Advice needed for starting product reviews and giveaways on blog...

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Permalink Reply by A Cowboy's Wife (Lori) on April 28, 2008 at 11:04pm

Most people aren't so inclined as to tell you how they are doing things like this but I'll give you a couple of tips. Many people buy their own products to review to get started. Something I would recommend, is you ordering free samples whether they be from Wal-Mart or a pen company. Use those free samples as your review products. Once you've established a reputable review "portfolio", then you will be approached.

As far as giveaways, I recommend whatever prize you choose to give away, you use leaving a comment as the main entry, adding blogging about it, etc as addtional entries. If your blog is established, you may consider approaching companies and asking if they would like to sponsor your contest.

Hope this helps some.

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Permalink Reply by Dominique Goh on April 29, 2008 at 8:38am

You will have to search around. It also depends on which niche you are in and what type of products you would like to review. For me.. I am in the parenting niche and am doing it this way

1. Writing my own reviews on items that I have read.
2. Posting some of my reviews on social sites like Hubpages/Squidoo
3. Getting to know publishers and doing books reivews for soon to be launched books to gain exposure to my website.
You can view my latest product reviews on my site. -From Dominique's Desk

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Permalink Reply by Nancy on April 29, 2008 at 9:41am

Deb,
I don't know how to do what you are thinking of, but, -- are you familiar with the BlogHer Ad network? If your blog has been established at least 90 days, you can apply to join them, and once you are a part of it and run their logo, they will select appropriate ads for your site. Then, in time -- I guess this is how it works -- given some popularity with your blog, companies could approach you and ask you to run reviews. At any rate, BlogHer gives very specific instructions about how to handle product reviews and freebies, so I guess it is fairly common that review requests can start coming your way after you are with them for a while. The "mommy blog" Because I Said So was my introduction to BlogHer.

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Permalink Reply by Deb on April 29, 2008 at 11:19am

Excellent advice everyone! Thanks!

BTW, Dominique, I also write on HubPages under the name Blogger Mom. I love it there! =)

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Permalink Reply by K on April 29, 2008 at 2:36pm

it's funny that you asked this question because just this morning I was thinking of asking the same thing. Thanks for asking, and thanks for the answers ladies.

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Permalink Reply by A Cowboy's Wife (Lori) on April 29, 2008 at 5:43pm

You're very welcome! Good luck with your venture..should you decide to pursue it:)

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Permalink Reply by weefinds on December 2, 2008 at 5:04pm

Hi there! I started a blog like this with two other mommies (www.weefinds.com). We focus on smart finds for parents and kids...all for under $25. At first we were reviewing products we all used ourselves. Later we started contacting companies to see if they wanted to send us samples to review. Some even offer products for us to giveaway.

I hope this helps!

-Debbie

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Permalink Reply by Irene on December 3, 2008 at 11:48am

Wow--great advice and tips!! So glad I checked in here. I would love to get into doing reviews as well. I have had a couple of companies actually contact me for reviews, but that's been it. But I love the idea of doing your own review on products to get started! Weefinds.com---love that name. It seems it helps to be on a "team" of reviewers--hmm..maybe starting one would be a fun thing? Anyone interested?

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Permalink Reply by LatteMama on December 12, 2008 at 3:38pm

Irene - I'd be interested in joining a team! I've spent the past 20 minutes trying to figure out how to get stuff sent to me! :D

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Permalink Reply by Dina on December 18, 2008 at 9:22am

So would I, I am already reviewing local hot spots for kids and/or moms on a local denver site and on my blog.

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