This morning JC Says met with the editor of Access Fashion to talk about the blogosphere and the top tips for PRs when outreaching the bloggers. We asked her an introductory set of questions about trends and brands to break the ice. I particularly like question 4:
1. What is the trend or predicted trend that has caught your eye in 2011?
The most obvious trend in fashion is colour blocking. You saw only a couple of days ago Cheryl Cole showcasing this. We covered this on our site the other day in fact. Gucci set this trend, and it’s really interesting that people are pretty much copying it – it’s so distinct that people aren’t even trying to put their individual stamp on it.
2. What’s your favourite brand and why?
Christian Louboutin. What can I say, I’m a shoe girl! At my first ever internship at Harper’s Bazaar, there was this pair of green Louboutin shoes that I would just look at every day. I think that their PR team do a great job with the stylists, and I just love that brand!
3. Who needs good PR?
I would have to say young British designers. Some do their own PR, which can go so very wrong so easily.
4. If you could be a biscuit, what would you be and why?
Hmm, I would say a ginger nut. They’re my favourite biscuit, and I always wanted to be ginger when I was young. My family would also probably say that I was a little nuts as well!
We then moved onto blogger and PR relations. We all know that social media is now a main strand of any campaign, and so it’s important to get the basics right. Access Fashion were able to provide the following helpful tips:
- It sounds simple, but be aware of who you are speaking to. Read the blog to get an idea of what they are passionate about. This will also give you a reason to interact – mentioning a recent blog post you enjoyed will automatically show you are serious and know what you are talking about
- Building relationships is important. You need a certain amount of trust, and this will come over time
- If you’re having a private conversation with a blogger, make them aware of it instantly and be honest. A simple disclaimer should work, and if the blogger is serious and professional they will respect this. The last thing you want is someone to start Tweeting/blogging about a conversation you are having that is supposed to be private!
- Outreaching to bloggers can seem daunting. I would suggest a simple introduction over Twitter – something like “I really like your blog, I work at JCPR and would love to speak to you about…) However, Tweets should not replace emails – and you should not Tweet person after person the same thing. That will just show you have a generic media list and have no idea who you are targeting
- Once you have made contact, follow them and ask what the best way to contact them is. If via email, most blogs will include an email address on the site, or you can ask them to DM you the best address
All in all it was a great meeting, and the advice is invaluable to anyone looking to work with bloggers/Tweeps.
ACCESS-FASHION.COM provides quality online content, direct access to designers, features, reviews and shoots. Twitter @eAccessFashion and Sabina Emrit @SabinaSDEmrit
