Beverly develops strong relationships with bloggers, has been an innovator with social media in the non-profit space and has been an advocate at non-profit conferences asking her peers to take the influence of bloggers seriously. Due to her work, the March of Dimes was one of the first non-profits to do extensive outreach to bloggers.
What a kind thing to do, Kelby! And wow, I’m so grateful to be included.
While I don’t have the opportunities to do as much outreach as I’d like, I always love connecting with bloggers – through Twitter, at conferences, etc. I really appreciate everyone I’ve worked with.
There are so many great, inspirational blogs out there, I wish it was possible for me to get to know all of you!
I apologize for any time a blogger has had less-than-respectful correspondence from a PR person. I admit, I’ve had to learn some lessons along the way, and I’m thankful for all the positive discourse on the subject. I look forward to more dialogue, as brands (and PR companies) of all shapes and sizes try to locate and engage with those who are/could be interested in various products, services, etc. (and NOT by sending blanket pitches/making ridiculous offers).
Hope everyone has a *delightful* rest of the day!
~Cheryl
I added James from Sears because he takes the time to find out how a program he is executing is perceived and actually asks our opinion on how we think things should be run. He believes in the creativity of bloggers!
I added Laura from 360 PR, who has been fabulous to work with.
I added Joelle Hutcheon from 360i. I have worked with her for years and know that she definitely gets it.
There are several others that I would like to add but they are already on the list.
I’ve worked with Jennifer Reese on some outreach locally and think she’s doing a great job! Her blog is http://bigbinder.com
Alicia Voorhies works on blogger outreach for Earth Mama Angel Baby and is wonderful to work with. http://thesoftlanding.com
Dina from http://babycenter.com is wonderful at connecting brands and bloggers! I’ve LOVED working with her over the years and totally respect her opinion.
Alicia Rockmore from http://getbuttonedup.com has run many blogger campaigns with Red Envelope, for example and did a great job with the outreach! I have loved working with her and Sarah Welch over the years.
Rachael Krantz Herrscher and Jyl Johnson Pattee rock it with their blogger outreach and engagement! http://momitforward.com
and http://todaysmama.com http://evoconference.com
Many blogger fly under the radar working on blogger outreach and engagement for PR and for companies and they should be recognized! I’m sure I have more but this is who I have right off the top of my head! Thanks for doing this Kelby!
Is the linky closed?
I would like to second the people from The Motherhood and add Sommer Poquette of Green and Clean Mom. As a blogger she totally gets how to work with bloggers.
Yes, Sommer Poquette has been a godsend as the outreach liaison for the Shaklee Cinch blogging program! Also, Jonathan Carl from MSL Atlanta is awesome!
I have to agree with The Diaper Diaries and Lindsay! Sommer Poquette does an amazing job working with Shaklee and the blogging community! She goes above and beyond what is expected of her and does everything she can to support those of us taking part in the Cinch program.
Jill, you rock. Thank you.
I wanted to add my two cents in support of Sommer Poquette. As a blogger and markerter she totally gets it. She respects fellow bloggers and has done an amazing job in her outreach for Shaklee.
Okay, I’ve thought of a few more as a I go through some of my past campaigns and many of the women are on the list above and recommended through the comments like Barbara, Leah, Amy, Tina but…
Alli Worthington has been stellar and connecting me with opportunities and helping others to understand the value of working with a blogger and outreach. Smooches. http:http://alliworthington.com/
Kimberly Blaine http://www.thegotomom.tv/ and have been wonderful at working to support bloggers and market them correctly. A great example would be Mom Pulse and helping to connect bloggers to this opportunity.
Hope with @windycitysocial is great too! She’s done a great job at reaching out to the right blogger for the right brand and connecting the two. She gets it and I appreciate her connections and efforts.
I love this Kelby! Almost everyone I was going to recommend has already been listed or named
Now that I work on blogger outreach, I really take into account my experience as a blogger and others I’ve worked with. It’s great because I can see both sides and it really helps me when choosing bloggers and putting together campaigns. Great post.
Great list, Kelby. You know who else is really doing it right? Carol Schiller of Cozi. She’s amazing. Not only does she do excellent outreach, but she helps bloggers understand how to work with businesses as well. It’s always win-win with her!
I’ve got to second Melanie on this… Carol not only “gets” marketing, but she freely shares what she knows. Added to that… she is refreshingly honest. There is no bs rear end kissing- she will tell you what you need to do, and how to do it. And, though it may be painful to hear, you’re going to learn something and be better for it!
Love this! I have to add the wonderful Microsoft people: Windows, Windows Phone, MSFT Office, Bing, Xbox – seriously all GREAT people and respectful and creative when it comes to bloggers. Same goes for Coca-Cola, Ford, HTC, Samsung and Intel. They are all brand and PR people who understand the value of time, engagement and a real relationship. I’ve actually had the pleasure of working with so many great PR and marketing people that I just don’t care anymore about the silly or insulting ones. That’s what the trash icon is for.
I love this idea and I definitely have a core group that I enjoy working with. However, after reading all the comments I feel that I need to network a lot more. I don’t think I’ve worked with more than a handful of those mentioned.
Thank you to Jo-Lynne and my other blogger friends who added me to this list. I can recommend many other marketers who “get” it including Bev (@modbev) from March of Dimes and Chrysula (@chrysula) from Shot@Life. Bev was among the first in the non-profit world to work with bloggers and to actually listen to bloggers to hear their ideas. She understands that blogger outreach is a two-way street. I also admire the way that Chrysula has built a blogger community to support her Shot@Life Blogust campaign. She understands how to motivate people when there are no products and no sponsored post budget, and that is important.
I also think it’s important to recognize bloggers such as Jennifer James @mombloggersclub and Leah @bookieboo and Jo-Lynne @jolynnes who built strong communities and who work with brands to provide blogger outreach to their communities. They treat the bloggers in their community in a respectful way, and they’ve developed deep relationships and trust with the bloggers in their community. All three of them provide education and other services to the bloggers in their groups.
I believe it is important for marketers to attempt to give back to the blogging community. It’s why I encourage brands I work with to sponsor conferences such as Type-A, BlogHer and also why I volunteer my time to provide free educational opportunities– whether at the local level through Philadelphia Social Media Moms or by collaborating with Missy Ward @missyward to offer a free blogger-only half-day session at Affiliate Summit. If we want the blogging community to grow, we need to offer advice and assistance. It benefits everyone.
Thanks again for putting together this list!
I HEART http://www.lifeproof.com (@lifeproof) for their online interaction and outreach.
@feelmorebetter is amazing in their sincere interactions on twitter and Facebook.
I know I have more but I’m working right now and my mind of elsewhere. I should add that I am a bad bad BAD self-employed blogger in that I am making ZERO dollars from my online words to date. I say that only because the companies I listed are not clients but deserve a mention because they understand that auto dms suck, have never referred to me as a mommy blogger, and don’t schedule their tweets.
I would like to nominate Sommer Poquette. Sommer has been a true inspiration to me and she has helped me so very much, not only with my weight loss, but with my blogging and everything in between. She is always there when I have a question or need help with something. I’m not sure how Sommer does it! She’s like a super woman and she definitely deserves to be in the spotlight!
Thanks Mandee! I love working with you and all the bloggers – it’s fun and we’ll supporting my community is what it is all about!
I would recommend Casey Benedict with Kitchen Play among other sites as a great marketer that understands bloggers. Kitchen Play pairs bloggers with great products and allows for relationships to be formed. Casey is always promoting bloggers through endeavors such as Tastestopping and Eat Write Retreatamong others.
I love Hope Bertram from Digital Megaphone (http://www.linkedin.com/in/hopebertram) I first met hope on a hike in utah in 2011 at a bloggy conference and it was an instant friendship which has grown into an awesome working relationship. Hope has introduced me to a ton of brands that fit my mommy on a shoestring profile and is the first one to steer me away from brands that might be awesome but don’t match my pervue. She is a blogger herself which helps her remain grounded in the world of blogging, which she views as a profession rather than a hobby (i run into those types a lot!!) She is one of those colleagues that is professional, innovative and creative but always has the best interest of her colleagues at heart. Hope is a Marketer who appreciates blogging and how it is contributing our daily dialogue.
I am honored to be included here. Thank you to whomever added me!!
Thanks so much for including me! The relationships I have and continue to make are one of the best things I get to do.
Angela! You have been a friend to bloggers for many years now. We notice these things.
Thanks so much for creating such a positive “list”, Kelby. As someone who considers it her mission to empower bloggers, I’m truly honored to have been mentioned (thank, Jenn E!), and also excited to learn about all the other wonderful professionals listed here. Can’t wait to grow my community!
Rachel Ferrucci gets it. She is a person but works for a company and just started her own co.
I have to second Sommer Poquette’s nomination. She’s been my long-time mentor and has always been ultra responsive and gracious. She has a brain that just never stops generating new ideas for connecting bloggers to companies and finding ways for both to benefit from the relationship. She’s used her expertise to help others since I first met her 5 years ago and she continues to do so through her latest endeavors, SLP Connections and Mitten Moms. I really don’t know where I would be today without her aweseomeness!
Oh thank you Alicia for nominating me! I have to say, I feel the same way about you!
I love this! What a long overdue list.
So many of my favorites are already up there, but I also have to say that I just adore working with Gillian Kushner at Weber Shandwick – she truly is the cream of the crop and I love seeing her name in my inbox.
Other standouts? Melanie Strah, Joelle Hutchinson (already up there), Marshall Weinbaum, Adam Keats, Christine McCoy and Julie Vazquez.
I love working with Hope Bertram from Digital Media. I first met hope in Utah on a hike for a bloggy conference and it was “friends at first site.” Hope has been an excellent guide and mentor and has introduced me to a number of different brands that fit my “mommy on a Shoestring” purview perfectly. She understands that blogging is a business and always has an eye on making sure both the brand and blogger are fit authentically which is a win/win for everyone.
~ Beth
Thanks for nominating me. Big compliment coming from you.
[...] please take note). I thought I’d follow through with Kelby Carr’s ingenious ‘Marketers Who Understand Blogger Outreach‘ post with something fun before the long weekend. So I emptied my USB Drawer and found my [...]
[...] squander that investment, your brand will pay the price. Some reps are not only getting it right, they are knocking it out of the ballpark. You don’t want to be left footing the bill with an agency that isn’t stepping up to [...]
Oh my goodness, I am so thrilled and honored to have been included in this photo round-up! Thank you to Kelby for hosting this great post and to whomever nominated me
It’s been such a pleasure working with so many talented bloggers.
[...] My friend, Amy, hits the nail on the head in her Open Letter to Brands, and Kelby’s post, Marketers Who Understand Blogger Outreach is a community sourced collection of the best marketers in the industry. I’m so grateful to [...]
One company that completely gets it is The Blogger Connection with Rachel Ferrucci and Deb Mitchell.
[...] Know how to work with bloggers before you send that first email. Do your research ahead of time. I don’t just mean research the blogger, but research the industry. Have a clear understanding of what is going on – how are campaigns run and how can you be perceived as “a marketer who gets it.” [...]
[...] 4) It was very clear to the women on the list (see the discussion on my Facebook page) that this was an SEO and link strategy for the company that published the list. It was clear that its intent was for each of the 100 “mommy bloggers” to post the link to their site in celebration of sharing their new accolade. Oh, they got links and buzz alright. No fewer than 30 of the top 100 posted thoughts of disgust and negative opinions about the company. Many even posted blogs about it such as Kelby Carr, who I proudly personally know and would indeed call an influencer. But that’s the important difference. I know Kelby and I can describe her reach outside of her KLOUT score. [...]
[...] disclosure by bloggers could be the basis for an FTC’s investigation of a brand or PR campaign. Bloggers are likely to see brands and PR companies step-up their disclosure requirements, possibly even providing specific requests for location and language. In addition, bloggers may not [...]