We're looking for bloggers to review our products, and i'm trying to find the best way to do this. I've tried approaching relevant blogs but getting no response.

What do people think of services that are basically blog link brokers - such as http://linkfromblog.com or http://www.buyblogreviews.com/ ?

I worry that anything gained through such a service will easily be picked up as a paid link. I believe our competitors are using such services though and starting to see results.

If these type of services are a bad idea then any suggestions on how to best identify and approach bloggers?

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

hi, Simon, I'm surprised you've had no uptake. We have done this with 2 brands & have done well with it. How are you contacting the bloggers? Could it be the tone of your request?

dan

Simon

I'm assuming that your product is physical and travels, so sending samples is practical.

One of the problems with email is that you probably appear to be one of many. It's about being noticed to score attention and from then on how you convert the attention in to a review. Something hitting the desk top demands attention.

I've got a service delivery business and reviews are difficult so it's mainly quotes from emails and comments with invoices for that sort of positive image building.

Well said...i agree with above thoughts.really recommendable conversation is going on.

Elenora

virgin credit card

As a blogger myself....offers of samples are always appreciated! Have you been mentioning this in the email? Our ears tend to prick up at the mention of actual 'stuff' to get our hands on and inspire posts, discussion etc.

Some bloggers refuse to do any type of 'paid posting', even if it is only payment in the form of a sample to review so check the blog carefully to see whether there have been similar reviews, or whether there is a stated policy by the blogger about "compromising their integrity for cash" and so on.

Links to PayPerPost or any of the multitude of sites offering payment for blogging are usually a dead giveaway of a potentially keen reviewer, as is any other evidence of monetising the blog. These are also good places for people like you to scour to find willing reviewers.

Another way is to find a blog that fits your needs and get involved in it. Get to know the blogger through commenting, reading their posts regularly and so on. We get approached by complete strangers frequently, and our parents told us never to talk to strangers. Become an acquaintance, useful contributor, a recognised name and build our confidence in you.

HTH