Pin It



Blog Engage $500 USD Guest Blogging Qualifying Article

I started blogging in 2009 and I’m currently the Editor in Chief (my business cards say “Editor and Chief” – dohhh) of Keep the Tail Wagging, an online magazine (fancy name for blog?) for dog lovers. Keep the Tail Wagging has been a runaway success and I believe this is due to quality, consistent content, good search engine optimization and my genuine passion for dogs (they’re my babies).

One of the cool things about being a pet blogger is that I’m introduced to opportunities to review the amazing products (dog beds, dog food, dog treats) and I’m building a great contact list of PR professionals, pet business owners, and pet bloggers. What’s more cool are the clever ways people find to get into my good graces so that they can grace the online pages of Keep the Tail Wagging.

Because these secrets shouldn’t be hoarded by the few, I decided to open Pandora’s Box and reveal the top ways to endear yourself to a pet blogger (these tips can be applied to most any blogger).

1. Don’t Read Our Guest Posting Guidelines. “Dear Blogger” emails aside (we all know those are spammers), I love the emails from people who obviously haven’t read my guest posting guidelines, because they are offering me yet another opportunity to reiterate “the rules” and defend those rules. Instead of being frustrating, I see this as a wonderful chance for me to take another look at my guidelines.

  • Is it reasonable to only want contributors to link back to pet related sites and not a discount cell phone company?
  • Should I be more open minded and stop judging a product as cruel or dangerous for pets?
  • Should I be willing to rearrange my editorial calendar so that I can schedule a sponsored post immediately?
  • Should I accept posts that promote training methods that I don’t support?
  • Should I rethink accepting posts about energy drinks, back to school shopping, and DUI attorneys?

2. Submit Guest Posts with Blatantly Inaccurate Information. I bet you’re just trying to make sure I’m paying attention. Thank you so very much! I nearly published your article without reading it first. Thank heavens I took the time to read it and verify your links. Had I not, I would have missed the suggestion that a dog owner feed their dog a flea and tick treatment to resolve a training issue. That’s definitely a unique, if not dangers, dog training tip.  I would have also missed the link back to a cable company. I don’t think the link is pet related, but Dogs in The City is on a cable channel.

Most importantly, I appreciate the reminder that this is my site and, therefore, an extension of me. If I publish irresponsible articles, then I will lose the trust of my readers.

3. Become Offended When We Decline a Product Review. I bet this yet another occasion for me to practice diplomacy and conflict resolution. Thanks for the opportunity to hone my communication skills. I completely understand that I wasn’t clear when I explained that I’m unable to provide you with a well thought out and positive review, because we wouldn’t have a use for your product in our home.

I also now see that providing you with (1) a list of sites where you can find other pet bloggers and (2) a list of alternative ideas for promoting your product affordably was presumptuous of me. Thanks for setting me straight.

And I completely understand why you don’t intend to send me a free sample of the product that you would like me to review.  If you gave a free sample to me, you’d have to give a free sample to everyone.  Where does it end?

4. Promote Your Products/Service in the Comments. Thank you so very much for pointing out that the “Advertising” links in my site’s navigation page and sidebars are too subtle. Why should you pay me for advertising when you can just promote your products in comments?

I’ve noticed that you began your marketing campaign on my blog and Facebook page after you informed me that my site isn’t old enough (smart enough, professional enough) to charge for advertising.  I did find it strange that you were promoting your dog toys on a post that was about dog health; sorry I missed the connection and I apologize for blocking you.

I also deleted your post from my Facebook page asking my followers to check out your site.  This was obviously a mistake, because you had told me that my followers weren’t part of your target market.  Your more than welcome.

5. Call Us Names. When you don’t agree with my choice in television entertainment (I love Dogs in the City), my stance on dog breeding, and my belief in pet communicators, then the obvious reaction should be to call me names. I’ve found that this is an interesting and common form of “debate” online.

Although I’m unable to decipher your point of view in between the mentions of “stupid,” “idiot,” and “moron,” I do understand clearly that you hold a differing point of view. Thanks for reading my post and commenting!  Feel free to share my “stupid” article with your friends; the traffic is much appreciated.

Conclusion: And there you have it! The 5 ways that you too can make blogging friends and influence people online! The individuals who inspired this article definitely got my attention. Granted, I no longer communicate with them, but I’m certain that they’re not feeling the loss. They’ve long since moved on to endear themselves to other pet bloggers. Best of luck in the blogosphere, All!

About

Kimberly Gauthier, a perpetually happy person, lives with her amazing guy, their spoiled dogs and cats, and loves dog rescue, photography, reading, and laughing. She's the author of three blogs, sharing tips and tricks about photography”, blogging”, and raising happy, healthy dogs. You can also find her over on Girl Power Hour as The Fur Mom.

Tags: ,