Last week, at this time, I was pretty annoyed and it wasn't about my kids, either. Still. I decided to write a post about the onslaught of viral marketing to moms on the Internets and the lack of respect I've been feeling, as a blogger, lately.
My friend (and blogging mentor) Jenn (a.k.a. Mommy Needs Coffee) has a terrific post up, giving kudos to a PR firm that she feels, gets it and it got me thinking (as usual) perhaps I should focus on the flipside and share the good things I've seen with marketing to moms on the Internets.
Especially, since (according to www.bsmmedia.com) 71 percent of us now use the Internet to get product information and moms (like me) are going online to find opinions of...you guessed it...other moms, like me.
Here's a list of my favorite PR Firms (in alphabetical order) and review blog networks that I have personally worked with, who I feel understand the need for blogger relations and the brands that they represent:
Childs Play Communications (http://www.childsplaypr.com/) in representing K'Nex and Parents Magazine and throwing a pretty awesome Bloggers Brunch with blogged it with pictures, too!
Coyne PR (http://www.coynepr.com/) in representing Crayola, General Mills and Pillsbury.
Edelman (http://www.edelman.com/) in representing Microsoft, makers of Xbox.
Mom Central (http://www.momcentral.com/) in opening up a mom testing panel to everyone.
MomSelect (http://www.momselect.com/) BSM Media has a review blog program.
One2One Network (http://www.one2onenetwork.com/index.cfm) a review blogs network run by women.
Parent Bloggers Network (http://blog.parentbloggers.com/) a review blogs network founded by pro bloggers Kristen Chase and Julie Marsh.
Powell Tate (http://www.powelltate.com/) in representing the Entertainment Software Rating Board.
Weber Shandwick (http://www.webershandwick.com/) in representing Campbells Soup Company and Suave.
I want to personally thank ALL of you for showing me (and my family) nothing but love and respect!
[Disclaimer: I didn't get to pay to talk about any of this stuff, either -- cross-posted on This Full House Reviews.]
[Follow-up posts on: Marketing to Moms]
© 2008 This Full House & This Full House Reviews - All Rights Reserved.
Thanks for posting these links! So far I've only dealt with one PR company that I've developed a great relationship with. I was sorry to read that the One2One Network isn't open to Canadians.
Posted by: Assertagirl | January 30, 2009 at 09:37 AM
Thanks for the kind words and for including us in such great company!! Here's to more fun projects in '09!!
Posted by: Barbara Jones | January 30, 2009 at 10:52 AM
It's nice to hear about the good ones, I'd agree with you on Edelman, BSM and Weber Shandwick, I'd also add MSL (for Best Buy, Philips, Proctor and Gamble)
I could list a few that irritate me every time they email me but then that wouldn't be nice now would it? :)
I'm pretty tense with some of my past sponsors, I've have five giveaway winners asking me where their prizes are in the past two weeks so I'm really holding back here.
Posted by: Michelle Mitchell at Scribbit | January 30, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Michelle,
Yep, pretty much the tone of my "bad" marketing post.
I have since heard from 1 of my sponsors, but have yet to hear from the other.
It's a very big company and my contact has since moved on, but no one will acknowledge my numerous emails.
Not even the Vice President of Marketing, who I met in NYC for a mom bloggers event...believe it or not.
I am very close to outing the company, but have never been one to burn bridges.
Still, it's going to take some convincing for me to continue working with them, anyway.
Posted by: Liz@thisfullhouse | January 30, 2009 at 12:45 PM
As a mommyblogger and a 15-year PR vet, I hear ya sister. It drives me nuts when my colleagues pitch me and do it badly. I'm acually attempting to organize a session at an upcoming PRSA conference to try to educate (or beat some sense, for that matter), into them. Glad to hear some of us are doing it right.
Posted by: Fear and Parenting in Las Vegas | January 30, 2009 at 02:24 PM
Fear and Parenting in Las Vegas (gosh, but I love that) it's nice to hear from you. Please, let me know how the PRSA session goes and good luck!
Liz
Posted by: Liz@thisfullhouse | January 30, 2009 at 02:54 PM
I would be totally mad (nice way of putting it) if a giveaway sponsor didn't follow through.
I just love the emails I get that say "Mr./Mrs." and they didn't address me personally or fix their premade letter.
Posted by: Thrifty Karen | January 30, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Hi Karen,
I agree with you generic pitches are bad form and don't think you'll find a blogger who appreciates being referred to...by...the...wrong...name. Thank you for your input, this really helps!
Hugs,
Liz
Posted by: Liz@thisfullhouse | January 30, 2009 at 04:31 PM
Great post! I think that we hear a lot about the negatives, but there are also many great pr/marketing people out there too!
Posted by: Kimberly/Mom in the City | January 30, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Hi Kimberly,
Thanks, please feel free to share some of your favorites!
Liz
Posted by: Liz@thisfullhouse | January 30, 2009 at 06:49 PM
Liz,
I must say I have been lucky so far and not had any companies back out on giveaways but I've only been doing it for a year.
Also e-mailing every other day trying to get me to write about them is not a way to get on my site either. Hello, if I were interested or liked your product it will get there, if not you are only annoying me. Remember you are not paying me!!! It's called PR, not advertising! Some act like they are "paying" you because they send you a product to test and maybe I'm too nice but I don't like discouraging people or posting negative things. Just the way my blog works.
Fleishman-Hillard Inc. is another great PR firm to mommy bloggers. They represent Land's End and Smart Shopper and every rep I've worked with there has been so appreciative of the value we bring to their clients.
Posted by: Lois Whittaker | January 30, 2009 at 07:24 PM
I've done a lot with Edelman recently and I have to agree with you. They are top notch.
Posted by: Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah | January 31, 2009 at 09:58 AM
I heard about your great list from Beth at RoleMommy. Thanks for putting this together! It's very helpful! A fellow mom who makes other moms look good--
Posted by: DenaDyer | January 31, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Hi Dena,
You said, "A fellow mom who makes other moms look good--" Welcome to the club :)
Liz
Posted by: Liz@thisfullhouse | February 01, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Hey Sarah!
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and share your endorsement!
Hugs,
Liz
Posted by: Liz@thisfullhouse | February 01, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Hi Lois!
Yes, receiving those every-other-day emails are of no help, whatsoever!
I have also done work with Fleishman-Hillard Inc. for Land's End and they really should have made this list.
I plan to publish an updated list, adding all of these wonderful endorsements, because that's how we bloggers roll...right?
Hugs,
Liz
Posted by: Liz@thisfullhouse | February 01, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Great topic!
Like I said at Jenn's I love my friends at lots of places including MS& L, Weber Shandwick, Golin Harris, Edelman, Rocket XL, Ogilvy and Fleishman-Hillard.
That wasn't all-inclusive, just a few off the top of my head.
It's a two way relationship and I've had some great experiences.
Posted by: Busy Mom | February 02, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Hey Busy Mom!
Thanks for sharing some of your favorites....love your accent :)
Liz
Posted by: Liz@thisfullhouse | February 02, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Ah, my yoga, you're at it again. Guiding me through this crazy blogging world with sound advice. Are you going to Blissdom? I really need to hug you and buy you a beverage of your choosing.
Posted by: julie@coolmomguide.com | February 05, 2009 at 08:22 AM
I said yoga, didn't I....I meant Yoda....must have coffee....
Posted by: julie@coolmomguide.com | February 05, 2009 at 08:23 AM
Hey Julie,
Nah, sadly, I won't be able to make it Blissdom but you can call me "yoga." Have a great time!
Hugs,
Liz
Posted by: Liz@thisfullhouse | February 05, 2009 at 06:13 PM