One day after getting addicted on how to save money with coupons and following three “mommy saving” bloggers, I realized a fun and interesting world was passing me by. This world was exciting because I knew absolutely nothing about blogs or blogging. As usual true form, I jumped in as quickly as I can grab a piece of chocolate. I have learned a lot from my short run in the blogosphere mostly from reading other blogs, participating in other forums such as SheBlogs and reading as much as I can on the internet with creating blogs. I could not pin down what exactly I wanted to focus on as I wanted it all. I have a complex life and I am always shifting around but one thing for certain is, I am a mom, an Army wife, an employee and a woman.

With those roles, I have had the luxury of being able to try everything under the sun short of surgery to resist this natural process I loathe called aging. I also had the misfortune of dealing with two complicated chronic medical conditions that afflicted my two youngest within two weeks of one another a year and a half ago. My experience and knowledge on the conditions of Benign Rolandic Epilepsy, asthma and allergies has grown dramatically. Having three children also afforded me the opportunity to buy lots and lots of toys, clothes and other child rearing products thus expanding my focus and interests. I am self-diagnosed with ADD because I can’t stay focused so with that, I dive into issues around health, beauty and family while leaving out details of my job.

After I figured out my targeted topics and audience, I jumped right into product reviews. I conducted searches for “blogger friendly PR” and other derivatives of the term and upon page after page, I learned where to join and which blogs I should follow to learn from as well as asking questions. I hopped onto all the communities that have fostered a PR/blogger relationship to get my foot in the door with who works with bloggers and what opportunities were available.

It didn’t take long to understand the ropes of PR reps seeking product reviews via other sites. I also learned to approach each PR opportunity as a professional relationship as no matter what I write about on my blog whether it’s my daughter having a diaper mishap or not, a level of professionalism was warranted. I also learned that it was acceptable to contact PR reps and businesses seeking product reviews and giveaways. This is a blind adventure as you may get a response from a grateful and gracious representative or you may not get any response. I learned not to be dismayed when I received no response as I assume they are bombarded by hundreds or thousands of other requests or they just have to be picky with who they choose. After all, it’s a venture to seek exposure for a product or service.

I only made a few contacts when I was under 100 followers and a few did oblige which did increase my following. I started with more product reviews compliments of some of these mommy blogger communities that helped to increase my following and readership. I jumped in quickly and feel that I’ve been successful in a short time trying to provide well meaning, honest and thoughtful reviews.

Here are my tips for starting that path to product reviews and giveaways via PR representatives:

1. Organize a well meaning, focused blog. If you are new to blogging, think hard about what you want to focus on as it might shift after you learn more and by then, you don’t really want to change your blog name after you have established it.

2. Get a good blog design that is appealing to your readers and PR reps.

3. Create a template contact media whether it’s paper letters or e-mail. Don’t forget that some business contact options are via online web forms so you should create a template for that option. Include who you are, your stats, what media you use to list your posts (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, other mommy forums) and personalize your request to the company. If there is a name listed on the company’s website site for PR contacts, use that name instead of “Dear PR Representative.” You want to put forward the effort to understand who you are contacting versus looking like you will take anything and everything.

4. Organize your template in a Word document to allow cut and paste features as this will save you a lot of time. Organize your contact list, responses and what will be sent along with any possible conditions the PR rep requested. This all seems to be time consuming but in the long run, it will help you.

5. Organize your giveaways and winners into the same document or another document. Tracking is the best way to ensure you are delivering professional outcomes and saving you time. If you don’t get organized, you will lose possible future opportunities and it will cost you more time in the end.

6. Once you finish your review, submit your post review to the PR rep (if requested) or send the post link so they have a timely chance to review. You never know if you might incorrectly state something so it’s best to allow them to review it.

7. Use either the comments section or an online form to collect entrants. Once you declare a winner and have established the contact information. Submit the post link and the winner’s details to the PR rep. Also provide your latest stats and thank them for giving you this opportunity and tell them how you would enjoy working together again.

8. If you have a new focus coming up such as a Christmas special, contact your established PR reps to pitch it to them. They might just have a product needing your readership. If they don’t, they will have your information ready if one does present the opportunity.

blog: http://www.youthfultips.blogspot.com