BlogPaws™ isn't just a conference, or a place for pet bloggers to meet. It's not just a way for brands to meet bloggers, or a one-time event full of fun and education. BlogPaws is a purpose and a focus.
One focus is helping pet bloggers, and people who have pet websites or communities online, to learn how to utilize the net more effectively. Our purpose is to accomplish our focus while also giving back to the greater pet community.
To that end, this post is in answer to someone who wrote to us just a few days ago and asked about marketing. How, this pet person asked, can I market myself and my petblog more effectively?
I think it's interesting how pet people (pet parents, pet bloggers, pet enthusiasts) are flocking to the net to meet each other, to discover new ideas on training and behavior, and to try and figure out how to market themselves better. Because the reality is: you need to truly define who you are and what you do, before you begin thinking about marketing yourself.
That's called strategy. Strategy comes before marketing.
Regardless of how cute your cat or dog is; regardless of how great you are at creating video of the cat chasing her tail, or the dog slobbering all over the kitchen floor; if you don't have your purpose for creating that content clear to your readers - then you don't yet have a strategy and you shouldn't really be worried about marketing, yet.
Think of it: when I come to your blog or website or Facebook page, can I easily and quickly understand not just WHAT you do (if anything - maybe you just share chatter about pets), but am I also able to tell WHO you are? I need to know right away if you're the owner of the site, or just a blogger on the site? Then, I need to know what you want me to do next. Do you want me to sign up for your newsletter (and why should I?) or just sign up for your blog posts? Do you have "stuff" to sell... is it apparent what it is and why I might want to buy it? Is it easy for me to buy?
If you're marketing to a specific group - such as pet parents - create the strategy that will drive your content- to attracting the right audience. And then, you can start marketing.
Marketing is a skill - it involves understanding yourself first, and your audience next.
We'll have some experts who can advise you on this topic in more detail at the conference. Watch the site for our announcement of speakers, committee members, and new sponsors. A lot of exciting things are happening at the BlogPaws homebase!
Comments