Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kimberly on January 19, 2009 at 10:40am

I think that it depends on the company's individual marketing goal. For new product launches, they might go the "mass" way just in order to get their product's name out there. For "niche" products, I think that companies are going to start being more selective and choosing the blogs that they think will best meet their "ideal" buyers.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anne-Marie Nichols on January 19, 2009 at 11:21am

I'm getting tired of doing giveaways, but my readers aren't. My last two were very successful for traffic, RSS signups, and people signing up for my enewsletter. Since my readers want them, I'm happy to oblige.

Still, I'm trying to stop saying, "Yes!" to so many companies. I get swamped with reviews and don't have time to do other blogging.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Heather on January 19, 2009 at 2:15pm

I don't do any promotion or giveaways (cos frankly, I'm not really "out there" yet). As I continue to read blogs, and figure out what I like to read (and therefore incorporate into my own writing) - I don't read any of the blogs that have post after post of product reviews. I think its a unique marketing angle, but I agree with some of the other comments, that there has to be a balance between promotion and writing. Just my thoughts!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Amy {Mom Spark} on January 19, 2009 at 11:39pm

I, too, am getting to the point where I have to start saying "no" more often and being a little pickier on what products I review. I don't like to do more than four or so a month because I don't want my blog to be littered with products, but I do like to support small mom businesses and will always be happy to spotlight them on Mom Spark.

My readers also like giveaways, which is totally fine with me. :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Heather on January 20, 2009 at 6:23pm

I think that is a fantastic approach. Support the mom and pop shops!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Storm on January 24, 2009 at 6:34pm

Totally agree with this.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ali on January 20, 2009 at 2:47pm

There's only a few blogs that I follow that do giveaways--that's about all I can handle. Too many giveaways and reviews turn me off but only because I like reading blogs that have more content. I think I might be in the minority though.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Maternal Spark on January 20, 2009 at 4:12pm

Honestly I never read product reviews. If I am thinking of a certain product and Google it - I might read a review then if I come across one...but I don't read them on the blogs I subscribe to and I don't subscribe to blogs who only write product reviews and giveaways.

for this reason it's better for the companies to do large review sponsorships so they can guarantee I'll come across them in a Google search however, it's better for the blogger to keep them in a separate blog or to do them sparingly so their content isn't too dilute to keep an audience. Kinda a catch 22.

I think companies need to think about the blogs who are promoting them and think about the blogs readers....I get so many off topic pitches. I would never review most of the products because they don't fit my topic (creativity) and even if I did accept them, my readers wouldn't care.

As for giveaways - I won't do more than one a week -I was doing more for a while and it was just too much!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anne-Marie Nichols on January 21, 2009 at 11:18am

Another thing to think about, sometimes reviews get you amazing traffic. I did a SAM-E review for the Nature Made vitamins and supplements company and they linked back to my review from their site. I also get excellent traffic via Google for the "Total Transformation Program" CD program for parents, since I'm one of the few people who have reviewed it on their blog. (It's an expensive product, so people are searching for info.)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Maricris on January 21, 2009 at 12:05pm

Marketing directly to the consumers are a proven and effective way for these companies, especially small ones to get their products out. It's a no-brainer marketing tool that I believe will continue to expand. Cheap Advertising. Letting the consumer advertise their new products in their behalf. And being it helpful in driving traffic and boosting blog exposure, more and more bloggers will bite the bait. I've recently "opened" my blog for reviews because I have seen the effect of product giveaways as quoted by Anne. They do increase traffic and blog exposure! Win-win situation?

But I think if they are big and creatively generous like Disney, their products' popularity will go off the charts and Moms will make it to a household name. Do you agree?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nicole on January 21, 2009 at 9:52pm

I've notice that marketing companies are trying different approaches to see how things pan out. It will be interesting to see where it goes.

In response to what some of the other people have said, I agree there are a ton of products coming across the boards. I've had a quality over quantity approach since I started my review blog. I've tried to be selective of the products I review to ensure I can provide a story to go with the review. I encourage giveaways because they bring the traffic - who can complain about that?

I haven't been offered anything fancy like a Wii or a Kitchen Aid mixer or a piece of exercise equipment like some blogs. But I'm happy with the products I receive and I'm enjoying what I'm doing.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Bethany Euglow on January 21, 2009 at 10:03pm

I personally have yet to do any product reviews, I'm new to the blog world, but in all honesty I usually skip them and don't have any interest in writing any myself. I prefer reading the "mom stuff". You know all the knitty gritty, diaper changing, potty training, nose blowing goodness..

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next ›
• Page