Companies...What Mom Will You Sponsor at a Conference This Year?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 8:43AM
Elisa Camahort Page and me at BlogWorldExpo 2008
There's no doubt about it. Even in this down economy, moms are still making the purchasing decisions and well, they're still purchasing. Albeit, more prudently, but because every purchase gets a second look brand loyalty is more important than ever.
Companies have realized the value of moms in the blogosphere but many companies are still looking for something offline and conversational that can still be translated into the buzzworthy online world.
The answer is easy. Conferences.
Yes, every year there are a few more conferences for Moms to choose from. And most of them revolve around social media, writing, blogging, and BONDING.
For a lot of moms, the anticipation of the event starts months before the conference actually happens. They share excitement online via their blogs, Facebook, on Twitter. Why wouldn't a company want to be part of this buzz?
Think about it. Your brand could be woven into all these conversations before, druing and after these conferences. And to sponsor one person is usually less than $2000...a drop in the bucket compared to some PPC or online advertising campaigns.
Are you thinking about it now? Need some tips for finding the best mom for your sponsorship?
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Read their blogs. Does their "voice" resonate with what your brand is all about?
- Talk to a few on the phone...you'll be amazed at the energy some of these women. You'll feel it through the phone lines! I promise.
- Ask for a bio or portfolio of their work. You might also want them to send a sample video they've done in the past...live vlogging at conferences will get you the most bang for your buck.
- Look at it as a relationship. Chances are, when you sponsor a mom for a conference, she'll become your biggest fan and, in a lot of ways, the perfect spokesmom. Leverage this relationship by giving her advance notice about new products, special promotions, and offer giveaways on her blog all year round.
Don't underestimate the power that having a Mom represent you at conferences. Everday life for a Mom is filled with keeping the kids happy, making meals, cleaning house, working virtually in some capacity, and social networking. When they are at a conference, they are there to learn from each other, to network, and to socialize. Get in the game! Have an authentic voice as these Moms converge and talk non-stop all weekend.
Looking for a great place to start? There are a ton of brilliant and marketing savvy moms on Buzz Cooperative.
Moms, want to know the best way to approach companies and get sponsored? Check this out.
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Reader Comments (11)
Awesome post, Jessica. Mabel's Labels has been the lucky recipient of tons of blogger love. It's measurable and its authentic - you just can't beat it.
We are announcing a contest on Monday January 22 with regard to BlogHer sponsorship. Hopefully your eager readers will take the time to enter! Ya can't win without trying :o) www.mabel.ca
[...] also has a very persuasive post on her blog about why companies should want to sponsor moms like me to get to conferences like BlogHer. You know, in case they’re not yet hip to the kind of publicity and promotion they can get by [...]
Great post! My dream would be to get sponsored by for Blogher by any photo related company that needs the great exposure that can be received there! This is such a great marketing avenue for any big business and I hope that this will be a new trend for the future!
Jill Carens last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CoolPhotoIdeas/~3/513953655/" rel="nofollow">Fun Felt Photo Doll Giveaway
Thank you for this! I really want to go to BlogHer. It would be my first time at the conference, and my first time back in my home town in over 10 years.
Melanie @ Mel, ADramatic Mommys last blog post..http://www.meladramaticmommy.com/2009/01/almost-wordless-wednesday-why-i-will-be.html" rel="nofollow">(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Why I Will Be Offline Tonight
I too am looking for BlogHer 2009 sponsorship. I missed it last year because it was my last week of work for my job, but this year, I definitely plan to attend.
Jodi Grundigs last blog post..http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MomsfavoritestuffcomBlog/~3/B1IKdilVoUc/" rel="nofollow">Simplify Your Life With Qlubb.com
oooh... love it jessica! count me in companies ;) if we're a match then give me a ringy....
Jessica,
Great post. I find that companies are willing to listen and consider but what will you do for them. I have one sponsor for Blogher 09' already and it will cover the ticket and room but now it is the rest I have to pay for. Just ask but be prepared to tell them what you can do for them.
Anyone wanting to sponsor a greenmom let me know!
Sommer-Green and Clean Moms last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/greenandcleanmom/~3/520801225/" rel="nofollow">National Dental Health Month with Tom’s of Maine
Great post. As one of the bloggers hoping to find sponsorship I appreciate that you mentioned this to companies. I'm sure they appreciate it coming from a successful voice within the blogging community.
valmgs last blog post..http://www.valmg.com/index.php/2009/dragon-ball-z-figure-giveaway/" rel="nofollow">Dragon Ball Z Figure giveaway
I love this post. I'm trying to get sponsored for BlogHer and this helps.
Thanks!
I never even knew there was a possibility of being sponsored until now. I would love to find sponsorship for BlogHer. Thanks for spreading the word.
Jennifers last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ConnectWithYourTeensThroughPopCultureAndTechnology/~3/535772506/do-teenage-girls-read-comics-and.html" rel="nofollow">Do Teenage Girls read Comics and Graphic Novels?
Great read, Jessica. I really wish more brands would understand the incredible benefits of sponsoring bloggers for conferences.
You've managed to make a very convincing argument here as to why they should explore this option. Now, how do we get more companies to read this and have a "lightbulb" moment? ;-)
Working on a conference sponsorship pitch as I type.
Thanks for the added enthusiasm!
Tamara
www.theunexperiencedmom.com
www.blogconferencenewbie.com