This week at #BWEchat we covered the topic of conference sponsorship with our guest Kelby Carr (@typeamom). The discussion covered topics that ranged from why to have a sponsor to how to approach potential sponsors. I loved all the great tweets from Kelby and other participants.
Let’s take a look at some of the awesome advice, first from Kelby, then from other people at #BWEchat.
Awesome Advice from Kelby
- I think there is a mix of things bloggers do in exchange for sponsorships. Some of it probably depends on what cos request
- Very important to check what is allowed, read any guidelines, ask conference organizers if in doubt.
- I think the ideal situation is when an official sponsor also sponsors bloggers to help. Such a win-win.
- There are so many ways a blogger can support an official sponsor: help in booth, host party, be liaison to community
- I do think most bloggers would agree ideal situation they pay their own way, but not always the reality.
- I think, too, that the pitch to a company should be very professional, and give them a reason why. Other bloggers pitching too
- And that gets to a very important point. Yes we network and have fun at cons. But be professional. Sponsored or not really.
- I think you have to go with brands who you see are active in social media AND who are a perfect fit.
Awesome Advice from #BWEchat Participants
- @AngEngland: I think it’s a nice partnership with brands and bloggers can work together to better a blogger + promote a brand
- @chilihead: An issue I see w/sponsors is that bloggers don’t always see it as how they can benefit the co. Instead it’s scholarship
- Also from @chilihead: If it’s true partnership, your proposal is about what you can do for company, not them sending you to a conference to better self.
- @kirstenwright: The only way I would want sponsorship for a conference would be if it was a brand I really cared about (like my computer or car!)
- @centsiblelife:I see some bloggers being sponsored who work w/ brand long-term, seems like a win-win. Blogger gets education, brand gets presence.
- @phollows:If clothing [wearing it in exchange for sponsorship] won’t work for you, make suggestion that will help sponsor get noticed, spread message
- @Elizabeth_N:use 2 believe sponsorships did not show ROI-I was wrong-very wrong!When executed properly sponsorship is hands down amazing return
- @cebsilver:I go after ones [sponsors] I care about, engage, then they see how awesome I am and can’t help themselves.
Were you at #BWEchat? If so, feel free to share some of your favorite tweets of the night! If you weren’t there, we’d love for you to weigh in with your opinions – have you ever had a conference sponsor? What do you see as the pros and cons?