Bloggers generally have plenty to say about beauty PR’s – some good and some not so, but where do the PRs get to say their piece, too? Right here on the Post The PR’s Wrote. All comments are genuine and have been kept anonymous to allow them to say what they really want to.
PR 1: “We don’t have a bottomless pit of products which causes frustration for both us and bloggers. I think people would be surprised to know how few products we actually receive here in the office – we really do have to make a little go a long way! I would love to be able to send out more products as of course we want as many people as possible to read about our products in all media forums.”
PR 2: “Some bloggers are very cheeky. You have the great ones who introduce
themselves and explain in detail about their site, the number of
visitors and what they look for in their blog. Usually they have used
the brand before liked it and interested in hearing about the latest
information. Then, on the other hand you have the other bloggers who
are the VERY cheeky ones. Hardly any introduction apart from the fact
they are a beauty blogger and want to call in a few products they
would like to try (and when I say a few I mean a few!)! No
introduction about their blog, no real interest about the brand or any
forthcoming launches etc, they just want what they have seen and want
to call it in. Its even more irritating when they don’t even give us
a link to their blog which is frustrating.”
themselves and explain in detail about their site, the number of
visitors and what they look for in their blog. Usually they have used
the brand before liked it and interested in hearing about the latest
information. Then, on the other hand you have the other bloggers who
are the VERY cheeky ones. Hardly any introduction apart from the fact
they are a beauty blogger and want to call in a few products they
would like to try (and when I say a few I mean a few!)! No
introduction about their blog, no real interest about the brand or any
forthcoming launches etc, they just want what they have seen and want
to call it in. Its even more irritating when they don’t even give us
a link to their blog which is frustrating.”
PR3: What I love about working with bloggers:
“I totally agree there is less pressure working with bloggers. They are all so genuinely happy and grateful to be involved in launches so it’s really enjoyable to be part of the excitement with them.I love how even though I don’t expect bloggers to send me the links to their posts they do it anyway. I do feel that it’s the PRs job to read their blog and check for coverage but it’s great they do all the same. My favourite part of working with bloggers is their honesty! This is what makes PR interesting. If we lived in a world where everyone was scared to give their opinions then, well, it would be pretty boring world right…? However, there is a difference in being honest and nasty and luckily I haven’t experienced the nastiness and I hope not to.
The blogging world has greatly changed beauty land. I was working in Boots a couple of months ago for an in-store activity day and one of the consumers said to me that she wanted to check what the bloggers were saying before she bought the foundation. This just goes to show how influential blogs are and the direct link their posts have to the consumer.
How working with bloggers could be better:
I have found on a few occasions that I have sent out a lot of samples after a request and never received a post in return. I would NEVER expect a blogger to review a product without trying it first so I feel that this should work both ways. It’s like the saying: “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” ;o))
All in all I really enjoy working with bloggers. They bring an element of excitement to the beauty industry as they are no only bloggers but they are also consumers so their opinions truly count and make a difference to the brand as I make sure that any concerns are passed on.”
PR 4: “I really enjoy working with bloggers. They are always excited, enthusiastic and welcoming which isn’t always the case with print media who occasionally seem jaded and blinded by a brand name (or advertising budgets) rather than appreciating each product on its own merits. The very nature of blogging means that beauty is primarily a hobby so bloggers have a genuine interest in everything Beauty, a wealth of knowledge and eagerness to learn more.
From a brand’s perspective I think blogs are a vital form of PR. Bloggers are so influential to the consumer as their voice is uncensored and unbiased. They are therefore trusted by a huge community of followers who hang on their every word of advice. Followers tend to be fellow beauty junkies and therefore very proactive in terms of purchasing. I think, and hope, that blogs will continue to grow both in number and influence. However, this shouldn’t be to the detriment of print media. I would like to see both types of media work in harmony in the future.
There are however a few complications to working with bloggers. The most difficult is dealing with bad reviews. News in bloggersville travels fast and a negative Twitter frenzy is a PR’s worst nightmare. However, in working with blogs PRs are fully aware that there is the chance that feedback may not be 100% perfect and the odd bad review is to be expected. PRs and their clients simply need to learn to manage these instances which, usually, are few and far between. Personally, as a blog reader, I enjoy and appreciate the refreshing honesty of blogs. I am glad our industry has a platform for open discussion and indulging beauty addicts’ habits.”
PR 5: “Working with beauty bloggers can be hugely satisfying, with intermittent bouts of frustration. I love to get responses to products from people who are not always knee deep in the beauty industry, it makes for refreshing and heartfelt reviews that from a PR perspective can really spark a fire and get sales moving. There are some seriously knowledgeable and savvy beauty lovers out there who deserve respect and to be followed. The downside is that not all behave as professionally as you’d like. Reaching out to the blogging world is like sticking your head above the proverbial parapet – be prepared to get shot down … but for me the opinion of the blogging community is priceless.”
Similar to this
PR6: “Brands have nowhere to hide with bloggers. If the product is crap, the claims are meaningless and the pay off isn’t there you WILL get found out. Honesty is the policy with most bloggers and I totally respect that no-bullshit attitude. Yes, some bloggers can hide behind the anonymity of it all but it means that brands have to hear the truth about their product if it isn’t up to scratch. There’s no pressure on editors to write good reviews or brands will pull advertising funds like what can happen in other media channels. That’s why our policy with blogger is open – we believe in our brand, our products don’t have unrealistic, magical claims but are just very high quality products. And I like that when we have faced an issue with a product, the blogging community instantly flags it to us. Plus, I’ve made some truly great friends who are just as nutty about make-up as I am!”
Transparency Disclosure
All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
33 comments
Very interesting – I think the key is respect on both sides. I half admire/am mostly mortified by bloggers with the chutzpah to send an unsolicited shopping list.
As I said on Twitter, because I tend to like smaller brands I don’t deal very often with PRs for bigger blogger events. The ones I do have regular contact with have been lovely and have really ‘gotten’ my blog.
I’m always kind of horrified when I read blog posts from people who have been “slamming” PRs, and it was great to see that this wasn’t one, and it was nice to see some feedback for bloggers too.
I think with all the changes bloggers have been effecting on media, PRs have had to straddle a very difficult line, and sometimes they’ve borne the brunt of things that haven’t been their fault, which is a shame.
A lot of PRs do get it, and it’s up to bloggers to find (and justify) their own way of working with them – or not.
It’s like most things, there are good PRs and bad bloggers, and bad PRs and good bloggers. None are representative of either group as a whole.
Great post – it’s only fair that the PR’s get to speak up and put their side of the discussion out there – and even better that they should be allowed to do it on a blog – natch!
Really enjoyed reading this – thanks for the post
this is a really great post that a enjoyed reading.I have never seen and blogs with views from PRs before and its nice to see their side.
Ive only been in contact with one PR before who had contacted me as i would feel to ‘cheeky’ to ask to review a product but from the contact i have had it has been very positive.
Great post! x
Interesting opinions! I’m glad PRs see the benefits to be gained from working with bloggers. As Lydia says above, I think the key to good working relationships is definitely respect on both sides.
I personally feel a bit ashamed when I see bloggers requesting lists of samples unsolicited. Whilst I totally understand that coverage for a product can lead to lots of sales, I don’t think that’s a reason to demand or expect everything for free. I still buy just as much product as I get sent!
Great post, bloggers always have so much to say about PR companies. I’ve always wondered what they think about us bloggers!
Interesting post! I’m a beauty blogger but I am also a PR student so I don’t have anything bad to say on either sides. I can see how bloggers can be irked by beauty PR’s, but at the end of the day they are just doing their job. Blogging is a hobbie, being a PR professional is not. x
Thankyou for this – it is always good to have balance and allow the other side their voice. Jan
That’s really interesting to read, I didn’t know that bloggers were seen as so influential outside the blogging community! 🙂 Thank you for this, was a great read!
Really interesting post. Like everyone else said, its nice to hear what the pr’s do think about us bloggers.
What I don’t get though is when I see people slagging pr’s off. Ive never had a bad work to say about any pr’s that Ive worked with. I remember once someone saying to me “pr’s are not friends” but why arnt they? they are just normal people like the rest of us and Ive formed quite a few nice friendships with a few pr’s just like I have with fellow bloggers. I hate the fact that sometimes peeple try to make a line between us. Were all just people!
Great post.
Whenever I want to buy something I first research blogs to see reviews but I read it very carefully if the product was sent to her.
On a side note I get really bored when people mostly post about products that have been sent “for review” purposes. I think that person got too comfortable with her relationship with a PR company and lost the ability to be out there in search of the next best product. That feeling is priceless!
X
Great post. I deal with some fab PR’s and some absolutely awful ones. Awful. It’s nice to know what they think!
I find that if you foster good relations with PR’s, you rarely if ever have to ask for anything!
It’s a great thing to have a feedback from PR as I didn’t actually understand why it’s so difficult to get in touch and start working with them.
I’ve really tried to introduce myself and the blog. may be not in too many words, but still with links and previous product reviews if available. Still I’ve got only 2-3% emails answered and only 2 products received for review so far.
The most difficult thing, I believe, is that my blog is in Russian. But even Russian PR-collegues don’t like to cooperate as I’m located in other country then they are. It’s very very frustrating and the blog lives only due to my own enthusiasm and great moral support I receive from my readers. And live pretty good I dare say. Although could be much better.
P.S. Just in case any PR person come across – not all beauty-bloggers are that bad. Some DO really want to work together %)
Sarah, I don’t see what the problem is. If you don’t like the product just tell the PR you tried it and weren’t bowled over. They won’t mind and would probably appreciate your honest feedback.
Jo, I don’t see PRs as friends. They have a job to do which is to get coverage for their brands. While you can help them with that then of course they will keep in touch with you and send products and take you to tea. If you decided to stop blogging or move into another category, I think you’d find very few PRs were still emailing you. It’s a working relationship. Of course, there are some exceptions where PRs become friends but on the whole, they’re more like colleagues IMO.
a great post, as usual.
I am impressed at how some PR’s run their communication, it really makes me trust the brand more.
I get really bored when people mostly post about products that have been sent “for review” purposes.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve stopped reading a lot of blogs where it is all PR sample after PR sample, and the ones that don’t disclose that they’re samples I’ve tended to stop reading too.
this is realy interesting to know thanks for sharingx
Hi everyone,
Lots of interesting and relevant points above, this post is brilliant for both PR’s and bloggers to learn from.
As a beauty blogger and beauty PR, I feel (or would like to think) that I do have a relationship with fellow bloggers, I follow and read their blogs, understand what brands/products they like. I think some bloggers are not keen on random emails from PR’s where they get their name wrong (if they even put a name). This is major cringe, so my advice to fellow PR’s would be to get to know your bloggers.
For PR’s, every beauty blogger I have come across is genuine and I love working with them, my fellow PR buddies have had some ‘blagger bloggers’ who set up blogs/hear about a new product and then email for samples. Again, this is rather cringeworthy, but also easy to spot.
I follow beauty bloggers advice for products/tips etc, it’s more instant and interactive than traditional media but I believe both are here to stay. In my opinion, I would say that bloggers have more influence over their readers than magazines when it comes to actually buying a product.
I could carry on but have definitely rambled on for long enough.
Thanks for a really insightful post BBB.
x
Thanks for the wonderfully insightful post! I must share this with my own readers <3 <3
Really interesting to read about this topics from so many points of view!
I think both parties could benefit from PR agencies having some kind of blogger reach out program.
Some PRs have these in Australia (i.e., beauty blogger days), and they’re working really well!
brilliant post!
I’m a blogger and a PR (although blog about beauty and PR in arts and entertainment, so no clashes) – so have a fairly decent idea of what life is like on both sides of the fence.
most PRs I’ve worked with have been just lovely, really helpful – and same with bloggers – guessing I’m lucky then.
for interest if I arrange something with my PR hat on, I wouldn’t necessarily expect coverage off the back – same when I work with journalists, there’s lots to be said about buidling relationships, and while I realise these relationships aren’t the same as ‘friendships’ – I really do respect and enjoy being able to get to know folks that little bit better too.
x
This was very interesting to read.
When I started blogging it had never occurred to me to ever contact a PR, for any purpose, and to date, I still haven’t done so.
My blog is for my love of beauty and cosmetics, and wanting to share this with everyone:)
I can’t believe some bloggers are so rude, what gives them the right??
I’m actually a fashion blogger and it’s lovely to here the side of the PR rep.
I’m sick to death of ‘dear blogger’ emails but I love genuine emails from PR reps who use my name and obvious read my blog and value my opinion.
I’ve recently started to contact companies in search of products to reveiw and I have to admit I haven’t been impressed so far despite sending a comprensive media kit.
Any way, great article! Oh and I think it’s also a bit cheeky of bloggers to receive products and not review them. Gives us all a bad name!
Fantastic post, it’s great to hear what the PRs think and it’s nice to know they enjoy the enthusiasm of bloggers as I do worry they just think I am a bit of a geek with too much time on my hands!!… although shame about the cheeky ones, I have seen a lot of PR slamming and it really makes me cringe x
Very interesting post to read!
One of my frustrations has been having people contact me for a review, say they’ll send me something, then never send it, and then ask me when I’m going to post the review! When I’ve explained ‘I never received the item,’ I never hear back from them.
The most common thing I’ve had happen is people call me by someone else’s name, not my own or my blog’s name.
I enjoyed this post immensely. I hope you continue to do more of these because I think the PR people should have a voice too.
One thing I’ve wondered about is why beauty brands don’t create samples like Avon used to do (mini lipsticks, shadow cards, etc.) so that they can reach more blogs who want to swatch/try their products.
I see some blogs getting full collections or regular deliveries of full-sized gratis products, and I always wonder why samples aren’t considered more. It would be one way to spread the wealth a little further.
I love that you’ve posted this! I deal with Pr’s on both a fashion and Beauty Basis and generally all Pr’s are absolutely lovely. There’s an understanding that each product whether or not it’s beauty or Clothing has a target audience so Pr’s are never going to give out free samples willy nilly, as they’re not going to give a stylist Dolce and Gabbana Pre Fall samples for Buzz Magazine!
I think as one Pr said, some bloggers are just cheeky and it’s true, Pr’s are there to build up a great working relationship with, I think they’re quite good at knowing if someone is genuine or not.
This post was really interesting and very timely!
It irritates me no end to read or hear about bloggers bashing various PR companies. Don’t like? Don’t deal.
I have recently struck up a relationship with the PR company for a brand that I absolutely adore (and have spent literally thousands of my hard earned pounds on). The contact there told me that they have been burned by bloggers before, either selling products on eBay or not bothering to review stuff and just asking, asking, asking all the time. So it took them two years of refusing to work with bloggers before finally succumbing, and drawing up a shortlist of ones who had a good reputation for being ethical.
The shamefacedness of people who think that blogging is just a way of supplementing their make-up bag is mortifying and has damaging repercussions for the entire “community”. It’s important to build a relationship that is reciprocal. Some bloggers lose sight of the fact that PR is about promotion and sales. But by the same token, what PR company wouldn’t want to work with honest and articulate bloggers who have influence and reach?
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to see how you work and learn so much!
hey there I just wanted to comment your blog and say that I really enjoyed reading your blog post here. It was very informative and I also digg the way you write! Keep it up and I’ll be back to read more soon mate
Lot of thanx. This templates are very useful in everyday work
thanks! seems faster at first look, hopefully it continues to function like this.
Interesting…and I agree with all of it. Keep up the excellent work…I will undoubtedly be back soon