One of the best ways to gain exposure for your business is through blog features.  They get you thousands of new eyes and add to your press page.  These extra little links also equal more ‘Google cred’ and can lead to tons of new sales, followers, and blogging friends.

We’re not talking about guest posts here but actual features on you and your work.  Features show off where your true talents shine because they spotlight your product or your service, whereas guest posts only display your style and opinions.

So, how do you go about getting featured on blogs?

It’s time to do some homework.  Ask your fans and customers where they hang out online.  What sites do they love?  Whose blogs do they read regularly?  Do some Google searching for other blogs that fit your niche.  Compile all of these blogs into a spreadsheet, gathering the names of the bloggers and how to contact them.  This is your new best friend!

So you’ve got a list of blogs, now what?

Now you need to craft your pitch.  Start with a short sentence about why you like their blog, a post of theirs you enjoyed, or a little comment to show that you know what they write about.  This not only builds familiarity with the blog writer but it makes them smile.  No one likes to open a generic email.  Then let them know who you are and what your amazing product or service is.  Keep it short (1 -2 small paragraphs) but make sure it shows off your passion.  Make them get as excited about it as you are!   Be sure you include a link to your site and insert a few low-res photos in the email (attachments can trigger spam alerts and send your email to the junk folder).  Let them know where they can find more information or photos if they need them.  Then, close with a thank you!  Simple, right?

Okay, you’ve got your list and your pitch, what do you do now?

Pitch like crazy!  Personally, we email 1-2 blogs a day.  This makes a large task seem less daunting because you can squeeze it into your daily routine.  Once it becomes a habit, you’ll actually enjoy connecting with bloggers and their readers.

Is there anything else you should keep in mind?

1. Big bloggers get TONS of emails a day.  Don’t freak out if they don’t respond the next day.  Feel free to email them a week or two after your first email to see if they have any questions about you and your business or if they need more photographs, etc.

2. Don’t take rejection personally.  If you get 1 feature for every 5-10 pitches, celebrate!  Each blogger has their personal taste and it’s not any mark on your work if they don’t want to feature you.

If you’re ready to get some serious promotion out there for your business on blogs other than your own, it’s time to pitch for a feature.  Follow these steps to contact all those blogs you’ve wanted to see your work on.  And  if you have any other tips for pitching blogs for a feature, please share them below!