Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Bloggers: The New "Audience"

Now that PR 2.0 is the norm, PR professionals need to get a handle on blogger relations. Bloggers are now journalists and no longer passively sit in the background collecting information about products. They have a voice and they aren't afraid to use it! These bloggers are buyers of your product, possibly disgruntled employees or people who have an opinion about it. PR people really need to know how to deal with these blogs and the comments they are getting. When a blogger leaves a comment the appropriate action would be to thank them and go on with your day. Don't get into arguments, that isn't our job. PR people are hear to listen and learn from these bloggers. After reading Brian Solis' blog about blogger relations, it is evident that blogger relations is a must. The blog mentioned something about a PR professional named Jonathon who thought it was crazy to try to tailor every news release for the specific blogs your sending it to. How rude!! If you are sending something to someone's blog, you should have at least read their blog and known what it is about. It is very cocky to think that bloggers need to fit you in, not you to fit your news release for their blog. Deirdre Breakenridge has actual steps to blogger relations. If you aren't sure where or how to begin a blogger relations program, her blog is very helpful in determining what needs to be done. Blogger relations are so important because believe it or not blogs can make or break your product.
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6 comments:

  1. Brian SolisOctober 14, 2009 at 2:21 PM

    Thank you for sharing Michelle...blogger relations, blogger by blogger, is essential in any day-to-day PR program.

    Hope you enjoy the rest of the book!

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  2. Ariel JohnsonOctober 16, 2009 at 9:57 AM

    Great post, Michelle. It is important that we take initiative and respond to every blog and comment in order to gain good blogger relations. Clients will want to know that their public relations practitioner cares. Even if it is a simple thank you.

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  3. ER for PROctober 18, 2009 at 4:30 PM

    That's very true. With the help of blogs, the public is now an active participant in the whole PR process. People have the power to give their feedback and do their part to have an impact. I think that's the beauty of blogging. Now PR is a joint effort, allowing real people to express their feelings and have a say.

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  4. MichelleOctober 19, 2009 at 9:59 AM

    All of you had great insight and know how important it is to blog and keep up with others blogs.

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  5. Vanessa McDougallOctober 19, 2009 at 4:16 PM

    Good post michelle... Blogger relations is so important!!! Commenting and responding to blogs is so important especially in Public Relations.

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  6. EMMDecember 7, 2009 at 6:32 PM

    I was so impressed to see that Brian Solis took the time to comment on your thoughts. Deidre Breakenridge, also, has done the same on Twitter for a couple of our students. Now that's class!

    ReplyDelete

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