9 Misconceptions About Pet Bloggers
I came across a post yesterday that linked to this Mashable Post http://mashable.com/2009/01/16/mom-blogger-misconceptions/ that I think it is a great jumping off point for addressing some of the misconceptions people have about Pet Bloggers.
9. Just Because You Send a $10 Sample of Your Product to a Pet Blogger Does Not Mean They Have to Post About It
In order for any Blogger to create a well thought out Review post it takes at least an hour from start to finish not to mention trying to get the dogs / cats the company is demanding to have try their product to cooperate so that we can take pictures of them using the product. Basically what the company is saying is our time, energy, and connection to your target market is only worth $10 retail. Add on a Giveaway to that as well and we have spent 2 hours so the dogs can have a new squeaky toy or the cat can try a new treat?
When a company wants the CHANCE of their product being featured in Elle or Vogue or Gourmet or any other magazine they send hundreds if not thousands of dollars worth of samples in the hopes that the magazine will say something in really small print that the model on page 102 is wearing a necklace from so and so company. I am not saying any Pet Blogger has that kind of reach. YET. However a mutual respect is necessary.
8. Pet Bloggers Write Just to Get Free Stuff.
No most Pet Bloggers do not do Reviews or Giveaways let along get pitched by companies to work with them in exchange for free product. I know that as soon as the Pet Brands start seeing results and PR professionals start working with Pet Bloggers more sending smarter pitches. The result? Will be that Pet Bloggers will be working hand in hand with companies attracting their target audience for more then a free dog chew toy or plush cat bed.
7. Pet Bloggers Speak in Dog and Cat Gibberish That No One But Themselves Can Understand
This is completely NOT true. Yes once in a while the cat or dog grab hold of the keyboard because they have something to say. However the majority of Pet Bloggers for the majority of their posts have important information to share. MOST Pet Bloggers are involved with Animal rescueand post about current events in the animal world. They share tips and tricks about raising happy healthy pets in your home and so much more.
6. Pet Bloggers Blog About their Dogs Walk Down the Block or their Cat Squirrel Watching
Yes some Pet Bloggers only discuss things that happen in their lives from going for a walk down the block to attending puppy school. They talk about what they experience with their animals each day. However most Pet Bloggers help to find home for shelter animals, help spread the fact about imminent legistlation that will effect people living with pets. They talk about products they use in their every day lives and share Hot Topic news.
5. Pet Bloggers Make a Ton of Cash
Having a relationship with most of the top Pet Bloggers (setting aside any of the Pet Blogs associated with a large company or Media Conglomerate) none of your favorite Bloggers are making money from their blogs. However everyone I have spoken to about this topic wish that the Pet Brands were acknowledging the work that they put into their blogs and the following they have created to put together fantastic campaigns to spread the word about Pet Brands. I have actually been working with BlogPaws for the past few months in hopes of helping to educate Pet Brands about why they should look towards Pet Bloggers for their advertising Campaigns.
4. Pet Bloggers are Uneducated and They Blog Only Because they Can’t Do Anything Else
This is completely untrue. I know for myself I have a BA in History and an MBA in Operations Management. It is true that if you can read and write you can start a Blog but you have to be able to hone your skills and put in time and work into creating something people want to come back and read post after post. So even someone who doesn’t necessarily have a college degree they need to have the drive and determination to make their blog work to make it last and not just fad away as another fad they got involved in. Bloggers have to continually educate themselves by reading other blogs, attending Blogging Events, keeping up with current events, and pay attention to what the experts are talking about. Just like lawyers accountants and doctors have to have continuing education hours in order to stay certified and in the know bloggers need to learn from each other and from the experts in order to stay at the top of their game.
3. Pet Bloggers Aren’t Strong Enough or a Large Enough Group to make Headlines
Really? Pet Bloggers have engaged in a number of campaigns in the past year alone that have gotten national media coverage and gone far beyond the Pet Blogging Community in terms of reach. It wasn’t from unethical behavior or drama or a Pet Blogger who brings in a million dollar salary for the year. Our headlines occur when we help those who we are most passionate about when we create Be the Change Events and the word spreads and people start to join the campaign. They are grass roots efforts to make a difference in the lives of animals.
2. Pet Bloggers Will Post Press Releases for Free Because They Need More Content
The answer is yes some Bloggers will post your Press Release just because you asked them to. However this approach is not going to get your Press Release or Product discussed on the Pet Blogs your companies want to see them on. I can guarantee that the Pet Blogs you hope will post your Press Release are not scrambling for something to post that day and their email boxes are full of similar generic pitches. The bigger Pet Blogs have no desire to advertise for your company for FREE when they have to spend their own time and energy doing so with nothing in return. You wouldn’t expect the New York Times to publish information about your product for FREE would you?
1. Pet Bloggers Are Ladies Who are Over 50 and Wear Beige Cardigans While Reading Books to Their Cats
No this is really not true as a 31 year old female I don’t look 50, act 50, or want to be 50 (ever). Yes the vast majority of Pet Bloggers are women but many of us are not 50 and we don’t even own cats. Pet Bloggers are made up of mostly women but we have a huge age range. Among those who consider themselves Pet Bloggers we have everything from 12 year olds to those over 50 we are stylish and follow Pop Culture and engage in conversations other then about animals. We have experiences beyond our blogs and we bring those life experiences to the table in every blog post we write and networking event we attend. I bet you couldn’t find more then a handful of beige cardigans at BlogPaws in August unless of course someone thinks it would be funny to have a beige cardigan event during the conference. Personally though I would rather see a Brand Sponsored Pajama Party where we can hang out and just have fun.
Hah, I love how many pet bloggers have BAs in history. Now I know what I should have said when people asked me what I was going to do with my degree. Write a dog blog of course!
Oh, and I am 29 and refuse to wear beige. The cat is my husband's and doesn't even like me let alone sit next to me on the couch.
Great post!
No history degree here – it was a BS in Accounting and an MBA. And no, I don't blog for free stuff either!
This cat blogger–with a BA in English and a passion for making the world a better place that extends far outside the pet blogosphere–thanks you VERY much for writing this post!
No, I don't blog to get free stuff.
No, I don't need your press release. I'm good at coming up with content all by myself.
No, I won't put your ad on my blog. My readers don't care about your gourmet diet food.
No, I won't trade links with you because my readers don't give a $%^^ about ventilator parts or tooth whitening creams or stock market scams.
No, I don't write in “anipal speak”; in fact, I think the only place anipal speak is appropriate is on a LOLcat.
No, you can't sponsor my site, unless you want to pay what a site that ranks #1 on Google (and #5 in Bing and Yahoo) in a search for “cat advice” is worth and unless my values and your company's values are a good match.
No, I won't trade links for you because you tell me “everybody knows” exchanging links improves search engine ranking. First of all, I'm a tech nerd and I know that's a lie. Second, see the previous item.
Yes, even though I'm over 40 (but not by much), most people tell me they think I'm pretty cool and not at all frumpy.
No, I don't smell like cat pee.
And no, I don't own a single beige cardigan. 🙂
Oh dear, I'm 56 and don't own anything beige and, shock horror, I dislike blogs written in 'anipal' speak. That's enough confessions for today. Actually it's interesting, I didn't know a term had evolved for cat and dog speak. You're never too old to learn;) But I don't want to read a blog where I have to decipher every second word. Thankfully I'm not important and my opinion won't offend anyone as I don't like being offensive.
Wonderful post.
Wow, lots to say about that. I honestly didn't know there were so many misconceptions. I am new, new at this blogging. I am having fun, and people seem to like the content. What more is there? (I wouldn't turn away a sponsor though)
Too funny about your husband's cat. I guess if Pet Blogging doesn't work out for us we could always start a History Blogging community. BOL!
You go girl. As Meatloaf sings, “You took the words right out of my mouth.” Spot, er Fido, on!!!!
This was interesting to me as a relatively new pet blogger. Is this what people really think of me? Ha, ha.
I certainly don't blog for free product. So far I have bought everything I have reviewed.
And I am not a stuffy cat lady. I am a young, adventurous woman and my weiner dogs are my action heros. I just like to share that with people and give related tips and reviews.
Well, this dog blogs and this dog's human was an English major…yes, the human is female and she is (ahem) almost 40. *cowers for a moment for revealing age*
However, just because said human writes a pet blog does NOT mean she doesn't write anything else (or anything of value, for those who think the contribution of pet bloggers is minimal)! She has actually written grant proposals for numerous nonprofit organizations – local, national and international – as well as marketing copy, etc. Sure, maybe my blog started as a creative outlet but we have participated in Blog the Change and other pet intitiatives in the short time (not even a year) that we've been blogging.
As an English major, we started the Anipal Book Club and have gotten over 25 pets (people) to start reading the classics. The classics! You know, all those books you hated reading in school!
Thank you for addressing these misconceptions about pet bloggers! *sorry for such a long comment*
Cairn cuddles, Oz
Great post! Its hard work to come up with interesting things to blog about on a regular basis.
As a pet blogger, these misconceptions are so wrong on many levels. I happen to have a graduate degree in social work and have been employed at a Veterans Administration Medical Center for over 35 years as a Program Support Assistant in their business office. The ONLY thing I own that is beige is a pair of dress slacks and two pairs of jean-type pants only because of uniform needs. I don't even own a cardigan. When I started blogging over two years ago, I didn't even know you could get anything for free – I do some now but it is very few. As far as making cash – I haven't even reaped 1 cent – any products I have received have been for my 2 dogs. And yes, they do blog but mainly because I found they would get more comments than I did and you can understand what they “do post”. We (Team Beaglebratz) have taken part in pet blog auctions – both as bidders and donated items to the auction, we have participated in a Christmas card exchange as well as exchanging Christmas gifts. The reason I blog (or we) is for relaxation, enjoyment, education from other bloggers – since both of my dogs are therapy dogs as well as 1 of them being a Reading Education Assistant Dog and I am employed full time, I don't have time to be bored. Oh well, yes – I am over 50 but I don't blog because I'm bored.
Kim, Shiloh'n Shasta
HA! Shows what THEY know. We don't even HAVE squirrels here.
OUCH!!!!! I am 55 (mentally I am 25) and don't own ANY clothing that is BEIGE….
I am far from boring, I am not stodgy….I can keep up with the best of the young people (in reference to pop culture, etc)….bet from reading my blog most of you NEVER knew I am in my 50s! That little misconception really made my hair stand on end!!! Also..since I have lost over 30 lbs on Weight Watcher's I am quite cute (thank you very much! lol)…..
I hold a BA in Rhetoric and Communication with a minor in Philosophy (yes, I wanted to be a lawyer but my life went in a different direction)…”Mama didn't raise no fool!!!”
I worked in newspaper advertising for over 26 years…….deadlines? Pressure? Difficult customers? Relationship selling, building trust with customers? I helped write the book, baby!
Using Press releases due to being lazy? As this post stated I get TONS of press releases every day. I pick and choose what is relevant to me and my readers…not everything sent to me gets posted.
You will be happy that there are many other points mentioned that I could address but I am shutting up now (yes I know everyone is happy about that)….
Oh I may be 55 but I sure don't “drive no 55″….must faster wheh given the go ahead…baby I was “Born To Run”….
that should have been “much” faster when “given” the go ahead…guess since I am 55 I can't see….lmao
This is such a great post and “ahem – I agree!”.
My blog originally started as an avenue for me to vent and share my findings, daily life, love for the world and photography, but after the loss of my lil fur baby, and best friend, Copper, my blog has evolved. I see myself getting even more active in things that I am passionate about regarding pet supplies, and life with animals in addition to sharing our new puppy's story. It's so interesting to hear all the ways people like to make them selves feel better – go ahead. Bash our pet blogs, but when we say something that gets attention, we'll see who has the final word… right.
word.
Luv that post and can't believe some of what I read. We appear to be quite weird people to some.
I guess I'm not the norm here, 'cause I'm a guy and I'm pushing 50, but I am well educated and my wife who helps with the blog has a PHD in Chemistry.
Thank you Felissa! This mid-30s cop with a BA in Sociology/Spanish and MA in Criminal Justice barely gets by financially some months but will not be making money off of my pet blog. I have done little in the way of product reviews and some that I have done were items I purchased myself!
BTW, if I win the lottery I plan to go back to college to get a degree in History!
Great post, and I 100 percent agree.
I always find it funny when I tell people about what I blog about, especially since I write about both pets and food/travel. They are always interested in the food blogging, but tend to give me a funny look, and laugh about the pet blogging.
Oh, and to address #4 – I have dual degrees in journalism and political science, and have worked as a professional journalist for more than 10 years. I don't *have* to write about pets because that's all I can write about — I write about pets because I *want* to write about them! 🙂
Again, great post, Felissa!! 🙂
GREAT POST! As a 40 year old who blogs about living in NYC with cats, i do NOT have a blog with ads or with cat/dog talk and I take LOTS of time to craft well written posts with a point. I do reviews very selectively. And I don't just go on and on about my cats antics. Rather I look for ways to weaves stories that involve my cats or refer to their impact on me or their antics and tie it to a larger story/thought/point-of-view.
Happy to find your blog and REALLY REALLY loved this post. You hit on lots of truths!
@Edie HIP-HIP HOORAY!!! Couldn't have said it better!!
I must admit I laughed out loud — snorted actually — when I got to No. 1. I do have what you might consider a beige cardigan — though mine is camel, cashmere and fabulously stylish. Ha! I also side with Edie and Pamela when I say, you better hope you make it to 50… you won't be sorry, it's much better than 30!
And while I have a degree in journalism and get paid to use my writing skills for lots of other industries, I write my pet blog because I love it … and I love all you guys too! *Big group hug* When you get to be “of a certain age” I think you value even more (if you can believe it) doing things because you want to and not because someone told you to.
Thanks for the great post, Felissa!
Diane and Cosmo who does speak as a dog but uses very proper English, thank you!
Except for the ageism, which I don't think is cute — just wait until you get to be 50 and yes, it will happen Felissa, and this type of thing will annoy the crap out of you — you make good points. I have PhD in English, many many published books and articles in major publications and enjoy blogging because it gives me the freedom to say what I want.
Including that ageism annoys me.
I'm going to side with Edie on the ageism thing. But mostly because I find that as my friends hit 50, they become totally awesome and fearless. I can hardly wait to leave behind my fearful 40s and become a spunky 50 year old!
Oh, but I am wearing a beige cardigan. It looks better with Golden Retriever hair than the sexy black fleece. 🙂
Great post, Felissa!
Great post! I think that anyone who reads these pet blogs on a regular basis would find that most of those misconceptions are crazy talk. So many of you are great writers with very interesting things to say!
@Bocci, OMC I sooooooo agree! I did a book review for someone (who shall remain nameless) who swore up and down that “HE” would post my comments on his website along with others who have reviewed his book. Did he? NOOOOOOOOOO…..but….I noticed that everyone whose quotes he DID include are all published authors….I guess in his world I didn't “rate”
I don't understand the people as you said, who have you promote them and when you merely ask to please share your blog link they act as if it is an imposition, or claim they will and never do.
I am glad you mentioned that!
Well, I'm 52, don't wear beige because it's just not my color, and I'm not thrilled with the cardigan look…unless it's that camel cashmere one that Diane wears, which I'm sure she looks fabulous in because she and Cosmo both ALWAYS look fabulous…and I have a cat. Ha!
And If I may add: to those companies that ask YOU to post THEIR MATERIAL, touting THEIR company on YOUR BLOG for free, and then promptly ignore you when you ask for them to reciprocate by at least using their social media to call attention to your blog in exchange for the free advertising you've just given them…I say, “So long”! Find another sucker-I have a long memory.
I just hope you change your mind about turning 50 by the time you hit 49… ageing ain't always fun, but it's better than the alternative.
I don't know about anyone else, but I blog for fun. I don't ever expect to see a penny from it.
I know I am about “five minutes” late on this but man…this was a great piece…It taught me a thing or two because I am clearly missing the boat on some of these things : )
Oh…and with very few exceptions, I never presume to speak on behalf of my pack….they would kill me….
I think anyone that blogs on one topic gets that. Your puppy is cute!
I stumbled this post. Mine is http://booksyourkidswilllove.blogspot.com/2011/03/wither.html
Loved this post and it applies to other niches too!
I stumbled from the Stumble Upon hop. Here's my post: http://simplystacie.net/guest-post-sunday-9-lessons-to-be-learned-from-twilight/
That's really insightful – not to say I was passing judgment before, but it gave me more of a glimpse into a pet bloggers world!
I stumbled your post – would love if you'd stumble mine!
http://www.texastypeamom.com/2011/03/slow-cooker-turkey-tamale-pie.html
Very cute, I could easily take your post and apply it to what most people say about any blogger!
http://stillblondeafteralltheseyears.com/2011/03/facebook-bows-to-pressure-and-brings-back-chronological-posts-on-pages/
Stumbled you, please stumble me back!
Great post for pet bloggers, thanks for sharing!