Like any industry, blogging has its up and downs. There are peak times (like right about now) where things are insane for us monetized bloggers. We are offered this, that and the other thing “just in time for the holidays” and campaigns are tossed to you faster than you can respond, all so companies and brands can use up their annual budget.
And then other months where all you hear are crickets chirping in response to your pitchers and queries.
So, how does one ride the waves of online sales, all while attempting to achieve some stability in these murky waters?
Don’t Just Sell for Tomorrow
In your sales plan be sure to have long term sales proposals in there. You shouldn’t just be pitching for tomorrows post, but for next month and even next season. How do you do that? First step is in pitching multiple editions or stages of content and offering a “buy for 3 months and get a discount” option. If the brand trusts you and knows they want to work with you this could be exactly what they need to get a deal and manage their calendar.
Do Seasonal Follow Up
Sometimes we work the most with people on our radar. In fact, scratch sometime and say most of the time. We want the easiest route and when there are a million and one bloggers out there, the ones the brands are connecting with more frequently are the ones who will probably stay on top of the list.
So, how does one get back on the list? Send a seasonal follow up to your brand contacts. Reach out, update them on your stats and any changes you have made or cool things coming. Remind them of the campaigns you worked on in the past and let them know that if they have anything coming up you are prepared and excited to support them.
Refresh You Sales Funnel
If you have ever done a workshop with me on pitching you know I push the sales funnel and I push it hard. It is a reminder to us that we have clients we are pursuing and it keeps us on the track to follow up with them. It is SO easy to be distracted by the notes in your inbox TODAY without planning for the ones you want to build long term relationships with.
Look at the brands on your list, and strike off anyone who has not bitten your hook in the past 30 days or more. Start from scratch with new brands and go through the process of marketing yourself, engaging, pre-qualifying and pitching.
Embrace the DownTime.
Sometimes we just need to get our head out of where we think it SHOULD be and just own where we are. If sales are slow, focus on refreshing your site, writing more, expanding a previously neglected category or working on your social relationships. There is always SOMETHING to do when you publish a website, so take this time to do it. I mean. . . I bet you have expenses that need inputting, don’t you? Plan content for next month, work on perfecting that one skill you have been dreaming of, or perhaps the woods are calling your name and beckoning you for a walk? Use your time wisely and you will be rewarded.
And trust in the industry. Believe that if you are doing this smartly, opportunity will come. We all have moments where we wonder if we can continue running on the treadmill, barely making any progress. But, one of these days you WILL look back and be amazed at the distance you did travel and be begging for a month when you get a bit more of a break from the busy-ness of the business.
And if you want to hang out with a group of cool people looking to make this “blog thing” the real deal, check out my private FB group (and request an invite) and share a like to 360BLISS, a new site built just for YOU! They offer workshops, articles and all the support your need as an influencer (or a business/brand) to get this done the smart way!