Marketing

10 Ways Brands Can Work More Effectively with Top-Tier Bloggers

by Michael Sheehan on April 17, 2012

in General, How To, HTD Tech Tip, Opinion

Post image for 10 Ways Brands Can Work More Effectively with Top-Tier Bloggers

Bloggers are not second class citizens. At least not all of them. I do have to draw a bit of a line here between those “bloggers” who simply post sales, coupons, contents and giveaways, and those who produce content in the form of reviews, how-to articles, social commentary, experiences, analysis and the like. In my mind, there is a clear distinction. While both types provide some sort of value, I dare say that the “top-tier” bloggers, the ones interested in enriching and helping the lives of their readers are providing more to the marketplace than those who are simply out there writing about giveaways.

But that’s my opinion. Take it or leave it.

What bothers me though, is the fact that many times brands and their PR firms don’t understand the differences. And don’t get me started on those SEO firms that pitch me daily on doing a “guest post” of “quality content” just to be able to put a link back to their client’s site. I try to write with integrity, fully disclosing relationships, clients, gifts and special privileges I have when I write my content. I’m not going to dilute my own brand just so that you can push some silly keyword-optimized, link-heavy article that provides no relevance or value to my site or my readers. There are plenty of other sites that will do that for you, just not mine please.

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Anyway, as I have worked on a variety of programs, campaigns, product launches and awareness programs for many brands and PR firms around the globe, I have obviously developed some opinions on strategies that I think work (and a few that don’t). So I have compiled a top-10 list, specifically for brands and their PR firms, to help guide them when approaching and working with top-tier bloggers. Obviously, this is not the end-all, de facto list, but it’s a start. I would love to get others to weigh in as well. [click to continue…]

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What Does “Silent But Deadly” Refer to in the Latest “Cast of Dads” Podcast #31?

by Michael Sheehan on September 22, 2010

in Apple, Audio, Cast of Dads, Consumer Electronics, Family, Gadgets, General, Humor, Opinion, Parenting, PodCast, Safety, Social Media

We are still trying to get back into the regular scheduling of our “Cast of Dads” podcast. It’s definitely hard to schedule 5 busy dads who are juggling family and work and play times (what’s that?). But we did have our weekly virtual convention over the phone and managed to bang out another great episode titled “Silent But Deadly“.

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Note: we are always looking for sponsors! If you would like to sponsor an individual episode or a series of episodes, please do let us know.

So where did the title of the Cast of Dads Podcast #31 come from? Could it be:

  • From not having your kids wear helmets?
  • “Hearing” an electric motorcycle or car sneak up on you?
  • Going deaf from riding a Harley?
  • Reading a Playboy at the age of 13?
  • Turning off Social Media at predefined times?
  • Responding to kids’ memories of something you did or said?
  • Or something that Apple clearly stated they don’t want any more of in their App store?

[click to continue…]

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Hey Brands & PR Agencies – Dads are Different than Moms!

by Michael Sheehan on September 17, 2010

in Cast of Dads, Consumer Electronics, Family, Gadgets, General, Hardware, How To, Opinion, Parenting, PodCast, Social Media, Video

When I started blogging about 5 years ago, I had no idea what direction it would take me, nor what type of success or lack there of it would have. I must admit, I’m pleasantly surprised at the result thus far. But it wasn’t easy. Having a full time job and having a full time family are two things that suddenly make the 24 hours in a day feel more like 12. And I do have to sleep in there somewhere. But this post is not about how sleep deprived I am, it is more about why I stay up late writing blog posts.

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I have always been a technology guy and playing with new gadgets, technology, software, hardware or websites is something that I simply love doing. But, I also love the fact that I have a family and 3 wonderful daughters who are growing up just a bit too quickly. It was around these two concepts that I created my own personal brand of “HighTechDad“. And I’m pretty happy with the results on all fronts! But the important thing here is the writing and engaging.

I guess that I’m what’s now known as a “daddy blogger”, but I don’t write about parenting specifically and all of the time. My focus and “pitch” is about how technology can work in the family. Yes, it is a bit more niche oriented but it is something that I can speak to pretty well. But part of my reasons for writing and reviewing tech is pretty selfish, I just want to be able to try out the latest cell phone, laptop, TV, camera, car, application, you name it.

I have had some success talking with major brands like Sony, Microsoft, Ford and Intel. And I have hand plenty of conversations with smaller brands and even helped a few startups get their product announcements out. The important thing here is that the brands that I have worked with have, for the most part, found me and started talking with me. Granted, when I see I hot product or gadget announced, I will reach out to those companies and start the dialog. But it is critical to remember to engage in dialog.

[click to continue…]

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