Free Shit: How to get it and use it A look at the blogger-pr person relationship, from the PR side… A perk of having a well-visited blog or Twitter feed that many eyeballs see, is that you become an attractive outlet for PR people. Suddenly you are getting samples, invitations to events, and other freebies, but what does that mean? What are the expectations placed on you? What would make a PR person want to consider you? What frustrates, or pleases both PR people and bloggers in this relationship? Hear from Leeann Froese, a communicator in her 17th year, on how she has explored and developed these relationships, and how can they can be a win-win.

1. Free Shit:
How to get it and use it
A look at the blogger-pr person
relationship, from the PR side…

2. What is a PR person, really?
• Goals include to gain
earned media and
increase reputation
• Professional exchange

3. Why do bloggers matter?
• You have a voice
• Earned media

4. Not all bloggers are alike…
• Why should you get
free shit?
• Varying levels of
professionalism
• Varying objectives

5. If you are out for free stuff…
• Samples, invitations to
events, and other freebies
• What do you need to
Know?
• Let’s talk about best
practices

6. Who the heck are you?
PUT YOUR NAME
IN THE ABOUT SECTION!
Samples and freebies
need to be delivered
to a human.

7. Learn to spell
• Or get someone to
read the text for you.
• And spell the name
right of the company
who is giving you a
freebie!

8. Disclose
• Like with a recipe: “I was given soup…”
• I was offered the chance to _____ by ____
• Totally different in the USA
• TBEX just covered this
• #spon – is it enough?

9. I am a part of the Walmart Moms program, and
Walmart has provided me with compensation
for these posts. My participation is voluntary
and opinions are always my own.
Read more at
http://momadvice.com/blog/2012/03/
rainbow-cake-in-a-jar-with-cloud-
frosting#h0iyQPY7VEu0urJk99
Disclose

10. But don’t brag or act entitled
Don’t run around town
saying how you get
everything for free.

11. Be honest
(but not too mean)
Some people like to be
“critics” so feel the need
to always be critical.

12. Don’t use your blog
as a weapon
Don’t demand
something or else…

13. Take it offline first
• Don’t call someone
out online without
trying to fix first.
• Companies should be
given a chance to be
helpful.

14. We can live in harmony
It can be a
win-win!

15. Leeann Froese | @lfroese
@townhallbrands
facebook.com/townhallbrands

16. Let’s keep talking